Budget travel in Bali does not need to be a contradiction in terms. Bali may be known for luxury villas and private infinity pools, but it’s also a paradise for travelers on a shoestring. With a little planning and local insight, budget travel in Bali becomes not just doable but wildly rewarding. From rice field treks and cliffside temples to delicious street food and beach bonfires, you’ll find rich experiences that don’t cost a fortune. This island knows how to stretch your rupiah further than you’d think.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a digital nomad with a minimalist mindset, or a student traveler ticking off bucket list dreams, Bali has free wonders, affordable eats, and low-cost stays tucked into nearly every corner of the island. And the best part? You don’t need to compromise on beauty, culture, or good vibes to travel on a budget here.
We’ve rounded up the best ways to enjoy Bali without breaking the bank. Scroll through these hand-picked sections and discover free adventures, affordable meals, and smart hacks that make budget travel feel like a luxury of its own.
Free Must-Sees in Bali
(Explore without spending a single rupiah)
© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces (Ubud)
- Walk along dramatic green slopes and ancient irrigation channels. Best seen at sunrise or late afternoon.
- Location: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Ubud | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Walk past the main viewing area to escape crowds.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud)
- A peaceful hike with stunning valley views and sunrise magic.
- Location: Campuhan, Ubud | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Go early to beat the heat and bring water.
- Pura Taman Saraswati (Ubud)
- A beautiful lotus-filled water temple in the heart of Ubud.
- Location: Jalan Kajeng, Ubud | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Visit at sunset when the golden light hits the lotus pond.
- Suluban Beach Cave (Uluwatu)
- Hidden beach tucked beneath towering cliffs, popular with surfers.
- Location: Labuan Sait, Pecatu | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Low tide reveals secret pathways and caves.
- Sanur Beach Sunrise
- Chill, early-morning vibes with joggers and fishermen.
- Location: Sanur Beach, Denpasar | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Bring a coffee and your camera—golden hour here is next level.
- Petitenget Temple (Seminyak)
- A sacred and often overlooked Balinese sea temple.
- Location: Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak | 🎟 Free (donation optional)
- Tip: Dress respectfully and explore nearby offerings.
- Street Art Hunt in Canggu
- Find colorful murals, surf graffiti, and urban art tucked behind cafés and alleys.
- Location: Around Batu Bolong & Echo Beach | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Bring your phone for Instagram gold.
Cheap Eats, Warungs & Nightlife
(Savor the flavor without the splurge)
- Warung Murah (Seminyak)
- Local-style buffet with tasty nasi campur under $2.
- Insider tip: Get there before lunch for the freshest options.
- Sate Babi Bawah Pohon (Legian)
- Legendary pork skewers grilled under a tree—spicy and unforgettable.
- Expect to pay under $1 per skewer.
- Warung Biah Biah (Ubud)
- Super affordable small Balinese plates, perfect for sharing.
- Great for budget couples or friends.
- Ginger Moon (Seminyak, mid-budget but worth it)
- Share plates with creative Asian twists. Prices are reasonable for the quality.
- Ideal for budget travelers wanting a splurge night under $10.
- Old Man’s (Canggu)
- Happy hour deals and surfer vibes.
- Entrance is free, beers are cheap, and you might stumble onto a beach party.
- Sky Garden Bali (Kuta)
- Rooftop club with all-you-can-eat buffets and drinks from $5.
- Watch for daily promos, especially before 9pm.
Tips for Backpackers & Budget Travelers
(Where to save, when to splurge)
- Use GoJek or Grab instead of taxis
- Cheap, reliable rides with clear pricing—essential for getting around.
- Stay in hostels with free breakfast & coworking
- Many hostels offer daily breakfast and strong Wi-Fi, saving you money on both food and workspace.
- Visit temples during ceremonies
- No better time to witness culture (just dress respectfully and be quiet).
- Laundry by the kilo
- Don’t overpack—local laundry spots clean your clothes for less than $1/kg.
- Buy local SIM cards
- Avoid roaming fees. Telkomsel SIMs with data packages are under $5.
- Use refill stations for water
- Skip buying plastic bottles—many cafés offer cheap or free refills.
- Eat where locals eat
- If you see scooters and locals lined up, that’s your spot.
- Don’t book every activity in advance
- Prices on the ground are often cheaper than online.
Budget-Friendly Activities in Bali
(Fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune)
- Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon (Padang Bai)
- Calm, clear waters with colorful coral and tropical fish—perfect for beginners.
- Location: Padang Bai Beach | 🎟 Snorkel rental from ~$3–$5
- Tip: Ask local boatmen on the beach for the best last-minute rates.
- Yoga in the Rice Fields (Ubud)
- Join community classes at places like The Yoga Barn or Radiantly Alive with drop-ins from $5.
- Location: Jalan Hanoman, Ubud
- Tip: Look for free intro classes or donation-based morning sessions.
- Sunset at Uluwatu Temple
- Breathtaking cliffside views and a dramatic Kecak fire dance performance at dusk.
- Location: Jl. Uluwatu, Pecatu | 🎟 Temple entry: ~$3; dance show: ~$7
- Tip: Wear a sarong (free with ticket) and arrive early for good seats.
- Cooking Classes in a Local Warung
- Learn to make Balinese classics like nasi goreng or sambal matah from locals.
- Location: Ubud, Canggu, or Seminyak | 🎟 From ~$10–$15 for group classes
- Tip: Small family-run classes feel more personal—and feed you well!
- Cliff Jumping at Aling-Aling Waterfall (North Bali)
- Swim in blue pools and leap from cliffs into the water if you dare.
- Location: Sambangan, Buleleng | 🎟 Entry: ~$1, Guide: ~$5–$8 (optional but recommended)
- Tip: Combine this with a short waterfall trekking circuit for more value.
- Local Market Wandering – Pasar Badung & Pasar Ubud
- Discover local spices, souvenirs, sarongs, and cheap snacks.
- Location: Denpasar (Pasar Badung), Ubud (Jl. Raya Ubud) | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Bargain politely and go early for the best deals and fewer crowds.
- Beach Volleyball or Skate Jams (Canggu)
- Join casual beach games or hang at Pretty Poison skate bowl on theme nights.
- Location: Batu Bolong Beach & Echo Beach | 🎟 Free
- Tip: Bring your own drink and join the crowd—no ticket needed.
🛵 Cheap Transport Hacks in Bali
(How to get around without draining your wallet)
- Rent a Scooter (if you’re confident)
- The #1 way to explore Bali cheaply and flexibly.
- Location: Available island-wide | 💰 ~$4–$6 per day
- Tip: Always wear a helmet and carry an international license.
- Download GoJek and Grab
- Affordable motorbike taxis and cars with fixed prices, no haggling.
- Location: Operates across Bali
- Tip: Cheaper than taxis, especially in busy areas like Canggu and Ubud.
- Public Bemos (Mini Buses)
- Very cheap (under $1), but routes can be confusing.
- Location: Denpasar, Singaraja, and rural areas
- Tip: Great for ultra-low budgets, just ask locals where to hop on/off.
- Shared Shuttle Buses
- Kura-Kura Bus and Perama Tour offer comfy rides between main hubs.
- Location: Routes: Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, Seminyak, Airport | 💰 ~$5–$8
- Tip: Book at tourist info spots or guesthouses to avoid mark-ups.
- Walk, Walk, Walk (when possible)
- In towns like Ubud or Canggu, walking gets you far and free.
- Location: Most central areas
- Tip: Use Maps.me for offline walking paths through rice fields or side streets.
- Airport Transfer Tip
- Skip the pushy taxi line—order a Grab from the Pick-Up Zone upstairs in the parking garage.
- Location: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
- 💰 ~$5–$8 to Seminyak/Canggu
- Tip: If Grab isn’t working, look for drivers with handwritten signs offering shared transfers.
- Avoid Tourist Taxi Scams
- Blue Bird Taxis are the only ones with meters you can trust.
- Location: Mainly in south Bali
- Tip: Use the official MyBlueBird app to order; never hail off the street unless it’s clearly branded.