Staying in a Homestay in Ubud? 15 Essentials They Don’t Provide

Ever arrived at your accommodation, desperate for a shower, only to discover there’s no soap—or even a towel?

If you’re planning your first stay in a homestay in Ubud, this post is for you. While Ubud’s homestays offer unbeatable charm, local culture, and affordability, they’re not exactly stocked like hotels.

After living in and hopping between over a dozen homestays across Ubud as a solo female traveler, I’ve learned exactly what you won’t find when you check in—and more importantly, what you need to bring or prepare for. From hand soap to filtered water to a functioning fridge, I’ve been surprised (and mildly annoyed) more than once.

But don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it all.
This guide covers the 15 things most Ubud homestays don’t provide, plus exactly how to work around them so your trip is stress-free, safe, and unforgettable.

A Little Bit About Homestays in Ubud

Staying in a homestay in Ubud gives you a totally different experience than a typical hotel. Right in the heart of Bali’s rich culture, you’ll get to live with local families and experience firsthand the authentic warmth, traditions, and daily life of Balinese people.

Before jumping into what you won’t be able to find in Homestays in Ubud, let me give you a little flavour about what to expect from this experience.

This is What To Expect:

Homestays are typically smaller, family-run establishments where guests rent a room or a small section of the family’s home or compound. These rooms are usually simple but clean, with basic amenities.

While not as luxurious as hotels or villas, they offer the charm of local architecture, often featuring Balinese decor, stone carvings, or garden courtyards.

For female solo travellers, it’s a safe and convenient option also because it’s fairly easy to meet other travellers! Here are the perks of choosing a homestay in Ubud, Bali.

1. Great Price and Value

One of the biggest advantages of staying in a homestay is the affordability. You’ll find that homestays in Ubud are often much cheaper than hotels, offering excellent value for travellers who prefer to spend more on experiences rather than on accommodation.

Prices can range anywhere from IDR 150,000 to IDR 500,000 per night (roughly USD 10 to USD 30), depending on location and amenities. Most of these places would also include an amazing swimming pool and breakfast!

2. Cultural Immersion

Staying in a homestay means you’ll often get to interact with your host family, learn about their daily routines, and gain firsthand experience of Balinese customs and religious practices.

Many homestays in Ubud are located near temples, rice fields, or in traditional villages, so you may have the chance to participate in local ceremonies or observe cultural events. Some hosts are willing to guide you through traditional offerings, cooking classes, or the best local spots that tourists might miss.

3. Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere

Ubud is known for its relaxing environment, and homestays reflect this atmosphere perfectly. Most are situated away from the bustling town centre, surrounded by lush greenery, rice paddies, or jungle landscapes.

It’s not uncommon to wake up to the sound of birds, the distant chanting from a nearby temple, or the gentle rustling of palm leaves.

4. Personalised Service

One of the highlights of staying in a homestay is the personalized attention you receive. Your hosts are usually incredibly warm and welcoming, treating you more like a friend than just a guest.

You can expect to receive personalised recommendations for exploring Ubud, and the hospitality often extends to freshly prepared Balinese breakfasts and snacks.

Since the setting is more intimate than a hotel, you’re likely to feel more at home and form a closer connection with the local community. This is ideal for solo travellers, especially if it’s your first time!

5. Simplicity over Luxury

While homestays are rich in cultural experience and authenticity, they do tend to be more basic in terms of amenities. Don’t expect the same luxuries you’d find in resorts or high-end hotels — I will get into it later!

However, what homestays lack in extravagance, they make up for in warmth, cultural immersion, and a chance to experience Ubud from a local’s perspective.

6. Perfect for Solo Travelers and Backpackers

Homestays in Ubud are particularly popular among solo travellers, backpackers, and those seeking more meaningful travel experiences. They offer a safe and friendly environment where you can easily meet other travellers or spend quiet, reflective time alone.

The direct contact with local hosts also makes it easier for solo travellers to gain insights into the best local practices, food spots, and less touristy spots around Ubud.

Now let’s get to the juice!!

15 Things Homestays in Ubud Don’t Have And How To Get Around It

#1 Hand Soap

This is the first thing you will need as soon as you enter, however you are not going to find it! Bud don’t worry this is an easy win. You can get it straight away from the local supermarkets in Ubud!

I would recommend buying a bar soap because it’s more eco-friendly and easy to carry around when travelling (it won’t take up any space in your liquids bag!). 

#2 Shower Gel And Shampoo

This is another basic need that you won’t find most of the time. I would recommend bringing your travel-size bottles from home and filling them up every time you check in a nice hotel or buy everything you need locally.

At times I found some shampoo but never a hair conditioner. Again, you can find them easily in the local supermarkets or some organic shops in the Ubud centre!

#3 Toilet Rolls

This is not always the case, but I’ve been in rooms where there weren’t even toilet rolls. It depends on how cheap your accommodation is!

#4 Hairdryer 

The hairdryer in a room is a luxury I’ve rarely experienced before. That’s the case in homestays. I would like to say you don’t need it as it’s pretty much warm all year around but if you want to use it you could probably ask the host for one.

I can’t guarantee the host would have it but you can always ask, you never know! I’ve never asked because my hair gets dry in no time!

#5 Shower Towels 

You will receive 1 towel most of the time but it would be for the pool. I would advise bringing your own towels. I normally have 2 big microfibre towels and one small microfibre towel for my hands. These would get dry easily and they are super light to carry!

#6 Filtered Water

Some homestay would have a water station outside but it’s quite rare! Make sure you bring your water bottle with you so you can refill it in cafes or sports centres. For example, I normally go to yoga every day, so every time I go to my class I always make sure to fill out my water bottle.

However, you can ask for water at your homestay. It might be they will boil it for you if they don’t have it in a water tank. You can obviously also get a plastic water bottle but it’s not ideal given the waste management situation in Bali!

#7 Fridge

There won’t be any fridge so this is something to keep in mind in case you have any medications or skincare that need to be kept in the refrigerator. If you have any food, remember not to leave it anywhere or you will feed tons of ants without knowing it! Geckos also eat bread crumbs or pieces of fruit. 

#8 Everyday Cleaning Service

Room cleaning would generally be carried out once a week, that’s including bed linens. However, I normally ask for a broom just for when I make a mess around the room or I drop something. 

#9 Someone To Empty The Trash Bins

That’s right, because none will come and clean your room, and there won’t be anyone clearing the bins either. There is a workaround for this too.

Some places would allow you to leave your bin outside when full and they would empty it in the morning. Remember, as mentioned before, you can’t leave any food. Even some crumbs would turn the heads of many ants & Co!

#10 Reliable WIFI

Don’t expect to work from your homestay because it’s not going to happen! The WIFI is very weak. Sometimes you can have videocalls but that’s about it. You can’t work 8 hours straight or you would lose your mind over the WIFI dropping constantly.

Unless you only work on sheets and you don’t need a lot of Internet connection,

#11 Limited Outlets

One thing to note is that most homestays offer only a couple of electrical outlets per room. This can be a hassle if you have multiple devices to charge.

I recommend bringing a small power strip or a multi-port USB charger, especially if you have electronics like phones, laptops, or cameras. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference!

#12 Mosquito Nets

While some homestays in Ubud do provide mosquito nets, many don’t, despite the tropical environment. If you’re sensitive to mosquito bites or planning to stay in a more remote area, I highly recommend packing a portable mosquito net or some good mosquito repellent. It’s better to be prepared, especially during the rainy season when mosquitoes are more prevalent.

#13 Wardrobes and Storage Space

Unlike hotels, homestays in Ubud often lack wardrobes or large storage spaces. You might find a few hangers or a small shelf but don’t expect a spacious closet to organise your things.

I find that packing in cubes or foldable organisers helps keep things tidy. Alternatively, living out of your suitcase isn’t as bad when you’re travelling light.

Check out my tips on how to pack light here 🧳

#14 Luxury Bedding

You won’t find high-thread-count sheets or plush pillows. Bedding is simple, often just a thin blanket and pillow, especially in the hotter months. While it may lack the extravagance of a luxury hotel, the simplicity complements the more grounded and serene atmosphere of Ubud.

If your pillow cover is not in cotton and bothers you, I recommend inserting it in a big t-shirt and using that one. I get red rashes on my face if the bedding is not cotton, especially in warm weather!

#15 A Shower Plate! 

You guys, let me try to explain this. Think about your home shower without walls, doors or glass. Also without a shower plate. What do you see? Exactly. Only the shower head and a hole.

This means that the water will go everywhere in the bathroom. That includes the toilet area. So this might be a bit TMI but better be safe than sorry. Remember to use the toilet before showering! Or you might slip on the water collected on the floor!

Best Homestays I Would Recommend

Right! I’ve been in quite a few homestays in Ubud but I’m going to suggest the below for you. These are super affordable and located either right in the centre or within a short walkable distance.

If you want to find some on your own, head to Booking.com. Make sure to filter by rating (8+ minimum), select accommodation type (in this case homestays), breakfast/pool included if you like and the budget range (I would say $30 per night as max but it will be cheaper than that!).

Remember to go through the reviews before booking!

Are you ready? Let’s go with the list!

Manuaba Inn

Let’s start with the most recent I’ve been! This homestay is lovely and it comes with an outstanding pool (see the image for this blog post!). I would recommend booking the room with the pool view because it’s spacious and super relaxing! It comes with a lovely table and wardrobe.

I had enough space to practice yoga and get a few hours of work done! Manuaba Inn is located 10 minutes away from the Yoga Barn (if you love yoga) and the centre of Ubud.

Dewi Antara Homestay

Dewi Antara Homestay is another great choice very close to the centre, you can literally walk anywhere from there. The rooms are basic but they have everything you might need! There is a small patio outside to enjoy some moments of quietness or a cup of tea!

Merthayasa Bungalow 2

This is one of my favourite homestays in Ubud. It’s very close to the Monkey Forest and the main restaurants/cafes. Rooms are simple but very spacious. They come with a big patio or balcony. I’ve been here 3 times, that’s how much I love it! The hosts are lovely too and they prepare a filling breakfast in the morning!

Nugraha Guest House 2

Nugraha Guest House 2 is located right next to Suka Espresso which you should definitely visit. This homestay comes with a spacious pool and delicious breakfast. Make sure to order pancakes because they are amazing here! Rooms are spacious but I would say like most of the homestays in Ubud, the WIFI is not perfect so don’t count on it!

Pecatu Ubud Guest House

Last but not least Pecatu Ubud Guest House. The host and staff here made me feel like I’d been adopted by the family. This is probably the place you want to book the first time you go to Bali. If anything happens you have a family to go to and good listeners. Their English is perfect as well which makes communication run smoothly. This homestay comes with lovely rooms, a kitchenette and a stunning pool!

Head here if you want to check out more places to stay in Ubud! 🏠

A Note About Waste Management

Bali is making strides in managing waste, but it’s still a challenge in areas like Ubud. Many homestays don’t have a formal recycling system, so it’s a good idea to bring reusable items like water bottles, tote bags, and food containers.

If you plan on buying snacks or takeaway food, these small efforts can make a big difference in reducing plastic waste. Some eco-conscious homestays may even have compost bins for food scraps, so don’t hesitate to ask your host how you can contribute to their waste management efforts.

Conclusion: Is it Still Worth Staying at a Homestay?

Absolutely! While homestays in Ubud may lack some of the luxuries you’d find in hotels, the experience they offer is truly one-of-a-kind. If you enjoy authentic connections, a peaceful atmosphere, and a chance to experience Balinese culture up close, staying at a homestay is more than worth it!

Hopefully, with this list of “things that homestays in Ubud don’t have” you are more prepared to book your next stay! If you are looking for more ways to save money in Bali, check out this blog post!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

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