✈️ Can You Really Travel Bali on a Budget?
Before I booked my first Bali trip, I had one big question:
Can I actually make $500 last a whole week in paradise?
Spoiler: YES—and I still had enough for smoothies, scooter rides, and a beach massage.
This guide breaks down my real spending from my budget backpacking trip through Bali. Whether you’re a broke student, first-time solo traveler, or just someone who wants to see the world without draining your savings—this one’s for you.
📊 1-Week Bali Budget at a Glance
| Category | Daily Cost (USD) | 7-Day Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–20 | $70–140 |
| Food | $8–12 | $56–84 |
| Transport | $5–10 | $35–70 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $35–105 |
| Extras | $3–5 | $21–35 |
| Total | — | ~$220–430 |
✅ Yes, Bali can be dreamy and affordable—if you plan wisely.
🛏️ Accommodation in Bali (Budget-Style)
Where to Stay
- Canggu for surfer vibes and café hopping
- Ubud for peaceful rice terraces and temples
- Seminyak for beach sunsets and nightlife
Budget Breakdown
- Dorm beds in hostels: $7–12/night
- Private rooms in guesthouses: $15–25/night
- Capsule hotels: comfy and clean for $10–18
💡 Tip: Book your first few nights, then explore and book locally for better deals.
🍜 Food & Drinks: Delicious and Dirt Cheap
What I Ate in a Day:
- 🥣 Breakfast: Smoothie bowl – $2.50
- 🍛 Lunch: Nasi goreng at a warung – $1.50
- 🍜 Dinner: Chicken satay + rice – $2
- 🥥 Snacks: Coconut or banana fritters – $1
- 🍹 Drinks: Bintang beer or fresh juice – $1.50–2
Total per day: ~$8–12
✨ Warungs (local eateries) are your best friends. Not only cheap, but so tasty.
🛵 Getting Around Bali
Options & Prices:
- Scooter rental: ~$5–7/day + ~$1–2 fuel
- Gojek/Grab rides: $1–3 per trip (short distances)
- Airport transfer: ~$7–10
- Shuttle buses (between towns): $5–8
I rented a scooter in Ubud for 3 days and used Gojek everywhere else.
Total transport spend for the week? ~$40
💡 Pro tip: If you’re new to scooters, start in Ubud—less traffic than Kuta or Denpasar.
🏝️ Things to Do: From Free to Worth-the-Splurge
Bali has so many activities that won’t hurt your wallet.
Free or Cheap Experiences:
- Rice terrace hikes in Ubud
- Sunrise walks along Campuhan Ridge
- Beach hopping in Canggu, Seminyak, or Uluwatu
- Visiting free temples (just wear a sarong!)
- Swimming under waterfalls like Tegenungan or Tibumana ($1–2 entry)
Budget-Friendly Paid Experiences:
- 🐒 Monkey Forest: ~$5
- 🧘 Yoga drop-in class: ~$7
- 🥾 Mount Batur sunrise hike: ~$25 (incl. guide + brekkie)
- 🏄 Beginner surf lesson: ~$15–20
- 💆 Balinese massage: ~$6–10/hour
My total for activities: ~$75 (including a hike, yoga, and daily exploring)
📱 Extras You Should Budget For
These little costs add up if you don’t plan ahead.
- 📶 SIM card with data (Telkomsel, 10GB): ~$6
- 🧺 Laundry service: ~$1.50–2 per kg
- 🎁 Souvenirs: Wooden carvings, sarongs, keychains = ~$10
- 🛂 Visa on Arrival (for some passports): $35 (only if not included)
Total extras: ~$25–35
💡 Tip: Buy a SIM card at a local shop in town—not at the airport.
💵 Got a Bit More to Spend? Here’s Where I’d Splurge:
If you have some spare change, here’s where a little luxury goes a long way:
- 🏡 Stay in a private villa in Ubud or Canggu: starting at $35/night
- 🧖♀️ Go full spa mode: Flower bath + massage package (~$20–30)
- 🌋 Mount Batur sunrise hike: worth every cent for the views
- 🏄 Surf like a pro: Take a multi-day lesson package for ~$40–50
- 🍽️ Sunset dinner at a beach club: ~$20 for a full meal + drink with ocean views
✨ One or two mini splurges won’t ruin your budget—and they’ll make your trip unforgettable.
✅ My Total Spend for 7 Days in Bali
| Category | Spent (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $100 |
| Food | $70 |
| Transport | $40 |
| Activities | $75 |
| Extras | $25 |
| Total | ~$310 |
And guess what? It felt luxurious.
💡 With smart choices and a few indulgences, you can live well in Bali without blowing your budget.
💬 Final Thoughts
Bali is one of the few places where budget travel doesn’t feel budget.
You’ll eat well, explore stunning nature, meet amazing people, and treat yourself—without maxing your student card.
If you’ve got a backpack, a bit of planning, and a heart for adventure, Bali is waiting for you. 🌴
📣 Your Turn!
Planning a Bali trip soon? Got questions about budgeting or what to skip?
👇 Drop your questions in the comments or check out my other Bali post:
👉 💸 Best Time to Visit Bali on a Budget: When to Go & How to Save Big
Let’s make travel possible—one coin at a time 🪙✈️
Little Coin Traveler 
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