I still remember stepping off the plane, anxious and excited, knowing I had one goal: enjoy the island without breaking my wallet. That feeling—equal parts freedom and careful math—shaped how I plan each trip. I learned which places feel rich but cost little, and which choices help me save money without missing out.
This guide is my honest playbook. I’ll show daily budgets, accommodation tables, transport comparisons, and the gear I pack, like reusable bottles and an eSIM-ready phone. You’ll get practical tips for price shocks in popular spots, plus low-cost activities, beaches, and must-have apps I use to get around safely.
Follow along and you’ll find a clear plan for time visit, scams to avoid, and when I splurge versus cut back. By the end you’ll have a checklist that keeps each day fun and affordable.
My 2025 Budget Snapshot: What I Actually Spend Per Day
I track my daily spending like a mini experiment: every meal, ride, and night counts. Below I share realistic ranges for solo travelers, couples, and mid-range backpackers, plus a simple sample breakdown you can copy.
Daily cost ranges
- Solo (dorm + warungs): ~£15–£30 per day.
- Couple (shared room): ~£40–£60 per day.
- Backpacker mid-range: ~£35–£70 per day.
Sample daily breakdown
| Item | Typical | Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Dorm bed / night | £5–£10 | £7 |
| Three local meals | £4.50–£9 | £7 |
| Scooter rental / rides | £3–£6 / £3–£10 | £5 |
| Water & SIM (daily avg) | £0.30 refills, SIM £7–£10 | £1 |
When I splurge and how I balance it
I allow occasional splurge days (£150–£200) for private drivers, beach clubs, or villas, then shave costs by eating warung meals and using scooters for the next two days. I keep a small money buffer for surprises and track averages in a notes app so I spot real deals fast.
Quick checklist:
- Reusable bottle, compact filter, helmet note for scooter days.
- eSIM-ready phone, cheap cable lock, small cash buffer.
Best Time to Visit on the Cheap: Dry, Wet, and Shoulder Seasons
I learned fast that season choices control crowds, costs, and the types of days I get. Picking months with fewer people often lowers prices and gives me calmer mornings for hikes and markets.
Dry vs. wet season realities
Dry season (Apr–Sep) brings the sunniest weather and the most visitors. That means higher accommodation and activity rates.
Wet season (Oct–Mar) is humid with short heavy showers. Fewer people arrive, so I find the best deals and lush waterfalls, though trails can be slippery and currents rough.
Shoulder sweet spots and festival notes
I aim for Apr–May or Sep–Oct. Those months balance weather and price. I also watch Nyepi (Day of Silence) in March: the island shuts down for 24 hours, with no flights and no traffic—plan around it or embrace the quiet.
Rainy season strategies
On wet days I structure trips: early hikes, cozy café breaks at midday, and late-afternoon indoor activities. That routine keeps days fun and helps me save money.
Gear I pack for the rainy season: lightweight rain jacket, packable poncho for scooter rides, dry bag, waterproof phone pouch, and a quick-dry towel.
| Season | Weather | Crowds & Prices | Best activities & packing notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Sunny, low rain | High crowds, higher prices | Beaches, diving, sun protection |
| Shoulder | Mix of sun and brief showers | Moderate crowds, better deals | Beach mornings, waterfall afternoons; light jacket |
| Wet | Humid, short heavy showers | Low crowds, best accommodation deals | Waterfall loops, spa days; dry bag, waterproof pouch |
I monitor forecasts and leave wiggle room in my schedule. That way I can shift activities without rebooking. For booking flexibility and host policies, I confirm change terms up front and review the terms of use.
Staying for Less: Hostels, Guesthouses, and Budget Villas
I plan most stays around value: social hostels for company, quiet guesthouses for rest, and small villas when I need space. I look at total cost, not just the nightly rate, and I factor in location and season when deciding.
What I book and where
Hostels run about £5–£10 per night and often include breakfast. Guesthouses and homestays usually fall in the £10–£30 range for private rooms. Budget villas or small entire homes start near £30–£40, though platform fees can change the final price.
Weekly/monthly deals and trade-offs
I find the best weekly and monthly deals in Ubud and Amed. Trendy areas like Seminyak and Canggu cost more—often £40+ for mid-range stays. When I book longer, I message hosts politely for discounts and check Booking.com for lower fees compared with some Airbnb listings.
| Type | Typical price per night | Pros / Cons | Best booking platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel (dorm) | £5–£10 | Social, cheap; less privacy, noisy in hotspots | Hostelworld, Booking.com |
| Guesthouse / Homestay | £10–£30 | Family-run charm, quiet; varying standards | Booking.com, Airbnb |
| Budget villa / Entire place | £30–£40+ | Kitchen, privacy; fees and cleaning can add up | Airbnb, Booking.com |
Quick checklist I use when shortlisting: total price with fees, fan vs. AC, mosquito screens, covered scooter parking for the wet season, and whether the place has good drainage. My travel accessories go in the bag every trip: small padlock, cable lock, universal adapter, and a compact power strip.
Eat Local, Spend Less: Warungs, Markets, and Smart Café Picks
I find the best food moments in tiny family-run warungs and morning markets. They serve filling rice and noodle dishes for a fraction of café rates. I pair one market-cooked meal with a light café treat when I want variety.
My go-to warung orders and typical prices
I order nasi goreng, mie goreng, or nasi campur for about £1.50–£3. These staples keep me full for active days and are perfect when I need cheap, reliable meals.
Cooking at home: when a kitchen saves cash
Shopping local markets for fruit, veg, tofu/tempeh, rice and basic spices lets me cook one meal daily and drop costs fast. Western imports and packaged snacks cost more, so I stick to produce.
| Item | Typical Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nasi goreng / mie goreng | £1.50–£3 | Filling, cheap |
| Café meal (Crate Café, Tasty Vegan, Bagel It) | £5–£10 | Good for a treat |
| Snacks / Bintang | £1.50–£2 | Supermarket beer is cheapest treat |
| Market two-meal shop | £2–£4 | Fruit, veg, rice, tempeh |
Small accessories I pack: reusable cutlery, collapsible container, spice mini-kit, packable tote, and a slim water-filter bottle for safe refills. I time café visits for off-peak hours and use happy-hour snacks to keep my bill down a bit.
Sample 24-hour food plan: market breakfast fruit, warung lunch with rice, home-cooked dinner, and coconut or smoothie instead of cocktails when I’m watching my budget.
Getting Around Without Blowing the Budget
Every morning I decide whether today’s vibe calls for wheels, an app, or walking. That choice sets the tone for the day and the final cost.
I weigh distance, weather, and how confident I feel in traffic before I pick a mode of transport. If I need flexibility for multiple stops, a scooter rental often wins. If roads look rough or I’m tired, I use Grab/Gojek or hire a private driver.
Scooter, apps, private drivers: quick notes
My scooter rental runs about £3–£6 per day; fuel is cheap (roughly £1.20 per tank). Short Grab/Gojek rides cost around £0.80–£2. A private driver is near £30 per day, which is great split between two or more.
| Option | Typical cost / day | When this way wins | Safety notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter | £3–£6 (+fuel) | Short hops, flexible routes, solo explorers | Wear a high-quality helmet; check lights; international license needed |
| Grab / Gojek | £0.80–£2 per ride | Short trips, bad weather, unfamiliar roads | Watch surge pricing; confirm driver and route |
| Private driver | ~£30 per day | Full-day tours, long transfers, group split | Agree price up front; good for heavy luggage or rough weather |
| Walking | Free | Local areas, markets, short sightseeing clusters | Plan daylight routes; hydrate and use sun protection |
Airport transfers, safety, and insurance basics
Airport to central towns often runs £10–£20 if you prearrange or agree fair local rates. I sometimes combine a transfer with a short stop for photos to make it feel like a mini tour.
Note on insurance: many policies exclude scooter accidents without an international license and proper helmet. I always check coverage before I ride and carry a basic first-aid kit. My wet-season kit includes a packable rain poncho, dry bag, and handlebar phone mount so I stay safe and can get around without fumbling maps.
Quick ride checklist: helmet on, brakes checked, lights working, and no pressure to keep up with faster traffic. For planning detail and smarter logistics, I often follow tips from this guide to plan a trip like a professional.
Free and Low-Cost Things to Do That Don’t Feel “Cheap”
Some of my best days came from simple plans: a sunrise ridge walk, a short snorkel, and a slow sunset picnic.
These activities give big moments for little spend. I pick things that feel special rather than bargain-bin. That way each day still feels like a treat.
My favorite pocket-friendly spots
- Campuhan Ridge Walk at dawn — free, light breeze, great views.
- Small waterfalls (many charge ~IDR 25,000) — go early to avoid the tourist surge.
- Quiet temples with small fees (£1–£3) — bring a sarong and show respect.
- DIY snorkel from shore in Amed — no boat needed; rent gear if you lack own mask.
| Activity | Typical cost | Best time | What to bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridge walk | Free | Sunrise or early morning | Headlamp, water, light jacket |
| Waterfalls | ~IDR 25,000 | Morning to avoid crowds | Water shoes, swimsuit, cash |
| DIY snorkel (shore) | Gear rental £3–£6 | Calm mid-morning | Mask/snorkel, water shoes |
| Beach sunset picnic | Cost of drinks/snacks | Late afternoon to night | Sarong, compact tripod, small cooler |
I often string two close places into one half-day loop. The best way is scooter for short hops; use ride apps or a rental if you prefer not to drive.
- Simple kit: snorkel set, water shoes, sarong, headlamp, compact tripod.
- Safety: respect flags, avoid slippery rocks, go early to beat the crowd.
Perfect low-cost day: dawn ridge, market snack, waterfall swim, and a sunset picnic with supermarket drinks — all without breaking your budget.
Where I Base Myself: Cheaper Areas and Crowd-Free Alternatives
I choose a home base by trading off price, vibe, and how easily I can hop to sights. Eastern and less-visited areas usually give me the best deals and calm mornings.
I often pick one main spot and run short hops for day trips. That cuts packing stress and saves on repeated booking fees.
| Area | Avg accom. price | Vibe & food | Get around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidemen | £15–£30 | Rice terraces, quiet, cheap local food | Scooter; private driver for loops |
| Amed | £12–£25 | Seaside, snorkeling, local warungs | Scooter; boat trips from town |
| Sanur outskirts | £20–£35 | Laid-back beach shops, good food markets | Ride apps nearby; scooter |
| Ubud outskirts | £18–£35 | Rice views, cafes, markets (Denpasar markets cheap) | Scooter; short rides to center |
I weigh longer airport transfers against lower nightly price and serenity. I also look for seasonal deals and message hosts about weekly rates, Wi‑Fi, kitchen access, and laundry. For planning tips, I check reliable guides and sometimes follow this practical planning tips.
- Sample pairing: week near rice terraces (Sidemen/Ubud outskirts) + 3 days by the sea (Amed/Sanur).
- How I get around: scooter in calm areas, apps where available, private driver for long loops.
- Small accessories I pack: compact daypack, cable lock, foldable hat.
Quick checklist: match your time visit and season with the base, ask hosts about deals, and pick transport that fits the vibe. For deeper travel planning, see this travel planning resource.
Bali on a Budget: How to Travel Cheaply in 2025
My travel rule is simple: stack tiny savings and let them pay for the fun stuff. Below I rapid-fire the tactics I use so you can copy the best moves and skip wasted time.
20+ quick wins
- Hunt flight deals, watch dynamic pricing, and lock the best fare when it dips.
- Know visa and tourist tax rules to avoid surprise charges at arrival.
- Book first-night accommodation and any must-do tours in advance for peace of mind.
- Wing day-to-day transport and many meals — flexibility nets better local prices.
- Use trusted platforms (GetYourGuide, Viator) for tours with solid reviews.
- Eat local and use street food strategically; switch to restaurants for one treat per few days.
- Scan Instagram and happy-hour promos for deals that cover a splurge.
- Try food delivery app premium discounts when they beat restaurant prices.
- Haggle politely for souvenirs; avoid fixed-price stalls near major photo spots.
- Use ride apps for short hops and hire private drivers for full-day loops when splitting cost.
- Watch for small convenience fees and ATM charges; use safe ATMs with low fees.
- Cluster nearby places into single days to cut transport costs.
- Book trusted spa and laundry in bulk for discounts.
- Take advantage of off-season rates and weekly accommodation deals.
- Vet drivers and tours by recent reviews; skip photo-op only options.
- Leverage BrandPay promos at FINNS and similar social offers for subsidized splurges.
- Carry cash for small markets but use cards where safe for higher-value purchases.
- Keep an eye on prices and ask for local-menu options at restaurants to save.
- Use refillable water bottles and free refills where available.
- Compare travel insurance options, especially for scooter coverage.
What I book vs. what I wing
| Lock in before travel | Why | Wing after arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Flights, first night, select tours | Price stability, arrival stress reduction | Daily transport, most meals, spontaneous day trips |
| Airport transfer for late arrivals | Safety and predictable cost | Local restaurants, market shopping |
| High-demand accommodation during peak time | Secures lower prices for busy dates | Local spa, laundry, and some tours booked via hosts |
Gear that really pays: an eSIM-ready phone for cheap data, a reliable power bank, travel locks, reusable bottle, and a microfibre towel. These items cut emergency buys and help me stick to my budget while enjoying the trip.
Money, SIMs, and Scams: The Practical Stuff That Saves You Cash
My first step after landing is a quick money check: ATM locations, card fees, and the nearest official changer. That small routine saves time and avoids rushed exchanges that cost me.
I favor cash for daily street purchases and small warungs because many places add card fees. I only use ATMs inside banks or malls to avoid skimmers and never a freestanding street ATM.
Cash vs. cards and safe exchange habits
Carry some cash, keep a backup card, and use an RFID wallet for crowded spots. Count notes calmly and watch for short-change tricks at busy stalls.
| Topic | Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ATM choices | Use bank/mall ATMs only | Lower skimming risk; reliable receipts |
| Card fees | Expect 1–3% or flat local fees | Compare before you tap to avoid surprises |
| Exchange rates | Use official changers; avoid “too good” street rates | Some booths short count or switch notes |
| Small habits | Photocopy passport, cloud backup, bookmark bank numbers | Saves time if you lose items or need help |
Local SIM setup and cheap data tips
I prefer Telkomsel for coverage. For £7–£10 you get several GB. If your phone supports eSIM, activate it to skip long queues.
Steps: buy at official kiosk, register with passport, set APN as instructed, and keep the receipt for top-ups. Save the provider page as a quick guide on your phone.
Common scams to avoid in 2025
Watch taxi hustles; I use Grab/Gojek and verify the plate and driver before I hop in. Ignore tour deals that seem too cheap—book through trusted agencies or your accommodation.
Street money changers sometimes swap notes or give the wrong totals; I stick to counters inside malls or bank branches. For tourist tax and visa: expect a $10 tourist tax; some passports need a £35 VOA—check rules before you go.
- Accessories I use: RFID wallet, slim money belt, passport cloud backup, and a sturdy reusable bottle for free water refills.
- Transport safety: confirm driver name and plate, share ETA with someone, and avoid late-night solo rides when possible.
For more planning tips and affordable trip ideas, I also consult a trusted resource for regional trips: affordable trip ideas.
Health, Safety, and Travel Insurance: Spend a Little, Save a Lot
A tiny stash of ORS and a good repellent has saved me more money than any discount code. I treat health as part of trip planning so sick days don’t wipe out my budget or time.
I avoid foodborne illness by choosing busy warungs, skipping tap water, and carrying ORS plus Imodium as backup. For heat, I carry a reusable bottle and electrolyte packets to stay topped up all day.
Rainy-season mozzie and sun basics
Dengue risk rises during wet months. I use DEET repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep where screens or nets exist. High-SPF sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable for long activities.
Why insurance matters
Good travel insurance covers hospital care, emergency evacuation, and many adventure add-ons. Check scooter coverage: most policies require a valid license and helmet. Confirm hikes and island hops are included before you ride or climb.
| Health kit (tick) | Policy must cover (tick) |
|---|---|
| ORS packets | Scooter use with license & helmet |
| DEET repellent | Emergency evacuation |
| High-SPF sunscreen | Hospital & medical care |
| Basic meds (Imodium, pain reliever) | Adventure/add-on coverage (hiking, boat) |
Before you go, scan passport and cards to the cloud, split cash and cards, and note local clinics. If you fall ill, rest, rehydrate, and seek a clinic early — that saves money and stress at night.
Packing Smart for Savings: Accessories, Gears, and Gadgets I Bring
Small accessories often cover big expenses I once paid for on the street. I pack items that cut daily buys, keep gear safe, and make DIY beach or reef days possible. The result: fewer surprise costs and more freedom.
Budget-saver travel accessories
My reusable bottle with a compact filter pays for itself fast. Refill stations are common, so I avoid single-use bottles and steady small costs.
Locks and a cable lock protect dorms and scooters. They stop theft and save replacement costs.
Gadgets that pay for themselves
An eSIM-ready phone lets me buy local data without roaming fees. That keeps maps, ride apps, and delivery working.
A reliable power bank means no last-minute buys on the street. I also bring a universal adapter and a tiny power strip for shared rooms.
Rainy-season and scooter essentials
For the rainy season I pack a lightweight poncho or thin rain jacket, a dry bag, and a waterproof phone pouch. They protect my stuff and prevent wet-gear purchases.
I also bring a personal snorkel set and quick-dry towel for DIY reef days at the beach. That often beats tour prices when conditions allow.
| Category | Item | How it saves money | Quick pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydration | Reusable bottle + filter | Cuts single-use bottle buys; refill stations common | Vapur + Sawyer Mini |
| Security | Padlock + cable lock | Prevents theft and replacement costs | TSA-approved padlock + Kryptonite cable |
| Power & charging | Power bank + universal adapter | No outlet rush or costly chargers; share power in hostels | Anker 20,000mAh + EPICKA adapter |
| Water & beach | Snorkel set + quick-dry towel | Avoids rental fees; DIY beach/reef days cheaper | Cressi mask + PackTowl |
| Rain & scooter | Poncho/rain jacket + dry bag | Prevents wet gear buys; keeps phone and cash safe | Sea to Summit ultralight + Sea to Summit dry sack |
| Protection | Waterproof phone pouch | Saves on repairs and data loss | OverBoard TPU pouch |
| Small comforts | Cable organizer, spare cords, mini first-aid | Reduces replacement and clinic visits for scrapes | Sea to Summit kit + Anker cables |
Great way to save before you leave: pack the few items above, keep the kit light, and test everything once at home. My compact setup keeps me under carry limits and avoids baggage fees while supporting everything in this guide.
Quick checklist before zipping: bottle, filter, power bank, snorkel set, rain layer, locks, and waterproof pouch. If those are in your bag, you’re already cutting daily costs.
What I’ll Do Next Time: Small Splurges, Big Value, and 2025-Only Deals
For the coming trip I’ll build days around a single base and smart add-ons. I’ll repeat three splurges that felt worth the price: a massage (~IDR 250,000 / ~£12), a private driver loop (~£30 per day split with a friend), and the Mount Batur sunrise hike (£20–£30).
I’ll watch 2025 promos—BrandPay-style venue credit, venue happy hours, and Instagram story day deals for cheap boat rides (Nusa ~£10, Gilis ~£20). I’ll time activities by season to beat crowds and heat, and map two perfect value days: one beach-and-temple morning and one inland waterfalls-and-rice-fields loop.
Planning tools: a shared calendar for time-blocking days and a simple notes app for live cost tracking. My mindset stays the same: pay small for big joy, and let free moments carry the rest.
