Bali on a Budget: My Insider Guide to Traveling to Bali Without Breaking the Bank
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Are you planning a trip to Bali and want to make sure you don’t break the bank? I am here to tell you that you can indeed travel to Bali on a budget and have the most amazing trip ever! When I was planning my trip, I wanted to make sure I had a great balance of seeing the beauty and culture that Bali has to offer, all while not overspending. And guess what? I totally did it, and I am going to show you how you can do it too! Now, let’s dive into how you can travel to Bali on a budget and still see everything you want to see.
Introduction: Bali on a Budget
Bali may appear to be a luxury destination and trust me it can be. But it is also a great spot for those travelling on a budget as well. From secluded waterfalls to street food to exploring nature, you can absolutely explore Bali on a budget all while soaking in Bali’s amazing landscapes and culture. In this guide I will walk you through my insider tips and share my personal experiences on how I was able to travel to Bali on a budget.
Bali Accommodations: Where to Stay for Less
Now, let’s talk about where you will stay in Bali. While it is very tempting to splurge for a private villa or a delicious floating breakfast, Bali is full of amazing budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on style or comfort.
During my stay, I choose to stay at homestays or guesthouses. These were super cozy and budget-friendly options that gave you the comforts of home, and even breakfast, all for around $10-$20 per day. You can’t find these on your traditional booking sites but work with your travel agent (me) and we can find you some amazing homestays that don’t break the bank.
One of the homestays I stayed at had an amazing view of the rice terrances, and was actually one of the most charming places that I stayed at, all for only $20 a night!
Pro Tip: If you are staying at one location for 5-7 days, always ask for a discount. The worst that will happen is they say no.
Bali Food: Budget-Friendly Eats
Honestly, one of my favorite things about Bali was the amazing food. The food culture in Bali is on another level. And shockingly enough, you don’t need to spend much to have an amazing and flavorful meal here. If you stick to local eateries, known was warungs, you can eat extremely well in Bali on a budget. I was getting large plates of nasi campur, which is rice, vegetables and meat for under $2 per meal!
Avoid the touristy restaurants, which are normally extremely pricey and not nearly as good and stick to local places and you can honestly eat for less than $10 a day. If the traditional Balinese food isn’t agreeing with you, then there are many western food spots in Ubud and Seminyak that offer budget-friendly food options as well.
Pro Tip: Whatever you do, make sure you hit up the local markets. You can grab delicious fresh fruit, snacks and even meals for practiculy nothing. Also, don’t forget to haggle!
Free Things to do in Bali
One of the best things about visiting Bali is experiencing the local culture and landscapes, all without breaking the bank. Of course, some of those places you see on Instagram can be pricier depending on how you do it, but there are so many free or very low-cost things you can do in Bali to stay on budget.
One of the best things about Bali is that many of its most beautiful experiences are either free or incredibly cheap. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly activities:
Visit the Temples: Bali is home to thousands of temples, with most only having a very small entrance fee ($1-$3), all providing spiritual insight to the Balinese Hindu culture. The temples that made my favorites list were the Tanah Lot, the Tirta Empul, and the Goa Gajah
Beach Days: Spending a day to two on the beach, enjoying the waves, and just recharging is always important on a trip. Especially if you travelled a great distance. Bali has some of the best beaches that I have ever visited. And the best part is, they are all free!! Some of my favorite beaches in Bali are in Seminyak, Canggu, and Nusa Dua. So, pick your favorite spot and enjoy a day of relaxation.
Rice Terrace Walks: Ubud’s Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a must-see, and you can explore them for free. I spent hours wandering through the emerald-green fields, soaking in the serenity and snapping photos.
Hiking: If you’re up for an adventure, consider hiking Mount Batur. It’s a challenging but rewarding trek, with stunning sunrise views at the summit. You can join a guided tour for around $30, which includes transportation, breakfast, and a guide.
Bali Transportation: Getting Around Cheap
Transportation in Bali is another area in which you can save some money and be able to get around the city on a budget. Unless you plan on staying in one area for your trip, having transportation is a must. You can actually rent a scooter in Bali for about $5 aday, and zip around the city at your own pace and see and do what you want on your own time. Before you rent a scooter, you need to make sure you hacve an international driver’s permit and always wear a helmet, because the traffic in Bali is quite hetic.
Public transportation is another great option if the scoters make you nervous or you can use apps like Grab or GoJek for affordable rides as well. You can get across town using public transportation for about $1-$3 each way.
Pro Tip: Bali’s traffic is intense and if you have never driven a scooter, you may want to take quieter roads. Seeing 3-5 people on one scooter made me extremely nervous but also impressed.
When to Visit Bali: Cheapest Time to Go
To maximize your budget to the fullest, plan your trip to Bali during the shoulder season. This is typically between February and April or September to November. Not only are the prices cheaper, there are less crowds and you are more likely to snag those amazing deals.
I visited in November, and even though I was on the tail end of shoulder season, I still got great deals on the accommodations, my excursions, and my food. Usually, my splurging goes to flights since I am particular about my airlines.
Conclusion: Bali on a Budget
Bali is one of those destinations that you can travel to with a luxury budget or on a budget. With a little creative planning, smart choices when it comes to food and accommodations, you can explore the natural beauty that this country has to offer without breaking the bank. From the warm hospitality in the homestays, to the amazing locally cooked food, and enjoying the scenery and Balinese culture, Bali will capture your heart in ways you can’t even imagine. I hope this guide has helped you to think about your trip to Bali and how you too can visit this incredible island on a budget.
Need travel planning assistance? Reach out to me anytime!