Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, famous for its beautiful beaches, lush rice terraces, ancient temples, rich culture, and warm hospitality. This Indonesian island attracts over 6 million visitors every year from all over the world.
The island caters to all types of travelers and budgets. You can choose to stay in luxury beachfront villas with private pools or cheap backpacker hostels for less than $10 a night. There is a wide range of dining options as well, from high-end restaurants to tasty and affordable local warungs (street food stalls).
How much does it actually cost to visit Bali? The total cost of your trip will depend on various factors like:
- Accommodation type and location
- Choice of activities and attractions
- Mode of local transportation
- Food preferences (eating out vs cooking your own meals)
By planning smartly and making the right choices, you can experience Bali on any budget. Read on to get a detailed Bali trip cost breakdown covering flights, hotels, food, sightseeing, and more.
Budget Breakdown
Flights
Flight tickets comprise a significant portion of the total Bali trip cost. Fares can vary greatly depending on:
- Origin city
- Travel season
- Airline
- Advance booking
Average flight prices from popular destinations:
| Origin City | Average Round Trip Fare |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $800 – $1200 |
| New York | $1200 – $1500 |
| London | $650 – $950 |
| Sydney | $250 – $500 |
Tips to find cheap flights:
- Book 4-5 months in advance for the lowest fares
- Consider budget airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar
- Choose flights with layovers to save money
- Set price alerts and grab sale offers
Accommodation
Bali offers a very wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and need.
| Type | Average Price Per Night |
|---|---|
| Backpacker hostels | $5 – $20 |
| Homestays | $15 – $50 |
| Budget guesthouses | $25 – $60 |
| Mid-range hotels | $60 – $150 |
| Beach resorts | $150 – $400 |
| Luxury villas | $400+ |
Tips for budget-friendly stays:
- Stay further from main tourist centers like Kuta
- Travel in low/shoulder season for lower rates
- Check Airbnb for deals on apartments and villas
- Share rooms at hostels to cut costs
Food
Eating out 3 meals a day in Bali can get very expensive. You can save money by:
- Having breakfast at your hotel/accommodation
- Eating at local warungs instead of restaurants
- Cooking some meals yourself
Average meal costs:
| Food Option | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Street food | $1 – $3 |
| Local warung meal | $2 – $5 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $5 – $15 |
| Fine dining | $15+ per person |
Average daily food budget:
- Budget travelers: $10 – $15
- Mid-range travelers: $20 – $50
- Luxury travelers: $50+
Activities
There’s no shortage of amazing things to see and do in Bali. Entrance fees and activity costs typically range from $5 to $100 per person.
Average prices for top attractions and activities:
- Visit temples (eg. Uluwatu, Tanah Lot): $5 – $10
- Rice terrace tours (eg. Jatiluwih, Tegallalang): $10 – $20
- Outdoor adventures (eg. hiking, rafting): $50 – $75
- Surfing lessons: $10 – $20
- Diving trips: $60 – $100
- Cooking class: $30 – $60
- Spa treatments: $7 – $100+
Transportation
Getting around Bali can be very cheap if you use local transport options.
- Short taxi rides: $2 – $10
- Motorbike rental per day: $5 – $10
- Private car with driver per day: $40 – $60
- Public shuttle bus per ride: $1 – $5
For longer distances, domestic flights within Indonesia are affordable options to reach Bali.
Average Trip Costs
Here are some average trip budgets in Bali covering flights, accommodation, food, transport and activities. Prices are per person.
Backpacker (7 nights)
| Expense | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Round trip from Kuala Lumpur | $180 |
| Accommodation | Hostel dorm bed | $12 x 7 nights = $84 |
| Food | $10 per day | $10 x 8 days = $80 |
| Transport | Local buses & ride sharing | $5 x 8 days = $40 |
| Activities | Hikes, temple visits, beach days | $15 x 8 days = $120 |
| Total Trip Cost | $504 |
Mid-Range Traveler (10 nights)
| Expense | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Round trip from Singapore | $250 |
| Accommodation | Guesthouse double room | $45 x 10 nights = $450 |
| Food | $30 per day | $30 x 11 days = $330 |
| Transport | Scooter rental & some taxis | $12 x 11 days = $132 |
| Activities | Surfing, yoga, massages | $50 x 11 days = $550 |
| Total Trip Cost | $1,712 |
Luxury Honeymooner (14 nights)
| Expense | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | Round trip from Dubai | $800 |
| Accommodation | Cliffside resort villa | $250 x 14 nights = $3,500 |
| Food | Mix of hotel meals & restaurants | $100 x 15 days = $1,500 |
| Transport | Private car rental & driver | $50 x 15 days = $750 |
| Activities | Snorkeling, tours, romantic dinners | $150 x 15 days = $2,250 |
| Total Trip Cost | $8,800 |
As you can see, the same destination can cost as little as $500 for a budget backpacker or as much as $8,800 for a luxury romantic getaway, depending on your travel style.
Tips for Saving Money
Here are some handy tips to lower your Bali trip costs:
Flights
- Be flexible with dates and airports
- Use flight deal alert services
- Consider open-jaw flights to/from Bali
Accommodation
- Travel in low season for lower hotel rates
- Stay further from popular tourist spots like Seminyak and Ubud
- Check homestays and budget villas on Airbnb
Food
- Eat street food and at local warungs
- Stock up on groceries and water at supermarkets
- Negotiate prices at restaurants and markets
Transport
- Use metered taxis and negotiated fares
- Rent a scooter instead of hiring private cars
- Take public shuttle buses for long distances
Activities
- Join free walking tours and visit temples with no entry fees
- Book activity combos and multi-day tour packages
- Avoid expensive theme parks
Shopping
- Head to local markets instead of upscale boutiques
- Buy fixed-price souvenirs from UD Cooperative shops
- Haggle respectfully at street shops and art galleries
Conclusion
Bali offers something for everyone, whether you are backpacking on a tight budget or celebrating your honeymoon in style. With some smart planning, you can experience the very best of this island paradise while sticking to your preferred travel budget.
The typical cost for a week in Bali could be anywhere between $500 to $3,000 per person or more, depending on your chosen activities, mode of transport, standard of accommodation and dining options. We hope this Bali trip cost guide helps you plan your perfect vacation!