10 Practical Ways to Save Money in Bali

Bali is definitely becoming pricier given the number of expats who moved here and high-spending tourists. I’ve seen guesthouses go from $10 to $60 in a year without even being renovated. That being said, I would say there are still plenty of things you can do to avoid the tourist traps and still enjoy your trip! In this blog post, I will tell you the best ways to save money in Bali, making sure each dollar will go as far as possible without compromising on fun and stunning beaches! All you need to do is a great strategy and I’ve got you sorted!

10 Ways to Save Money On Your Trip in Bali

#1 Eat at Local Warungs

One of the easiest ways to cut costs while travelling in Bali is by dining at Warungs. Warungs are small, family-run restaurants that serve traditional Indonesian food at incredibly affordable prices. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to experience authentic local flavours.

A meal at a warung can cost as little as 20,000 IDR (around $1.30) – sometimes even less. Popular dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and gado-gado (a vegetable salad with peanut sauce). If you have a sweet tooth, get dadar gulung. I’m obsessed with this dessert served at most Warungs! It’s a green pancake roll filled with coconut and brown sugar.

Worried about Bali belly? In 4 years I had it 7 times (I know, I have a sensitive stomach!) but I can tell you I never got it from eating at Warungs! Definitely don’t go to random stands on the street as it might be risky.

A few examples? In Sanur I love Warung Anna and Lilla Warung. In Ubud my go-to is Warung Krisna!

#2 Choose Affordable Accommodations

One of the best ways to save money in Bali is by choosing the right accommodation! I would recommend either a hostel or a guesthouse. If you are staying for a long time, have a chat with the host and ask for a good deal! A dorm bed in a hostel can cost as little as $5 per night, while a private room in a guesthouse might start at $10 to $15 per night. When reserving your place, make sure to compare prices on Booking.com and Agoda. Sometimes Agoda would have a better deal, and other times Booking.com would come with a flash sale!

For an even more budget-friendly option, consider using TrustedHousesitters. This platform connects you with homeowners looking for someone to care for their pets while they’re away. In exchange, you get free accommodation. If you love animals and don’t mind a bit of responsibility, this is a fantastic way to save money and stay in really nice homes.

#3 Stay in Less Touristy Areas

Popular spots like Ubud, Uluwatu and Canggu are super touristy and more expensive. To save money, consider staying in less touristy areas such as Amed, Munduk or Lovina. If you still want to explore places like Ubud and Uluwatu you can still do it but spend less time or doing more research to find affordable options! Between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, go for Nusa Lembongan! It’s stunning and less touristy than Nusa Penida!

Staying outside the main tourist hubs doesn’t mean you’ll miss out. You’ll still have access to stunning beaches, local markets, and cultural sites—but at a fraction of the cost.

#4 Rent a Bike for Transportation

If you plan to explore a lot, another great way to save money in Bali is by renting a scooter. Scooter rentals are widely available in Bali and typically cost around 50,000 to 70,000 IDR per day (roughly $3 to $5). For longer stays, you can negotiate a lower weekly or monthly rate. Check out Bikago for the best prices, they can even deliver the bike wherever you are!

Not only is renting a scooter affordable, but it also gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. You can also get Grab every time you have to go somewhere, but it would be more expensive and actually, if you leave the touristy spots, Grab won’t be available.

#5 Book Activities Locally

I’m with you, booking activities in advance is a peace of mind and you get to read reviews of past travellers. Yes, I would normally advise you to go straight to Get Your Guide or Viator, but this time we are talking about saving money and I have to be honest with you. While online platforms can be convenient, they often include added service fees and inflated prices.

Instead, wait until you arrive in Bali and book directly with local operators. You can negotiate prices in person and often secure better deals. For example, a snorkelling trip that costs $40 online might only cost $25 when booked locally. 

#6 Take Public Transport

Although Bali’s public transport options are limited compared to other destinations, there are still affordable ways to get around. Public buses and boats are a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.

For example, Perama buses connect major tourist areas like Kuta, Ubud, and Lovina at reasonable prices. Similarly, public boats for the Gili Islands and Lombok are really affordable.

➡️ Check out Go12 for public transport options, it’s the best site for public transport Southeast Asia!

#7 Shop at Local Markets

Avoid large supermarkets and head to local markets for your groceries and souvenirs. Markets like Ubud Morning Market or small village markets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks at much lower prices than supermarkets. You’ll need to go nice and early as they normally run from 5 to 8 AM!

When shopping in markets, don’t be afraid to negotiate. It’s a common practice in Bali and can help you save even more.

#8 Travel During the Low Season

The high season in Bali (July, August, and December) brings crowds and higher prices for flights, accommodations, and activities. To save money, plan your trip during the low season, which runs from January to June and September to November. Of which rainy season runs from November to February, so don’t come around these times if you are planning on doing a lot of outdoor activities!

During the low season, you’ll find cheaper deals on everything from flights to accommodations. Plus, you’ll enjoy a quieter and more relaxed experience.

#9 Wash Your Clothes

If you’re visiting during the dry season (March to October), consider washing your own clothes instead of using laundry services. Most accommodations provide laundry racks for drying clothes, and the sunny weather makes it easy for them to dry quickly.

Laundry services in Bali are affordable, but you would generally pay IDR 20K (about $1.20) for 1 Kg of clothes. This is a meal at a Warung!

#10 Use Free Apps Like AllTrails for Hiking

If you’re planning to hike in Bali, especially in beginner-friendly locations, skip hiring a guide and use the free AllTrails app instead. The app provides detailed trail maps, difficulty levels, and reviews from other hikers. It’s perfect for exploring easy trails on your own while saving money on guide fees.

However, for more challenging hikes like Mount Batur or Mount Agung, it’s best to hire a guide for safety reasons. Although I’ve met people who went to Mount Batur with the AllTrails app without any issues!

How Much Does a Two-Week Trip to Bali Really Cost?

Planning a two-week adventure in Bali can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting. On average, travellers can expect to spend between $1200 and $2500 for a 14-day trip, depending on their preferences. This includes mid-range accommodation, meals at casual restaurants, and guided activities. For those on a tight budget, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy Bali for under $1000, excluding flights. 

➡️ Grab the ‘Plan Your Dream Trip to Bali Under $1000’ guide which makes planning effortless with a 15-day itinerary, detailed budgets, and flexible alternatives. Everything you need to stay on track, customise your trip, and enjoy Bali—all for just $10!

FAQs On Ways To Save Money In Bali

Is $1000 enough for a week in Bali?

Yes, $1000 is more than enough for a week in Bali. By choosing budget-friendly options like staying in hostels or guesthouses, eating at local warungs, and renting a scooter for transportation, you can comfortably cover accommodation, food, activities, and transportation costs while staying within budget.

Why is everything so cheap in Bali?

Bali is affordable due to the lower cost of living compared to Western countries. Local resources, labour, and currency exchange rates contribute to cheaper prices for accommodation, food, and services, especially if you opt for local options instead of luxury experiences. However, prices are rising very quickly, especially after Covid!

How to pay for things in Bali?

Cash is widely used in Bali, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. It’s recommended to carry Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are available, but ensure your card is activated for international use. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and stores, though smaller vendors may not accept them. I would recommend using the ➡️ Wise card, it’s the best option when you have to pay in different currencies!

How to travel to Bali for cheap?

Travelling to Bali on a budget starts with finding affordable flights through tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Once there, opt for budget accommodations and follow my tips above!

How to spend 10 days in Bali?

Spending 10 days in Bali can be affordable and fulfilling. Split your stay between touristy areas like Ubud and quieter regions. Visit free or low-cost attractions like temples, rice terraces, and beaches. Check out this 10-day Bali Itinerary for inspiration!

How much does the average person spend in Bali in a month?

The average person spends around $700–$1200 per month in Bali, depending on their lifestyle. This includes rent in a guesthouse or apartment, food, transportation, and activities. My personal finances are under $1000 each month, as someone who lives in Bali.

Leverage The Power Of Communities To Save Cash!

Lastly, don’t forget about Facebook groups! There are loads of FB groups where other travellers would ask to share rides. Same for WhatsApp groups created by local coworking spaces or apps like Nomad Her! If you meet other travellers you can always decide to share accommodations. This is really popular here in Bali so give it a go!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Related Blog Posts:

• Best Hostels in Uluwatu for Solo Travellers
• 15 Things Homestays in Ubud Don’t Have
• Looking for a Homestay in Canggu, Bali? Check these out!
• Tips on food poisoning in Bali (or Bali belly)
• Where To Stay In Ubud For Solo Travellers

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