Bali is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and for good reason. It has beautiful beaches, green rice terraces, lively culture, and a wide choice of food and activities. Many travelers think of Bali as a luxury escape, but it can also be a great place for budget travel. With some planning, you can enjoy the island’s beauty and culture without spending too much money.
This guide will show you how to explore Bali on a budget, covering everything from flights and places to stay to food, transport, and activities.
Finding Affordable Flights to Bali
The first step in planning a budget trip is finding a cheap flight. Bali’s main airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, located near Denpasar. Because Bali is far from Europe or North America, flight prices can seem high. But if you are flexible, you can save a lot.
Start by searching for tickets several months in advance. Flying midweek is often cheaper than weekends. Budget airlines from other parts of Asia, such as AirAsia or Scoot, often offer low-cost fares to Bali. If you are already traveling in Southeast Asia, you can find tickets for under $100 from cities like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Another tip is to avoid peak season. July, August, and December are the most expensive months. If you travel in the shoulder seasons, such as April to June or September to November, flights and hotels are often much cheaper, and the island is less crowded.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay
Bali has accommodation for every budget. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars a night to enjoy the island. Guesthouses, hostels, and homestays are widely available, and many of them are clean, comfortable, and full of charm.
In areas like Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu, you can find rooms for as little as $10 to $20 per night, often with breakfast included. Staying in a family-run homestay is a good choice if you want a cultural experience and local hospitality.
Hostels are also popular in Bali, especially in Canggu and Seminyak, where young travelers gather. They offer dorm beds at very low prices and often include social events, which make it easy to meet other people.
If you are traveling with friends, renting a simple villa together can be very affordable. Many villas come with a pool, kitchen, and shared space, and splitting the cost makes it cheaper than staying in separate hotel rooms.
Eating Well on a Budget
Food is one of the best parts of Bali, and eating on a budget is easy. Local warungs, or small family-owned restaurants, offer delicious Indonesian dishes for just a few dollars. Meals like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), or gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) are filling and cheap.
Street food is also worth trying, from satay skewers to fried bananas. Not only is it affordable, but it also gives you a taste of daily Balinese life.
If you want international food, Bali has plenty of options, though prices are higher than local meals. To save money, mix your meals, eat local most of the time, and treat yourself to international cuisine once in a while. Drinking tap water is not safe, but bottled water is cheap, and many cafes offer free refills if you bring a reusable bottle.
Getting Around Without Spending Too Much
Transport is one of the main costs in Bali, but it doesn’t have to break your budget. The cheapest way to get around is by renting a scooter. Daily rentals start at about $5, and fuel is very cheap. Scooters give you the freedom to explore beaches, temples, and villages at your own pace. Always wear a helmet and drive carefully, as traffic can be busy.
If you don’t want to ride a scooter, ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab are affordable alternatives. They work like Uber and can be used for motorbike taxis or cars. Short trips often cost only a few dollars.
For longer trips between towns, shared shuttle buses are available and cost much less than private drivers. However, if you’re traveling with a group, hiring a driver for a day can actually be affordable when split between several people.
Free and Low-Cost Things to Do
Exploring Bali doesn’t mean spending a lot of money. Many of the island’s highlights are free or very cheap.
One of the best free activities is simply enjoying the beaches. From the cliffs of Uluwatu to the black sand beaches in the north, there is no shortage of spots to relax. Watching the sunset at places like Tanah Lot or Echo Beach is unforgettable and doesn’t cost a cent.
Temples are another must-see in Bali. Most charge a small entrance fee, usually around $1 to $3. Famous temples like Uluwatu Temple or Tirta Empul are affordable and give you a chance to learn about Balinese culture and religion.
Hiking is also a great budget activity. Walking through rice terraces in Ubud or trekking Mount Batur for sunrise is inexpensive but gives you an incredible experience. While Mount Batur requires a guide, the price is still low compared to the view you get at the top.
Markets are another place to explore without spending much. Even if you don’t buy anything, walking through local markets in Ubud, Denpasar, or Sukawati gives you a glimpse of daily life.
Saving Money on Tours and Activities
Bali offers many tours, such as snorkeling, diving, cooking classes, or yoga retreats. While some can be pricey, there are budget-friendly ways to enjoy them.
For snorkeling, you don’t always need an organized tour. In places like Amed or Padang Bai, you can rent gear for a few dollars and explore the reefs straight from the beach.
Cooking classes are a fun way to learn about Balinese food. Prices vary, but some smaller, family-run classes cost much less than large, tourist-focused ones.
Yoga is also popular in Bali, especially in Ubud and Canggu. Many studios offer single classes for about $10, and some even hold free or donation-based sessions.
If you want to join tours, compare prices online and at local travel agencies. Often, booking directly in Bali is cheaper than booking in advance from home.
Shopping Smart
Shopping in Bali can be tempting, with its markets full of handmade crafts, clothes, and souvenirs. If you’re on a budget, set a limit and stick to it. Bargaining is common in markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate politely. Remember that small purchases help local families, so buying directly from artisans is a good way to support the community.
Another way to save is to avoid overpriced shops in very touristy areas. Local markets or smaller villages often offer the same items at much better prices.
Staying Connected Without High Costs
Internet access in Bali is cheap and easy. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport or in town for just a few dollars, with plenty of data included. This helps you use maps, ride-hailing apps, and stay in touch without expensive roaming fees. Free Wi-Fi is also common in cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Budgeting for Your Trip
To give you an idea, here’s a simple breakdown of daily costs for a budget traveler in Bali:
- Accommodation: $10–20
- Food: $5–10
- Transport: $5–10
- Activities and entrance fees: $5–15
In total, you can enjoy Bali on about $30–50 per day, depending on your choices. That’s far less than most other tropical destinations, making Bali one of the best places for budget travelers.
Conclusion: Enjoying Bali Without Spending Too Much
Bali may be known for luxury resorts, but it is just as welcoming to budget travelers. By choosing affordable flights, staying in guesthouses, eating local food, and using cheap transport, you can enjoy the island fully without breaking the bank.
The beauty of Bali is that its best experiences are often free: watching the sunset over the ocean, walking through rice fields, meeting local people, and enjoying the culture. A budget trip doesn’t mean missing out, it means connecting with the island in a more simple and authentic way.
With good planning, Bali can be both affordable and unforgettable. It shows that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world.
