Bali on a Budget: How I Did It on £30 a Day

Think Bali’s out of reach unless you’re spending loads of money? It really doesn’t have to be. If you’re planning your first trip to Bali and wondering how much you’ll need, this guide is for you. I’ve managed to get my daily spend down to around £30 a day, and I’ll show you exactly how.

Yes, Bali has changed over the years. There are beach clubs everywhere, luxury bamboo villas all over Instagram, and cafés where your smoothie bowl somehow costs more than your dinner back home.

But budget travel in Bali definitely isn’t dead. You just need to know where to spend your money and where to save it.

I’ve done Bali both ways. I’ve stayed in cheap hostels, lived off local food and £1 gado gado (yes, eating vegan on a budget in Bali is surprisingly easy), and I’ve also travelled here with James where we’ve happily spent a bit more on nice accommodation and a few treats.

The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an amazing trip.

I kept my costs low by eating at local warungs, staying in budget accommodation, using ride-sharing apps instead of private drivers where it made sense, and skipping the overpriced tours.

With a bit of planning, your money goes a lot further than most people think, and you definitely don’t have to feel like you’re missing out.

How Much Do You Really Need For A Bali Trip?

When I was travelling solo in Bali, I got by on around £30 a day.

That covered a dorm bed in some really nice hostels, meals at local warungs, transport, and the odd Bintang (obviously), but no fancy extras.

When James and I travelled together, we had days where we easily kept it to around £50 between us. Splitting things like transport and a private room at low-budget guesthouses made a big difference, and it meant we could treat ourselves now and then without blowing the budget.

We definitely had the odd splurge day where we splashed out on a bamboo house or partied at a beach club (those days were more like £150–£200), but keeping other days cheap balanced it out.

So if you’re trying to figure out what you’ll need per day for all the basics like budget accommodation, food, and getting around, you’ll need £30 as a solo traveller or £50 as a couple.

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

Visit In The Shoulder Seasons

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.

Cheapest Ways To Get Around Bali

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 with an international licence 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 stunning 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

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.

Stay In Affordable Accommodation

Hostels are bloody great, they’re social, cheap, and a bit chaotic (which I love when I’m in the right mood!). I’ve had some of my favourite travel memories in hostels over the years, and honestly, they’re dirt cheap.

But if you’re craving a bit more space, you don’t have to spend loads to get it.

Guesthouses and Airbnbs can still be super affordable, and they’re perfect if you want to actually unpack your bag, have a hot shower without queuing, and wake up to the sound of birds instead of someone’s 3am FaceTime.

🏠 Hostels

• Best for: Solo travellers, budget backpackers, or anyone who loves being social.
• What to expect: Dorm beds from £6 a night, common areas, shared bathrooms, and breakfast is often included.
• Where to book: Hostelworld or Booking.com, both are great for reviews and comparing costs.

🌾 Guesthouses & Homestays

• Best for: Travellers who want a quieter experience and want some more privacy.
• What to expect: Private rooms from £10–£30, often family-run with breakfast included.
• Where to book: Booking.com is your best bet, there are loads of hidden gems if you filter by price + guest rating.

🏡 Airbnbs & Budget Villas

• Best for: Anyone looking for a bit more space, cooking facilities and a pool.
• What to expect: Entire places starting around £30–£40 per night. Great if you want to cook your own meals.
• Need to know: Airbnb fees can add up, so sometimes the same places work out cheaper on Booking.com.

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, Canggu & Ubud) – 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.

Bali on a Budget FAQs

Should You Travel To Bali If You’re On A Budget?

The short answer? Absolutely.

Even with all the hype (and a few places being a bit spenny these days), you can 100% do Bali on a budget of around £30 a day 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 might think.

One of the easiest ways to save is on accommodation. You can easily drop £200 a night on a bamboo house in the jungle (and no judgement, they are lush), but staying in guesthouses and hostels is what helped me keep costs down. A small amount of money really does go a long way in Bali.

When James and I travelled together, we knew we wanted to splurge on a couple of the splurgey bamboo stays, so we balanced it out with £50 days between us. Keeping things cheap on some days meant we could treat ourselves without feeling guilty about it.

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.