How Much Does a Trip to Bali Cost?
Bali and Nusa Penida in Indonesia are very popular among tourists, known for their beautiful temples, delicious food, and stunning beaches! What kind of travel budget should you consider when planning a trip around Bali? But how much does a trip to Bali actually cost? In this article, we’ll share our travel expenses. We visited Bali in 2023 and didn’t receive any discounts.
Our Trip to Bali
It’s important to note the type of trip we had when considering the following costs. We traveled with two people in October (11 days) and didn’t stay in luxury accommodations. The places we stayed were of good quality, each with its own room and bathroom. We didn’t book any luxury hotels. We mostly ate out, as food in Bali is affordable. For convenience, we will only mention Bali in this blog, though we also visited Nusa Penida, where costs are similar.
For clarity, all prices listed are based on our trip and serve as a guideline. You can make your trip as expensive or cheap as you wish!
How Much Does a Trip to Bali Cost?
In total, we spent around US $760 (excluding flights), which comes to about US $35 per person per day. Below is a rough breakdown of where we spent this amount. The prices are from 2023, and we didn’t get any discounts or special deals.
- Accommodation (US $160)
- Food and drinks (US $275)
- Transportation (US $80)
- Activities (US $145)
- Other expenses (US $100)
Flights to Bali
The cost of a flight varies so much that we don’t list specific prices. We recommend checking Skyscanner for the best deals, and don’t forget to consider options with layovers. We booked a flight from Singapore to Bali during our world trip!
Transportation: Taxis and Private Drivers
Instead of renting a scooter, we used taxis. This cost us US $80 in total for transportation, including the ferry to Nusa Penida. Renting a scooter is cheaper, but it’s difficult to get good insurance, so we didn’t do this.
Tip: Use Grab, especially when traveling from the airport to your accommodation. There are many pushy drivers who will charge you a price too high!
For various tours, we had a private driver who took us to different attractions for the day. This way, you get more insights into the culture and handy travel tips. For instance, our driver at Bali shared a lot of information about the volcano! The transport costs for these tours are included in the activities section.
Accommodation in Bali: Great Value for Money!
Bali offers a wide range of accommodations, from eco-lodges in Ubud to boutique hotels in Seminyak. Fun fact: some of the oldest traditional Balinese houses are still used as small guesthouses!
For a relatively small amount, you get incredible value for money in Bali. We paid around US $160 for all our accommodations, which is really affordable considering what you get! The rooms always had a private bathroom. In our last accommodation there even was a swimming pool!
We stayed at the following accommodations, all of which we recommend!
Shiva House Ubud Bali: A traditional Balinese-style house. It’s just a short walk from the center, and we had a nice breakfast in the morning for a small amount.
Jingga Home Nusa Penida: A lovely cottage with a very kind owner who also arranged tours for us. It’s a bit secluded, but still within walking distance from the harbor.
The Agung Residence Seminyak: A nice hotel just outside the busy area of Kuta. You’re only 20 minutes from the beach, and the hotel has a swimming pool!
Activities: Beautiful Sights Come with Fees
Bali and Nusa Penida are famous for their stunning nature, but did you know that many places charge an entrance fee? You often have to pay to access a beach or to visit a photogenic spot. We spent US $145 in total on activities, including a tour of the rice fields in Ubud and the iconic Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida! You can find all the activities we did in our full itinerary Bali & Nusa Penida!
Tip: Consider booking a private tour with a driver. It might cost a bit extra, but it’s worth it. Not only do you get a comfortable ride, but you also learn interesting facts about the surroundings.
Food & Drinks: Surprisingly Affordable
One of the best aspects of traveling in Bali is the food. Think aromatic rice dishes and tropical fruit shakes, all for very little money. We spent an average of US $25 per day on food and drinks for two people. While this may sound like a lot, it’s because we ate out multiple times a day.
Tip: Try eating at warungs instead of tourist restaurants. Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll also taste authentic Balinese cuisine. Check out our Google Maps travel guide Bali for the restaurants we would recommend!
Other Expenses: Visa and Souvenirs
One of the biggest expenses was our visa: US $65 for two people. You can probably apply for it at the airport upon arrival. Don’t forget to bring cash, as card payments are often not accepted. We also spent some money on souvenirs. A lovely souvenir is a Balinese sarong, which is an important cultural symbol. You have to wear one when visiting temples.
