A trip to Bali can cost you as much or as little as your traveling style and budget permit. Whether you prefer luxury five star resorts or you don’t mind staying at hostels, fine dining or immersing in local street food, your Bali trip cost depends on multiple preferential factors.
While Bali is known for its relatively cheaper living costs, there’s not really a fixed number of how much you would end up spending on a trip to the island. To help you plan for your trip, here is a rough guide for what you can expect to budget for your holiday according to a number of factors.
Flights and entry requirements
There are plenty of budget airlines and more expensive flights that fly into Bali’s international airport.
A direct flight to Bali from Sydney would set you back around AU$ 400. From London, it would cost approximately £800. Meanwhile, flying in from the United States may cost around US$1,500. If you don’t mind transits and long layovers, you’ll be able to save up on this portion of your trip.
Don’t forget to also factor in visa costs and the newly-imposed tourism levy. Passport holders of several countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport for Rp.500,000. Additionally, foreign travellers are required to pay a Rp.150,000 tax which goes to maintaining Bali’s nature and tourist sites.
Type of accommodation
Another factor influencing your Bali trip cost is the kind of accommodation you choose. The island offers a diverse mix of budget hotels, high-end properties, and luxury resorts.
Depending on the location, budget hotels in Bali will cost you around $10 to $20 per night. If you’re looking to stay somewhere nicer, a 3-star property ranges between $30 to $100 a night.
Staying at a 5-star property will set you back $100 to $300 a night, while ultra luxury resorts are priced at $1,000 a night or more.
Location of your stay
The above prices vary greatly according to their location on the island and contribute to your overall Bali trip cost.
South Bali
The south of Bali encompasses the crowded tourist areas of Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Jimbaran. These locations are the busiest on the island, lined with brunch spots, beach clubs, coworking spaces, and retail shops. This is also where you will find some of the best sunsets. Accommodation in this area is in high demand and is therefore pricier.
East Bali
Heading east will take you closer to the mountains and Bali’s popular temples. This area of the island is quieter and relatively untouched, making it perfect for those seeking to be in nature. There are fewer luxury accommodations here, with regular lodgings costing mid-range prices.
Central Bali
The Ubud area is surrounded by jungles and rice fields. It’s known as Bali’s yoga and wellness hub. There are many hotels here offering rice terrace views, with many being almost as expensive, or sometimes more expensive than, those in the south.
West Bali
For a remote and laid back vibe, this part of the island may be for you. There are less accommodations here because less tourists choose to stay here, meaning there are more budget-friendly options available.
North Bali
Home to majestic waterfalls and calm beaches, north Bali offers slow-paced living with less infrastructure for tourists. Although this area is far away from entertainment, there are more affordable places to stay here.
Transportation
Motorbikes are the most common mode of transportation in Bali. They allow people to navigate the island’s narrow roads and increasing traffic. However, there are also non-bike transport options.
Motorbike rental
Scooters are available for daily or monthly rental. You’ll be paying Rp.60,000 to Rp.100,000 per day or Rp.800,000 to Rp.1,500,000 per month. This rental doesn’t include petrol, which costs around Rp.100,000 to Rp.300,000 a month depending on how far you travel.
Car rental
If you’re traveling with a group, it may be more worth it to travel by car. Many rental companies offer the option of renting a car with a driver, which will cost you Rp.600,000 to Rp.1,000,000. This includes petrol and the driver’s fee for 8-10 hours.
Alternatively, you can choose to drive yourself as long as you have a valid international driver’s license. Renting the car alone costs around Rp.250,000 to Rp.500,000 a day, which may help you save up on your Bali trip cost.
Online ride-hailing services
If you prefer not to drive, you can make use of the many ride-hailing apps available. The price you pay is determined by the mode of transport, distance to your destination, and whether or not your trip takes place during peak hours.
Motorbike taxis cost Rp.10,000 to Rp.25,000 for a short trip and Rp.50,000 to Rp.100,000 or more for longer trips. If you’re ordering a car, be prepared to pay Rp.20,000 to Rp.40,000 for a short trip and Rp.80,000 to Rp.150,000 or more for longer trips.
Food
If you’re on a budget, eating like the locals is your best option. Getting meals at the traditional market, warung, or street vendors, will cost only $1 to $3 per meal. Alternatively, there are also casual dining restaurants where you can spend around $5 to $10.
If you want a guarantee of cuisine and food that you’re familiar with, there are plenty of mid-range restaurants in Bali costing $10 to $25 a meal.
Additionally, luxury fine dining experiences are available for date nights and special occasions. One of these establishments is Merah Putih restaurant in Petitenget, Seminyak. This luxury Indonesian restaurant offers an exquisite taste of classic Indonesian recipes with a creative twist. Book a table to secure your spot and use these exclusive gift vouchers.
Activities
Leisure and entertainment
Your Bali trip cost also depends on what activities you want to fill your days with. The best part of island life is that many of these pastimes, such as lounging on the beach, will cost you next to nothing.
Other leisurely and entertainment activities include night life at beach clubs, bars, and pubs.
Adventure
Bali is packed with activities for the thrill-seeking travellers. Surfing will only cost you transport and parking, but you may have to pay entrance fees and guides for other adventures.
You can go on ATV rides, try white water rafting, trek Mount Batur to catch the sunrise, or encounter animals at the Monkey Forest, Bali Safari, or Bali Bird Park to name a few.
Culture
Those who travel to experience culture and learn more about history, Bali offers many museums and galleries. You can also immerse yourself in the rituals of Balinese Hinduism by visiting temples or watching performances. These activities involve guides and entrance fees that will add to your Bali trip cost.
FAQ
A trip to Bali can cost you as much or as little as your traveling style and budget permit. While Bali is known for its relatively cheaper living costs, there’s not really a fixed number of how much you would end up spending on a trip to the island.
Bali living expenses can vary greatly depending on your budget and lifestyle. The island is known for its relatively cheaper living costs compared to other countries in the west. It is possible to spend a mere $1,000 per month here.
If you’re on a budget, eating like the locals is your best option. Getting meals at the traditional market, warung, or street vendors, will cost only $1 to $3 per meal. Alternatively, there are also casual dining restaurants where you can spend around $5 to $10. If you want a guarantee of cuisine and food that you’re familiar with, there are plenty of mid-range restaurants in Bali costing $10 to $25 a meal.
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