Bali on a Budget: Complete Backpacker Guide
Think Bali is expensive? Think again. This complete backpacker guide shows you how to experience the Island of the Gods on less than $35 a day without missing a thing.
Why Bali Is Still the Ultimate Budget Destination
Instagram might have you believe that Bali is all infinity pools and overpriced acai bowls, but the reality is far more exciting. Away from the curated resort strips, Bali remains one of the most affordable travel destinations in Southeast Asia. A hearty local meal costs under $2, a private room in a guesthouse runs $8-15 per night, and some of the island's most spectacular experiences — temple ceremonies, rice terrace hikes, beach sunsets — are completely free.
After spending three months living in Bali on a shoestring budget, I can tell you exactly where to save and where it is worth spending a little extra. This guide is for travelers who want authentic experiences, not resort bubbles — and who want to keep their daily spend under $35.
Bali
🇮🇩 IndonesiaThe Island of the Gods bewitches travelers with emerald rice terraces, sacred Hindu temples, world-class surf breaks, and a wellness culture that draws digital nomads from around the globe.
Bali Daily Budget Breakdown
| Catégorie | Budget | Moyen | Luxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 8-15$ | 30-70$ | 150+$ |
| Food | 5-10$ | 15-30$ | 50+$ |
| Transport | 3-5$ | 10-20$ | 40+$ |
| Activities | 0-5$ | 15-35$ | 80+$ |
| Total / day | 16-35$ | 70-155$ | 320+$ |
Budget prices assume guesthouses/hostels, eating at warungs (local restaurants), renting a scooter ($4-5/day), and sticking to free or cheap activities like temple visits and beach days.
Where to Base Yourself on a Budget
Canggu — The Digital Nomad Capital
Canggu has evolved from a sleepy surf village into the unofficial headquarters for remote workers worldwide. You will find coworking spaces on every corner, fast Wi-Fi in most cafes, and a thriving community of long-term travelers. Budget guesthouses along the rice paddies behind Batu Bolong start at $10/night. The beach break at Old Man's is perfect for beginner surfers, and the sunset at Echo Beach costs nothing but your time. Skip the overpriced smoothie bowls on the main strip and eat at Warung Bu Mi for a full meal under $2.
Ubud — The Cultural Heart
Ubud is where you go when you want to slow down. Surrounded by terraced rice fields and dense tropical forest, this inland town is the cultural soul of Bali. Attend a free Kecak fire dance at the Ubud Royal Palace, walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest (60,000 IDR entry), and explore the stunning Tegallalang Rice Terrace at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. Budget accommodation along Jalan Kajeng and Jalan Bisma offers peaceful rooms with garden views for $8-12 per night.
Uluwatu — The Surfer's Paradise
The Bukit Peninsula around Uluwatu is where Bali's dramatic cliffside scenery meets world-class surf breaks. The iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a 70-meter cliff above the Indian Ocean, hosts the most spectacular Kecak dance performance on the island at sunset. Budget surfers can find basic rooms in Bingin for $10-15/night, eat at local warungs for $1.50-3, and surf some of the best waves in Indonesia without paying a cent. The hidden beach at Nyang Nyang (follow the steep staircase down) is one of Bali's best-kept secrets.
Common scams to watch out for
Money changers on the street often use rigged calculators or sleight-of-hand tricks. Always use official exchanges (BMC and Central Kuta are reliable) or ATMs. Taxi drivers at the airport will quote inflated prices — use the official counter or pre-book a Grab ride. At temples, self-appointed "guides" may demand payment after giving unsolicited tours. Politely decline if you did not ask for help.
Budget-Savvy Local Tips
- 🛵
Rent a scooter for $4-5 per day — it is the cheapest and most flexible way to get around. Always wear a helmet, get an international driving permit beforehand, and avoid driving at night on unlit roads.
- 💰
Everything is negotiable except fixed-price shops and restaurants. Start at 40% of the asking price in markets and meet somewhere in the middle. Always negotiate with a smile — it is expected and part of the culture.
- 🍛
Eat at warungs (small family-run restaurants) instead of cafes targeting tourists. A plate of nasi campur with rice, vegetables, chicken, and sambal costs 20,000-35,000 IDR ($1.30-2.30). Look for places where locals are eating.
- 🛕
Temples require a sarong and sash. Carry your own to avoid renting overpriced ones at the entrance. You can buy both at any local market for under $3. Women should not enter temples during menstruation — this is a genuine religious custom, not a rule for tourists.
- 🏖️
Avoid Kuta unless you specifically want party hostels and nightclubs. It is the most expensive, most crowded, and least authentic area of Bali. Seminyak is a marginally better version. Head north or east for the real island.
- 🌅
Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace at sunrise (before 7am) to avoid the crowds entirely. The morning light is magical, the air is cool, and you will have the walking paths almost to yourself. The same goes for Tirta Empul water temple.
Best Time to Visit Bali on a Budget
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April-June and September-October offer the best combination of dry weather and budget-friendly prices. Avoid July-August and Christmas/New Year for the lowest costs.
Practical Information for Bali
Visa
Visa on Arrival (VOA) for most nationalities: $35 for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days ($35). Pay in USD cash for the fastest processing at the airport.
Monnaie
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 1 USD ≈ 15,700 IDR. ATMs are everywhere but charge 50,000-60,000 IDR ($3-4) per withdrawal. Use BCA or Mandiri ATMs for higher limits.
Langue
Bahasa Indonesia (official). Balinese in local communities. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learn "terima kasih" (thank you) — locals appreciate it enormously.
Transport
Scooter rental ($4-5/day) is the primary transport. Grab app works in southern Bali. No reliable public buses. Private drivers for day trips cost $35-50 for 10 hours.
Fuseau horaire
WITA (UTC+8). Same as Singapore and Perth. No daylight saving time.
Électricité
Type C/F plugs (European). 230V. Most accommodations have universal sockets. Power outages are rare but possible in remote areas.
Sécurité
Generally very safe. Main risks are scooter accidents (wear a helmet, drive defensively), petty theft (lock valuables), and strong ocean currents (swim near lifeguards). Tap water is not drinkable.
Urgences
112 (general emergency). BIMC Hospital in Kuta has English-speaking staff and is the best option for tourists needing medical care.
Is Bali Right for Budget Travelers?
Avantages
- +Incredibly affordable — $16-35/day is realistic for a comfortable experience
- +Stunning natural beauty from rice terraces to volcanic lakes to pristine beaches
- +Rich spiritual and cultural life with daily temple ceremonies and festivals
- +Excellent infrastructure for digital nomads (fast Wi-Fi, coworking spaces)
- +Warm, welcoming locals who genuinely enjoy meeting travelers
Inconvénients
- -Traffic in southern Bali can be horrendous, especially around Seminyak and Kuta
- -Over-tourism has impacted some popular spots (Tegallalang, Tanah Lot)
- -Scooter driving is risky if you are not experienced with motorbikes
- -Persistent hawkers and aggressive sales tactics in tourist areas
- -Waste management is a real problem — plastic pollution is visible on some beaches
Verdict : Bali remains one of the best budget destinations in the world, especially if you get off the beaten track. Head north to Munduk, east to Amed, or stay in the rice paddies behind Canggu, and you will find the magical, affordable Bali that keeps backpackers coming back year after year.
Bali Budget Travel FAQ
Bali Budget Trip Checklist
- Get Visa on Arrival ($35 USD cash) or apply for e-VOA online
- Bring a sarong and sash for temple visits
- Get an International Driving Permit if planning to ride a scooter
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen damages coral reefs)
- Download Grab app for rides in southern Bali
- Bring a reusable water bottle (many places offer free refills)
- Get travel insurance that covers scooter accidents
- Pack mosquito repellent (dengue fever exists in Bali)
- Bring a small daypack for temple visits and hikes
- Download offline maps for areas with spotty signal (north Bali, Nusa Penida)
About the Author
Sarah Wanderer
A digital nomad and slow travel advocate who has visited over 50 countries. Sarah specializes in budget travel tips and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
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