Wondering how to plan a Bali trip without spending too much money? The best way is finding a good balance between cost and fun. Budget travel to Bali becomes easier when you know what Bali Packages offer!
You can choose packages that include beautiful beaches, old temples, green rice fields, and colorful markets, whether you’re traveling alone or planning a family trip to Bali on a budget.
The important thing is knowing the best time to visit, where to stay, and how to get around like a local. These smart choices help create great memories without money worries. Let’s look at the top 10 budget-friendly ways to enjoy Bali.
- Best Time To Visit Bali On A Budget
- Peak Season: June-August; November-December
- Shoulder Season: April-May and September
- Low Season: January to March, and October
Visit Bali during low season from January to March to save the most money. It rains more, but hotels, flights, and activities all cost much less.
Shoulder season is also cheaper than peak season and has better weather than low season. Which means, April is a great time to go as flights are still cheap and it’s usually the start of dry weather in Bali.
- How To Visit Bali On A Budget
- Plan a Trip to Bali during those months when flights cost less. For example, you can save thousands by flying in April instead of November.
- Start looking for tickets at least 6-8 weeks before your trip. Flights to Bali are usually cheapest when booked well ahead of time.
- Use budget airlines like AirAsia and Jetstar that fly to Bali from places across Asia and Australia. Their prices are usually lower than those of other airlines.
- Flying on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday can save you thousands.
- Budget Travellers’ Sleep Spots In Bali
Usually the stays in Kuta, Legian, and Denpasar are quite affordable. You can also find cheap rooms run by locals in places like Sanur and Ubud. These rooms are basic but good enough to sleep. Using fans instead of air conditioning will save you more money.
If you want even cheaper options, explore Poppies Lane in Kuta or Jalan Kajeng in Ubud without booking ahead. Skip the breakfast option at hotels since you can find cheaper food nearby.
- Getting Around Cheaply
If you want a real adventure, choose Trans Sarbagita, a public bus system. These blue buses are cheap but don’t run on exact schedules because of traffic. They operate from 5 AM to 9 PM and mostly serve local areas, not tourist spots. So riding them could be an adventure.
If you want to explore freely and visit hidden spots, you can rent a motorbike. Make sure you have an international driver’s license. Drive carefully and always wear a helmet or Police will charge hefty fines.
For travellers who want a more structured approach, consider booking a budget-friendly Bali tour package. These packages often combine accommodation, transportation, and guided tours at discounted rates.
- Tasty Meals On A Budget
To save money on your Bali trip, eat at Warungs. These are small family restaurants and food stalls where the food is very cheap and delicious! Plus, most warungs offer take aways.
Try babi guling (suckling pig), nasi goreng (fried rice with chicken or shrimp) or mie goreng (fried noodles), and drink local beers like Bintang to spend less money.
There are also many local restaurants on the beach that offer the best seafood at reasonable prices. And the ambience? You won’t complain, we promise!
- Shop Like A Local
Understanding how to plan a Bali Trip with shopping in mind can save you significant money. Research and create a list of souvenirs you’d like to purchase before arriving in Bali.
Avoid buying fake brand items from beach sellers. Instead, shop at art markets like Ubud, Kuta, or Sukawati. These markets can be great places to find local art and crafts at good prices. Your savings depend on how well you can bargain.
Pro Tip: When bargaining, try starting at about 35% of the first price and then settle for a middle ground if it feels fair.
- Free/ Low Cost Activities
Bali has many free things to see! Beaches, mountains, temples, and palaces. Some temples only ask for small donations. You can watch local people practice traditional dances at community halls for free. Students also perform at the arts campus in Denpasar at no cost.
Yearly festivals like the Bali Arts Festival and Kite Festival are free for everyone to watch. One special event is the ogoh-ogoh parade, where people carry large monster figures before Nyepi (Balinese New Year). Just remember that on Nyepi day itself, everything closes and you must stay where you are!
- Enjoy Beachside Bliss – No Fortune Needed
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage right on the beach after a tiring day. The local massage therapists are skilled and will help your tired muscles feel better while you enjoy the ocean breeze. The best part? These massages are budget-friendly, and you can negotiate for even better prices on a 30-minute back massage or full-hour body treatment.
- Beware Of Scams
As soon as you land at Bali’s airport and clear immigration, scammers are waiting. Be careful with money changers, taxi drivers who won’t use meters, and overly friendly strangers. Stay alert to protect your money.
- Getting Back Home From Bali
Booking airport transfers ahead of time is the best way to leave Bali. Even some cheap hotels offer free shuttles; just ask at reception. Make sure you keep enough Indonesian money (rupiah) for your return trip to the airport, including any departure taxes.
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