Traveling to bali is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to bali’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in bali for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, bali can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore bali on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of bali without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to bali
Your journey to bali usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to bali.
How to Find Cheap Flights to bali:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to bali 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to bali and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to bali.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If bali is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near bali can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to bali: $100–$350
- International Flights to bali: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in bali
Lodging in bali ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in bali that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in bali on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting bali on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of bali.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in bali may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in bali at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in bali.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in bali close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in bali: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in bali: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in bali: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around bali on a Budget
Once you’re in bali, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in bali:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like bali have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in bali for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring bali on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of bali, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in bali unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central bali is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass bali: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in bali: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in bali
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to bali—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in bali.
Where and What to Eat in bali on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, bali is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in bali are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in bali and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in bali offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in bali—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in bali:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in bali: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in bali for Less
Even if you’re traveling to bali on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in bali:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in bali offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in bali are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to bali.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in bali.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in bali for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in bali:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in bali
It’s tempting to shop when visiting bali, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in bali:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to bali.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from bali that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in bali’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in bali: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for bali
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to bali | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in bali | $250–$600 |
| Transport in bali | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in bali | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in bali | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in bali | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in bali affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting bali
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in bali.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in bali.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of bali can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like bali have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in bali.
Conclusion: Enjoying bali on a Budget
Visiting bali doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of bali—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, bali can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: bali is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.