How to Holiday in Bali on a Budget (Without Missing Out)
Bali is one of those rare destinations where you don’t need a fat wallet to live well. From $3 feasts to ocean-view sunsets that cost nothing at all, the island proves again and again that you can holiday in style on a budget. After spending plenty of time exploring every corner of Bali, I’ve picked up a few insider tricks that make the experience both affordable and unforgettable.
Getting Around
Getting from A to B in Bali is surprisingly cheap. Renting a scooter is the most budget-friendly option, usually just a few dollars a day, and it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace — from hidden beaches to rice terraces and small villages. Just make sure you’ve got proper travel insurance that covers riding a scooter and an international driver’s license, otherwise you risk heavy fines if pulled over. Always wear a helmet and closed shoes too — not just for safety, but because it’s the law.
If you’re not confident riding yourself, Gojek and Grab apps are lifesavers. You can hop on the back of a bike for as little as a dollar for short trips, or take a car if you’re carrying bags. They’re safe, reliable, and much cheaper than haggling with taxis.
Where to Stay
Where you stay depends on the vibe you’re after, but every area of Bali has affordable gems. In Seminyak, you’ll find family-run guesthouses tucked down quiet lanes, which put you close to the cafés and beaches without paying resort prices. Canggu is backpacker central, full of hostels with pools, communal kitchens, and co-working spaces — perfect if you want to meet fellow travelers. In Ubud, homestays are the way to go, often set among rice paddies or jungle, with the bonus of a simple breakfast included — a great way to save. Down south in Uluwatu, surfers and sunset-chasers can find bungalows perched on the cliffs at a fraction of luxury villa prices.
If you’re after a slower pace and island life, hop across to Nusa Lembongan, where small boutique guesthouses bring a laid-back charm at a fraction of resort prices. One of my favorites is Blue Lagoon Secret Villas in Ceningan. It’s a family-run boutique property with rooms around $20–25 per night, and the beach bar across the road is perfect for sunset drinks. Cozy, quiet, and great value, it’s an ideal spot if you want to experience island life without overspending.
Traveling as a couple? Your costs can drop significantly since you’ll share accommodation and transport. Realistically, you can enjoy Bali without missing out for as little as $30 per person, per day.
Eating & Drinking Like a Local
This is where Bali really shines. Forget the fancy beachfront restaurants — the true flavor of Bali is in its warungs (family-run eateries). One of my absolute favorites is Warung Sobat in Kerobokan, where the nasi campur — a plate piled high with rice, meats, vegetables, tempeh, and sambal — costs around $3. It’s a massive, flavorful meal that leaves you stuffed and smiling.
If you don’t feel like heading out, the Gojek app is a budget traveler’s dream. Check the “Promos” tab and you’ll often score 30–50% off. I’ve had full meals delivered — rice, chicken, veggies, and a drink — for under $3 including delivery.
Sometimes it’s worth splashing out when the value is unbeatable. Take Shishi in Seminyak, for example: their all-you-can-eat A la carte menu is 299k IDR before tax (around $20) from Monday to Thursday, and includes Wagyu, oysters, sashimi, sushi, and a variety of other dishes. On Fridays and Saturdays, the same menu is slightly more expensive, so midweek is the best time for budget-conscious diners.
Shishi is also famous for its Ladies’ Night events, where dinner comes with free-flow drinks from 8–11pm for women, while men pay around 350k IDR (about $23). Perfect for a fun date night or as a warm-up before hitting the clubs. Be sure to book ahead, because it gets busy and is often booked out, especially for Ladies’ Night. Check their website for the latest schedule.
When it comes to drinks, stick with the local favorite: Bintang beer. On the beach, an ice-cold bottle will only set you back about $1.50. Walk into a beach club, and suddenly it’s $6+. My advice? Grab one from a small shack on the sand, sink your toes into the beach, and watch the same sunset — just with more money left in your pocket.
If beer isn’t your thing, Bali has happy hour deals everywhere. Almost every beach bar runs sunset specials — think two-for-one cocktails or discounted mojitos — so you can sip something tropical while watching the sky turn pink without blowing the budget.
Things to Do for Free (or Nearly Free)
The best thing about Bali is that many of its highlights cost nothing. Watching the sun set over the cliffs of Uluwatu, wandering through Ubud’s rice terraces, or swimming at Bali’s many beaches won’t cost you a cent. Temples like Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul do have small entrance fees (a couple of dollars), but they’re worth it.
For something different, check out the waterfalls around Ubud — Tegenungan is popular, but head a little further to Tukad Cepung or Nungnung for fewer crowds. And if you’re into yoga, Ubud has plenty of community classes where you can join for as little as $5.
One of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve had in Bali was the Mount Batur sunrise hike. It’s a gruelling two-hour trek up in the dark, but reaching the summit just as the sun breaks over the horizon is pure magic. The views stretch across Lake Batur and Mount Agung, and on a clear day, you can even see as far as Lombok. It’s not the cheapest activity (tours usually start around $30–40 including guide and breakfast), but honestly, it’s worth every cent.
Tips & Tricks for Budget Travel in Bali
• Use Gojek & Grab: Beyond transport, these apps deliver food, groceries, and even drinks. Check the promo section for discounts.
• Book accommodations in advance: Especially for popular spots like Shishi, Mount Batur tours, or boutique guesthouses like Blue Lagoon Secret Villas.
• Travel insurance is essential: Make sure it covers scooter rides and any adventure activities.
• Scooter safety: Always wear a helmet and closed shoes; don’t forget an international license.
• Happy hours & sunset cocktails: Almost every beach bar runs deals — timing your drinks around 4–6pm can save money.
• Local SIM card: Grab a cheap prepaid SIM for data and app access — much cheaper than roaming.
• Midweek dining: For better value at restaurants like Shishi or other buffet-style places, weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends.
• Plan early for tours: Sunrise hikes or popular experiences often sell out — booking ahead secures spots and sometimes cheaper rates.
Final Thoughts
Holidaying in Bali on a budget doesn’t mean cutting corners. With a little inside knowledge, you can eat like a king, sleep in stunning locations, and enjoy some of the best experiences the island has to offer — all without spending much at all. Whether it’s a $3 nasi campur at Warung Sobat, a midweek Wagyu buffet at Shishi, a happy hour cocktail at sunset, or a cold Bintang on the beach, Bali proves again and again that the best moments don’t have to come with a big price tag.
Written by Ruby 27/8/2025