Planning to travel Bali on a budget ? Whether you’re a beach lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Bali offers an array of experiences that will leave you captivated. Despite its popularity among tourists, Bali is a great budget friendly destination especially in terms of housing and food. The average cost for a trip to Bali on a budget is around $25 to 50USD. This budget includes accommodation, food and transport within Bali. This is just an estimation, your cost will depend on your travel lifestyle.
Here are my tips for traveling Bali on a budget!
How Much Are Flights To Bali?
If you’re planning to travel Bali on a budget it’s essential to consider the cost of flights. There are various factors that influence flight prices to Bali and provide tips on finding the best deals for your budget.
1. Seasonality
Bali’s peak tourist season, which falls during the dry season from April to September, tends to have higher flight prices due to increased demand. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during the shoulder season or low season when flight prices are generally lower.
2. Booking in Advance
Booking your flights well in advance can often result in better deals. Airlines usually release their tickets around 10 to 12 months before the travel date. Keep an eye on airline websites, sign up for fare alerts, and consider booking your flights around six to eight months in advance to secure lower prices.
3. Weekday vs. Weekend Travel
Flights to Bali are often more expensive during weekends and peak travel days. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, consider flying on weekdays, as flights tend to be cheaper. Additionally, midweek departures and returns can help you find better deals.
4. Departure Airport
The airport you depart from can impact the cost of your flights to Bali. Major international airports with more flight options may offer better deals compared to smaller regional airports. Consider checking multiple departure airports within your vicinity to compare prices and find the most affordable options.
5. Airlines and Stopovers
Different airlines and stopover options can also influence flight prices. Some airlines offer more competitive fares or may have promotions that make their flights to Bali more affordable. Additionally, flights with layovers or stopovers might be cheaper than direct flights. Keep in mind the duration of layovers and weigh the cost savings against the convenience.
If you’re flying from the United States, you can expect to spend around $1,500 on return ticket.
If you’re flying from Paris or Frankfurt, you can expect to spend around $600 – $650 on return ticket.
If you’re flexible try to book your flights in advance, you may be able to get a cheaper seat.
If you’re flying from London to Bali you can expect around $700.
Budget Accommodations In Bali?
When it comes to cost of accommodation, it is easy to travel Bali on a budget. Bali provides cheap accommodation for backpackers. For example, hostels start at around $15 USD per night while luxury hotels can cost upwards of $300 USD per night. There are also plenty of mid-range and budget hotels starting at $20-50 per night.
Airbnbs are a popular option and prices start at around $25 USD per night. The standard of accommodation you can get for under $100 a night is truly incredible, it could get cheaper and could be more fun if you travel with your friends.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, we recommend staying in hostels so that you can save money on accommodation and use that extra cash to do more activities or try more local food!
Best Budget Hostel in Seminyak
- Overall Best Hostel in Seminyak – Capsule Hotel Bali
- Best Hostels for Solo Travellers in Seminyak – Stellar Capsules
- Best Cheap Hostel in Seminyak – Gusti Homestay
- Best Hostel for Couples in Seminyak – Beji Ayu Homestay
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Seminyak – M-Box Seminyak
Best BuDGET Hostel in Ubud
- Overall Best Hostel in Ubud – Kuna Hostel Bali
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Ubud – wwbackpackers
- Best Cheap Hostel in Ubud – Keladi House Ubud
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Ubud – NamaStay at Ubud
Budget Food In Bali
If you want to Travel Bali on a budget, you can save plenty on your food expenses because Indonesia is known to be inexpensive. The cost of food in Bali definitely depends on where you eat.
Street food is incredibly cheap (you can get a meal for as little as $1 USD!) while sit-down restaurants tend to be more expensive (a meal for two with drinks can easily cost $30 USD or more).
The street food in Bali is extremely cheap.
- Street food cost around 10k IDR ($0.70).
- A meal at a local restaurant, prices could start around 14k ($1).
- Fast food like McDonalds, burger king will cost around 45k IDR ($3.20).
Getting around Bali on a budget
Getting around Bali is relatively cheap and easy, the most popular way to get around is by renting a motorbike.
- Rental bike – you can easily rent a bike for 50k to 80k a day ($3,5 – $7,5)
- Ferry – If you are traveling between islands and want to get to Bali from Jawa. It cost around 7,000 IDR ($0.50) for a ticket from Jawa (Banywangi) to West Bali. From Bali (Padang Bai port) to Lombok is about $5.
If you aren’t feeling comfortable renting and driving a motorbike you can hire a Grab or a Gojek. They are also great apps for shorter distances, and they work exactly the same as Uber.
Budget Activities In Bali
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your trip to Bali. Many of them are free, like spending time at the beach, exploring the rice fields around Ubud or going on some of the island’s scenic hikes.
If you’re a solo traveler and on a budget, you can split the costs of the activities, transport, rental equipment (if hiking). I advise you to use couchsurfing app, there is always travelers hanging out and having activities to do around the city you are heading to.
Entertainment and activities in Indonesia like snorkelling trip, ticket to museums or national park and other attractions will cost around 120k ($8,5) per person, per day.
Budget For Two Weeks In Bali
On top of flights, if you budget around $100 per day for your trip to Bali it would be more than enough. This amount would enable you to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat out for every meal and enjoy some of the island’s best activities.
Therefore, $1500 per person (plus flights) would be plenty for two weeks in Bali.
Bali Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: Budget hostel can start from $6, hotels start at around $10 per night, while midrange hotels or resorts can cost between $30 and $50 per night. Luxury hotels are available but can be quite expensive, with prices starting at $300 per night.
Food: Local Indonesian food is generally very affordable, and you can find meals for as little as $2 to $3. If you prefer Western food, expect to pay more, with main courses starting at around $10.
Transport: A taxi ride from the airport to popular destinations like Ubud can cost around $40. If you plan on exploring the island and hiring taxis or private drivers for sightseeing, expect to spend at least $100 or more per day.
Activities: The cost of activities can vary depending on what you choose to do. You can find options ranging from $10 to $50 per activity. On most days, you can expect to pay closer to the lower end of that scale.
FAQs
1. Is Bali an expensive destination?
While Bali can cater to luxury travelers, it’s also possible to explore Bali on a budget. By making smart choices regarding accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, you can have an affordable trip to Bali.
2. Are there affordable shopping options in Bali?
Yes, Bali offers a range of shopping experiences to suit different budgets. Explore the local markets, such as Ubud Art Market and Sukawati Art Market, where you can find unique handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs at reasonable prices. Remember to bargain for the best deals.
3. Are there budget-friendly transportation options from the airport?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly transportation options from Ngurah Rai International Airport. You can use public taxis, ride-hailing apps, or arrange airport transfers in advance to ensure a smooth and affordable journey to your destination.
4. Can I visit Bali during the rainy season on a budget?
Visiting Bali during the rainy season (October to March) can be an excellent way to save money as accommodation and flights tend to be more affordable. While there may be occasional showers, there are still plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy.
5. Are there budget-friendly water activities in Bali?
Yes, Bali offers budget-friendly options for water activities such as snorkeling, surfing lessons, and stand-up paddleboarding. Look for local operators or group tours that offer affordable packages for these activities.
By following this guide on travel Bali on a budget, you can easily travel to all the attractions that Bali have to offer ! If you need to find my personal spending on all around Indonesia click here !