Colombo: A Weekend at Bunkyard Hostels

We knew Bunkyard Hostels even before they opened their doors (and bunks, of course) to travelers from all around the world, including those who are local, just like us. They had a pretty little Instagram page up and running with pictures from all around the country, from lush hills to sunbathed south and hip east. A few months later, we were at Bunkyard, snappin’ one of their pretty and inspirational corners.
Location
Five outta five for this! Bunkyard is situated in a quiet alley in Colombo 7, yet close to most sightseeing places and all the cafes you need to try once you are in Colombo. The street lined with full bloomed trees itself is beautiful, scenic and quite peaceful. You can catch the bus (no. 138) from Fort to Bunkyard! The hostel is only a few minutes away from Colombo Racecourse and Flower Road. During our first night, we went to Racecourse to try out the yummiest red velvet brownie in town and watch breakdance by Colombo millennials. Racecourse hosts events during the weekend including Saturday Good Market so you’ve plenty of things to do and see while you are based in Bunkyard!
Rooms & Common Areas
We checked into a private double room during our first night. The room was basic but comfortable and clean with good AC. The washroom was spotlessly clean and we loved the bathtub! While the private room serves you for a comfortable stay in the capital, we loved the 12 bed dorm the most! We’ve stayed at plenty of bunk rooms in the island, but this one’s a little special. Because Green Glass Elevator: Bunkyard’s 12 bed dorm is our favorite in the city. Zin decided to snap a few pictures there because she secretly loved their colored lockers. Nathan, too, did! Kudos to you, Bunkyard! These colourful lockers are ten times better than the boring black. A hot shower later, we headed to the attached balcony outside to busily devour Colombo’s yummiest dim sums we just bought!
(Also read: A quiet Sunday evening at Momo’s by Ruvi)
Bunkyard, from people to their super cool bedded chairs and dining tables, is thoughtfully designed and locally sourced. The reception runs to the common areas and adjoins the kitchen and guest washroom. There are a few hand-drawn art on their walls, mostly done by travelers who once called Bunkyard their home.
Breakfast and Kitchen
Breakfast here consists bread and roti with Sri Lankan curries and coconut sambol. You also get jam and butter with fresh fruit like watermelons and bananas. We think that’s a great way to introduce travelers around the world to Sri Lankan cuisine. Brekkie is normally included in your room price and you also get eggs. You can head to their kitchen and prepare your own eggs here.
Tea and coffee is free throughout the day (yay). Kitchen here is always open to you so If you want to bring out your inner chef skills, wait no more. Keep in mind that you need to clean your own dishes because like Bunkyard says, your mom doesn’t live here.
Staff
Staff are friendly, warm and kind! They are mostly young guys who understand what solo backpackers are looking for. They will give you tips about traveling in Colombo and beyond, including places to see and eat. We had a wee chat with Revan, one of the owners of Bunkyard! He told us that the hostel is soon going to have dinner nights which we think is a great way for everyone to become a part of the Colombo experience.
Atmosphere
Two words: chill vibes.
Bunkyard mainly attract the young crowd from solo travelers to backpacking couples and groups who come to sleep at their double bed room. But the hostel is not a party hostel. It’s a contemporary, soulful place with like-minded travelers who sit down for a beer but head to bed after listening to stories from all corners. It’s mostly frequented by young cosmopolitans. The hostel, from Colombo-is-a-pit-spot backpackers to couples who intern here for a few long months, becomes a home for everyone. A wonderful, wonderful home.
You can book your stay at Bunkyard directly through their website or contact them on Facebook.
We would like to thank Bunkyard Hostels for organizing our stay with them, but as always opinions are honest and entirely our own.
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
What a cute hotel. I have never heard of the bunk bed style rooms but I guess they are great for single travelers or couples traveling without kids. Food also looks yummy
This hostel reminds me of when I was traveling around New Zealand. It always was so much fun and laughter! I am missing it a bit! This hostel looks like a cool place to stay
Usually, this kind of hotel is more affordable and perfect for travelers and locals. I like that the place looks so comfortable and you can meet new people from different countries too.
What an interesting looking place to stay, I have to admit I’ve stayed at some really interesting hostels over the years and they are definitely worth checking out.
These photos are great. You really captured everything beautifully.
I have always wanted to go to Shri Lanka and the bunkyard hostel looks lovely. The curries look delicious and love the walls too x
What an interesting looking place to stay! I personally have never stayed in a hostel, but this place looks great.
I’ve never stayed in a hostel…I’m always interested in learning more about them though. Thanks for the honest review 🙂
This hostel does look lovely with the decor well on point.
This is pretty cool! I’ve never heard of such a place that does bunk rooms but how neat of an idea. This would be perfect for a little getaway with the hubby.
I have never heard of a bunkyard hotel, but they look super cool! Such a unique idea!
The hotels looks very nice and clean. I need to bookmark this so that I can check out when I go and visit Colombo.
It does look like such a cool hostel to go to. I love the artistic feel of the hostel. And the food looks great.
This hostel have an interesting concept and design. However, for a traveller like me who loves food, their breakfast is depressing enough.
I’ve never stayed in a hostel but this post had helped to sell them to me! Wonderful.
I’ve never stayed at a hostel, but this one looks really great! Looks like you had a great experience!
I think staying in the Colombo Hostel sounds interesting. I am not sure if I could stay in a hostel, but the idea intrigues me.
Such beautiful places! I would definitely want to check these hostels out and i always have fun staying in different places and this is definitely something i want to do!
This is such a wonderful place to unwind! A perfect place to relax with your family.
What a cool-looking place and the food looks good too. I love the tree-lined street. I’ve always wished there was one around here so I could do my daily walk along it.
i’ve never stayed at a hostel. I was just telling my daughter the other day that if she wants to travel the world, hostels are a great way to do it at an affordable price.
The place looks cool. I love every picture of nature inside and outside of the hostel. Looks like a very comfortable and laidback place for a staycation.
This place looks so beautiful and peaceful. I absolutely love the look of it even from this side. Hopefully someday.