Traveling Bali on a Budget: Your Ultimate Guide to Saving Big

Traveling Bali on a budget is easier than you might think. Bali is a favorite spot for budget travelers. If you want to visit beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and a rich culture, Bali is perfect for those on a budget. There you find cheap accommodation, food, and many free or low-cost activities. You can enjoy a tropical paradise without breaking the bank.

Bali has something for everyone. It’s perfect for backpackers and budget travelers. In this guide, you’ll find useful tips on where to stay, how to save on food, and budget-friendly activities. That will allow you to experience the best of Bali. Get ready to plan your dream trip without worrying about your wallet!

Why Bali is a Budget-Friendly Destination

Bali is the top tourist place in Indonesia. It is considered a budget-friendly destination for travelers. You will find cheap lodging, food, and sights in Bali. There are local markets and street markets that are also cheap. Traveling in Bali gives you an affordable experience and get cost-effective travel destination.

Low-Cost Bali Travel Options

If you are searching for a budget-friendly Asian destination. Bali will be your perfect affordable destination. There you find affordable tourist attractions. Their flight costs and hotels are also cheap for tourists. Also, you can enjoy Bali’s beaches, mountains, and local culture. There are many budget-friendly activities, too.

Here I show the budget-friendly travel options in Bali: 

Best Time for a Budget Bali Vacation

If you want to visit Bali and avoid their large crowds. You should choose off-peak time. In Bali, February, March and October, November months are considered the best time for tourists. If you visit this time you can find discounts for your accommodations. Also, you find fewer crowds in popular tourist places.

Off-Peak Seasons and Weather

Here I will show the overall temperature and weather conditions in off-peak seasons.

Saving Money on Peak Season Travel

If you want to save money on peak-season travel in Bali. You can follow some strategies for Bali trip planning on a budget. Such as 

• You can book your flight tickets a minimum of 2 months in advance. Therefore, you will get discounts. Even the ticket price is 20% to 30% less than on-time tickets. You can book your air ticket from Flight Expert
• You should avoid weekends to Visit Bali. On weekdays you will get cheap accommodation. You can book your hotels from booking.com
• You can explore the local site of the Bali. And You can avoid the crowd’s places.
• You can take food from local restaurants, or at the street food shop. There You get reasonable prices food.
• Try to avoid staying near to the tourist places. Also, avoid tourist place’s restaurants.

Read More: Top 10 Best Places To Travel in May on a Budget

Budget Accommodations in Bali

In Bali, you can find different accommodation options. If you want to stay in budget accommodations in Bali. You can stay in a hostel; also, some 3-star and 2-star hotels offer low-cost accommodations. Furthermore, you can stay in guesthouses; there you can stay cheaply.

Backpacking Bali on a Budget

If you travel with your friends or family in Bali. You can stay in hostels and guesthouses for budget-conscious travelers. You can get various advantages to staying in a hostel or a guesthouse. Also, you enjoy free attractions and activities. Such as,

• Share Room: In hostels and guesthouses, you can share your room with your friends or family. It also makes your accommodation cost half as much.
• Cook Foods: Most of the hostels and guesthouses have kitchen options. There, you can cook your own food. It will reduce your meal costs.
• Budget-Friendly Activities: You can avoid the expensive places and activities in Bali. You can explore their sea beaches and also take a walking tour to explore Bali’s hidden gems.

Inexpensive Accommodations in Bali

Here I will share a table with inexpensive accommodation types, rent, and facilities.

Budget-Friendly Bali Resorts

If you go to Bali for a honeymoon or couple trip. You can stay in resorts. There are many popular resorts with an affordable price range. If you stay in a resort you can enjoy the natural beauties of resorts. Also, you can enjoy your travel time with large bedrooms.

• Daily average resort rents- $25 to $45 Per day

Cheap Eats in Bali for Travelers

Bali offers plenty of budget-friendly dining options for travelers. You can find local small eateries that serve delicious traditional dishes at cheap prices. You can get there the top traditional foods. Such as, 

The Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, and Babi Guling, etc. The prices are as low as $2.50 to $5. To get authentic cheap Balinese food, you must explore the local markets or street food shops.

Local Warungs and Street Food

If you want to taste the original Balinese food, you must explore the local warungs and street food. There you find all kinds of traditional foods in Bali. You can enjoy the food at affordable prices in the local small eateries. Their street food is also popular with tourists. For example,

1. Dovetail 
2. Liap Liap 
3. Tropical Burger & Grill
4. Fish Head Soup
5. Babi Guling
6. Jaje Bali

Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Bali

Bali offers beautiful landscapes and delicious food. Some popular international restaurants provide various special items with affordable dining options. You can enjoy their high-quality meals without spending a lot. Budget-friendly restaurants in Bali offer different international cuisines. 

All are really like travelers and go there to enjoy their unique, delicious food at affordable dining options in Bali. Here I mention some top international restaurants that will like travelers- 

• The Lair Ubud.
• Slush Island Beachwalk Bali.
• Herb Library.
• Bee Cafe Ubud.
• Slushy Society.
• Village Square-Wok Wok.
• Nikuna Warung.
• Tablespoon Ubud.

Affordable and Free Activities in Bali

Bali is a very beautiful island with stunning, magical natural views. If you are searching for an affordable tourist destination, Bali is the perfect choice. 

You can enjoy their all-tropical paradise on an affordable budget. Also, you can do free activities in Bali. Nowadays Bali is considered a cost-effective travel destinations for travelers.

Exploring Bali with Limited Money

You can explore the top free attractions in Bali, like beaches, temples, and markets. Here make a list of free activities and historical sites, that you can explore with your limited money. 

Budget-Friendly Activities in Bali

You can do many budget-friendly activities in Bali. You can explore the low-cost adventures. However, you can visit their popular beaches and enjoy their outstanding views. Moreover, You can hike Mount Batur to see the natural views and sunrise. You can also visit their museums and the art museums of Bali. Furthermore, you can join yoga classes and get health tips for your healthy fitness.

Book now: Visit Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring Tickets and explore it with an expert guide.

Affordable Tours in Bali

Bali offers a variety of affordable tourist places. That offers you to explore its beauty without spending a lot. You can explore the cheap day trips to Ubud’s rice terraces, the Monkey Forest, and iconic temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu. There are many tour operators. Who offer group excursions to these spots at a fraction of the cost of private tours. 

Also, you can explore Bali’s waterfalls, beaches, and cultural sites. You enjoy the places where local guides offer cheap tours. Renting a scooter is also an affordable way to explore the island at your own pace.

Budget-Friendly Transportation in Bali

In Bali, you can find cheap transport options. You will get all kinds of transport systems on a budget. It lets you navigate narrow streets and reach remote areas. You can use public buses. It’s less frequent but provides cheap travel between major towns. 

Minivans or shuttles give you a unique experience of operating on popular routes. It is also another cheap option. Gojek and Grab are cheap and convenient for short trips.

Cheapest Way to Get Around Bali

You will get many cost-effective transport ways in Bali. Renting a scooter is the cheapest option. You can rant a scooter for a day usually $5 to $10. For short trips, you can use ride-sharing apps, like Gojek and Grab. They offer affordable rates to travel to Bali. 

Traditional taxis are a bit more expensive but still affordable. Walking is a great way to see Bali’s charm, especially in tourist areas.

Frugal Travel Tips for Bali Transportation

When traveling around Bali on a budget. It’s essential to avoid overpriced tourist transportation options. You can use local alternatives; therefore, you can save money and still enjoy the island’s beauty. Here I will share some frugal travel tips for Bali transportation:

• Rent a scooter: You can rent a scooter. It is one of the cheapest options to travel in Bali. You can hire a scooter for around $5 to $10 per day.
• Use ride-sharing apps:  You can use Gojek or Grab ride-sharing apps. You will find them affordable for short trips.
• Public buses: If you visit the long distance around Bali city. You can use public buses. It is the most inexpensive transport for making long tours in the town.
• Walk or cycle: Walking is ideal for short distances. You can walk on the street or in the natural atmosphere, especially in less crowded areas like Ubud.

Travel Hacks for Bali on a Budget

You can explore Bali on a budget. Some options can help you find cheap places to stay, like hostels and guesthouses. You can use local transport like buses or inexpensive ride-hailing apps to save your money. 

Also, you can enjoy their affordable delicious street food and local markets. You can explore free attractions such as beaches, temples, and rice terraces. You should book tours and activities in advance. But always compare at markets for the best deals.

How to Save Money Traveling in Bali

If you want to save money while traveling in Bali. You should make smart decisions and plan ahead. These strategies can help you enjoy Bali on a budget. Here I will share some productive ways that really help you save money on Bali trips.

• Negotiate Prices: You should know how to bargain at markets, street vendors, and even taxis. By using negotiation way you can reduce most of the products and services in Bali.
• Book in Advance: You can book your hotels in advance to secure your accommodations.  Also, if you book your favorite tour attractions and activities, you can get discounts. It will help you to avoid price hikes during peak season.
• Eat Like a Local: You can use warungs, street food shops, and family-owned restaurants to get cheap, tasty meals. You should avoid touristy spots; actually, they take high prices.
• Use Public Transport:  You can use cheap transportation options. For example, buses, scooters, or Grab for budget travel around the island of Bali.

Wallet-Friendly Bali Travel Tips

If you want to have a wallet-friendly Bali tour, you can book your hotel room through Booking.com or rent guest house accommodation deals on Airbnb. You may use ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek for transportation, offering affordable rides.

You can hire a scooter at very low costs to help you tour Bali City. For your food, use GoFood and GrabFood applications that occasionally have various discounts. You will be able to visit attractions at a discount with Tours Travel Finder and GetYourGuide.

Example Budget-Friendly Bali Itinerary

Bali has everything a budget traveler might want. Such as beaches, cultural landmarks, delicious food, and outdoor activities. Here’s a 3-day, budget-friendly Bali itinerary. This will let you see the best of the island without spending too much.

3-Day Shoestring Travel Itinerary

Here, I show a simple and budget-friendly 3-day Bali itinerary. Above all, I focused on saving money while enjoying the highlights of the island:

Day 1: Explore Ubud

Morning: Arrive at Ngurah Rai Airport. Take a budget taxi to Ubud, about $10. Check into a cheap guesthouse, around $15 per night.

Afternoon: Spend time at the Ubud Monkey Forest for $5. Take a walk around the Ubud Market for free. Enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk for free.

Evening: Dinner at a local warung for about $3-5.

Day 2: Rice Terraces and Temples

Morning: Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces free of charge or with a small donation. Then, proceed to Tirta Empul Temple, entry is about $2.

Afternoon: Visit Gunung Kawi Temple, entry is about $2. Lunch at a warung for about $3-5.

Evening: Visit Pura Saraswati Temple free. Relax and then dinner at a local eatery for about $3-5.

Day 3: South Bali Beaches

Morning: Budget taxi to Kuta (approximately US$10), then relax at Kuta Beach (free).

Afternoon: Explore Legian Beach (free time) and Kuta markets (free time).

Evening: Final dinner at a local warung, approximately US$3-5; then head to the airport.

You can spend a 3-day itinerary keeping low costs with affordable food, accommodation, and free attractions.

FAQs About Traveling Bali on a Budget

What is the cheapest time to visit Bali?

The rainy season (November to March) offers the lowest prices on accommodations and flights.

How much money do you need per day in Bali?

Budget travelers can manage with $30–$50 per day, including accommodation and food.

What are some affordable places to stay in Bali?

Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays are excellent options for budget-conscious travelers.

How can I save on transportation in Bali?

Rent a scooter, use ride-sharing apps, or take public transport like bemos to save money.

Are there free activities to do in Bali?

Yes! Enjoy beaches, temple visits, nature hikes, and cultural festivals at little or no cost.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Bali is a fantastic destination for budget travelers. Who are looking to experience a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local life without spending a lot? Bali offers an unforgettable experience for budget travelers. You can enjoy their affordable places to stay, and great street food. 

Also, they offer many free or cheap activities for tourists. To make a convenient trip, you can follow some instructions which I mentioned above. For example, you can use local transport and stay in affordable hotels.  Furthermore, you can explore their beaches, temples, or local markets. Bali ensures that you can enjoy its tropical paradise on a budget.