Travel Budget for Bali Visit Bali on a Budget or Travel in Style

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Bali

You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the island in Bali thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.

Bali is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.

There are multiple resorts available in this island. You might be able to find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many have onsite restaurants.

Many visitors to Bali stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of winter) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.

If you plan on leaving your resort, which you should, you'll need to arrange transportation. The simplest option is to ask someone at your hotel if a tour has already been organized.

If you're considering renting a car and driving yourself, bear in mind Bali is a large island with rugged roads. There is a dangerous lack of traffic rules so be very realistic about your driving abilities before deciding to brave it on your own.

There is a public bus system - Perama - and several scheduled shuttle buses. If you'd like the benefits of a scheduled shuttle with the privacy of a taxi, consider hiring a Bemo. These minivans are a traditional, flexible service available to all tourists.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

• Horse Riding on the Black Sand Beach and Free Hotel Transfers for $74 details
• Bali Parasailing, Banana, Jet Ski, and Sea Walker with Transfer for $80 details
• LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer for $58 details

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bali is around $32 (Rp571988) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $79. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Bali are as follows:

• Breakfast: $3 to $10
• Lunch: $5 to $13
• Dinner: $10 to $22
• Coffee: $3
• Fast Food or Street Food: $5

Bali should definitely be on every foodie's bucket list. Beware, however, the spices in Indonesia are not for the weak-hearted. Take your time and caution when diving into new dishes.

While the fancy places probably look more enticing, the smaller local joints usually have better food at better prices. Some dishes to look for include nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi campur (steamed rice with veggies and meat) and mie goreng (fried noodles)

While you're out getting to know Bali, grab some lunch for one of their traditional food carts known as "kaki lima." Literally translated it means "five legs," in reference to the three legs of the cart and the two of the vendor.

All of these dishes and more can be found on the menus of restaurants in Bali and its populated areas such as Ubud and Canggu. Check out this guide to the best restaurants in Canggu for more info.

If it's western fare you seek, plenty of options are available from pizza to hamburgers to pasta. Plenty of coffee shops are also available, many of which are packed with fellow travelers and expats. For more specific options, check out this list of the best Canggu cafes for digital nomads.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

You can save money and appreciate the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Bali, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

• Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer for $89 details
• Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran for $41 details
• Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner for $65 details

A few of the most popular sights are:

• The Gate of Heaven for $10
• Waterbom Bali for $25
• Snorkeling for $40
• Besakih Temple for $4
• Tanah Lot Temple for $5
• Tirta Empul Temple for $3
• Jatiluwih Green Land for $3
• Tirta Gangga Water Palace for $3
• Uluwatu Temple for $2
• Mount Batur for $20
• The Bali Zoo for $22

There's never going to be enough time to see every wonder Bali has to offer, but this list is a start. When you see an impromptu temple procession happening, stop and watch it. It may seem like a traffic inconvenience, but people carrying pyramids of fruit, parasols while wearing furred masks is surely a sight unique to Bali. Did you miss it this time? Don't worry, there are dozens everyday in Bali.

If you're searching to dive deeper into the Indonesian culture, head over to Ubud where most of the cultural and historical activities and sights can be found. Walk along the old streets lined with art galleries, theatres full of traditional dance performances, and museums dedicated to the art of the rice fields. You'll learn everything you ever wanted to know abut Bali.

The island is steeped in history surrounding the vibrant rice fields found all around Bali. Visit the Jatiluwih fields to see ancient strains of rice growing from vibrant green land. Tour the fields and see them as the locals do - like a work of art.

For the more laid back crowd, the beaches in South Bali are not to be missed. Limestone cliffs meet white sand and waves nestled in a lush, tropical setting is the stuff vacations are made of. The areas of Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Balangan Beach are lined with hotels, shops, restaurants, and other amenities for travelers interested in staying near the beach. Many budget travelers choose to stay in Canggu due to lower prices and a relaxed vibe. For more details, see this great guide to everything in Canggu or our guide to the best hostels in Canggu.

No true Bali experience is complete without a temple visit, which is one of the best things to in Bali. No, this isn't like going to church on Sundays. Travel to the Pura Luhur Ulu Watu temple for a breathtaking ovcean view, amazing traditions in action, sunset dance performers, and, of course, monkeys. Don't let them near your wallet, though.

All of these amazing sights are just a few of the many reasons why Bali is such a popular destination for everyone. It is great for younger and older travelers. And it's also great for families, too. Plenty of things to do in Bali with teenagers can be found here. Also, the island is very comfortable for younger children, too. Check out this guide to Bali with Kids, as there are plenty of activities for younger kids in the various towns and beaches of Bali.

No matter if you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an exciting adventure in a new land, Bali has something for everyone.

For the relaxed version, go for a stroll along the beach, sip a pleasant drink and be sure to get a tradition massage. The special Balinese techniques of long strokes, skin rolling and palm-to-thumb pressure will change your life. Also, yoga is very popular here, too.

For a bigger adventure, there is world-renowned scuba diving in Gilis. Explore the coral reefs, make friends with sea turtles and try to keep up with the majestic manta rays.

If you're water adventures are more of the above surface varieties, Bali is the epicenter of Asian surfing. This is where it all started. During months with the letter "r," go east. Every other time of year, head west. With surfers pretty much everywhere you look, you'll feel right at home.

Sightseeing Tips

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving is one of the standout activities in Bali. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Beaches:
Countless visitors to Bali are eager to kick back by the beach. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Bali. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Ultimate Ubud Experience All Inclusive Private Day Tour for $30 details
• Uluwatu Temple Entrance & Kecak Dance Tickets for $28 details
• Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest & Art Village Tour for $59 details

Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.