Bali on a Budget: Insider Tips for an Affordable Paradise Getaway
Bali often evokes images of an exotic paradise, distant shores, honeymoons, or the "Eat Pray Love" film (with its "love" chapter set in Ubud). While flights can be pricey—such as the $1,100 round-trip from Los Angeles in October shoulder season—once there, Bali offers exceptional value for budget travelers. Meals, drinks, and accommodations are remarkably affordable.
My friend and I began in Ubud, Bali's cultural and artistic heart in the island's center.
The smartest budget stay in Ubud: traditional homestays or guesthouse B&Bs. While basic options may feel worn, upscale guesthouses—still affordably priced—rival boutique hotels with pools, canopy beds, and made-to-order breakfasts.
We loved Mawa House, a stunning guesthouse with private terraces, a pool, and luxurious rain showers—for under $30 per night, an outstanding value.
Ubud demands at least a few days in this lush, vibrant town, scented with incense and adorned with colorful Hindu offerings (Bali is Indonesia's only Hindu-majority province).
Highlights included $5 hourlong Balinese massages, encounters with macaques in the Sacred Monkey Forest, $11 yoga classes at the Yoga Barn, hearty mie goreng and nasi goreng plates under $4, and $1 moped rides across town.
We also visited Tegallalang's endless green rice terraces. Ubud brims with low-cost activities like jewelry and cooking classes. Note: Stays outside central Ubud mean early wake-ups from roosters, birds, monkeys, and dogs—part of the authentic charm.
Our priciest adventure: a sunrise hike up Mt. Batur volcano, worth every penny. Hire a driver and mandatory guide; we paid ~$50 per person, including breakfast. Scaling the steep path by flashlight in darkness yielded starry skies and a breathtaking sunrise over the mountain and lake.
Next, the Gili Islands off Lombok's northwest coast—a trio of idyllic isles. A 3-hour taxi-fast boat ride from Ubud took us to Gili Trawangan, the largest ("party island"), bikeable in an hour.
For budget lodging, Gili Hostel at $12/night—with its popular rooftop bar—attracts young travelers for pre-parties. Alcohol flows freely (except Ramadan). Themed parties draw crowds on specific nights, fostering easy connections.
Memories: $10 snorkel tours across all three islands (spotting baby sharks and turtles), beach lounging, and a $30/person four-course Indonesian cooking class.
We ended in lively Legian/Kuta, staying at The Stones resort via Travelzoo deal—enjoying beach manicures, shopping, and more $5 massages.
Ten days in Bali proved paradise needn't break the bank.
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