10 Ways to Save Money in Bali
How to Spend Less While in Bali
Enjoy Bali on a budget with these useful insider tips. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a full-on Balinese experience. Visiting this world-favorite island destination is easy for almost everyone and even though some resort areas are upscale and filled with Bali’s finest resorts and restaurants, a more affordable island vacation is possible.
With a bit of know-how, you can sleep, dine, shop, and get around the island for much less than you might’ve imagined. Some attractions don’t even require tickets. Here’s our Bali on a budget guide with several tips on how you can save money. It shows that Bali is a fantastic island destination that anyone can enjoy.
1. Get to Bali cheaply
Visas, airfares, and Bali’s low season
Good for: Budget, Couples
You can enter Indonesia visa-free if you’re from one of the listed countries and sovereign states. These include Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, and Timor-Leste. If you’re not from any of these nations, however, you’ll find that Visas are pretty affordable generally.
With that out of the way, it’s time to get yourself the cheapest airfares to Bali. Australians usually get to access some of the cheapest direct flights. Those coming from farther afield could consider splitting their vacation or hop on a different domestic (cheaper) flight and continue to Bali. Also, go during the low season (November to March) when the fares are cheaper.
2. Avoid common scams
Being scammer-savvy and vigilant
Good for: Budget
The moment you touch down at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and head out through immigration, not only does Bali welcome you, but so do the scammers. From trickster money changers to non-metered taxi rides and over-friendly people, it’s best to keep vigilant to ensure that you and your money are not easily parted.
Leaving the airport particularly requires you to get a taxi, but if you want to avoid the monopoly in place there, you can grab your luggage and walk out of the airport to hail metered taxis roaming the public roads. These taxis aren’t allowed to pick up passengers inside the airport.
3. Stay, sleep, and snack
Sourcing budget accommodation
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Couples
The backpacker’s guesthouse territories in Bali are Kuta, Legian, and around Denpasar, while some cheap homestays operated by local villagers are also available in resort areas like Sanur and Ubud. Although they tend to be very basic, they’re good for a night’s sleep. And if you can use fans instead of air conditioning, you could keep your budget down even further.
Going cheaper than that requires challenge and exploration. If you’re brave enough for walk-ins, you might get lucky around Poppies Lane in Kuta or Jalan Kajeng in Ubud. You don’t have to opt for a room with breakfast, as you can search for cheaper snacks and meals right outside your hotel.
4. Eat and drink like a local
Delicious, local cuisine to save your wallet
Good for: Food, Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to avoid the fancy French and Italian restaurants altogether. Instead, go local and enjoy the flavors of traditional Balinese cuisine. “Warungs” are street-side stalls selling traditional snacks at local prices. There are also plenty of budget restaurants that borrow the name “warung” and sell very decent dishes in cozy settings.
Around Bali’s popular beach resort areas and especially along the beach promenades, you’ll often find local food galore that can range from meatball soups to “nasi goreng” (fried rice) and noodles. You might also want to head for the night markets for dinner. Read more
5. Chilling out on the cheap
Sourcing beverages and music
Good for: Budget, Food
When you’re on a budget, sipping fine wines is out of the question. To pick up affordable local beer, avoid hotels and restaurants and drop by a convenience store (mini-mart or mini-market, as they refer to them here).
And if you want to enjoy a stunning sunset, most parts of the beaches are free, including most sections in front of popular and sophisticated (i.e., expensive) beach bars and clubs. Music from their DJ booths will be audible enough from where you’re sitting and you’ve got your own beer with you anyway.
6. Getting around Bali
Traveling the adventurous way
Good for: Adventure, Budget
There are several affordable ways to get around Bali. The island has a public bus system called the Trans Sarbagita. These bright blue buses stop at various sheltered bus stops at unpredictable times due to the nature of the traffic in Bali. Fares are very cheap and the bus operates from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm. Mostly targeted at locals, its routes generally aren’t particularly related to tourist destinations. However, it offers a true backpacking-adventure style of travel.
To capture the spirit of exploration and venture off the beaten track, consider renting a motorbike. Just be sure you have an international license. Drive with caution and always wear a helmet for protection and to prevent a hefty police fine.
7. See and do on a budget
So many fun things to do are free
Good for: Photo, Budget
From natural vistas of beaches and mountain tops to temples and royal palaces, most of Bali’s sights are free. Only some temples urge you to pay a donation at the gates. Watching villagers rehearse dance performances at “banjar” (communal halls) doesn’t require tickets. Nor does seeing students of the Denpasar Arts Institute practice at their campus amphitheater behind Denpasar Arts Center.
Annual festivals put on incredible public parades for all to enjoy, such as the Bali Arts Festival and the Bali Kites Festival. Among Bali’s most unique celebrations are the “ogoh-ogoh” parades of papier-mache ogres on the eve of Nyepi (the Saka New Year). You won’t be able to do anything or go anywhere the next day, though.
8. Bargain hard
Art markets for haggling heaven
Good for: Shoppers, Budget
Knock-off items sold by peddlers at the beach can be tempting, especially if that Oakley or Rolex comes with a price that’s too good to be true. It usually is, so it’s better to just avoid buying it altogether. Instead, Bali’s art markets are a budget-friendly starting point, but it’s always hit-and-miss. It all depends on how well-honed your bargaining skills are. It can be a unique shopping experience where you discover a treasure trove of artworks and handicrafts by talented local craftsmen, all at bargain prices.
Aggressive bargaining is by going down to about 35% of the offered price, before working your way up to an agreeable amount. Fixed-price art shops can help you avoid the hassle.
9. Enjoy cheap spa treatments on the beach
A massage right by the sun, sea, and surf
Good for: Budget, Unusual
After a long day out exploring Bali’s beaches and bargaining at art markets, why not reward yourself by unwinding with a bit of pampering on the beach? Many beaches feature local masseuses which are generally highly skilled and do a pretty good job at kneading muscles and sending you into a slight slumber, all accompanied by gentle sea breezes.
You can also, yet again, use your bargaining skills to lower the price of your much-needed half-hour back massage or hour-long body massage.
10. Leaving Bali
Saving money even as the vacation ends
Good for: Budget
Pre-arranged transfers to the airport for your flight home are always the best option. Even some budget accommodation has free shuttle transfer services, but ask at the front desk just to be sure. Also, always make sure you have saved enough rupiah for the way back to the airport, including any airport departure taxes.
The departure tax is applied for international passengers but that’s often already included in your air ticket. You can save money on taxis if you stayed in the Tuban area, just north of the airport, as most accommodation here is just a short walk away from the airport.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.