Bali on a Budget: Living it up Without Breaking the Bank

High or Low?

To save money, plan your trip outside of high season between the months of July and August, and late December to early January. This is when the island is at its busiest, and when flights and accommodation price points are at their peak. We recommend travellers to visit Bali during the shoulder season. This happens during the months of February, June, September, October, November and early December. Alternatively, you may travel during the low season in the months of March, April and May to save money and avoid the crowds.

Finding Flights

Finding the cheapest flights means doing your homework. Sign up to receive flight sale alerts from budget airlines, or use flight comparison apps like Skyscanner. Skyscanner provides one of the easiest ways to compare flights on any number of routes, and can alert you when prices on that route rise or fall.

Visa Requirements

Visiting Bali used to mean paying for a visitor’s visa, but now, you can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days. This only applies to travellers from any of the 169 listed countries and sovereign states, which includes Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Finding a Bed

Saving money on accommodation really depends on how basic you’re willing to go. Hostels in Kuta, Legian and around Denpasar offer super cheap options, but you may have to forego luxury amenities such as air conditioning and a pool. Be sure to check reviews before you go, but avoid booking online as you can often negotiate cheaper rates as a walk-in guest.

Alternatively, private villas can provide lavish luxury at a decent price – especially if you’re travelling in a group.

Getting Around

Visitors to Bali often choose to travel by taxi, but there are plenty of cheaper options. Check out the Kura-Kura Bus for easy, air-conditioned travel between Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Ubud. Or, think about using Bali’s new public bus system, the Trans Sarbagita, or using GO-JEK. With the GO-JEK app, you can book your own private car with GO-CAR.

Eating

Check out Balinese cafes and warungs to discover the best in traditional Balinese cuisine. These super cheap street-side stalls and restaurants offer delicious dishes for unbelievably low prices. Just be sure to choose warungs that are well-frequented by locals – and pay attention to prices on the board to ensure you don’t get charged more, simply for being a tourist.

Sightseeing

Seeing the best of Bali doesn’t need to be expensive. Plenty of natural attractions are free to visit, as are many temples, markets and royal palaces. Check out annual festivals, such as the Bali Arts Festival and Bali Kites Festival, and ask about promotions on offer at your hostel or hotel. For a small cost, you could enjoy a massage on the beach, a visit to the spa, or a snorkel or kayak tour. Don’t forget to haggle to get the best price.

Travel Insurance

Even when you are not spending a lot on your trip, travel insurance can still be invaluable for providing protection for when things go wrong on your trip. Don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance from Chubb Insurance Australia Limited.