Bali is one of the most popular destinations in the world, known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and diverse nature. However, many people think that visiting Bali is expensive and out of their reach.
The truth is, you can travel to Bali on a budget and still have an amazing time.
I will share with you some tips and tricks on how to save money on your Bali trip, from finding cheap flights and accommodation to enjoying the best activities and food.
Find the Best Flight Deals to Bali
One of the biggest expenses of traveling to Bali is the flight ticket. Depending on where you are flying from, the price can vary significantly.
There are some ways to find the best flight deals to Bali and save hundreds of dollars.
- Be flexible with your dates and destinations. If you can travel during the low season (January to March and October to November), you can find cheaper flights and less crowds. Also, consider flying to nearby airports like Jakarta or Surabaya and then taking a domestic flight or ferry to Bali.
- Use online tools and apps to compare prices and find the best deals. Some of the best ones are Skyscanner, Kayak, Expedia, and Google Flights. You can also set up price alerts and notifications to get informed when the prices drop.
- Book your flights in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find a good deal. Generally, booking 2 to 3 months before your departure date is recommended.
- Look for hidden fees and charges. Some airlines may offer low fares but charge extra for baggage, seat selection, meals, or taxes. Make sure you read the fine print and know what is included in your ticket price.
It is possible to visit Bali on a budget! Bali is one of the most budget-friendly places in Southeast Asia, with prices for accommodations, food, and transportation similar to those in Vietnam and Malaysia.
You can easily spend about $35-$50 USD per person per day, which includes accommodations1. However, some people can get by on only $25-30 USD per day as a Bali budget.
Here are some tips for visiting Bali on a budget:
- Travel during the off-season.
- Stay at cheaper accommodations such as guesthouses and hostels.
- Use credit card or hotel points for your stay.
- Ride a motorbike as your mode of transportation.
- If you do not know how to ride a motorbike, hire a driver instead.
- Dine at warungs, local Indonesian restaurants.
Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Another major expense of traveling to Bali is accommodation. Bali has a wide range of options, from luxury resorts and villas to budget hostels and guesthouses.
Depending on your preferences and needs, you can find something that suits your budget and style.
- Use online platforms and apps to find the best deals and discounts. Some of the best ones are Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, and Hostelworld. You can also read reviews and ratings from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect.
- Consider staying in less touristy areas or outside the main cities. You can find cheaper and more authentic accommodation in places like Ubud, Canggu, Amed, or Lovina. You can also enjoy more peace and quiet and experience the local culture.
- Negotiate the price or ask for discounts. If you are staying for a long time or during the low season, you may be able to get a better deal or some perks like free breakfast or wifi. Don’t be afraid to haggle or ask for a lower price.
- Share your room or split the cost with other travelers. If you are traveling solo or with a small group, you can save money by staying in dorms or shared rooms in hostels or guesthouses. You can also meet other travelers and make new friends.
Eat Like a Local
One of the best ways to enjoy Bali on a budget is to eat like a local. Balinese cuisine is delicious, diverse, and affordable. You can find a variety of dishes, from spicy curries and soups to grilled seafood and salads.
Avoid restaurants and cafes that cater to tourists or are located in busy areas. They tend to be overpriced and not very authentic. Instead, look for local eateries called warungs or street food stalls that serve fresh and tasty food at low prices.
Try the local specialties and delicacies. Some of the must-tries are nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), sate (skewered meat), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), nasi campur (mixed rice with various dishes), babi guling (roasted suckling pig), bebek betutu (spicy duck), lawar (mixed vegetables with coconut and spices), and bali coffee (strong coffee with palm sugar).
Drink water from bottles or refill stations. Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink, so you need to buy bottled water or bring your own reusable bottle and refill it at designated stations. Avoid drinking drinks with ice cubes or fruit juices that may be diluted with tap water.
Use Online Apps for Your Transport
Getting around Bali can be challenging and expensive if you don’t know how to do it right. Bali has limited public transport options, so most people rely on taxis, private drivers, motorbikes, or bicycles.
- Use online apps like Grab or Gojek to book your rides or order food delivery. They are cheaper and more convenient than regular taxis or drivers. You can also see the price and the route before you confirm your booking.
- Rent a motorbike or a bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. You can find many rental shops that offer daily or weekly rates. However, make sure you have a valid license, insurance, helmet, and lock. Also, be careful of the traffic and the road conditions.
- Join a group tour or a shuttle bus to visit popular attractions or destinations. You can find many online platforms and agencies that offer affordable and flexible tours or transfers. You can also meet other travelers and share the cost.
Enjoy the Best Activities and Attractions for Free or Low Cost
Bali has so much to offer in terms of activities and attractions, from stunning beaches and temples to adventurous sports and cultural shows. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy them.
Visit the free or low-cost attractions.
Some of the best ones are Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegenungan Waterfall, Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach, and Sanur Beach.
Take advantage of the free or discounted entry fees.
Some attractions offer free entry on certain days or hours, such as the Bali Botanic Garden, the Bali Bird Park, and the Bali Safari and Marine Park. Some also offer discounts for students, seniors, or locals.
Look for online deals and coupons for activities and tours.
You can find many websites and apps that offer discounts and promotions for various activities and tours in Bali, such as rafting, snorkeling, diving, surfing, yoga, cooking classes, spa treatments, and cultural shows.
Enjoy the natural beauty and the local culture.
You don’t need to pay anything to enjoy the stunning scenery and the rich culture of Bali. You can hike a volcano, swim in a waterfall, watch a sunset, join a ceremony, listen to gamelan music, or learn some Balinese words.
Conclusion
Traveling to Bali on a budget is possible and rewarding. You can have an amazing time without breaking the bank by following these tips and tricks.
You can also discover a different side of Bali that is more authentic and meaningful. So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Bali now and start planning your budget-friendly trip!
