Yes, you can travel Bali on a budget!
Despite its reputation as a luxury destination, Bali remains incredibly affordable for budget travelers. This guide shows you exactly how to experience paradise without breaking the bank.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveler: $30-50/day
Mid-Range Traveler: $50-100/day
Budget Accommodation Guide
Hostels ($5-12/night)
Dorm beds with shared facilities. Great for solo travelers and meeting people.
Best Budget Hostels:
- Canggu: The Lawn, Serenity Eco Guesthouse ($8-10/night)
- Ubud: Puri Garden Hotel, Pondok Pundi Village ($7-9/night)
- Seminyak: M Boutique Hostel, Capsule Hotel ($10-12/night)
Guesthouses ($10-20/night)
Private rooms with basic amenities. Perfect balance of privacy and affordability.
What to Expect:
- Private room with fan or AC
- Private or shared bathroom
- Basic breakfast included
- WiFi and common areas
Long-Term Rentals ($200-400/month)
For stays of 1+ months, rent a room or small villa for massive savings.
Pro Tip:
Join Facebook groups like "Canggu Community" or "Ubud Expats" to find monthly rentals. Negotiate directly with owners for best rates.
Eating on a Budget
Local Warungs (Indonesian Eateries)
The secret to eating well on a budget in Bali. Authentic, delicious, and incredibly cheap!
Typical Warung Prices:
- Nasi Goreng (fried rice)$1.50-2.50
- Mie Goreng (fried noodles)$1.50-2.50
- Nasi Campur (mixed rice)$2-3
- Sate (skewers)$2-3
- Fresh juice$1-1.50
Best Budget Warungs:
- Warung Biah Biah (Canggu)
- Warung Mak Beng (Sanur)
- Warung Ibu Oka (Ubud)
- Warung Nikmat (Seminyak)
Money-Saving Tip:
Look for warungs where locals eat. If you see Indonesian families dining there, you know it's authentic and affordable. Avoid places with English-only menus near tourist areas.
Markets & Self-Catering
Shop at local markets for fresh produce, snacks, and ingredients to cook your own meals.
Market Prices:
- Fresh fruit (1kg)$1-2
- Vegetables (1kg)$0.50-1.50
- Rice (1kg)$1-1.50
- Eggs (10 pieces)$1.50-2
Best Markets:
- Pasar Badung (Denpasar)
- Ubud Traditional Market
- Sanur Night Market
- Gianyar Night Market
Budget Transportation
Scooter Rental ($4-6/day)
The most economical way to explore Bali. Freedom to go anywhere, anytime.
Rental Costs:
- Daily rental$5-6
- Weekly rental$25-35
- Monthly rental$60-80
- Petrol (per liter)$0.70-1
Important:
Get an international driving permit before arriving. Wear a helmet always. Have insurance. Police checkpoints are common.
Grab/Gojek ($1-5 per ride)
Ride-hailing apps for short distances. Cheaper than taxis, transparent pricing.
Typical Fares:
- Short ride (2-3km)$1-2
- Medium ride (5-7km)$2-4
- Long ride (10km+)$5-8
Bemo & Public Buses ($0.30-1)
Local minibuses for the ultra-budget traveler. Requires patience and flexibility.
Pro Tip:
Bemos are rare in tourist areas but common in local neighborhoods. Ask locals for routes and stops. Great cultural experience!
Free & Cheap Activities
Free Activities
Beach Days
All beaches are free. Bring your own towel and snacks.
Rice Terrace Walks
Explore Tegallalang or Jatiluwih on foot for free.
Waterfall Hikes
Many waterfalls have free access or small donations.
Sunrise/Sunset Viewing
Free at any beach or viewpoint. Magical experience!
Cheap Activities ($1-5)
Temple Visits
$1-2 entrance, sarong rental $0.50
Monkey Forest
$5 entrance fee in Ubud
Local Markets
Free to browse, great for souvenirs
Local Massage
$5-8 for 1 hour at local spas
Money-Saving Tips
Visit During Low Season
January-March and October-November offer 30-50% lower prices on accommodation.
Stay Longer
Negotiate weekly/monthly rates. Many places offer 30-50% discounts for long stays.
Drink Tap Water
Use a filtered water bottle. Save $2-3/day on bottled water. Better for environment too!
Stay Outside Tourist Areas
Sanur, Denpasar, and East Bali are 40% cheaper than Seminyak or Canggu.
Use ATMs Wisely
Withdraw large amounts to minimize fees. Use bank ATMs, avoid independent machines.
Bargain at Markets
Start at 50% of asking price. Walk away if too high - they'll usually call you back!
Budget-Friendly Areas
Most Budget-Friendly
Sanur
Quiet beach town, local vibe, great value
Amed
East coast, diving, very affordable
Lovina
North coast, black sand beaches, budget-friendly
Candidasa
East coast, relaxed, cheap accommodation
Moderate Budget
Ubud
Cultural heart, many budget options available
Canggu
Surf town, mix of budget and mid-range
Most Expensive (Avoid for Budget Travel)
Seminyak
Upscale beach area, 50% more expensive
Nusa Dua
Resort area, luxury hotels, pricey
Uluwatu
Clifftop luxury, expensive restaurants
Nusa Penida
Island day trip, transport costs add up
Sample Budget Itinerary
7 Days in Bali for $250-350
Days 1-3: Ubud ($35-50/day)
- • Stay in guesthouse ($12/night)
- • Eat at local warungs ($10/day)
- • Rent scooter ($5/day)
- • Visit temples, rice terraces, waterfalls ($5/day)
Days 4-5: Canggu ($40-55/day)
- • Stay in hostel dorm ($10/night)
- • Mix of warung and cafe meals ($15/day)
- • Scooter rental ($5/day)
- • Beach days, surf lessons ($10/day)
Days 6-7: Sanur ($30-45/day)
- • Stay in budget guesthouse ($10/night)
- • Local food only ($8/day)
- • Scooter rental ($5/day)
- • Beach relaxation, snorkeling ($5/day)
Total 7-Day Budget: $250-350
This doesn't include flights to Bali. Add $50-100 for miscellaneous expenses and souvenirs.
Bali Planning Tools
Related Guides
Quick Budget Tips
- Eat at warungs, not tourist restaurants
- Rent scooter monthly for best rates
- Stay in less touristy areas
- Visit during low season
- Use filtered water bottle