Is Bali affordable? How much money will you need? Here’s our guide to the real costs of a Bali holiday, and how to spend it wisely.
If you’ve been dreaming of Bali’s paradisal beaches, the lush rice terraces in Ubud, and soaking up the sun in style at the buzzing beach clubs, you’re probably wondering – how much would a trip to Bali cost? With so many awesome things to do, award-winning restaurants and bars, and hot new tables worthy of your bucket list, the cost of things in Bali can seemingly sky-rocket! But the key here is to spend your hard-earned money wisely.
Now, while your spending money highly depends on what kind of Bali holiday and itinerary you’re planning, the good news is, it can still be affordable. So, if you’re planning your budget for your next island vacay, we’ve put together a guide to the cost of a Bali trip – from flights and hotels, to food and transportation, too. Whether you’re coming for a chill wellness retreat or a luxury resort splurge, we’ve got the deets to help you budget. Note: This is only a rough estimate on the essentials, which can vary depending on when you’re planning to travel, where you’d like to stay, and what activities you’re planning to do in Bali.
THE COST OF A BALI TRIP: Your budget-planning FAQs answered
How much is the cost of flights to Bali?
First things first – getting here! Depending on where you’re flying from, a flight to Bali can cost anything between $300 – $3000 for a return flight. It’s your first major expense when trip planning to Bali, and honestly, prices can be all over the place. To give you an idea, if you’re flying from Perth in Australia, expect to pay around AUD 500 for a return ticket, or if you’re flying from London, a return flight to Bali is around £800. The trick is to book early and keep an eye on deals – those flash sales can really make a difference! Top tip: Flying in low season (think March or October) can help you snag better deals. Wondering when is the best time to visit Bali? Our Bali weather guide may help you decide…
How much is the cost of a trip to Bali?
It all depends on your itinerary, but a two-week holiday in Bali costs around $1,500-$2,000, plus flight costs. You main expenses will be accommodation, food and drinks, transport, and any entrance fees to popular tours and attractions.
How much is accommodation in Bali?
When it comes to places to stay in Bali, there’s something for every budget. If you’re after something swanky, high-end villas in Seminyak and Canggu can go up to thousands of AUD per night, but they are worth it – especially for those travelling with a large group. But if you want to stay fabulous without blowing your entire budget, most boutique hotels are priced under AUD 500 a night.
If you’re on a budget and love meeting fellow travellers, hostels, home-stays, local guesthouses and co-living spaces in the digital nomad capitals of Canggu and Ubud offer rooms for as little as AUD 20 per night.
Pro tip: Staying in Seminyak, Canggu, or Uluwatu will put you right in the middle of all the action – but bear in mind, with so much international buzz, the living costs in these famous neighbourhoods might be higher than in the quieter, rural areas. Plus, be on the lookout for some of the best hotel deals in Bali to snag a VIP holiday with all the perks, at a fraction of the standard rates.
How much is the cost of food in Bali?
Ahh, food in Bali – where do we even begin? Food in Bali can be as cheap at AUD 2 for a meal at a local warung (AKA the roadside food stalls), or as much as AUD 300 for an award-winning dinner at an upscale restaurant.
In general, if you’re feeling fancy, planning a romantic dinner date, or celebrating a special day, a meal at one of the best restaurants in Bali will set you back around AUD 50 – 100. Or, if you’re wining and dining at Bali’s ever-famous beach clubs, you’ll need to budget a few hundred dollars for food, drinks, and sometime entrance fees.
As for drinks? Luckily, the cost of beers in Bali won’t break the bank – a local beer costs around AUD 3. But a cocktail with an imported spirit will cost you around AUD 10 to 20, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on those Happy Hours.
How much is the cost of transport and getting around Bali?
Getting around Bali is its own adventure, and while traffic will test your patience (you have been warned!), it’ll be worth it. The most common way to get around is by scooter, which you can rent for around AUD 10 per day. If you’re not confident or properly licensed, don’t worry – Grab or Gojek (the local versions of Uber) offer motorbike- and car-taxis for single trips. If you prefer a bit more comfort and safety, hiring a private driver (who often doubles as a tour guide) costs around AUD 80 for an eight- to ten-hour day, which is super reasonable, especially if you want to spend a full day exploring all the temples, waterfalls, and hidden beaches.
How much is the cost of tours and activities in Bali?
Bali is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, but a full day trip isn’t exactly “cheap”. To give you an idea, a two-hour surf lesson costs around AUD 50, whereas a yoga class roughly costs AUD 15 per session (or get yourself a weekly pass for better value). Entry to Bali’s beautiful temples is often donation-based, while some beach clubs charge an entrance fee that usually goes toward your food and drink bill. If you’re into scuba diving or snorkelling, Bali and the surrounding islands are world-class, with prices ranging from $35 – $85 depending on the location. Hot tip: Day trip to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida islands, or book a local guide and hike up Mount Batur at sunrise… You’ll thank us later!
So, is Bali affordable?
Well, that all depends on how you like to travel – Bali can be affordable if you eat local and don’t splurge at luxury resorts, or it can be very expensive if you’re trying to tick off every tour, attraction and world-class restaurant. At the end of the day, Bali has something for everyone, and for every budget. It’s this unique mix that makes the island such a fab destination for all. You can eat like a queen for next to nothing, stay in stunning hotels and villas, and soak in some of the best views without spending your entire savings. Just remember, Bali is a place where experiences are priceless – whether you’re catching a sunset in Uluwatu or sipping a cocktail in Seminyak…
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/cost-of-a-bali-trip/