Bali on a Budget: How to Experience the Island Without Overspending
Bali is often thought of as a luxurious island destination, but the truth is, it can also be one of the most affordable places to visit if you know how to budget wisely. Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or a traveler looking to save money, Bali offers plenty of ways to experience its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and exciting activities without spending a fortune.
From affordable accommodations and cheap street food to budget-friendly activities and transportation tips, this guide will show you how to enjoy everything Bali has to offer while keeping your costs low. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long-term stay, this article will help you navigate Bali on a budget without missing out on amazing experiences.
1. Best Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Bali
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling, but in Bali, you can find amazing budget-friendly stays without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or a traveler looking for affordability, Bali offers charming guesthouses, stylish hostels, and comfortable budget hotels that provide great value for money.
The best way to save money on accommodation is to stay in locally owned guesthouses (homestays) instead of big hotels. These family-run places offer authentic Balinese hospitality, home-cooked meals, and cozy atmospheres, all for a fraction of the cost of a luxury resort. If you prefer a social environment, hostels and co-living spaces in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak provide affordable dorm beds, coworking areas, and a chance to meet other travelers.
For those who want privacy but still want to stay within budget, mid-range hotels and bungalows are available at incredibly reasonable prices. Many of these budget accommodations offer free breakfast, swimming pools, and great locations near beaches and attractions. By booking in advance or choosing longer stays, you can find excellent deals on Airbnb, Agoda, or Booking.com.
No matter your budget, Bali offers a variety of accommodation options that provide great comfort, affordability, and authentic Balinese charm. Here are some of the best budget-friendly accommodations across different areas of Bali:
🏨 Best Budget-Friendly Hotels & Hostels in Bali (From Budget to Mid-Range)
📍 Canggu – A paradise for digital nomads and surfers, offering plenty of affordable stays.
✔ Kos One Hostel – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
📍 Ubud – The cultural heart of Bali, perfect for nature lovers and wellness seekers.
✔ In Da Lodge – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ Bali Bohemia – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
📍 Seminyak – A lively area with beach clubs, shopping, and great nightlife.
✔ M Boutique Hostel – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ Brown Feather Hotel – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
📍 Kuta – Best for budget travelers who want to be near the beach and nightlife.
✔ The Pavilion Hotel – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ Cara Cara Inn – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ The Island Hotel Bali – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
📍 Uluwatu – Perfect for surfers and those looking for a relaxed vibe near stunning beaches.
✔ Le Cliff Bali – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
📍 Sanur – A quiet, laid-back area great for budget travelers looking for a peaceful stay.
✔ Sanur House – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ Semarandana Hotel – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
📍 Lovina – Ideal for those looking for a quiet escape and dolphin-watching experiences.
✔ Dolphin Beach Bali – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
📍 Sidemen – A peaceful village known for stunning rice terraces and cultural experiences.
✔ Wapa di Ume Sidemen – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ Surya Shanti Villa – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
✔ Sawah Indah Villa – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
📍 Munduk – A serene mountain region with waterfalls and hiking trails.
✔ Munduk Moding Plantation – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
✔ Lesong Hotel and Restaurant – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Mid-range
✔ Sanak Retreat Bali – A budget-friendly stay with great amenities and comfort. Budget
💡 Insider Tip:
To save even more money on accommodation:
✔ Stay outside of major tourist areas like Seminyak and Uluwatu, where prices are higher.
✔ Book directly with guesthouses to get better rates than online platforms.
✔ Consider long-term stays (one week or more) for discounts on rooms or villas.
By choosing budget-friendly stays, you can experience the best of Bali without overspending, allowing you to save money for adventure activities, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Whether you prefer a social hostel, a private homestay, or a stylish budget hotel, Bali has plenty of affordable options to suit your needs.
2. Eating on a Budget: Best Cheap Eats & Local Warungs
Food is one of the easiest ways to save money in Bali, as the island offers plenty of cheap and delicious local dishes. Instead of dining at high-end restaurants, opt for local warungs (small family-run eateries) where you can eat a full meal for less than $3.
🍛 Best Cheap Local Foods to Try in Bali
✔ Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) – Bali’s most popular local dish, served with egg and crispy crackers.
✔ Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles) – Stir-fried noodles with veggies, chicken, or shrimp.
✔ Nasi Campur – A rice dish with small portions of meat, vegetables, and sambal.
✔ Babi Guling (Suckling Pig) – A Balinese specialty, best found in Ubud and Gianyar.
✔ Gado-Gado – A healthy mix of steamed vegetables, peanut sauce, and tofu.
🍽️ Best Budget-Friendly Warungs in Bali
📍 Warung Nia (Seminyak) – Famous for its delicious and affordable Balinese BBQ.
📍 Warung Biah Biah (Ubud) – Offers a variety of authentic Balinese dishes for cheap.
📍 Nook (Canggu) – A rice field-view warung with delicious Indonesian meals at great prices.
📍 Warung Mak Beng (Sanur) – A local seafood eatery serving the best fish soup in Bali.
📍 Warung Wardani (Denpasar) – One of the oldest and most famous warungs in Bali.
💡 Insider Tip:
If you want to save money while still enjoying Western-style food, visit night markets and food courts, where meals are half the price of restaurants in tourist areas.
3. Budget-Friendly Activities: Free & Cheap Things to Do in Bali
Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you can still experience Bali’s natural beauty and cultural wonders without spending much. Many of Bali’s best activities—like exploring rice fields, watching sunsets, and visiting temples—are either free or cost very little.
🌴 Best Free & Budget Activities in Bali
✔ Explore Bali’s rice terraces – Tegalalang & Jatiluwih (small entrance fee, under $3).
✔ Visit local temples – Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Besakih Temple (entrance fees under $5).
✔ Watch the sunset at the beach – Seminyak, Jimbaran, or Echo Beach (completely free).
✔ Go waterfall-hopping – Tegenungan, Tukad Cepung, and Sekumpul (small entrance fee).
✔ Join a free yoga class – Some yoga studios in Ubud offer free community sessions.
💡 Insider Tip:
Avoid overpriced tourist excursions and opt for self-guided adventures. Renting a scooter ($5/day) lets you explore Bali at your own pace without hiring a driver.
4. Budget Transportation: How to Get Around Bali for Cheap
Transportation is another area where tourists tend to overspend in Bali. Taxis can be expensive, and tour companies often overcharge for private drivers. However, with the right approach, you can get around Bali affordably.
🚖 Cheapest Ways to Get Around Bali
✔ Rent a scooter – Costs around $5 per day, the best way to explore at your own pace.
✔ Use Gojek or Grab (Bali’s Uber) – Safer and cheaper than regular taxis.
✔ Take the Perama shuttle bus – The cheapest way to travel between Ubud, Seminyak, Sanur, and Kuta.
✔ Join group tours – Many companies offer shared transport options to temples and waterfalls.
💡 Insider Tip:
Avoid Bluebird taxis from the street, as many overcharge. Instead, book through the Bluebird app for metered fares.
5. Nightlife on a Budget: Where to Party Without Overspending
Bali’s nightlife can be as expensive or as cheap as you make it. While high-end clubs charge premium entry fees and drink prices, you can still have an amazing night out on a budget by choosing the right venues.
🍹 Best Cheap Bars & Nightlife Spots in Bali
📍 Old Man’s (Canggu) – No entry fee, cheap beer, and live music.
📍 Sky Garden (Legian) – Offers all-you-can-eat BBQ and free-flow drinks at budget-friendly prices.
📍 La Plancha (Seminyak) – Beachfront beanbag bar with affordable cocktails.
📍 The Shady Pig (Canggu) – A hidden speakeasy bar with cheap happy hour deals.
📍 Cashew Tree (Uluwatu) – A budget-friendly chill bar with live acoustic music.
💡 Insider Tip:
Go out during happy hours (5-7 PM) when bars offer half-price cocktails and discounted drinks.
How to Travel Bali on a Budget & Still Have an Amazing Time
Bali is one of the few destinations where you can experience paradise without spending a fortune. With affordable accommodations, cheap transportation, delicious street food, and plenty of free activities, you can explore the island on as little as $25-$40 per day.
By staying in budget guesthouses, eating at warungs, using local transport, and prioritizing free activities, you can stretch your money further while still having an unforgettable time in Bali.
Ready to experience Bali without breaking the bank? Start planning your budget-friendly trip and enjoy all the magic the island has to offer! 🌴✨
