Bali on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Yes: with homestays, warung meals and shared drivers, Bali is very affordable. A realistic minimum is about IDR 600,000 per person a day (IDR 250,000 bed, 150,000 food, 100,000 activities, 100,000 transport), plus the one-off tourist levy and visa fee.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | IDR250,000 | IDR700,000 | IDR2,500,000 |
| Food & drink | IDR150,000 | IDR350,000 | IDR900,000 |
| Sights & tickets | IDR100,000 | IDR400,000 | IDR1,000,000 |
| Local transport | IDR100,000 | IDR300,000 | IDR600,000 |
| Per person, per day | IDR600,000 | IDR1,750,000 | IDR5,000,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Bali day-cost table.
Free things to do
- The Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud, best before 9:00 or after 16:00
- Sunset on the sand at Batu Bolong or Echo Beach in Canggu
- Walking the beachfront path in Sanur at sunrise
- Pasar Ubud, the morning traditional market, before the souvenir stalls take over
- Watching surfers from the cliffs at Uluwatu and Suluban
- Temple ceremonies and processions in villages, watched respectfully from the side
Cheap eats
- Nasi jinggo from a Denpasar night seller: about IDR 5,000–10,000
- Nasi campur at a local warung: about IDR 25,000–60,000
- Babi guling in Ubud or Gianyar: about IDR 40,000–80,000
- Sate lilit: about IDR 25,000–50,000 a plate
- Jaje Bali sweets at a morning market: about IDR 2,000–5,000 a piece
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in homestays in central Ubud and guesthouses in Canggu, usually with breakfast; doubles cost about IDR 350,000–700,000, and hostel dorms in Canggu, Kuta and Ubud typically run roughly IDR 100,000–250,000 a night.
Getting around cheaply
Use Grab or Gojek motorbike taxis for short hops, and share a car with a driver (agree a full-day price) for touring days. From the airport, ride-hailing pick-up points are usually cheaper than the taxi counter, though the official taxis are the simplest option. Rent a scooter only if you are licensed and experienced.
A sample budget day
- Morning: Campuhan Ridge Walk (free) and breakfast at your homestay
- Lunch: babi guling in Ubud (about IDR 60,000)
- Afternoon: Sacred Monkey Forest (about IDR 100,000) and Ubud Palace (free from outside)
- Evening: nasi campur at a warung (about IDR 40,000) and an Ubud dance show (about IDR 100,000)
- Total: about IDR 300,000 plus your bed, about IDR 600,000 with a IDR 250,000 bed and a ride
More ways to save
- Split a driver between three or four travellers for day trips to the rice terraces and water temples.
- Take the public fast boat to Nusa Penida and hire a local driver there rather than buying a full package in the south.
- Order local Bintang or fresh juice instead of imported wine and cocktails, which carry heavy taxes.
- Visit Tegallalang or Jatiluwih early; small path fees still apply, but you avoid paying for photo swings and add-ons.
- Travel in the wet season outside the holidays for lower villa prices; afternoon storms are usually short.
- Pay the IDR 150,000 tourist levy through the official channel only and keep the receipt.
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Common questions
Can I do Bali on a budget?
Yes. Homestays, warung meals and shared drivers keep costs to about IDR 600,000 a day per person.
What is the cheapest way to get around Bali?
Grab or Gojek motorbike taxis for short trips, and a shared car with a driver for longer days.
Where do budget travellers stay?
Homestays in central Ubud and guesthouses or hostels in Canggu, often with breakfast included.