Strapped for cash but want to be in paradise? Head to Bali and your problem will be solved. Home to beautiful temples, incredible beaches, picture perfect rice paddies and exotic wildlife, its peaceful and natural atmosphere is ideal for a getaway. It’s also a super budget-friendly place to go so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. It’s surprising to discover just how affordable a destination it is. To help you get the most out of your time here, we’ve put together this handy cheat sheet with packing and budgeting tips!
Packing Tips
Make sure you pack…
• Light! You’re going to a tropical climate
• Loose clothing – it’s very hot so jeans and tights tops would literally glue to your body
• Modest clothing if you’re planning to visit temples. Temples are holy places of worship, so dress respectably so you don’t cause offense
• A poncho if you’re visiting during the rainy season (don’t worry, the rainy season is just as beautiful as any other time of the year!)
• A hat, sunglasses and sun screen – you’ll be near the equator!
• A swim suit! Those beaches won’t be as blissful without one
• A strong mosquito spray – especially during the rainy season!
• Adaptors – Bali’s are the same two pin sockets that are used in Europe
• A water bottle
• Hiking shoes if you’re planning to visit a volcano!
Budgeting Tips
$ = US dollars
Accommodation
There’s plenty of hostels to choose from. A dorm bed in a hostel will cost between $8 and $12 and a single room can cost up to $20 per night If you’re looking for a private villa with an infinity pool they can be as cheap as $11 a night.
Top tip: Staying in Legian? If you like live music then stay at Monostel. It’s a great modern hostel.
Address: Jl. Legian No.358, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Food
The food in Bali is incredible! Local street food can be as cheap as $1 a plate. You can find a good range of local and Western restaurants in Bali, from dining in Kuta that will set you back $2-5 per meal to seafront views in Seminyak where you can expect to pay $5-10 per meal. You can budget $15 to $20 a day for your food and drink and finish the day feeling very full!
Drink
No trip to Bali is complete without a taste of the local lager, Bintang, which costs $1-4 depending on where you are. Local restaurants are generally a lot cheaper than bars in the main tourist hubs.
Getting around
Whether you choose to travel by bus, car or ojek (motorbike or scooter), transport is generally cheap in Bali but make sure to bargain to get the best rate. Heading to the islands? Fast boats to Gili and Lombok cost between $20 and $35. To save money, you might consider taking the Bali Bemo which are regulated public minivans for villagers. If you like adventure, you may see this as an authentic Bali experience. Be warned though, the journeys can be lengthy.
Planning on driving in Bali? Remember you’ll need an international license (even for two-wheeled vehicles) Car rentals can cost around $20-30 per day depending on the model of the car.
If you’re planning on sticking to the beach and not travelling outside of Seminyak, then use taxis to get around but avoid those who refuse to use a meter as you may get hit quite hard when it comes to paying the fare!
Top tip: Blue Bird Taxi’s have a good reputation. Look out for their logo on the roof. Avoid the fakes by looking out for the drivers ID card on display.
Activities
Try out your haggling skills on Bali’s beaches and you could find yourself parasailing for as little as $11. If your seeking cheap thrills around Ubud, then pay Bali’s charming rice paddies a visit. Or head to one of the many temples, with over 20,000 to choose from you are not limited for choice. If you’re visiting between May and September then why not learn how to surf? After all, Bali is one of the most iconic surf destinations in the world.
Top tip: If you’re limited for time but want to visit a temple, Taman Ayun is definitely worth a visit! It’s name literally translates as ‘beautiful garden’ and is regarded as one of the most attractive temples of Bali.
Shopping
Forgot to pack something vital? The Ubud market is one of the best places in Bali to shop. Fancy yourself some vibrant loose fitting pants? If you’re haggle skills are good then you could grab some for as little as $4.
Spas
Want to treat yourself without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! Bali’s spa services are unbelievably cheap. Massage houses offer one hour long massages for around $6.
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