A trip to Bali is generally synonymous with a luxurious beachside holiday consisting of swanky bars, premium resorts and watersports. On the other hand, backpacking in Bali is equally a great way to experience the best of it, filled with white sandy beaches, jungle treks, and diving ventures. We have curated a complete guide for the budget-friendly traveller who wishes to enjoy the best Bali has to offer whilst not breaking the bank. Read on to find out the essentials.

Best Time For Backpacking in Bali

May to September - Peak Season of Bali

The best time to visit Bali is from May to mid-September. These months constitute the non-rainy season making it the best time to visit the beaches and forests in Bali. August is the driest month of the year.

January to March - Off Season

Though this season starts with lesser crowds and lower accommodation prices, the weather is uncomfortably rainy. So if you plan to visit Bali during its off-season, carrying an umbrella or a raincoat should be on your list of things to pack.

October to December - Shoulder Season

Visa for Bali

• VEA (Visa Exemption Arrangement) is free and only available to 9 ASEAN countries for an in-extendable 30 days tourist visit only. 

• VOA (Visa on Arrival) costs IDR 500,000 per person (applies to adults and children) with payment on arrival.

• VOA (Visa on Arrival) is for a single Entry into Bali/Indonesia, for a one-time extension after a stay of up to 30 days, at the local Immigration Office (charges apply).

• Payment can be facilitated by: VISA Card, Master Card, or Debit Card.

• Cash in IDR or foreign currency USD, EURO, GBP, SGD, and others is acceptable, as per set exchange at the airport counter inside the terminal. 

Expenses and Outlay in Bali

An approximate daily budget for backpacking in Bali would be around IDR 355,000-575,000 per day. 

The breakdown of the recommended budget includes the following - 

• Accommodation - IDR 75,000 IDR to 2,22,000
• Food - IDR 74,000
• Transportation - IDR 85,000
• Entry tickets or fees - IDR 1,50,000 to 2,24,000
• Average Daily Cost:- 3,73,000 IDR to 6,72,000 IDR

How to Save Money While Backpacking in Bali? 

• Try the local food - While blending in with the culture, try to have meals with inexpensive street food.
• Bargain a lot - When getting around or shopping for things, bargain as much as you can without being disrespectful.
• Head north – The prices on the northern side of the island cost half the prices in the southern area of Bali.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber pool your way for a tightfisted ride. 
• Drink cheap – Buy drinks at a local store or hit the clubs during happy hours to drink affordable. 
• Take the free shuttles – Grab onto the free amenities.
• Bring a filtered water bottle – Use a reusable water bottle to conserve mother nature.

Budget-Friendly Lodging in Bali

1. PADI Backpackers House 

Less than 2 kms from the Monkey Forest, PADI Backpackers House is a relatively new hotel. It offers a lovely garden, comfortable and well-equipped rooms, friendly staff, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and rental scooters, which are available on request. There is even an ATM within the property, making it very convenient for guests who wish to withdraw money.

Location: Ubud
Check-in: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM (late check-in allowed on prior notice)
Check out: Before 11:00 AM 

2. Kubu Container

Located just 6 metres from Padang Padang beach, this quirky hostel welcomes those who are travelling on a tight budget. The property features spacious and comfortable rooms, a garden with bean bags and a sun terrace as well. 

Location: Uluwatu
Check-in time: 12:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM

3. POP! Hotel Kuta Beach 

Offering complimentary breakfast and free wi-fi, this hotel is located a kilometre away from the upbeat Legian Beach. It has an accessible beach shore and a pool housed within its campus. 

Location: Kubu
Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 12:00 AM

4. The Hostel Canggu

The Hostel Canggu is one of the most popular stays while backpacking in Bali. The host is renowned for welcoming guests very warmly and maintaining a friendly and down-to-earth vibe. This hostel has spacious rooms, quirky and colourful interiors, game rooms, free wi-fi, and the main pool. It is located at an 11-minute drive from the Finns Beach club.

Location: Canggu
Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM

5. Bali Bamboo Jungle Huts and Hostel

Set amongst a rice field in Ubud, this hostel is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality. Guests have highly rated the kindness and swiftness of the service of the staff and their help in booking tours and rides. The rooms are minimalistic yet offer all the basic modern amenities. The infinity pool out-front is the highlight of the hostel.

Location: Ubud
Check-in time: 2:00 PM 

How to Reach Bali

By Flight

Denpasar, the capital of Bali, is just 14 kilometres away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. Also, Denpasar International Airport is located in the South Kuta district. 

By Road

Travellers can take the bus en route to a tediously tiring 24-hour-long journey from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.

By Ship

Traverse the cruise liner from Singapore, Sumatra, or Java for an onward journey to Bali.

Getting around Bali

1. Rental Bikes - The best way of getting around Bali is by renting-in a moped, available at every nook and corner, at around IDR 50,000 for 30 days. 
2. Taxi - For shorter distances, you can hop in a cab fared at IDR 5,000. The blue taxis, with a Bluebird Group logo, are reliably operated by the 'Bali Taxi' company. 
3. Bemos/Bus - Charging IDR 10,000 per destination stop, the shuttles are a safe and convenient way for sightseeing in and around Bali. Bemos are minibuses that can charge up to IDR 5,000 for a one-way trip.
4. Ferry - Ferries can cost around IDR 7,000 (and up) for a ticket from East Java to West Bali.  

Helpful Tip: Though traveling by taxi is safe and quick, it is highly recommended to use a metered taxi and agree on a mutual price before getting in.

How to Communicate in Bali

The Balinese people speak Bahasa Bali to communicate in the region. They accept smiling as a friendly gesture. English is generally well understood by most to accommodate tourists. They are not very emotional and always talk respectfully to each other. While saluting, referrals to "Om Swastiastu", which means "May peace be with you", are gestured. For the tourists, it is best to address the men as 'Bapak' and the women as 'Ibu'. Try Selamat Pagi (good morning), Tolong (please), and Terima Kasih (thank you) as conversation-goers.

Things to Do in Bali

1. Trek to Sekumpul Waterfalls

Nothing spells natural paradise like a gorgeous waterfall, and Sekumpul waterfalls in Northern Bali have at least 7 of them! Sekumpul, meaning a' group of', is a collection of seven waterfalls located in north Bali. Fed by upland streams, they are considered the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.

2. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Situated west of Lake Bratan in Bedugul, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva. Surrounded by the lake, which gives it a 'floating' appearance, the temple is constructed in the traditional Balinese style with tiered shrines to honour the Hindu gods.

3. Watch a Kecak Dance

Also known as the Ramayana monkey chant, the dance is based on the story of Ramayana and is performed in the temples in Bali. The performance includes 150 performers dancing in a circle, chanting chak, moving their hands, and wearing checked clothes around their waists.

4. Giant Bali Swings

The famous giant swings are a collection of 12 swings that make for the perfect Instagram photographs. Some swings are over valleys, some over waterfalls, and some over canyons. Many tour operators offer short trips exclusively or bundle in visits to these swings under different packages.

5. Get a Balinese Hair-care Cream Bath

Be sure to try this affordable bath that includes a head, neck, and shoulder massage, followed by a homemade mask and steam session.

6. Hike to the Top of Mount Batur

Hundreds of people climb Mount Batur every day. There are multiple trails up to the summit, and different tour companies use different routes. Each trail leads to a different part of the summit, but they all promise breathtaking views of the valley below. Though tourists can climb the mountain without a guide, we wouldn't recommend it. These local guides are well-versed with the terrain and climate and are extremely helpful during the journey. Some courageous tourists are known to have gotten lost trying to climb Mount Batur by themselves!

6. Walk in a Marigold Field

One of the most unexpected landscapes in Bali, Desa Temukus, in east Bali, is home to some of the brightest and most vast fields of marigolds. The region is devoid of the commonly found rice fields or palm trees in Bali and exudes a fresh and unique charm of its own.

Here Is the Complete List of Things to Do in Bali

Travel Tips While Backpacking in Bali

• Expect large crowds during peak and even shoulder seasons.
• Depending on which places you want to visit and the tours you wish to take, make sure to choose your accommodation wisely.
• Also, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
• Be sure to try the local food and complement the locals for a hearty meal.
• Dress for the occasion and according to the tourist spot rules.
• Respect the religious and cultural customs of the Balinese people.
• Prepare for a mixed bag of price tags.
• Be cautious of wild and stray animals.
• Avoid plastic water bottles and always be careful to drink filtered water.
• Learn some go-to liners to communicate your way through.