The Ultimate Guide To Bali On a Budget
Bali’s always been one of those dreamy destinations, rice terraces, waterfalls, black sand beaches… you get it. But in recent years, its popularity has boomed.
These days, it’s also beach clubs, bamboo villas, and boujee smoothie bowls everywhere you look, and that vibe can come with a bit of a price tag.
I’ve actually been to Bali a few times now. Back in my backpacking days, I was very much on a tight budget (I’m talking dorm beds and street food only kind of budget). Then, when James and I visited more recently, we had a bit more flexibility. We didn’t go wild by any means, but we did treat ourselves to a couple of nice places to stay and a few good meals out!
So I’ve seen both sides, and here’s the good news: you can still do Bali on a budget. Like, a proper budget. And with a bit of planning, it’s wild how much you can experience without spending a fortune.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned, from how much you really need to the best ways to save without missing out on the good stuff.
How Much Do You Really Need For A Bali Trip?
Honestly? It depends on what kind of trip you’re after, and whether you’re travelling solo or with other people.
If you’re keeping things simple, like staying in a hostel, eating at local food stalls, scooter rentals, and skipping fancy nights out, you can get by on around £30–£35 a day. I’ve done it myself, and you can still have an amazing time without spending loads.
But if you’re planning to visit a few beach clubs, book a couple of tours, or stay in more boutique-style places, costs can start to creep up.
Example Daily Cost Breakdown
These are average costs based on what things are roughly going for at the time of writing this post, so while prices may shift, it gives a bit of a ballpark for you to work from.
💸 Budget-Friendly Basics
- 🛏️ Dorm room in a hostel – £6
- 🍛 Local meals at warungs – £3 each (x3 = £9 for the day — sometimes even less!)
- 🛵 Scooter rental – £5 per day
- 🍺 Bintang beer from the supermarket – £1.20
💸 In Case You Want To Splurge Here & There
- 🏖️ Beach club bed – Around £90 for 4 people in the garden area at Finn’s (price varies by venue and location)
- 🍹 Cocktails – Usually £6–£10 (look out for happy hours!)
- 🍽️ Meals out – Anywhere from £6–£25, depending on the place
- 🚗 Private driver for the day – Around £30 (super handy for day trips!)
- 🛏️ Basic – Mid-Range private room – Between £10–£40, depending on location and style
- 🏄 Group surf lesson – Starting at about £10
These are all approximates, just to give you a rough idea of what to expect if you feel like having a bit more of a splurge.
When To Go For Better Deals
When you visit Bali makes a big difference, and if you’re trying to keep costs down, timing is everything.
The high season (July and August) is when prices go through the roof. Flights, accommodation, tours, all of it suddenly gets really bloody expensive. If you can avoid these months, your bank account will thank you.
Your best bet is the shoulder seasons, April to June, September and October. You’ll still get good weather, but prices are usually lower, and the island’s a bit quieter too.
And if you really don’t mind some tropical wet weather, Bali’s rainy season (roughly November to March) is the cheapest time to visit. You’ll get more for your money, and while the weather can be a bit hit-and-miss, you can still get some nice days.
Budget-Friendly Ways To Get Around
Let’s start with the cheapest option, walking! Yep, it’s free after all. I know it’s not always doable (Bali isn’t exactly made for long strolls between towns), but if you’re staying near the beach or heading to a café nearby, it’s worth checking how far it actually is on Google Maps before you jump on a scooter or book a ride.
🛵 Scooters are one of the most budget-friendly ways to get around, usually around £5 a day. If you’re a confident driver and you’ve got decent travel insurance (seriously, don’t skip this), it’s such a good way to explore at your own pace. Just remember, traffic can be a bit chaotic, so if you’re nervous, maybe give it a miss.
🚗 For short distances, Grab or Gojek (Bali’s ride-sharing apps) are super handy and cheap. They’re basically Bali’s version of Uber, and perfect if you’re not keen on driving but still want to avoid expensive taxis.
🧳 And if you’ve got luggage or need to cover longer distances, a private driver is still a really reasonable option; they’re around £30 for the day. You can even turn it into a mini day trip by planning a few stops along the way to your next destination.
Avoid Tourist Traps & Overpriced Tours
Parts of Bali have basically turned into one big Instagram reel, swings in the jungle, “secret” waterfalls with queues, and guided tours that are more about photo ops than real experiences.
Tourist traps are everywhere, and a lot of it looks dreamy online but ends up feeling overpriced and a bit… meh.
A classic example is the Bali Gates of Heaven (Pura Lempuyang). You’ll queue for actual hours to get that “iconic” reflection shot, but the reflection isn’t even from a lake! It’s literally a guy crouched in front of you with a mirror under your camera. Looks fab on the gram, but whether it’s worth the wait (and the hype) is another story.
Bali also has its fair share of scams and overpriced nonsense. And trust me, I’ve fallen for this more than once. I’ve overpaid for a ferry ticket by about eight times the normal price, and I once booked a ferry that literally didn’t exist (yep, that was a fun one). So you’re not alone if it happens, but a bit of planning can save you the headache.
When it comes to booking tours, be picky about who you book with. A good option is to ask at your accommodation, most places work with trusted local guides. You can also book ahead through sites like Get Your Guide or Viator, where you can check reviews first (always a win).
And while we’re on the topic, we have to talk about animal-related tours, because most of them are honestly just not okay.
The Luwak coffee farms are a big one. The animals are usually kept in tiny cages and fed coffee beans, which they then digest (if you see where I’m going here), so tourists can try this so-called “luxury” coffee, and yeah, it’s just as grim as it sounds.
Then there are the dolphin tours that basically chase pods around in boats so people can get some photos.
It’s wild that this stuff still gets sold as “eco” or “authentic,” which is honestly just bullshit. It’s not always obvious straight away, so it’s worth doing a quick bit of research before you book.
Free & Low-Cost Things To Do Instead
For every overpriced, overhyped tourist trap in Bali, there’s something way more fun (and way cheaper) you can add to your itinerary instead.
- Skip the beach clubs. Instead of dropping £90 on a daybed, grab a few Bintangs from the supermarket, head to the beach, and make your own sunset setup. Just as dreamy and way less spendy.
- Hit the road. If you’re comfortable on a scooter, plan a little road trip. Drop a few pins on the map and go exploring. You might have to pay the odd parking or entrance fee, but it’s usually minimal.
- Chase waterfalls (but early!). Waterfalls are everywhere, and while most charge a small entry fee, it’s usually peanuts. Tukad Cepung near Ubud is around 25,000 IDR, just over £1. Get there before 8am and you might even have it to yourself.
- DIY snorkelling. Don’t want to fork out for a tour? Rent your own gear for the day. Amed is perfect, you can snorkel straight off the beach, no boat or group required.
- Ditch the crowds at Tegalalang. If those Insta-famous rice terraces feel a bit much, check out Sidemen or quieter parts of Canggu. No large queues, just lush green views and actual peace and quiet.
- Walk the Campuhan Ridge in Ubud. It’s free, gorgeous, and such a nice way to start your morning before the heat kicks in. Bring water, wear comfy shoes, and enjoy the views.
- Visit local temples. Most have tiny entry fees (usually just a few quid), and they’re a great way to soak up some culture. Just bring a sarong or rent one at the entrance. Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi are both fab options near Ubud.
Affordable Stays That Feel Special
Hostels are bloody great, they’re social, cheap, and a bit chaotic (in the best kind of way!). I’ve had some of my favourite travel memories in hostels over the years.
But every now and then, it’s nice to stay somewhere that feels a little more special. Somewhere you can actually unpack your bag, enjoy a hot shower without having to wait for it, and maybe even hear the birds instead of someone’s 3am phone call.
In Bali, you really don’t need a big budget for that. Private rooms, bamboo bungalows, and little jungle hideaways, all totally doable, even if you’re keeping things affordable.
(These are the prices that I found at the time of writing)
- Casa Solar Boutique Hotel (Canggu) – £36/night. New boutique spot with a rooftop pool and terrace, right in the heart of Canggu.
- Pondok Mawas (just outside Ubud) – £26/night. A bungalow with an outdoor bathtub and dreamy rice-field views.
- Nirwa Ubud Karma (Ubud) – £33/night. Slightly away from the hustle, surrounded by rice fields, and comes with its own pool.
- Ringsun Homestay (Uluwatu) – £40/night. Garden and sea views, a pool, and only an 8-minute stroll from Padang Padang Beach.
- Villa Lumbung Sidemen – £35/night. Comes with a pool, stunning mountain and jungle views, and an on-site restaurant that offers gluten-free and vegan options.
- Arungan Villas (Amed) – £34/night for an entire villa with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, just steps from Ibus Beach.
Where To Eat Without Spending A Fortune
Local warungs are your best friend if you’re keeping costs down. And just because they’re cheap doesn’t mean you’re missing out, quite the opposite actually.
This is where you’ll find proper, authentic, frigging delicious food. You can get a decent-sized meal for literally £2–£3, and it’ll probably be one of the tastiest things you eat all trip.
Some restaurants are still pretty reasonable too, especially if you know where to look:
- Crate Cafe (Canggu) – A laid-back spot for toasties, smoothies, and big breakfasts. Most things are around £3–£5, with loads of vegan options.
- Tasty Vegan (Seminyak) – Does a good mix of local food, as well as burgers and sandwiches. Dishes are usually £3–£5, easy on the wallet and tasty as hell.
- Bagel It (Uluwatu) – No prizes for guessing… yep, bagels. Plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians too. Bagels are around £4, so perfect for a quick, cheap bite.
Small Splurges That Are Worth It
Even when I’m travelling on a budget, I love having a little treat here and there! And in Bali, you don’t have to drop loads of cash to do it.
You can get an hour-long massage for around 250,000 IDR (about £12). Honestly, name a better way to spend £12. I’ll wait…
If you fancy a cute café, Kynd Community in Canggu or Seminyak is one of my absolute faves when I want something a bit extra (plus, they’re fully vegan). Their dishes are around £4–£6, and a cocktail will set you back about £6.50, which I don’t think is too bad at all!
If you want to see a bunch of places in one day but can’t face it on a scooter, booking a private driver for the day is usually about £30. I’ve done this a few times, it’s honestly so handy and saves you the stress of navigating Bali’s wild traffic jams.
You could also hop over to one of the other islands! A boat to the Nusa Islands is around £10, or about £20 if you want to get across to the Gili’s.
And if you’re up for an adventure (that comes with a 2am wake-up call!), you can book a guided sunrise hike up Mount Batur for around £20.
Should You Travel To Bali If You’re On A Budget?
The short answer? Absolutely!
Even with all the hype (and some places being a bit spenny these days), you can 100% do Bali on a budget, and still have an amazing time. Stay in cute guesthouses, eat at local warungs, plan your splurges smartly, and you’ll stretch your money way further than you think!
If you’re now planning where to stay on your trip, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay in Bali for every budget.
