Bali Excursions

Alright, let’s talk about the big question buzzing in your head if you’re daydreaming of coconut trees and cheap nasi goreng: how much will it cost to travel in Bali? First off, I get it. Every time I’ve planned a trip to Bali—whether it was a budget backpacking run, a chill honeymoon vibe with my partner, or a work-remote escape—I found myself crunching the same numbers. And lemme tell ya, Bali’s one of those places where your cost can be dirt cheap or bougie luxury. Depends how you roll. But either way, there’s something for every wallet size.

Read also: What’s Bali Belly

In this deep dive (and yeah, it’s gonna be long, because this ain’t a shallow swim), I’ll lay out everything based on real stays, failed bookings, actual receipts, and little surprises I wish someone had told me earlier. I’m not just googling average prices and calling it a day—I’ve messed up a few budget plans myself and learned the hard way.

Accommodation Costs in Bali – From Hostels to Private Villas

Let’s kick off with where you’ll sleep. In Bali, you can stay in a beach shack with salty hair and no AC… or live like royalty with a private infinity pool staring down the rice fields.

Budget Options – For the Ones Who’d Rather Spend on Surf Than Sleep

If you’re really on a tight budget, Bali’s got you. In places like Canggu, Ubud, or Kuta, you can find dorm beds for as low as 80,000 IDR (around $5 USD) per night. And I’m not talkin’ flea-ridden holes either. I stayed at The Island Hotel Bali once—chill vibe, clean bunks, free breakfast pancakes (not the best, but hey, free is free).

Even private rooms in guesthouses or homestays can go for 150,000–300,000 IDR a night (about $10–$20 USD). These usually come with Wi-Fi, a fan (maybe AC), and some friendly old auntie who’ll give you tips or lend you a scooter.

If you’re traveling as a couple or even a small group, split it and boom—you’re living cheap.

Mid-Range – A Bit of Comfort Without Breaking the Bank

This is where I usually land. You’ll find solid mid-range stays with AC, decent Wi-Fi, a pool, and maybe even a jungle view for around 400,000–800,000 IDR per night ($25–$55 USD). In Ubud, I once stayed in a bungalow-style hotel for about $40 a night and woke up to monkeys swinging on the roof. Not ideal at 5 a.m., but still—kind of magical.

Canggu and Seminyak mid-range hotels are slightly pricier just ‘cause of location, but you can still snag some sweet deals if you’re flexible with dates or stay a bit inland (away from the beach).

High-End & Luxury – For When You’re Ballin’ or on a Honeymoon

If you’re throwing down some serious cash or just want the “Eat Pray Love” fantasy, there’s no shortage of high-end spots. Villas with private chefs, infinity pools, and flower baths run from $150 USD to $500+ a night.

One time, for a splurge weekend, I booked a place near Uluwatu that had a full-time butler. Felt awkward asking someone else to slice my mango, but hey—YOLO, right?

Keep in mind, luxury doesn’t always mean expensive in Bali. A $200/night place here might easily be $800+ in Hawaii or Greece.

Daily Food Costs in Bali – Street Eats, Warungs & Fancy Feasts

Bali is a food-lover’s playground. You can survive on $5 a day or blow $50 on brunch—been there, done both.

Cheap Eats – Warung Life & Street Food Heaven

Warungs (local food stalls) are your wallet’s best friend. I legit lived off nasi campur (mixed rice with veggies, tofu, chicken, egg, etc.) for about 25,000 IDR ($1.60 USD) a plate. Some days, I’d get a juice, a meal, and a snack for under $3. That’s wild, right?

Street satay skewers? 10,000 IDR for 5 sticks. Fried tempeh with sambal? 5,000 IDR. You’ll eat like a king on a budget, just maybe carry some tissues—the spice can slap hard.

Mid-Range Restaurants – Cafés, Western Dishes, and Instagram Brunches

If you’re staying in Ubud or Canggu, you’ll see all those Insta-famous cafés with smoothie bowls, avo toast, and lattes with cute art. Yeah, they look great—but they cost a bit more.

Meals here range from 60,000–120,000 IDR ($4–$8 USD), and coffee usually runs 30,000–50,000 IDR ($2–$3.50 USD). Not crazy expensive, just not warung cheap. Still, if you’re working remotely or want some AC with your omelet, this is the sweet spot.

I’ve spent weeks working from these cafes—Zin Cafe in Canggu is a personal fave. Decent coffee, solid Wi-Fi, and you’ll bump into a ton of digital nomads doing the same thing.

Fine Dining – If You’re Celebrating or Just Wanna Splurge

Now, if you hit up places like Locavore in Ubud or Mama San in Seminyak, your bill could easily hit 1,000,000 IDR+ per person ($65+ USD). Worth it? Depends. I’ve had one of the best duck dishes of my life at a place in Uluwatu, but also dropped half a day’s budget on dessert.

Transportation in Bali – Scooters, Grab, and “Bali Time” Drivers

Getting around Bali isn’t hard, but it’s not always smooth sailing either. Traffic’s a beast in the south, and sometimes Google Maps leads you down a dirt road that’s more suited for goats than scooters. Been there. Twice.

Scooter Rentals – Freedom, Baby (If You Can Ride)

Scooters are the go-to. Renting one costs around 70,000 IDR a day ($4–$5 USD), and you’ll find plenty of places willing to hand you the keys with zero questions asked. Not great for safety, but hey, convenience.

I once paid 500,000 IDR ($33 USD) for a full month of scooter rental in Ubud—straight-up bargain. Just remember: wear a helmet, drive slow, and don’t be that tourist weaving like a maniac.

Fuel costs barely register—maybe $1.50 USD to fill up a tank that lasts a few days.

Grab, Gojek & Private Drivers – For Non-Riders or Group Trips

Grab and Gojek are your Uber equivalents. A 15-minute ride might cost 30,000–50,000 IDR ($2–$3.50 USD), depending on traffic and location.

For day trips, hiring a private driver is a smart move, especially for places like the waterfalls in North Bali. Drivers usually charge 600,000–800,000 IDR ($40–$55 USD) for a full day. I used the same driver three times—friendly guy named Ketut who knew all the shortcuts and was happy to wait while I took way too long at a temple.

What You’ll Spend on Activities – Beaches, Temples & Bucket-List Stuff

Activities in Bali range from totally free to oh-my-god-my-wallet-hurts.

Free (or Almost Free) – Beaches, Rice Fields, Waterfalls

Bali’s full of beauty that doesn’t cost a dime. Swimming in the ocean? Free. Walking through the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud? Free. Chilling at Echo Beach with a Bintang? Just the beer cost.

Some waterfalls and temples charge small entry fees—usually around 10,000–50,000 IDR ($0.70–$3.50 USD). Tegallalang Rice Terrace asked for a “donation” that turned into a low-key toll booth, but it was like $1, so whatever.

Yoga, Surfing & Cooking Classes – Affordable & Worth Every Rupiah

Yoga classes are everywhere—especially in Ubud. Drop-in rates range from 120,000–160,000 IDR ($8–$11 USD), but some studios offer weekly or monthly passes. Surf lessons in Kuta or Canggu run about 250,000–350,000 IDR per session ($16–$23 USD), including board rental.

I once did a Balinese cooking class for around $30 USD. We went to the local market, got schooled by a sassy old lady who made fun of my sambal-making skills, and cooked up a feast. Highly recommend.

Scuba, Diving, and Big-Ticket Adventures

Here’s where things start adding up. A scuba dive trip in Amed or Nusa Penida? Around $70–$120 USD per dive. A PADI Open Water Certification? Expect to drop $300–$400 USD.

Then there’s Mount Batur sunrise hikes (about $30–$50 USD with guide), ATV rides, rafting tours, and dolphin-watching in Lovina. Some of it’s touristy, sure—but fun if you’re with the right crowd.

Wellness, Massage & Self-Care – Because You Deserve It

Massages in Bali are ridiculously cheap—and honestly, kinda addicting. You’ll think, “I’ll get one or two,” and before you know it, you’re getting daily 90-minute sessions like royalty.

Basic massage places charge 80,000–150,000 IDR ($5–$10 USD) per hour. Spa-level services or resort spas will charge more—like 400,000–800,000 IDR ($25–$55 USD)—but still way less than back home.

I splurged once on a full spa day in Uluwatu. Cost me about $60 USD, and I came out floatin’. Feet scrubbed, face glowing, stress gone.

Internet, SIM Cards & Staying Connected

If you’re like me and need to be online (either to work or just scroll memes), Bali’s pretty solid.

You can get a local SIM card with data for cheap—Telkomsel or XL are the big providers. I usually grab 20GB for around 150,000 IDR ($10 USD), which lasts weeks. Just make sure your phone’s unlocked.

Most cafés, hotels, and villas have Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. In Canggu, it’s fast enough to upload videos. In Amed? Well… patience, my friend.

Total Daily Budget – So, What’s the Real Cost?

Here’s where it all comes together. And I’ll break it down how I usually do it for friends who ask.

• Shoestring Budget: Around $20–$30 USD/day. Sleep in hostels, eat warung food, rent a scooter, skip the tours. Still have a blast.
• Comfortable Travel: $40–$70 USD/day. Mid-range stays, mix of local and Western food, yoga, scooter or ride-hailing apps.
• Luxury Style: $150+ USD/day. Villas, private drivers, fancy dinners, spa days, the works.

Thing is, how much it will cost to travel in Bali really depends on you. Wanna party in Seminyak every night? That’s pricey. Happy with coconut water, a hammock, and a book? Super affordable.

I’ve done both ends of the spectrum. Sometimes in the same trip.

And that’s the real magic of Bali—you can mix and match based on your vibe, your wallet, and your mood that day.