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Bali is more expensive than other travel destinations in Indonesia. The cost may double if you compare it with a beach destination in Thailand. The Island of the Gods attracts travelers for its varied landscape, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches. The picturesque landscape tinged with the colorful and deeply spiritual culture has probably no parallel in the world. One can’t blame you if you have chosen this fascinating destination despite the fact of its being too expensive.
Nevertheless, there are ways to keep down the cost of holidaying in Bali. You need to take into account the things that might cause a dent in your pocket. There are mainly two things that are excessively pricey in Bali – accommodation and liquor. Other things that can significantly affect your budget include transportation, dining and shopping. Follow this Bali budget travel guide to help you save on your trip.
Important Tips for Budget Travelers
You can expect to have a good holiday experience in Bali by following some practical tips.
- It is usually cheaper to hire a taxi rather than availing an airport transfer when you land in Bali.
- It is quite convenient and fairly cheap to hire a motorbike for the purpose of getting around the Province. A cheaper alternative is to use Perama Buses, but you must note that they don’t run quite frequently. Bemos are the cheapest option, but they may take too long to take you to your intended destination.
- You might prefer to stay in Kuta for some good reasons. But you may end up paying more than necessary for food, accommodation and other things. A better alternative would be to hunt for a cheap accommodation somewhere else, such as Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula or Munduk in the western part of the Island.
- It is customary to bargain for everything you buy or rent in Bali. You are likely to save significantly on room rent if you can bargain well. Similarly, don’t forget to bargain when you are out in the town for shopping.
- It is cheaper to eat on the street. The street-side vendors offer a variety of local dishes that will keep you nourished. Another reason to hunt for street stall is the tantalizing taste of Balinese food. Don’t miss to taste delicious satay, Babi Guling, Basko Soup and Nasi Goreng.
- The beachside bars in Bali are all enticing. Don’t buy from there if you are on a tight budget. Instead, look for a warung (a small family run shop found everywhere in Indonesia) in a nearby area and grab a bottle or two. Sit in the sand out front and enjoy the sunsets.
Top Things to do in Bali on a Budget
Here is my pick of the top five things to do in Bali.
1. Watch Sunset at Tanah Lot
Probably the most famous spot in Bali, Tanah Lot temple looks amazing for its location on the southwest coast. Even more amazing is the sight of sunset, which is what drives a large number of tourists every day.
Sunset at Tanah Lot (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Go biking in Ubud
There is no better way to explore the culture center of Bali than to go biking. The streets of Ubud teem with culture and you will have a good opportunity to see artistic villages and rice paddies besides tracking down many other attractions that manifest the cultural supremacy of Bali.
A street in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Enjoy Sunbathing on Balangan Beach
You will wonder why it is the least packed with tourist despite its splendor and fabulous offerings. A good spot indeed if you are traveling on a budget, Balangan Beach is ideal for lazing your days under the sun. Surfers will love this beach as well.
Visit Uluwatu
Spot wild monkeys and take some funny pictures. The Monkey Temple in Uluwatu is home to many wild monkeys, so have fun playing with them. Head for the beach when you get tired and have some calm moments at one of the popular beaches of Bali.
Uluwatu Temple in Bali (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Shop at Seminyak
An up-market superb, Seminyak is home to many expats in Bali. So, expect a good shopping experience here. It is a trendy area with many designer shops, international restaurants and affordable bars.
One important tip for a budget holiday in Bali is to save on flights to Bali. You will appreciate the amount you have saved with a cheap flight deal. It is, therefore, necessary to plan very early and start looking for a favorable deal. Visiting the websites of different airlines and comparing their offers may take long. Instead, you can use the flight comparison tool provided by a good travel website.
We hope this Bali budget travel guide will help you save and have a great time on your trip.
About the author: Amelie Jones is an English writer. She has graduated from Glasgow in English Literature and loves to write about traveling. She has actually to some places and observed interesting facts about the same which she consistently uses in her writings. She is currently working for Hoodaki.com
