How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Bali Vacation

Budget-Friendly Bali Vacation – Bali is one of those places that sounds expensive—but doesn’t have to be. You see all these Instagram influencers lounging in infinity pools, sipping on overpriced cocktails, and staying in fancy resorts. But let me tell you, I’ve done Bali on a budget, and it was just as magical (if not better) than those luxury trips. If you know where to look, you can stretch your money and still have an incredible time.

I’m talking about eating like a king for under $5, staying in beautiful places for less than a night out back home, and exploring the island without draining your bank account. If you’re wondering how to plan a budget-friendly Bali vacation, I’ve got you covered. I’ve learned a thing or two (sometimes the hard way), and I’m gonna share all the details with you—no fluff, just real, practical tips.

The Best Time to Visit Bali on a Budget

Timing is everything. Bali has two main seasons: high season (July–August, December) and low season (March–June, September–November). If you go in peak months, everything—from flights to hotels to scooter rentals—costs more.

For the best deals, shoulder season is your sweet spot. April, May, and September give you good weather (less rain, still sunny) without the insane crowds. And since demand is lower, hotels, activities, and even local vendors are more open to bargaining.

If you don’t mind some rain, wet season (November–March) can be even cheaper. You’ll still get plenty of dry, sunny days—it’s just that sudden downpours can happen. But hey, a warm tropical rainstorm while sipping a $2 coconut on the beach? Not the worst thing in the world.

Finding Cheap Flights to Bali

Flights are usually the biggest expense, but there are ways to save:

Book early – Flights to Bali tend to spike if you wait too long. Try to book at least 3–4 months in advance for the best prices.
Use incognito mode – Airlines love tracking your searches. Searching in a private browser helps you avoid sudden price hikes.
Be flexible with dates – Midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) are usually cheaper than weekend flights.
Look for layovers – Direct flights are pricier. A stopover in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore can save you a few hundred bucks.

Check Google Flights, Skyscanner, and AirAsia for deals. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to fly into Jakarta and take a budget airline (like Lion Air) to Bali.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Bali

Bali has options for every budget, and you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money.

Best Budget Stays ($5–$20 per night)

Guesthouses & Homestays – These are run by locals and usually come with free breakfast. Some of the best places I’ve stayed cost under $10 a night.
Hostels – If you don’t mind dorms, you can find beds for $5–$15. Many hostels in Canggu and Ubud have pools and free yoga classes.
Budget Hotels & Bungalows – In places like Ubud, you can find private rooms for $15–$25 with rice field views.

How to Find Cheap Stays

Use Booking.com and Agoda (they have great last-minute deals).
Walk around – In less touristy areas, you can find hidden deals just by asking locals.
Negotiate – If you’re staying a week or more, ask for a discount. Many places will knock off 10–20%.

Eating Cheap but Amazing Food

Bali is heaven for budget foodies. You can eat incredibly well without spending much.

What to Eat on a Budget

Warungs – These small, family-run eateries serve the best Indonesian food for $1–$3 per meal. Try nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), or ayam betutu (spiced chicken).
Local markets – The night markets in Gianyar and Sanur have street food for under $2.
Bali buffets – Some warungs let you pile up rice, veggies, and meat for $1.50–$4.

Skip Western restaurants in touristy areas—they charge way more. Even smoothie bowls in Canggu can be overpriced compared to getting fresh fruit from a street vendor.

Getting Around Without Spending a Fortune

Rent a Scooter ($4–$7 per day)

The cheapest and most fun way to explore Bali is by scooter. Rentals cost about $5 a day or $30–$50 a month if you bargain. Just make sure you have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), or you might get fined.

If you’re not comfortable riding, Gojek and Grab (like Uber) are super cheap for short rides. Avoid taxis—they overcharge like crazy.

Free & Cheap Things to Do in Bali

You don’t need expensive tours to enjoy Bali. Some of the best experiences are free or cost just a few bucks.

Beaches (Free)

Uluwatu’s Bingin Beach – Less crowded and stunning.
Amed – Black sand beaches with amazing snorkeling.
Balangan Beach – Perfect for sunsets.

Temples ($2–$5 entry fee)

Tirta Empul – A sacred water temple where you can join purification rituals.
Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven) – Famous for Instagram pics, but go early to avoid crowds.

Hiking & Nature (Free or Cheap)

Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Just a $1–$3 donation to walk around.
Campuhan Ridge Walk – A scenic hike in Ubud, totally free.
Sekumpul Waterfall – One of the most beautiful waterfalls, costs about $5 to enter.

Saving Money on Activities & Tours

If you do want to book activities, don’t book online—prices are inflated. Instead:

Book directly – If you want to do a Mount Batur sunrise hike, go to Ubud and book in person. You’ll save 30–50%.
Join group tours – Private tours are expensive. Group tours (like snorkeling in Nusa Penida) are way cheaper.
Haggle – Almost everything in Bali is negotiable, even tours.

Avoiding Tourist Traps & Extra Fees

Bali is budget-friendly, but there are a few things that can eat your cash fast.

ATM fees – Use ATMs inside banks (like BNI, BCA) to avoid scams and high fees.
“Tourist prices” – If something feels overpriced, bargain. Vendors expect it.
Airport taxis – Avoid them! Use Grab or Gojek instead.

Can You Do Bali on $30 a Day?

Yes! Here’s how:

$10 – Accommodation (Hostel or homestay)
$5 – Food (Eating at warungs)
$5 – Transport (Scooter rental)
$5 – Activities (Cheap temple or nature entry fees)
$5 – Extras (Snacks, drinks, etc.)

Of course, if you want fancier stays or more activities, budget around $40–$50 per day.

Bali doesn’t have to be expensive. You can live well, eat delicious food, and explore stunning places for way less than you’d expect. Plan smart, spend where it matters, and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Trust me, budget Bali is the best Bali.

Budget-Friendly Island Hopping Around Bali

If you’ve got some extra time, hopping over to Bali’s nearby islands is a great way to mix up your trip—without spending a fortune. Some people think these islands are expensive, but if you plan right, they can be just as budget-friendly as Bali.

Nusa Penida (Cheapest Day Trip Option)

Nusa Penida is just a 30-minute fast boat ride from Bali, and it’s one of the most stunning places you’ll ever see. Think towering cliffs, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear water.

Boat tickets: Buy a round-trip fast boat from Sanur for about $12–$15 (book directly at the harbor for the best price).
Transport: Rent a scooter for $6–$8 per day, or split a driver with friends for around $30.
Cheap spots to visit:
- Kelingking Beach – That famous T-Rex cliff (free entry).
- Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong – Stunning coastal views (free).
- Crystal Bay – Great for swimming, no entrance fee.

Tip: The roads in Nusa Penida are rough, so if you’re not confident on a scooter, a shared tour (around $35–$40) might be better.

Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan (Relaxing & Budget-Friendly)

These islands are smaller and easier to get around than Nusa Penida. A boat from Sanur costs about $12–$15 one way. Once you’re there, everything is within scooter distance.

• Cheap stays: Dorm beds for $7–$12, private bungalows for $20–$25.
• Food: Warungs serve fresh seafood for $3–$5 per meal.
• Things to do:
- Devil’s Tear – A wild ocean blowhole (free).
- Mangrove Forest tour – Kayak or boat tour for $5–$8.
- Snorkeling – Swim with manta rays for around $15 if you book locally.

The Gili Islands (Worth the Extra Trip?)

If you want white sand beaches, turquoise water, and no cars, the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) are a dream. You can take a fast boat from Padang Bai for about $20–$25.

Gili Trawangan (cheapest & liveliest) – Best for budget backpackers, with $5 dorms and $15 private bungalows.
Gili Air (more chill, still budget-friendly) – Good for couples or solo travelers who want quiet.
Gili Meno (more expensive, better for honeymooners) – Not as budget-friendly, but still doable.

How to Party in Bali Without Going Broke

If you want to enjoy Bali’s nightlife but don’t wanna wake up with an empty wallet, you gotta be smart about it. Some bars and beach clubs charge crazy prices, but there are ways to have fun on a budget.

Where to Drink Cheap in Bali

Warung happy hours – Local bars in Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud offer 2-for-1 cocktails for around $4–$6.
Buy beer at mini-marts – Bintang (local beer) costs $1.50 at Circle K, but bars charge $3–$5.
Local arak (careful, though) – Arak is a strong Balinese liquor, and some bars sell it cheap. Just make sure it’s from a safe source (bad arak can be dangerous).

Best Budget Party Spots

Canggu – Old Man’s (happy hour & free entry), Pretty Poison (cheap drinks, skateboarding), Sand Bar (free beachfront parties).
Uluwatu – Single Fin’s Sunday party is free before 9 PM, but drinks are pricey.
Ubud – Laughing Buddha has free live music, and bars like No Más have cheap cocktails.

Tip: Avoid beach clubs like Finns or Potato Head if you’re on a budget. They charge $10+ per drink, and entry fees can be ridiculous.

Packing Tips for a Budget Bali Trip

Bringing the right stuff can save you money and hassle.

Must-Have Essentials

Sarong – Required for temples, and buying one in Bali is cheaper ($3–$5).
Reusable water bottle – Bali has refill stations, so you don’t need to keep buying plastic bottles.
Mosquito repellent – The local stuff works better than the chemical-filled ones from home.
Unlocked phone – Buy a SIM card with 30GB data for around $10 (Telkomsel is best).

Things to Skip (Don’t Waste Money on These)

Too many clothes – Laundry is $1 per kilo, so don’t overpack.
Overpriced toiletries – Sunscreen and shampoo cost more in Bali, so bring small bottles from home.

Common Mistakes That Blow Your Budget

Even if you plan everything right, a few mistakes can wreck your budget.

Biggest Money Wasters

🚫 Airport taxis – They charge 3x the normal price. Use Grab or Gojek instead.
🚫 Buying souvenirs at tourist markets – Ubud Art Market and Kuta shops charge way more than local stalls.
🚫 Not bargaining – Prices for clothes, tours, and scooter rentals are always negotiable. Start at 50% of the asking price and work up from there.
🚫 Western food every day – A smoothie bowl in Canggu is $6, but a full meal at a warung is $2.

Can You Live in Bali for Cheap?

If you’re dreaming of staying longer in Bali, it’s totally possible—even on a budget. Plenty of digital nomads, backpackers, and long-term travelers live here for $500–$1000 a month.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bali?

Rent: $200–$400/month (shared villa or guesthouse).
Food: $5–$10 per day (cheap warungs + some Western meals).
Transport: $40/month (scooter rental + gas).
Extras: $100/month (SIM card, laundry, occasional splurges).

If you cook at home, rent long-term, and avoid fancy bars, you can live well for under $700 a month.

The key is to avoid tourist traps, eat local, and book things directly instead of online. Whether you’re coming for a week or a month, Bali doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right planning, you can have an incredible experience—without blowing your budget.

If you’ve been to Bali on a budget, let me know what your best money-saving tip was! And if you’re planning your trip, hopefully, this guide makes it easier (and cheaper) for you.