Bali is known for its lush landscape, beautiful beaches, and rich culture. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But if you’re on a budget, traveling to Bali can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered, you can travel to Bali cheap!
In this post, we will discuss eight money-saving tips that will help you travel to Bali on a budget.
How to Travel to Bali on a Budget
Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning beaches, lush jungle, and dramatic volcanic scenery, Bali offers something for everyone. But how can you enjoy all that Bali has to offer without breaking the bank?
Here are our top eight tips for traveling to Bali on a budget:
1. Book Your Flight Well in Advance
If you want to get the best deal on flights to Bali, you need to book well in advance. Tickets tend to be more expensive the closer you get to the departure date, so it’s important to start looking for deals as soon as possible. It is better to buy tickets several months in advance to get cheaper prices.
You can find good deals on flights by using a flight comparison website like Skyscanner, Expedia, or Aviasales.
2. Avoid Peak Season
Bali is busiest during the summer months, so if you can travel outside of this period you’ll find better deals and fewer crowds. The same goes for major holidays like Christmas and New Year – avoid these times if possible to save money.
You can choose to visit Bali during the rainy season (November to March) when it’s not as hot and prices are lower. However, keep in mind that some parts of the island can be quite wet and muddy during this time.
3. Stay in a Hostel
If you want to save money on accommodation, stay in a hostel. Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms for as little as $15 per night, which is a fraction of the price of most hotels.
You can find hostels all over Bali, and there are some great options in popular tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud.
Service for finding hotels:
If you don’t like hostels, you can use the Сouchsurfing service – people who are willing to offer their couches or spare rooms for free (or for a small fee). But make sure you do your research first, as not all Сouchsurfing experiences are positive.
4. Avoid Common Scams
One of the best ways to make sure your trip to Bali is affordable is to avoid common scams. There are many different schemes criminals use to take advantage of tourists, so it’s important to be aware of what they are and how to protect yourself. Some of the most common include:
- The gem scam, where someone offers to show you a “great deal” on gems and then takes your money without giving you anything in return.
- The transportation scam, where someone tells you they can get you a cheap ride to your destination, but instead takes you on a long and expensive journey. Make sure to agree on a price before getting into any vehicle.
- The overpriced taxi scam, where a taxi driver charges you many times more than the regular fare for a ride. Make sure to always ask for a price before getting in and never accept help from someone who approaches you on the street.
- The fake currency scam, where someone tries to give you counterfeit money in exchange for goods or services. Be sure to know what the currency looks like so you can spot any fakes.
- The rental scam, where someone offers a cheap rental deal online, but when you arrive they demand much more money than agreed upon. always research rentals ahead of time and be suspicious of deals that are too good to be true.
- The “helpful stranger” scam, where someone who seems friendly offers to help you with something but then steals your belongings. Be aware of anyone who tries to befriend you and never leave your belongings unguarded.
- The massage scam, where a masseuse asks for an exorbitant amount of money for a massage that is either very short or not even given. Make sure to agree on a price before getting a massage.
These are just a few of the most common scams, so be sure to do your research and learn about others before you travel.
5. Rent a Scooter in Town
Scooter rentals are the way to go if you want to explore all of what Bali has to offer on a budget. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also the best way to get around town and see everything without having to worry about finding parking.
In order to rent a scooter, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old. Most rentals start at around 50,000 IDR per day, but you can always negotiate a better price if you rent for multiple days or weeks. For example, if you plan to visit Bali in 10 days or more, you can make a deal with 5,000-10,000 IDR cheaper per day. Even, one month of scooter rental can save you 20,000 IDR per day.
Just make sure to always wear a helmet when riding and to drive carefully – the roads in Bali can be a bit crazy!
6. Eat and Drink Like a Local
When you’re in a new place, it’s always tempting to try all the different foods and drinks. But if you’re on a budget, that can quickly add up. Instead, eat as the locals do. Eat at street stalls or local restaurants instead of tourist traps. And skip the cocktails and order beer or wine instead – it’ll be cheaper.
In addition, you can try to cook something yourself. There are plenty of affordable ingredients available in Bali, so you can make a meal without spending too much. For example, you can buy some chicken or fish and cook it up in a simple stir-fry.
Also, be sure to bring snacks with you. That way, you’ll have something to eat when you’re out and about and don’t want to spend money on food.
7. Pay With Cash
One of the easiest ways to save money when traveling is to pay with cash. When you use your credit or debit card, you’re likely to be charged extra fees – such as foreign transaction fees – which can quickly add up. If you’re able to stick to using cash, you’ll avoid these additional costs.
In addition, you may find that you’re able to get better deals when you pay for things in cash. For example, many restaurants and cafes offer a discount if you pay with cash instead of a card.
8. Bargain Hard for the Best Deals
Bali is a popular tourist destination, so you can be sure that there are plenty of deals to be had if you know where to look. If you’re not afraid to bargain, then head to the local markets and haggle for the best price on souvenirs, clothes, or even food. Just remember to stay polite and respectful – bargaining is all part of the culture here.
Also, try to avoid paying tourist prices wherever possible. For example, instead of taking a taxi from the airport into town, grab a shuttle bus or even walk if you’re close enough. And don’t forget to take advantage of free things to do in Bali – like exploring temples and volcanoes, going for hikes, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Conclusion
Bali is an amazing place to travel and there are many ways that you can do so without breaking the bank. By following some of these top money-saving tips, you will be on your way to enjoying all that Bali has to offer without worrying about spending too much. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Mark Hensley
Contributor
Mark Hensley is an ex-Senior Hardware Engineer at Hewlett-Packard, an IT Professional, and the Founder of Povverful, a contributor to ByRossi.
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