Budget Bali Vacations: How to Enjoy Paradise Without Breaking the Bank

Bali on a budget? Yep, totally doable. Budget Bali vacations doesn’t mean skipping out on the good stuff—it just means being a little smarter with your money. I’ve been there, done that, and trust me, you can soak up all the island magic without draining your wallet. Whether you’re dreaming of stunning beaches, epic waterfalls, or delicious local food, I’ll walk you through how to do it all for cheap.

Where to Stay Without Spending a Fortune

Bali has everything from $10-a-night hostels to luxurious private villas. If you’re on a budget, skip the fancy resorts and go for guesthouses, homestays, or budget hotels.

• Canggu & Ubud – Great for digital nomads and travelers who want cheap but stylish accommodations. You can find solid guesthouses for around $15–$25 per night.
• Kuta & Legian – Party central, but also packed with cheap hostels. Beds in dorms start at $5–$8 per night.
• Sidemen & Amed – If you want nature, rice terraces, and peace, these areas have private rooms for under $20.

Check out Agoda, Booking.com, or Airbnb for deals, but if you’re up for it, walking into guesthouses and negotiating on the spot can get you better rates.

Cheap Eats: Where to Find Delicious Food for Less

Forget fancy restaurants—Bali’s best food is found in local warungs (small, family-owned eateries).

• Nasi Campur – A mix of rice, veggies, tempeh, and a bit of meat. You can get a full plate for $1–$2.
• Mie Goreng & Nasi Goreng – Fried noodles or rice, usually served with an egg on top, costs around $1.50–$3.
• Babi Guling (Roast Pork) – A must-try! You can find it for $3–$5 at local stalls.
• Street Satay – Skewers of chicken, beef, or tofu covered in peanut sauce. About 50 cents per skewer.

If you want to cook, Bali’s local markets have dirt-cheap produce. A kilo of bananas? About $1. Fresh fish? $3–$5 per kilo.

Getting Around Without Wasting Money

Transport can eat up your budget if you’re not careful. Taxis are overpriced, so here’s what to do instead:

• Rent a scooter – Costs around $5 per day, but you’ll need an international license. Gas is cheap too—about $2 to fill up.
• Gojek & Grab – Bali’s version of Uber, but way cheaper. A short ride costs $1–$2.
• Public Bemos – Old-school minibuses that cost less than $1 per ride. Not super comfy, but budget-friendly.

If you’re not confident on a scooter, stick with Gojek. Way safer, and you won’t end up in a ditch.

Free & Cheap Things to Do in Bali

Here’s where you can have fun without spending much:

1. Explore Bali’s Epic Waterfalls

Most waterfalls have a small entrance fee ($1–$3), but they’re worth it. Some of the best:

• Tibumana Waterfall – A hidden gem (okay, I said it, but it’s legit less crowded).
• Sekumpul Waterfall – Costs a bit more ($5–$10) but is hands-down the most stunning.
• Tegenungan Waterfall – Closer to Ubud, great for a quick stop.

2. Visit Bali’s Rice Terraces

Tegalalang is famous, but it’s crowded and costs $2–$3 to enter. For a quieter, free alternative, go to Jatiluwih—way bigger and still breathtaking.

3. Enjoy Bali’s Beaches (For Free!)

Some beaches have a small parking fee ($0.50–$1), but that’s it. Here are my favorites:

• Balangan Beach – White sand, epic surf, and barely any tourists.
• Padang Padang – Small but iconic.
• Amed Beach – Black sand, great for snorkeling.

4. See a Temple Without the Crowds

Skip the overpriced Tanah Lot and check out:

• Gunung Kawi – Ancient rock-carved shrines, only $1.50 to enter.
• Pura Lempuyang – “Gates of Heaven” temple, small entrance fee, but get there early.

How to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

• Bargain at markets – Prices are always marked up for tourists. Cut the first price in half and negotiate from there.
• Refill your water bottle – Avoid buying plastic bottles; use refill stations at cafes.
• Buy a SIM card – $5 for a month of data so you don’t get ripped off using international roaming.
• Travel in the off-season – April-June and September-November have cheaper flights and hotel deals.

If you’re smart about it, a budget Bali vacation can cost as little as $20–$30 per day. I know people who’ve lived in Bali for months spending around $600 a month—including rent, food, and transport.

Where to Find Affordable Activities & Adventures

Bali isn’t just about beaches and temples—there’s a ton of stuff to do that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Whether you’re into hiking, snorkeling, or just vibing with the locals, here’s where to go without overspending.

1. Snorkeling and Diving Without the Luxury Price Tag

Think you need to book an expensive tour to see Bali’s underwater beauty? Nah. Just rent a snorkel for $2–$5 and head to these spots:

• Amed & Tulamben – Clear waters, colorful fish, and a shipwreck you can snorkel around.
• Blue Lagoon (Padang Bai) – Shallow waters, perfect for beginners. Snorkeling boat tours here start at $10–$15.
• Menjangan Island – A bit pricier to get to ($25–$30 for a shared boat), but some of the best coral reefs in Bali.

If you’re serious about diving but don’t want to spend a fortune, look for dive shops offering “fun dives” for around $25–$30 instead of full diving packages.

2. Sunrise Hikes That Are Totally Worth It

Bali has some killer sunrise spots, and the best part? Most of them are either free or cost just a few bucks.

• Mount Batur – A must-do if you love hiking. Guided tours cost $20–$30, but if you start early, you can hike it alone for free. (Shhh, don’t tell the guides I said that.)
• Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud) – Free and stunning, especially in the early morning. Bonus: There’s a cute little café at the end with cheap coffee.
• Munduk Waterfalls Trail – A series of waterfalls in one hike. Entrance is around $3–$5 total.

3. Cooking Classes for Cheap

Love Balinese food? Instead of paying for overpriced cooking classes ($50–$70 per session), look for small local warungs offering classes for $15–$30. You’ll get to make traditional dishes like nasi goreng and satay, and usually, they include a market visit too.

4. Yoga and Wellness on a Budget

Ubud is Bali’s yoga capital, but you don’t have to shell out hundreds for a retreat.

• Drop-in yoga classes – Most studios offer sessions for $5–$8.
• Donation-based classes – Some smaller yoga spaces run on donations (suggested $3–$5 per class).
• Public sound healing & meditation sessions – Occasionally held at temples or small wellness centers.

If you want the whole retreat experience but can’t justify the cost, check out guesthouses that offer free yoga if you stay a few nights.

How to Score Cheap Flights to Bali

Flights can be the biggest expense, but here’s how to bring the cost down:

• Book at the right time – Flights tend to be cheaper 3–6 months in advance.
• Fly budget airlines – AirAsia, Scoot, and Lion Air have deals if you’re flying from nearby countries.
• Use flight comparison sites – Skyscanner and Google Flights can help spot cheap routes.
• Consider alternative airports – Flying into Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur first and taking a budget flight to Bali can sometimes save $100+.

Best Money-Saving Apps for Bali

A few apps will make your trip smoother (and cheaper):

• Gojek & Grab – Cheap rides and food delivery.
• Klook & Traveloka – Discounts on attractions, activities, and airport transfers.
• XE Currency – Keeps you from getting scammed on exchange rates.
• Maps.me – Works offline, perfect for navigating without data.

What to Avoid to Save Money

There are a few tourist traps that’ll drain your budget fast. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overpriced tourist restaurants – If it has English menus and fancy decor, expect to pay 3–5x local prices. Stick to warungs.
• Money changers with “too good to be true” rates – Some shady spots will shortchange you. Use official exchanges or ATMs instead.
• Taxis that don’t use a meter – Always agree on a price before getting in. Better yet, just use Gojek or Grab.
• Beachfront clubs & bars – Drinks can cost $10+ each. Buy beers from a local mini-mart instead and enjoy the sunset for free.

How Much Should You Budget for a Trip to Bali?

Here’s a rough idea of daily costs, depending on your travel style:

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Expense	Budget Traveler	Mid-Range Traveler	Luxury Traveler
Accommodation	$5–$20 (Hostels, guesthouses)	$30–$70 (Hotels, villas)	$100+ (Resorts, private villas)
Food	$3–$10 (Warungs, street food)	$15–$30 (Casual restaurants)	$50+ (Fine dining, beach clubs)
Transport	$2–$5 (Scooter, Gojek)	$10–$20 (Private driver)	$50+ (Private cars, taxis)
Activities	Free–$15 (Beaches, waterfalls)	$30–$50 (Snorkeling, tours)	$100+ (Luxury experiences)
Daily Budget	$20–$30	$50–$100	$150+

Can You Really Do Bali on $20 a Day?

Yep, if you’re hardcore budget traveling. A $20/day budget means:

• $5 for a dorm bed or cheap guesthouse
• $5 for food (3 meals at warungs)
• $5 for transport (scooter rental & gas)
• $5 for activities (entrance fees, cheap tours, or just chilling at the beach for free)

It’s not luxurious, but it’s absolutely possible.

Bali on a Budget: Totally Worth It

A budget Bali vacation isn’t just possible—it’s easy if you know where to look. Whether you’re staying in a $5 hostel or a $50 villa, the island is just as magical. Spend smart, avoid the tourist traps, and you’ll have the time of your life without stressing about money.

And honestly? The best things in Bali—sunsets, waves, rice terraces, and friendly locals—are completely free.