{"id":610,"date":"2018-06-15T12:36:59","date_gmt":"2018-06-15T12:36:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/guides\/?page_id=610"},"modified":"2018-11-19T12:21:39","modified_gmt":"2018-11-19T12:21:39","slug":"budget","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/travel\/bali\/story\/budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Bali Cheap?"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many people visiting Bali, prices on the island will seem ridiculously cheap, particularly to those coming from Australia or other Western countries. However, budget backpackers arriving from other spots in Southeast Asia may find Bali a little pricey, especially compared to places like Vietnam and Cambodia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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An infinity pool at a luxurious resort in Bali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, Bali has enough options to cater to every type of traveller. Whether you are trying to keep costs to a minimum, or travelling with a luxury budget, you\u2019ll find accommodation, food, and transport to suit you.<\/span><\/p>\n

How much you spend in Bali will depend on what regions you visit, how you choose to get there, and where you eat and sleep. Let\u2019s take an in-depth look at the cost of visiting Bali, and where to find the lowest (and highest) prices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prices by Region in Bali<\/h2>\n

Bali is divided into 6 regions, and each attracts a different type of traveler. This will be reflected by the prices in that area, for everything from massages to drinks. To help you work out which part of the island best fits in with your budget, let\u2019s take a look at the costs of staying in each.<\/span><\/p>\n

South Bali: $$$<\/h3>\n

Includes<\/strong>: Kuta, Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak, Denpasar, Sanur, Jimbaran, Legian, Nusa Dua, Tanah Lot<\/span><\/p>\n

South Bali<\/a> is the most visited region on the island, and with large areas catering almost exclusively to travellers and tourists, you\u2019re unlikely to find any places with \u2018local\u2019 prices. That being said, it is still possible to stay cheaply here. Budget hotels can be found all around Canggu, Uluwatu, and Kuta, and you can usually find warungs and street restaurants for cheap eats.<\/span><\/p>\n

If fine dining and luxury accommodation<\/a> are what you\u2019re looking for, head to the upmarket town of Seminyak, home to Bali\u2019s most expensive bars, beach clubs and boutique spas. The prices may be premium for the island, but for some travellers will seem very affordable.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Luxury beachfront Bali villa by Eats&Retreats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cost Rating<\/strong>: $$$<\/span><\/p>\n

Central Bali: $$<\/h3>\n

Includes<\/strong>: Ubud, Bedugul, Tabanan, Gianyar<\/span><\/p>\n

This region houses Bali\u2019s central mountain range and Ubud, Bali\u2019s cultural heart (and hippie-haven). This small town is the most popular tourist destination in Central Bali<\/a>, and prices vary depending on where you stay. Hostel prices are typical of elsewhere on the island and start at around $5 USD per night. However, fancier (and more expensive) accommodation is also available. There are a few good warungs around town, but Ubud is better known for its boutique cafes and restaurants. Vegetarians and vegans will eat better here than perhaps anywhere else on the island, with many places offering a wide array of beautifully prepared plant-based dishes: such as the Sage Vegan Restaurant<\/a>. Of course, such luxury comes with a price, and the costs of dining out may begin to add up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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For vegetarian food – head to Ubud! Photo: Sage Restaurant. Image source: https:\/\/www.afar.com\/places\/sage-ubud<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Prices drop once you get out of Ubud, and you may be surprised to find that your Nasi Goreng costs half the price in the mountain regions of Bali. These areas receive fewer international visitors, so you are more likely to be eating – and paying – what the locals do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost Rating<\/strong>: $$<\/span><\/p>\n

West Bali: $<\/h3>\n

Includes<\/strong>: Negara, Gilimanuk, Medewi Beach, Pemuteran<\/span><\/p>\n

West Bali is seldom visited, though the area is in fact home to some great surf spots, glorious landscapes, and sites of historical and religious interest. This serene part of the island doesn\u2019t have nearly the same amount of tourism infrastructure as the more popular spots, and you’re likely to have fewer options for accommodation. Low-cost guest houses and cheap local restaurants will help to keep prices down, though you can expect to pay a lot more if you plan to stay in the West Bali National Park.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost Rating<\/strong>: $<\/span><\/p>\n

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Black volcanic sand at Medewi beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

North Bali: $$<\/h3>\n

Includes:<\/strong> Lovina, Singaraja<\/span><\/p>\n

North Bali is a soothing bolt-hole from the hustle and bustle of the Southern areas, and visitors here are likely to spend their days trekking through the jungle to isolated waterfalls and beauty spots or relaxing on the beach. With a range of dining and sleeping options, it is possible to find both budget and luxury food and accommodation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Beautiful Git Git waterfall in the North of Bali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cost Rating<\/strong>: $$<\/span><\/p>\n

East Bali: $$<\/h3>\n

Includes<\/strong>: Amed, Besakih, Candidasa, Kintamani, Klungkung, Mount Agung, Padang Bai, Tirta Gangga<\/span><\/p>\n

With black sand beaches and a wealth of cultural experiences on offer, the lesser-visited region of East Bali is the island\u2019s hidden gem. Prices here vary, but if you spend your days exploring the region\u2019s natural beauty and your nights in budget guesthouses, you can keep costs fairly low.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Amed, East Bali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cost Rating<\/strong>: $$<\/span><\/p>\n

Southeastern Islands: $$$<\/h3>\n

Includes<\/strong>: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan<\/span><\/p>\n

The islands off Bali\u2019s Southeastern coast are well worth a visit, and all offer spots of secluded beauty, and excellent conditions for water sports. However, you should budget a little more for a trip to Southeastern Bali, as scooter rental (almost a necessity on the islands, which have no public transport) and daytime activities such as scuba diving, can get expensive. Budget accommodation is available but is a little more costly than on the main island. The good news is that there are plenty of cheap, local restaurants and warungs around, so food expenses can be kept to a minimum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nusa Penida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cost Rating<\/strong>: $$$<\/span><\/p>\n

Are cigarettes and alcohol cheap in Bali?<\/h2>\n

The price of cigarettes in Bali is comparable to most other countries in Southeast Asia, i.e. criminally cheap. Western brands (such as Marlboro) typically cost around $1.50 USD per pack, and Indonesian brands can cost less than one dollar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alcohol, although cheap compared to some Western countries, could be considered a little pricey by the budget backpacker. Expect to pay around $4 USD for a large bottle of Bintang, and as much as $7 USD for a mixed drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you really want to get drunk on a budget, you could always try the local <\/span>arak<\/span><\/i>. <\/b>A bottle of this strong local spirit can be bought for as little as $1.50 USD, but be wary – <\/span>arak<\/span><\/i> has been linked to a great many cases of alcohol poisoning over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alcohol can be expensive in Bali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is transport cheap in Bali?<\/h2>\n

There are few public transport options in Bali, and getting around can be expensive. However, there are a few ways to keeps costs down when moving from place to place:<\/span><\/p>\n

Download Grab: <\/i><\/b>Indonesia\u2019s answer to Uber (which is also available, though less widely used), Grab is a great way to organize cheap transport around Bali. The pre-set price removes any need to haggle, and you can expect to pay way less than you would in a taxi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rent a scooter: <\/i><\/b>Renting a scooter can be a very cost-effective way to get around Bali\u00a0and gives you the freedom to take off and explore whenever you please. Daily rental starts at around $3.50 USD, but you can barter for a better rate if you plan to rent for longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nothing beats exploring Bali by scooter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Buddy up to share taxis: <\/i><\/b>If you\u2019re a solo traveller, try to find people going the same way as you and share the cab fare. This is easier than you might think – other solo travellers on a budget will jump at the chance to reduce costs and make friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take an ojek<\/i><\/b>: For a cheap way to get around town, get a lift from an <\/span>ojek<\/span><\/i>. These are motorbike divers with room for a passenger, and they\u2019ll take you where you need to be for a very low price.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shop around for boat tickets: <\/i><\/b>When buying a boat ticket to a neighbouring island, don\u2019t book it through the hostel if you\u2019re trying to save money. For the best prices, go directly to the ticket stand at the harbour, and ask around to compare the cost if there are a few different options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is food cheap in Bali?<\/h2>\n

Food in Bali can be very cheap if you know where to eat. Local food is very inexpensive, and a meal from a warung (Bali street food spots)<\/a> will typically cost you no more than a dollar or two.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sate Ayam: Cheap street food in Bali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re craving Western food you can expect to pay more, with prices at Western restaurants usually starting at around $5.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, there are also options for fine dining available, particularly around Seminyak where a meal can cost up to $20 USD.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, these restaurants will usually charge a service fee, which usually adds 10 – 20% to your bill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is accommodation in Bali cheap?<\/h2>\n

Hostels are the accommodation of choice for the budget traveler, where a dorm bed in a fan room can set you back by as little as $5 USD.<\/span><\/p>\n

If communal living isn\u2019t for you, there are plenty of other cheap options for accommodation in Bali. Guesthouses and homestays usually start at around $15 USD per night for a double room, and there are also many cheap hotels on the island. For families or larger groups, check out accommodation apps like Airbnb\u00a0and sites like Eats and Retreats<\/a> to find great deals on villas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Those who are looking for luxury experiences, there is a plenty of high – end hotels and villas with infinity pools, private chefs and other finer things in life. The prices for this type of accommodation start at approximately USD $<\/span>200 per night.<\/p>\n

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Holiday villa in Bali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is living in Bali cheap?<\/h2>\n