Is Bali an Expensive Destination? Travel Expenses on Average in 2024
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Bali is fundamental to the Indonesian archipelago yet unique in every sense, with its lush volcanic terrain, varied population, and beaches full of character. Bali is the most visited destination in the country and the winner of Trip Advisor’s 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards, but is it expensive?
It’s simple to see why visitors and locals alike return to Bali year after year in quest of sun, sea, and fantastic surf.
The Island of the Gods is a distant working hotspot, a wild surfer’s paradise, and a magnificent vacation resort all rolled into one. You won’t find a more diverse island than Bali, from its rocky topography to its five-star beach clubs. But does this imply that there’s something for everyone’s budget? That’s why we’ve come to investigate.
This article will walk you through the cost of a Bali vacation, from lodging and meals to visas and all the extras. If you intend to stay, find out how much it will cost to live on the “Island of the Gods.”
It’s not the cheapest place to visit in Southeast Asia, but it’s one of the most diverse and intriguing. So let’s get started.
The Average Cost of a Bali Vacation?
Bali caters to everyone, from backpackers and digital nomads to honeymooners and families, however the cost of a Bali vacation varies widely depending on the tourist. It is entirely possible to visit Bali on a small budget. A $1 plate of nasi goreng is never far away.
Bali does, however, have a luxury market. It’s not difficult to find five-star beach clubs that will charge you $4 for a cool Bintang.
On average, the anticipated price per passenger each day in Bali is $50. This is divided into $18 for food and $7 for local transportation, with lodging costing little under $40 per night on average. However, every tourist is unique, and how you use your time will decide how much your vacation costs.
However, there are some costs that every visitor should consider before visiting Bali. A long-haul journey from any international airport is unlikely to cost less than $400, and some airlines have been known to charge up to $1,800 for a return travel. Keep in mind that travelling in 2022 will not be as simple as it previously was. Pre-flight preparations are more lengthy, and Covid-19 PCR testing can cost several hundred dollars each trip.
If you do not have an Indonesian passport, you will additionally require a visa to enter Bali. All travellers arriving at Denpasar airport used to be issued a free 30-day visa on arrival.
The only way to enter the nation now is with a business visa or an employment Kitas. A two-month business visa costs about $190 and may be extended for a total of six months. A Kitas, on the other hand, costs $1,800 and lets you to stay in the nation for up to two years. A long-term visa is an excellent investment if you want to stay in Bali for an extended period of time.
Food and Beverage Prices in Bali
Local cuisine from a warung, Bali’s equivalent of street food, may be quite cheap. Chicken satay, fried noodles, and the local specialty “Bakso,” a chicken ball soup, can all be had for around a $1 per dish.
You may anticipate to spend $2 to $8 per person to enjoy inexpensive western meals at more mid-range eateries. In terms of good dining, the typical dinner costs $14 to $21, which is still quite reasonable in comparison to many famous vacation spots but more expensive in Southeast Asia.
Soft drinks and water are often inexpensive to purchase. In Bali, Mini Marts sell Coca-Cola, canned iced coffees, and 1.5-liter bottles of water for less than 25 cents.
Alcohol, on the other hand, has the potential to burn a hole in your pocket. Spirits, cocktails, and beers may all be bought for roughly $5 per glass, but because all wine in Bali is imported, a glass can cost upwards of $10.
Bali Accommodation Costs
Accommodation in Bali may be as cheap or as pricey as you want it to be. It sounds too wonderful to be true, doesn’t it? Wrong. Bali housing is as diverse as the island’s environment. From hostels that cost $4 per night to spa resorts that cost $280 per night, it’s simple to discover both inexpensive discounts and luxury in Bali.
The most costly lodging is found in tourist locations. Consider the beachfront hotels in Seminyak, the cliff-side villas in Uluwatu, and the jungle-view spas in Ubud. However, there will be a low-cost guest home around every corner for half the price. You only need to know where to seek and be willing to give up a few comforts.
The season also has a significant impact on lodging expenses. Bali’s prime season runs from April to October, when the weather is sunny and dry and travellers rush in droves for summer vacations or to escape the Australian cold.
To accommodate demand, villas and five-star hotels will raise their costs. To prevent large price rises, stay in hostels or guest homes. Consider visiting Bali during the low season, when there may be a few wet days but the savings will be well worth it.
Bali’s Airbnbs
Airbnbs in Bali are also reasonably priced! Although they will cost more than hostels, you can discover some incredible places at a fraction of the price in other countries.
If you travel with companions, you might wind up saving money by dividing the cost.
You’ll enjoy extra privacy and access to home amenities such as a kitchen, dining room, and lounge – and, if you’re lucky, a private pool and garden!
We have the many sorts of locations you may discover inside our Airbnb category – Apartments – Airbnb is the greatest site to utilise while searching for an apartment. A modest Airbnb unit will cost between $18 and $35 per night, plus service and cleaning fees.
Private Villas – With rates starting at $50 per night, private villas in Bali don’t have to be prohibitively costly, but they are often more expensive than apartments. If you have the means, take your vacation to the next level by renting a private villa for your stay. You could be in INCREDIBLE luxury for a couple of hundred dollars each night.
Bali Accommodations
Hotels are often far more expensive than hostels, however, this isn’t always the case in Bali. Budget hotels in Bali can range from $18 to $38 per night — a steal! What will cost more is the Bali beach resorts all-inclusives.
Pertiwi Bisma 2 is a photograph (Booking.com) Here are some Bali hotel alternatives to think over for your stay:
- This contemporary motel is really reasonably priced! It’s about a two-minute walk from Seminyak Beach and features a restaurant and bar on-site.
- This hotel, tucked away in the Ubud woods, with wonderfully manicured pools and spa facilities, will put you in holiday mood!
What more could you want from a Bali trip than magnificent bamboo architecture, walking beach access, and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool?
Traveling by bus in Bali
There aren’t many public bus services in Bali, although there are a handful.
Kura-Kura Bus is a public shuttle bus service that operates in South Bali and Ubud. They run every day and offer free Wi-Fi on board. Depending on the distance, a one-way ticket might range from $2 to $6.
If you want to travel much during your stay, you may purchase a one-day, three-day, or seven-day pass that allows you unrestricted travel.
Perama Bus: This tourist bus company offers transfers as well as tour bus services. It is more expensive than the other bus option, but it is still reasonably priced. A one-way transfer from Denpasar Airport to Ubud, for example, will cost $4. Day excursions begin about $21 per person.
Trans Sarbagita is a bus service that connects some of Bali’s less-visited districts. Tickets are quite inexpensive, ranging from $1 to $5 for a one-way trip. However, there are regular delays, and the service isn’t recognised for being the most dependable.
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Daily Costs on Average
calculated using data from travellers like you The average cost of lodging in Bali for one person is $30. The average price for a hotel room in Bali for two persons sharing a regular double-occupancy hotel room is $60
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Travel on a Budget in Bali
Bali is a very affordable vacation, so you may easily visit the island without breaking the bank. Despite the fact that it is frequently overrun with visitors, Bali is nevertheless surprisingly inexpensive if you know where to look. Depending on your hotel choice, I would guess that $50 USD a day is a reasonable budget for travelling throughout Bali comfortably.
When Is the Most Economical Time to Visit Bali?
If you’re on a tight budget, visit Bali during the lower, wetter season, which lasts from October to March. Crowds will be thinner, and hotel prices and international airfares will frequently be lower, except during the Christmas season, which runs from mid-December to early January (particularly with Australian visitors). The one drawback to reduced rates is that the rainy season isn’t always suitable for sunbathing, and heavy rain can make outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and viewing waterfalls and rice terraces less tempting. However, even during the rainy season, it does not frequently rain all day, and you may not experience any rainfall at all. There will be brief periods of brightness in between the storms.
What month is the cheapest to travel to Bali?
According to five-year averages, the cheapest month to fly to Bali is February.
Is it a good time to visit Bali in February?
Because of the rainy season, February is the cheapest month to travel to Bali, as well as the cheapest month for lodging.
Is my insurance valid in the case of volcanic activity?
If the following conditions are satisfied, you will be protected in the case of a volcanic eruption: the volcanic event was not publicly known prior to acquiring the travel insurance policy. For further information about the cover, please see the product disclosure statement.