Travel Smart, Spend Less with this perfect Bali budget trip
With this well-planned Bali budget trip, you don’t have to break the bank to plan your ideal island getaway. A week in paradise can be turned into an affordable and unforgettable adventure with the right planning and budget management. Without compromising comfort, experiences, or enjoyment, I’ll walk you through my $200 exploration of Bali in this blog. From low-cost lodging to local culinary treasures and inexpensive transportation tips, this guide will make your trip easier, not more difficult.
Best accomodations without Blowing My Bali Budget Trip
To be honest: if you’re not careful, lodging can consume the majority of your Bali budget trip. However, “budget” in Bali does not mean “bare minimum”. In locations like Ubud and Canggu, I discovered quaint guesthouses and homestays for about $8 to $10 per night. Many of them had hot showers, Wi-Fi, and breakfast, which was everything I needed for a comfortable stay. Additionally, a warm, local experience that you wouldn’t find at a large resort was provided by these family-run establishments.
The finest aspect?
I was able to afford more experiences in Bali thanks to the money I saved on lodging. Moreover, I found excellent value without sacrificing cleanliness or safety by filtering by “lowest price” and “guest rating over 8.0” on booking websites like Agoda and Booking.com. Even during peak season, I was able to lock in the best deals and feel more at ease by making my reservation in advance.
Healthy food options on a Tight Bali Budget Trip
Even on a tight budget, I was able to savour every bite of Bali’s culinary paradise. Local food is awesome in Bali. One of the restaurants I visited was warungs, tiny, family-run restaurants rather than the pricey tourist restaurants. There, I ate traditional Indonesian foods like Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, and Sate Ayam for only $1 to $2 per meal. Besides, each day, I rarely spent more than $5 on food, but every meal was filling, tasty, and fresh.
Tropical fruits from roadside vendors, smoothie bowls, and coconut water gave my diet some variation without affecting my Bali Budget Trip. Knowing that I didn’t have to sacrifice taste for affordability was a welcome change. The least expensive meals were actually some of my favorites.
Here are some of my top must try food places in Bali For their authentic delicacies
Restaurant / Warung | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Price Range (USD) | Why Visit |
Warung Murah | Seminyak / Legian | Nasi Campur, Mie Goreng, Sate Ayam | $1 – $3 | Great local meals at very low prices; “Murah” means cheap for a reason |
Warung Biah Biah | Ubud | Bebek Goreng, Gado-Gado, Ayam Sambal Matah | $1 – $2.50 | Cosy atmosphere with authentic dishes popular among backpackers |
Warung Nikmat | Kuta | Nasi Campur, Tempeh, Sambal Goreng | $1 – $2.50 | Canteen-style setup with fast service and flavorful home-style meals |
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku | Ubud | Nasi Ayam Kedewatan (Balinese chicken rice) | $2 – $3 | Renowned for serving traditional Balinese spicy chicken rice |
Warung Local | Canggu | Jackfruit curry, Satay skewers, Fried tempeh | $2 – $4 | Trendy but affordable buffet-style local eatery |
Warung Mina | Various Locations | Ikan Bakar, Balinese-style vegetable sides | $2 – $4 | Fresh seafood and Balinese flavours at budget-friendly prices |
Warung Nasi Pecel Bu Tinuk | Kuta | Nasi Pecel, Fried tofu, Steamed rice combos | $1 – $2 | Packed with locals; cheap, fast, and full of flavour |
Keeping My Bali Budget Trip on Track With Cheap Transport
One of those unforeseen expenses that can catch you off guard if you don’t plan ahead is transportation. I rented a scooter for about $5 a day, which was very liberating and reasonably priced. It gave me the freedom to see Bali as per my preferences and flexibility, from the rice terraces of Ubud to the clifftop temples of Uluwatu.
Is there advantage of hiring scooter in Bali budget trip?
Having my own vehicle allowed me to avoid costly taxis or day trips, and fuel cost less than $1 per day. I created routes using Google Maps offline so I could visit several locations in a single day. Further, apps, which I used, include Gojek and Grab, which provided reasonably priced rides for as little as $1 to $2, when I didn’t feel like riding. I managed to stay within my Bali budget trip as planned without going overboard.
A worthwhile Budget-Friendly Adventures that matched My Bali Budget Trip
Among Bali’s greatest features? To feel its magic, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Numerous of the island’s most popular attractions are either completely free or extremely reasonably priced. For less than $2, I visited lovely temples like Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul, dipped into waterfalls like Tegenungan, and strolled through the breathtaking Tegalalang Rice Terraces for a small donation.
More thrilling still?
At sunrise, I hiked up Mount Batur for just $15—this price covered a local guide, entry fee, and even a packed breakfast. The majority of the locations I visited only required a scooter, a spirit of adventure, and good timing—no tour or significant financial outlay was necessary. These inexpensive activities made my trip feel luxurious in every way without adding any stress to my Bali budget trip.
Must-visit free places in Bali
Place | Location | Why It’s Worth Visiting |
Ubud | A scenic nature trail with sweeping views of rice fields and jungle valleys. | |
Tegalalang Rice Terraces (entry by donation) | Near Ubud | Iconic green rice paddies layered across the hills—great for sunrise walks. |
Sanur Beach | South Bali | Calm, clean beach with a seaside promenade—perfect for sunrise or cycling. |
Taman Saraswati Temple | Ubud | Lotus pond, traditional Balinese architecture, and a peaceful setting. |
Ubud Art Market (Window Shopping) | Ubud | Great for browsing handmade crafts and soaking in the local vibe. |
Canggu Beaches (Batu Bolong, Echo Beach) | Canggu | Surf spots, sunsets, and laid-back vibes—ideal for a chill beach day. |
Seseh Beach | Canggu area | Secluded and lesser-known beach with volcanic sand and fewer tourists. |
Tibumana Waterfall (free or low fee) | Bangli | A hidden gem with a stunning cascade in a lush forest setting. |
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO site; small donation) | Tabanan | Expansive, less-crowded rice terraces surrounded by mountain views. |
Street Art in Canggu | Canggu | Colorful murals, perfect for Instagram shots and artsy exploration. |
Cost breakdown for a perfect Bali budget trip
Expense Category | Total Cost (USD) | Notes |
Accommodation | $65 | Guesthouses in Ubud & Canggu ($9/night avg) |
Food & Drinks | $40 | Local warungs, fruit stalls, water |
Scooter Rental + Fuel | $45 | $5/day + gas |
Activities & Entry Fees | $25 | Waterfalls, temples, Mount Batur hike |
Miscellaneous | $25 | SIM card, laundry, souvenirs |
Total | $200 | Yes, every single dollar was worth it! |
A stress free Bali budget trip
Spending only $200 for a 7-day trip around Bali was not only challenging, but also enlightening. I discovered that traveling on a limited budget doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing quality. It’s about making thoughtful choices, spending less, and developing a deeper connection with the place you’re visiting. To be honest, I didn’t feel like I was “traveling on a tight budget.” I felt extremely rich in experience, fulfilled, and free.
Want to get more unforgettable memories in Bali budget trip?
You don’t have to let your Bali vacation budget limit you. It can open up some of the most genuine, unforgettable experiences of your life if you have the correct attitude and a little direction. Therefore, if you’ve been dreaming of Bali but are afraid of the expense, know that paradise is waiting for you and is reasonably priced.
So why waiting for plan your Bali budget trip now👉
