Bali on a Budget: The Best Places for Travelers Looking to Save
Bali may be known for luxury resorts and high-end dining, but it also has countless budget-friendly options for savvy travelers. From scenic beaches to cultural landmarks, here are the top destinations in Bali for those looking to explore without overspending.
Why Go? Amed is famous for clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a top spot for budget-friendly snorkeling and diving. The Japanese Shipwreck and Jemeluk Bay offer incredible underwater views.
Cost-Saving Tips: Rent affordable snorkel gear locally and stick to beachside warungs (local food stalls) for meals.
Accommodation: Amed has many budget guesthouses and homestays with ocean views, starting as low as $10–$15 per night.
Why Go? Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, surrounded by rice terraces, temples, and markets. Many attractions like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegallalang Rice Terraces have low or no entrance fees.
Cost-Saving Tips: Take advantage of free or low-cost yoga classes, and explore Ubud’s free-entry art galleries and temples.
Accommodation: Budget homestays and guesthouses offer authentic experiences and start around $8–$15 per night.
Why Go? Known for dolphin-watching tours and quiet beaches, Lovina is a relaxing and budget-friendly coastal town in northern Bali. It’s also close to waterfalls like Sekumpul, accessible for a low entrance fee.
Cost-Saving Tips: Book dolphin tours directly with local fishermen for better deals, and explore nearby waterfalls by renting a motorbike.
Accommodation: Lovina offers affordable beachfront stays and guesthouses starting at around $10 per night.
Why Go? Nusa Penida boasts dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and popular snorkeling sites like Crystal Bay and Manta Point. While ferry rides cost a bit, the island itself can be explored on a budget.
Cost-Saving Tips: Rent a scooter to get around instead of relying on tours, and pack snacks to avoid higher prices on the island.
Accommodation: Small guesthouses start at about $12–$20 per night, depending on the area.
Why Go? Sanur offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere with affordable beachfront cafes, local markets, and easy access to nearby islands like Nusa Lembongan.
Cost-Saving Tips: Skip beach clubs and enjoy public beach areas with street food vendors for affordable meals.
Accommodation: Budget hotels and homestays range from $10–$18 per night, with some offering basic beachside amenities.
Why Go? Known for its laid-back vibe and surf culture, Canggu is more affordable than Seminyak or Kuta. With free beach access and a vibrant cafe scene, it’s a great spot for budget-conscious travelers.
Cost-Saving Tips: Canggu’s beaches are free, and local warungs offer cheap meals. Look for happy hour deals at cafes and bars.
Accommodation: Dorms and shared rooms are common, with prices as low as $7–$15 per night.
Eat Local: Stick to warungs, which serve Indonesian dishes for as little as $1–$3.
Public Transport and Scooters: Rent a scooter (about $5 per day) or use affordable local transport to avoid taxi expenses.
Avoid High Seasons: Visiting during the shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) can mean better deals on accommodation and tours.
Free Activities: Bali has many free natural attractions like waterfalls, rice terraces, and beaches.
With careful planning and a focus on local experiences, Bali is one of the best destinations for budget travelers looking to enjoy paradise without breaking the bank.
1. Amed: The Affordable Snorkeling and Diving Paradise
Why Go? Amed is famous for clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a top spot for budget-friendly snorkeling and diving. The Japanese Shipwreck and Jemeluk Bay offer incredible underwater views.
Cost-Saving Tips: Rent affordable snorkel gear locally and stick to beachside warungs (local food stalls) for meals.
Accommodation: Amed has many budget guesthouses and homestays with ocean views, starting as low as $10–$15 per night.
2. Ubud: Culture and Nature at a Low Cost
Why Go? Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, surrounded by rice terraces, temples, and markets. Many attractions like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegallalang Rice Terraces have low or no entrance fees.
Cost-Saving Tips: Take advantage of free or low-cost yoga classes, and explore Ubud’s free-entry art galleries and temples.
Accommodation: Budget homestays and guesthouses offer authentic experiences and start around $8–$15 per night.
3. Lovina: The Affordable North Shore Gem
Why Go? Known for dolphin-watching tours and quiet beaches, Lovina is a relaxing and budget-friendly coastal town in northern Bali. It’s also close to waterfalls like Sekumpul, accessible for a low entrance fee.
Cost-Saving Tips: Book dolphin tours directly with local fishermen for better deals, and explore nearby waterfalls by renting a motorbike.
Accommodation: Lovina offers affordable beachfront stays and guesthouses starting at around $10 per night.
4. Nusa Penida: Natural Beauty on a Budget
Why Go? Nusa Penida boasts dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and popular snorkeling sites like Crystal Bay and Manta Point. While ferry rides cost a bit, the island itself can be explored on a budget.
Cost-Saving Tips: Rent a scooter to get around instead of relying on tours, and pack snacks to avoid higher prices on the island.
Accommodation: Small guesthouses start at about $12–$20 per night, depending on the area.
5. Sanur: A Relaxed, Affordable Beach Town
Why Go? Sanur offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere with affordable beachfront cafes, local markets, and easy access to nearby islands like Nusa Lembongan.
Cost-Saving Tips: Skip beach clubs and enjoy public beach areas with street food vendors for affordable meals.
Accommodation: Budget hotels and homestays range from $10–$18 per night, with some offering basic beachside amenities.
6. Canggu: Surfing and Nightlife Without the High Cost
Why Go? Known for its laid-back vibe and surf culture, Canggu is more affordable than Seminyak or Kuta. With free beach access and a vibrant cafe scene, it’s a great spot for budget-conscious travelers.
Cost-Saving Tips: Canggu’s beaches are free, and local warungs offer cheap meals. Look for happy hour deals at cafes and bars.
Accommodation: Dorms and shared rooms are common, with prices as low as $7–$15 per night.
Extra Tips for Traveling on a Budget in Bali
Eat Local: Stick to warungs, which serve Indonesian dishes for as little as $1–$3.
Public Transport and Scooters: Rent a scooter (about $5 per day) or use affordable local transport to avoid taxi expenses.
Avoid High Seasons: Visiting during the shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) can mean better deals on accommodation and tours.
Free Activities: Bali has many free natural attractions like waterfalls, rice terraces, and beaches.
With careful planning and a focus on local experiences, Bali is one of the best destinations for budget travelers looking to enjoy paradise without breaking the bank.
