In the middle of Indonesia lies one of the most popular tourist destinations globally, Bali, also known as the 'Island of the Gods'. Surrounded by turquoise waters and fringed by golden beaches, the island is certainly a surfer's paradise. When searching for a beach vacation, there's no better place to go than this stunning piece of land. Bali has a plethora of sights to explore, from temples, museums, and marketplaces to natural wonders such as caves and waterfalls. Want to visit Bali on a budget? No problem, here are 10 tips to make the best out of the gorgeous island without breaking the bank.
10 Online Bookings For Better Packages
Bali is one of those countries where booking things ahead of time online saves a lot of money. Unexpectedly, Bali has a fantastic tourist infrastructure and is well-connected to the internet; local company owners are adept at using the internet to promote and support tourism. A lot of money could be saved on everything from day trip drivers, accommodations, and tours to cooking lessons by booking special offers online.
- Tip: It is not advised to wait for too long to not miss out on the greatest discounts.
9 Eating Like A True Local
There are a variety of Westernized eateries, especially in tourist hotspots like Ubud and Canggu. Sure, ordering a $15 avocado toast in Bali and pretending to be a digital nomad or whatever is exciting. However, the better thing to do would be to avoid the pricier Western establishments in favor of local warungs providing authentic Indonesian cuisine. What's better than true authentic food? Eating at the local markets is another budget-friendly Bali food recommendation. There isn't anything like Bali's early morning and late-night markets to discover delicious Indonesian food for a low price.
8 Renting A Scooter Instead Of Getting A Ride Or Grabbing An Overpriced Taxi
Public transportation in Bali isn't always available, and not all towns are small enough to scroll them on foot. Generally, travelers would have to rely on drivers to bring them to their destination. Fortunately, everyone in Bali is a driver, and finding someone to drive won't really be a hassle. To save money, travelers can rent a scooter to get from point A to point B in town.
7 Hiring A Driver
While a scooter will get travelers from their hotel to that fantastic restaurant they heard about online, it will not get them to the temple they've wanted to see. For day travels, hiring a driver would be the best practice. It is certainly less expensive to split the cost with a group of friends or fellow travelers. It's very easy to locate drivers advertising their services almost everywhere. But it's more difficult to determine what price should be paid.
- Recommended: It is recommended to schedule a pre-arranged service rather than hoping to stumble across someone on the street.
6 Paying With Cash
Many places won't accept credit cards at all, and those that do will charge a large premium for the convenience. Instead, visitors will be paying their bills in Bali using cash. The quickest and often cheapest option to get the cash is the Airport's ATM.
- Tip: There is one crucial point to consider: if travelers want to use an ATM in a foreign country for a low fee, they should have the proper kind of debit card. Before the trip, people should take some time to see if the debit card or bank charges international transaction fees, sometimes known as ATM fees.
5 Getting To Bali Cheap
Citizens of some nations or sovereign states can enter Indonesia without a visa. These include China, Russia, South Korea, Japan, the United States, and others. Those traveling from other countries may want to consider dividing their vacation or taking a different domestic (cheaper) trip to Bali. People are recommended to travel during the off-season when fares are lower.
4 Seeking The Cheapest In Bali
Sipping premium wines is out of the question when on a budget. Travelers must avoid hotels and restaurants if looking for a cheap Bintang and instead go to a convenience store (mini-mart or mini-market as they refer to them on the island). Also, fortunately, to relax while watching the sunset, most of the beaches are free.
3 Bargaining Hard
The abundance of art markets in Bali is a terrific place to start, but it's always hit-or-miss. It all relies on how well travelers' negotiating abilities are trained. It may be a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, with beautiful artworks crafted by talented local artisans – all at low rates. Bargaining entails going as low as 40% of the quoted price before working the way up to a mutually acceptable sum.
2 Beach Spa Instead Of Expensive Luxurious Ones
After a long day of visiting Bali's beaches and haggling at art markets, visitors can treat themselves to some beach massage. Beach masseuses are often well-trained and do an excellent job of kneading muscles, all while enjoying the pleasant sea breezes. Travelers can also get a great deal on a half-hour back massage or an hour-long body massage.
1 Exiting Bali On A Budget
Pre-arranged airport shuttles for the return trip are always the best alternative. Even some low-cost hotels provide complimentary shuttle service.
- Tip: It is best to always make sure to have enough rupiah in the pocket for the trip back to the airport and any airport exit taxes that are typically included in the ticket.