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Budgeting for Bali: How much money to bring for food, accommodation and activities

Traveloka Team

3 min read

Wondering how much money you need for Bali? Here’s the good news: Bali can be as budget-friendly or luxe as you like. But no matter which way you go, it will be less than Australia.

Travel during the off-peak months (Feb - Mar, Sept - Nov), and you’ll land lower prices across the board. Just avoid the holiday rush in July, August, and December if you don’t want to pay double for the same room.

What currency is used in Bali?

Being a province in Indonesia, Bali uses Indonesia’s official currency, the Rupiah, abbreviated as IDR or symbolised by Rp. All payments on the island will be made in Rupiah, and most attraction prices and menus will be listed in it, so it’s a good idea to get your head around the exchange rate before you travel.

While it varies slightly, it’s generally about IDR10,000 to AU$1.

When you shop around or eat out in Bali’s restaurants, you may find the price tag saying Rp100.000. It means one hundred thousand Rupiahs. Indonesia uses a full stop, not a comma, to represent a unit of a thousand. Sometimes, sellers write the price using the “K” symbol. For instance, if the price of a bottle of water is IDR 10K, the price is IDR 10.000.

Food and drinks in Bali

Bali's street food scene is seriously good and seriously affordable. You can grab authentic local dishes for as little as AU$1 to AU$3 per serve (or about IDR10,000 to IDR30,000). We're talking Babi Guling (suckling pig), Bakso (meatball soup), and smoky satay skewers from roadside stalls that'll blow your mind.

Hungry for something more substantial? Local warungs and mid-range restaurants will cost you AU$7 to AU$22 per person (IDR70,000 to IDR220,000), and a cold Bintang or cocktail at a beach bar runs about AU$3 - AU$7 (IDR30,000 to IDR70,000).

Here are some food experiences worth trying:

Traditional Balinese cooking class: Learn to make classics like Nasi Goreng and Satay Lilit in a village setting, often including a market visit.

Sunset dinner at Jimbaran Beach: Fresh seafood grilled right on the sand, with prices starting at AU$20 per person for a full meal.

Fine dining at a Nusa Dua restaurant: Treat yourself to modern Indonesian cuisine at upscale venues in Seminyak, Canggu, or Nusa Dua.

Balinese coffee tasting: Try the island's famous brews, including the unique Kopi Luwak.

Accommodation costs in Bali

Bali caters to every budget, from backpacker hostels to five-star beachfront resorts. If you’re booking on Traveloka, you’ll be paying in AU$, but if you’re paying at the resort you’ll likely be charged in Rupiah. Here's what you can expect to pay per night:

Budget (hostels, guesthouses): AU$15 - AU$45

Mid-range (boutique hotels, villas): AU$75 - AU$225

Luxury (resorts, high-end villas): AU$300+

Private villas with pools: AU$100 - AU$400

Homestays: AU$20 - AU$60

Where to stay in Bali:

The Swell: A boutique hostel surrounded by rice paddies with an infinity pool, swim-up bar, and surf breaks just 300 metres away.

Bali Niksoma Boutique Beach Resort: A beachfront gem with 57 rooms and villas, an infinity pool, and direct sunset views.

The Magani Hotel and Spa: Mid-range hotel with 108 rooms, a tropical-style pool, and an on-site spa. The location puts you right in the heart of Legian's action.

Pramana Natura Nusa Penida: Luxury hillside resort with private pools, sea views, and included breakfast for a peaceful escape.

Cost of activities in Bali

Bali's got experiences for every budget, and we mean every budget:

Fancy a surf? Lessons at Kuta or Canggu beaches start from AU$15, perfect if you've never stood on a board before.

Snorkel with tropical fish around Nusa Penida for AU$30 - AU$60.

Temple visits and rice terrace walks won't cost you more than AU$1 - AU$3, and plenty are completely free.

Feeling fancy? Scuba dive at Tulamben for AU$50 to AU$75 per dive.

Spa treatments start at AU$15 for a traditional massage, or go all out with a full wellness retreat for AU$300+.

Local markets and cultural performances usually run under AU$5, so you can get your fill of Balinese culture without the guilt.

Want to see the real Bali? Private tours to hidden waterfalls and remote villages cost AU$70 to AU$250, depending on your crew size.

Getting around

Bali isn’t the easiest place to walk, unless you’re exploring a market or wandering a beach. Most of the time, you’ll want wheels.

Public transport: Bemos (local minibuses) cost under AU$2, but routes can be a mystery unless you’re a local. Tourist shuttles like the ones between Kuta and Ubud are easier. Around AU$3 - AU$8.

Taxi or rideshare: Blue Bird taxis are a solid choice. Expect to pay AU$3 to AU$8 for short trips. Grab and Gojek are often cheaper and are found everywhere.

Scooter or car hire: Scooters go for AU$7 to AU$15 a day. A car with a driver starts from AU$35.

Ready to explore Bali? Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.