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With an abundance of all-inclusive beach resorts and world-famous hot spots, heavily touristed Bali can have a reputation in backpacker circles for being hard on one’s wallet. But in reality, Bali offers a plethora of incredibly inexpensive activities to keep even the most frugal of travelers endlessly occupied.
In fact, I found just about everything to be cheap in Bali (except alcohol, which can cost roughly the same as it would in the States) and most of my money actually went to transportation.
(Read more about how to get around Bali here!)
My month in Bali was by far the most expensive I’ve spent in Southeast Asia, coming in at just under $1600 USD, not including flights, which is a bit gut-wrenching compared to the $300-$600 I typically spend in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. But it’s almost always true of backpacking that the longer you stay in a place the cheaper it gets, which is why the two weeks I spent in Canggu were my most affordable- there were plenty of times I did little more than spend the entire day at the beach with a good book and a Bintang. That being said, there are plenty of penny-pinching pleasures to keep budget travelers entertained to the max!
So without further delay, here’s a short list of some things to do in Bali that won’t bust your bank account.
Get a Mani/Pedi on Legian Street ($2)
Bali is basically THE beauty spa devotee's holy land. Mani/pedis, foot massages, and full body rubs can be found for as little as $4, even in tourist-laden spots like Kuta. Head out early in the day, and salon ladies will cut you manicure deals for $2!
Take a yoga class at The Yoga Barn, Ubud $6-12
Photo by Dahon 2014
Ubud is famed for it’s yoga studios and the jewel in it’s crown is The Yoga Barn in Ubud. With a variety of yoga, meditation, and ecstatic dance classes offered all day, every day, there is a session for every skill level, ranging from $12 to as little as $6 per class. Free community classes and events are also held, so check their website!
Read more on how to get your bend on in Bali, as well as my favorite yoga studios in Ubud & Canggu HERE !
Climb the Stairs to the Sky Door at Pura Lempuyang
Photo by Thomas Hubauer 2011
It’s only a $2 entrance fee, but be ready to hike 1700 steps!
HAVE a tempeh burger at Old Man’s in Canggu ($4)
Photo by Spinnn 2013
I’d like to start by saying I’m not a vegetarian. I LOVE BACON! But I was introduced to the wonderful world of “tempeh” while in Canggu, where the soybean-esque sprout patty is a staple on many a menu at cafes along Batu Boolong road. Ithaka Warung and Betelnut cafes have dishes to die for, but the epitome of food felicity can be found at a small locally-run warung at the end of the road on Old Man’s beach, between the parking area and Old Man’s Beach Bar.
Order the tempeh burger, but stay away from the $1 Arak shots!
TRY MI GORENG at Indonesia Warung, Kuta ($2)
Photo by Natasha Peterson, 2015 Follow @boozybackpacker on Instagram!
Feed the Monkeys at Monkey Forest, Ubud
Photo by Kyla Fox, 2015 Follow @kylafox on Instagram!
A bunch of bananas and an entrance ticket to Monkey Forest in Ubud will run you just under $4. Read more about the Monkey Forest and how to interact safely with its namesake guardians here.
Sip a Bintang by the seashore ($2)
Hit the morning market and have yourself a picnic at the beach ($2-4)
Get to Jimbaran’s Fish Market at sunrise to watch the fishermen bring in the last night’s catch, then head down to the beautiful beaches of the Bukit to spend the day lounging in the sun and watching the surfers conquer Bali’s most famous waves.
Warungs & street stalls abound, serving up fresh fruit shakes & nasi delights on the cheap, sometimes less than a dollar!
Top Pick: Try 3D warung on the road to Uluwatu
Take a tour of the Bali Dog Adoption & Rehabilitation Center ($10)
Animal lovers will love visiting BAWA and BARC, two prominent local animal welfare associations with locations in Ubud and Sanur. Both organizations hold a variety of fundraising events around Bali, or you can visit the offices to cuddle puppies and buy souvenirs. Better still, BARC offers guided tours of their sanctuary facilities in Ubud for just $10. Tours include an informational presentation, tea & refreshments and oodles of puppy cuddles.
Adopt a Sea Turtle ($0-10)
If you’re visiting Kuta between May and September, you’re lucky enough to be visiting during sea turtle hatching season!
Make your way over to the Bali Sea Turtle Society, an education and conservation project, to learn about sea turtles or even “adopt” & release your very own hatching into the sea! A wonderful experience for both kids and adults alike, trips to the centre are free but donations are always appreciated.
Photo via Flickr
View the Sunset from Uluwatu’s magical cliffs
& see a traditional fire dance
A “must see” on many Bucket Lists, the Temple at Uluwatu, called Pura Luhur, is one of Bali’s 6 Directional Temples, whose dramatic cliffside location is part of an intricate, large scale design to protect the island from evil spirits.
Every evening, once the sun goes down, dancers take to the ocean sands to stage performances of the traditional Kecak Fire Dance, which is beautiful and thrilling to witness. Entrance to the temple will cost you 20,000 rupiah (approximately $2) and a ticket to the dance
Take a tour of Charlie’s Chocolates for $1
Okay, so this last one probably doesn’t belong on the list. While it may only “technically” cost a $1 donation to attend a tour of the factory…. I dare you to go and not walk away with armfuls of delicious chocolatey sweetness. Seriously, I double dog dare you.
Photo by Louisa Contreras 2013
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