Table of Contents
Introduction
If the idea of dreamy beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture excites you—but your wallet doesn’t agree—don’t worry. Bali is one of the best destinations for budget travelers, especially backpackers looking for affordable adventures without compromising the experience. With a bit of smart planning, you can enjoy everything Bali has to offer without breaking the bank.
At RoamTraveller.com, we’ve curated this ultimate Bali budget travel guide just for you. Let’s dive into how you can explore this island paradise affordably!
Best Time to Visit on a Budget
To make the most of your budget, timing matters:
- Low Season (January to March, November): Expect cheaper accommodation, fewer tourists, and plenty of discounts. Rain is more common, but it’s usually short-lived.
- Shoulder Season (April to June, September to early October): These months offer a sweet spot with pleasant weather, low prices, and fewer crowds. A perfect mix for budget travel.
Avoid July–August and December, which are peak travel seasons with inflated hotel rates and packed tourist attractions.
Affordable Accommodation
Bali is full of cozy budget stays that offer authentic experiences. You don’t need a luxury villa to enjoy paradise. In fact, some of the best memories come from staying in small, locally owned guesthouses and hostels.
Top Picks for Budget Travelers:
- The Island Hotel Bali (Seminyak) – A stylish hostel-style stay with a pool, community vibe, and central location. ~$10–15/night.
- In Da Lodge (Ubud) – Popular with backpackers. Offers both dorms and private rooms starting at $8. Peaceful surroundings near the Monkey Forest.
- Bali Bobo Hostel (Jimbaran) – Great for solo travelers. Clean, cozy, and around $10–12/night.
- Family-run Homestays in Sidemen and Lovina – These are hidden gems. Prices start from $6–8/night and often include a home-cooked breakfast.
Tip: Use Booking.com or Agoda and filter by price + guest rating. You’ll often find hidden last-minute deals.
Cheap Eats
Skip the fancy beach clubs and dine like a local! Bali’s street food and warungs (local eateries) offer delicious, authentic meals for just a couple of dollars.
What to Eat:
- Nasi Campur – A mixed rice plate with a variety of vegetables, tempeh, egg, and meat (~$1–2).
- Mie Goreng / Nasi Goreng – Fried noodles or rice with egg and veggies. A Bali classic under $1.50.
- Gado-Gado – An Indonesian veggie salad with spicy peanut sauce. Healthy and cheap at ~$1.
- Bakso (Meatball Soup) – Perfect comfort food. Served hot with noodles, around $1–2.
Where to Eat:
- Warung Murah (Seminyak) – Famous for affordable, tasty local fare.
- Warung Biah Biah (Ubud) – A backpacker favorite. Try the sampler plates!
- Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (Ubud) – Local-style chicken rice that hits the spot.
Bring your reusable water bottle—many hostels and cafes offer free filtered water refills.
Budget Transportation
Getting around Bali doesn’t have to be expensive:
- Scooter Rentals – The most popular option for budget travelers. ~$5/day with fuel costing less than $2.
- GoJek or Grab – Ride-hailing apps for bike taxis and cars. Super cheap and efficient.
- Bemos (Local Mini Buses) – Old-school but dirt cheap. Great if you want an authentic experience.
- Walking – Ideal in places like Ubud, where sights are close together.
Always wear a helmet and inspect the scooter before renting. Take a photo of any scratches to avoid disputes.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
Some of the best experiences in Bali are free or nearly free. Here are a few worth adding to your itinerary:
- Beaches – Spend the day sunbathing at Kuta, Padang Padang, or Nusa Dua. Rent a beach lounger for ~$2–3.
- Waterfalls – Visit Tegenungan or Gitgit. Entry fees are ~$1 per person.
- Rice Terraces – Trek through Tegalalang (donation-based) or Jatiluwih (UNESCO-listed, ~$3).
- Temples – Must-visits include Tirta Empul, Goa Gajah, and Ulun Danu Beratan. All under $3.
- Cultural Performances – Watch traditional Balinese dance shows or attend free temple ceremonies if you’re staying nearby.
Bring a sarong (or rent one at the entrance) when visiting temples. Entry often requires it.
Daily Budget Breakdown (in USD)
| Category | Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation (Dorm) | $8 |
| Meals (3 local meals) | $6 |
| Scooter Rental + Fuel | $6 |
| Entry Fees/Activities | $3 |
| Miscellaneous | $2 |
| Total | $25/day |
Even with a few splurges here and there, traveling in Bali on $25–30/day is completely doable.
Money-Saving Tips for Bali
- Negotiate Smartly – Bargain at markets and with drivers, but stay respectful and smile.
- Book Flights + Accommodation Early – Last-minute deals exist, but early bookings usually save more.
- Use Local SIM Cards – Get a Telkomsel or XL SIM with 5GB+ data for under $5.
- Eat Where Locals Eat – Avoid the beachfront cafes and seek out alleyway warungs.
- Avoid ATM Fees – Withdraw larger amounts from BNI, Mandiri, or BCA to save on international charges.
- Pack Light – Most domestic flights have tight luggage restrictions. Bring essentials only.
Many hostels offer free walking tours or cooking classes — check the bulletin board!
Bonus: Budget-Friendly Areas to Stay in Bali
- Ubud – Ideal for culture lovers and digital nomads.
- Canggu – Great for surfing, coworking, and beach cafes.
- Amed – Quiet and perfect for snorkeling/diving.
- Lovina – Northern Bali gem with dolphin watching and calm beaches.
Suggested Itinerary for a 7-Day Budget Trip
| Day | Activity |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Denpasar, check-in to Seminyak/Canggu, sunset at Tanah Lot |
| Day 2 | Explore beaches, scooter around Canggu |
| Day 3 | Travel to Ubud, visit Tegenungan Waterfall, and Monkey Forest |
| Day 4 | Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegalalang rice fields, Ubud Palace dance show |
| Day 5 | Day trip to Mount Batur or Sidemen, sunrise trek |
| Day 6 | Tirta Empul, Goa Gajah, Ubud Art Market |
| Day 7 | Relax at spa, head back to airport |
Best Free Wi-Fi Spots in Bali
- Zin Cafe (Canggu)
- Seniman Coffee Studio (Ubud)
- Hub Bali Coworking (Seminyak/Sanur)
Affordable SIM Card Options
- Telkomsel: Wide coverage, IDR 50,000 ($3.50) for 10GB.
- XL Axiata: Good for central Bali and less touristy areas.
Budget Shopping Tips
- Shop at Ubud Market and Sukawati Art Market.
- Always bargain respectfully. Start at half the asking price.
Useful Apps
- GoJek / Grab: Transport, food delivery, mobile top-up
- XE Currency: Currency converter
- Traveloka: Cheap flights and hotel deals
- Maps.me: Offline maps
Cultural Etiquette (Free but Priceless!)
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Use your right hand when giving/receiving items.
- Avoid pointing your feet or touching people on the head.
- Smile often and embrace local customs.
Emergency Tips & Essentials
- Hospitals: BIMC Kuta, Siloam Denpasar
- Pharmacies: Guardian, Kimia Farma
- Travel Insurance: Essential for scooters and health emergencies
FAQs: Budget Travel in Bali
1. Is Bali safe for solo backpackers?
Yes, Bali is generally safe. Take basic precautions and be mindful when riding scooters.
2. Can I use USD in Bali?
No. Use Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Some touristy places accept cards, but always carry cash.
3. Do I need a visa for Bali?
Most travelers get a Visa on Arrival (30 days). Check the latest rules based on nationality.
4. Is Bali good for digital nomads on a budget?
Yes! Canggu and Ubud have coworking hubs and cheap long-term rentals.
5. How long should I stay in Bali on a budget?
2–3 weeks is ideal for exploring the island leisurely.
Final Thoughts
Bali proves that paradise doesn’t need to come with a luxury price tag. With a little planning and a lot of curiosity, you can surf, hike, eat, and immerse yourself in culture—all while sticking to a backpacker’s budget.
From low-cost accommodation and scooter rides to flavorful warung meals and epic sunsets, Bali is a dream come true for budget travelers. And if you’re planning your next getaway, RoamTraveller.com is here to guide you every step of the way.
Explore more, spend less, and discover the best of Bali on a backpacker’s budget.
Safe travels!
