Bali Budget Holidays
Budget travellers, backpackers, nomads, couples
Plan Bali on a budget. Cheap hostels & hotels, ferries, tours under $50, eSIM, & insurance
Doing Bali on a budget is absolutely doable — if you know where to stay, how to move around, and what to skip. At Bali or Bust, we break down the cheapest areas, best‑value hostels and hotels, low‑cost transport, and tours under $50 so you can spend less without missing out.
This page is built for travellers who want clear answers, honest picks, and fast bookings.
- Realistic $‑per‑day budgeting
- Best cheap stays (tested & reviewed)
- Tours, ferries & transport that won’t blow your budget
Where to Start
Quick Picks
- Solo / social travellers → Sanur or Canggu for walkability and hostels
- Absolute cheapest stays → Kuta or Legian
- Culture + nature on a budget → Ubud
- Short stays near the airport → Kuta or Seminyak
Jump to Cheap Stays & Hostels below to see prices now.
Cheapest Areas in Bali
Mini Guide
You don’t need to stay far from the action to keep costs low. These are the best areas in Bali for budget holidays, based on price, transport access and cheap food.
Kuta
Ultra‑cheap accommodation, close to the airport and easy transport. Loud and busy, but unbeatable for short stays and surf‑focused trips.
Legian
A quieter, slightly nicer alternative to Kuta with similar prices and better sleep. Good value guesthouses and walkable beaches.
Seminyak
More expensive than Kuta, but still affordable if you choose guesthouses or older hotels. Great food and shopping access.
Sanur
Flat, walkable and relaxed. A favourite for solo travellers and ferry access to Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands.
Ubud
Best value for longer stays. Cheap food, homestays, and easy access to nature and temples.
Best Hostels & Cheap Home Stays in Bali
(Editor’s Picks)
Puri Garden Hostel (Ubud)
From budget dorm rates. Social vibe, yoga classes, central location. Best for: Solo / social
Lokal Bali Hostel (Legian)
From low nightly rates. Clean, modern, quieter than Kuta. Pros: Location • Value Cons: Not a party hostel Best for: Quiet budget stays
Capsule Hotel Bali (Seminyak)
From capsule pricing. Great for short stays and remote workers. Best for: Work + sleep
In Da Lodge (Ubud)
From very affordable dorm rates. Classic backpacker favourite. Best for: Social / budget culture trips
The Farm Hostel (Canggu)
From budget dorm rates. Pools, co‑working, social events. Best for: Nomads & long stays
Kuta EcoStay
From cheap private rooms. Walk to beach and food. Best for: Couples on a budget
7‑Day Luxury Bali Itinerary
Fully Bookable
Who it suits: Backpackers, first‑timers, and slow travellers who want variety without overspending.
Day 1: Arrive → Kuta/Legian hostel → sunset beach walk
Day 2: Surf lesson or free beach day → cheap eats
Day 3: Transfer to Ubud → waterfall or temple visit
Day 4: Free morning → budget tour (rice terraces, swing)
Day 5: Ferry to Nusa Penida or Gili Islands
Day 6: Snorkelling tour (under $50)
Day 7: Return → Sanur → depart
Typical daily costs (from):
- Dorm bed: budget range
- Private room: low‑mid budget
- Food: warung pricing
- Transport & tours: low daily average
Booking Tip: We recommend using Booking.com or Agoda for the widest selection and best rates. For luxury properties, booking directly through the hotel website can sometimes yield exclusive perks or upgrades.
Ferries, Buses & Scooters
Ferries to Nusa Penida & Gili Islands
Book ferries online to avoid scams and sold‑out boats.
Book Ferry Tickets → [12Go Asia]({{12Go link}})
Budget Transfers
Pre‑book shared or private transfers for long distances — often cheaper than ride‑hailing. Reserve Budget Transfer → {{Budget transfer partner}}
Scooters (Read This First)
Scooters are cheap but not covered by insurance without the correct licence and helmet. Always check your policy.
Get Travel Insurance → {{World Nomads/SafetyWing link}}
Cheap Eats & Free Things
Cheap Eats (Warungs)
- Nasi Campur — from budget prices
- Mie Goreng — cheap & filling
- Warung Biah Biah (Ubud)
- Made’s Warung (budget options)
Free or Low‑Cost Activities
- Beaches & sunsets
- Temples (small entry fees)
- Rice fields & walking trails
- Markets & street food tours
👉 See Tours Under $50 → {{Klook/GYG link}}
Cheap Eats & Free Things
Cheap Eats (Warungs)
- Nasi Campur — from budget prices
- Mie Goreng — cheap & filling
- Warung Biah Biah (Ubud)
- Made’s Warung (budget options)
Free or Low‑Cost Activities
- Beaches & sunsets
- Temples (small entry fees)
- Rice fields & walking trails
- Markets & street food tours
👉 See Tours Under $50 → {{Klook/GYG link}}
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Adventure Tours
Thrill-seekers - Check our outdoor excursions focusing on the island's natural landscapes, including white water rafting , ATV quad biking through jungles and rice paddies, and sunrise trekking up Mountains.
Day Tours
Curated, full-day (8–12 hour) or half-day sightseeing trips across the island, featuring a private car, driver/guide. Offering personalized experiences visiting iconic temples, waterfalls, rice terraces and local villages.
Multi-Day Tours
Take us up on our curated, 2 to 5 day itineraries offering comprehensive, hassle-free travel across the island, covering major regions like Ubud, Uluwatu, the east coast and everything in-between. These private or small-group packages include transport, entrance fees, and activities.
Getting to Sanur
Comfort, Safety, and Logistics
Recommended Transport Options:
- Private Airport Transfer (Recommended): The safest, most comfortable, and stress-free option. Book a vetted private transfer in advance through your hotel or a reliable service like Klook or GetYourGuide. This ensures a known, trusted driver, a high-standard vehicle, and fixed pricing (typically $20-$35 AUD). You’ll avoid the hassle of negotiating with taxi touts after a long flight.
- Official Airport Taxi: Available at the official taxi counter inside the airport terminal. Prices are fixed based on zones, and you’ll pay upfront. Expect to pay around 150,000-200,000 IDR ($15-$20 AUD) to Sanur.
- Ride-Share Apps (Grab/Gojek): While these apps work for getting to Sanur from the airport, their availability for the return journey is unreliable due to local taxi regulations. If you use them, be prepared to arrange alternative transport for your departure.
Once in Sanur, getting around is refreshingly simple compared to other parts of Bali:
- Walking: Sanur is one of Bali’s most walkable destinations, especially along the beachfront promenade and main street (Jalan Danau Tamblingan).
- Bicycle: Many hotels offer complimentary bicycles for guests. If not, rental shops along the beach charge around 80,000 IDR ($8 AUD) per day. The flat terrain and dedicated bike paths make cycling a pleasure.
- Scooter Rental: Available for approximately $8-$10 AUD per day. We only recommend this for experienced riders who possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Bali’s traffic can be challenging, and police regularly check for proper documentation. Riding without an IDP voids your travel insurance and can result in fines.
- Local Taxi/Driver: For longer trips or if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, hiring a local driver for half-day or full-day excursions is affordable ($50-$70 AUD) and allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery. Your hotel can arrange this, or you can negotiate directly with drivers at taxi stands.
- Fast Boats to Nusa Islands: Sanur is the main departure point for fast boats to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Multiple operators run daily services from Sanur Harbor. Book in advance through GetYourGuide or Klook for the best rates and reliable operators.
Important: Ride-share apps like Grab and Gojek have limited operation in Sanur due to agreements with local taxi cooperatives. While you can sometimes get picked up, don’t rely on them as your primary transport method.
Common Questions
Can I really do Bali on $80/day?
Yes — especially with dorms, local food and shared transport.
What’s the cheapest month to visit Bali?
February and March offer the lowest prices.
Is Bali safe for solo travellers?
Yes, especially in Ubud and Sanur.
Are hostels in Bali safe?
Reputable hostels are generally very safe.
Can I ride a scooter without a licence?
NO — You need an International Drivers Licence and insurance won’t cover you.
Ready to Plan your Sanur Escape?
- Book Accommodation: Booking.com | Agoda
- Book Activities & Tours: GetYourGuide | Klook
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads | SafetyWing
- Airport Transfer: Klook Private Transfer
- Fast Boat to Nusa Islands: GetYourGuide
- Phone eSIM – Saily:
Next Steps:
- Explore our Bali on a Budget Guide for money-saving tips
- Read our Retiring in Bali Guide for long-term stay information
- Check out our Nusa Penida Day Trip Guide for island-hopping adventures
- Download our Bali Packing List for travelers
Affiliate Disclosure: Bali or Bust is reader-supported. When you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site running and perhaps fund a sunset cocktail or two. We only recommend services and products we genuinely use and trust.
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