Thinking about your Bali holiday budget is a really important step in planning, don’t you think? Getting an idea of how much things might cost helps you make choices that suit you best. This way, your dream trip can become a reality without any money worries while you’re enjoying your getaway. One of the great things about Bali is that it has something for everyone, no matter how much you’re looking to spend. You can find simple, adventurous trips or fancy, comfortable experiences. Knowing the usual costs helps you find what’s just right for you.
You’ll often hear that Bali offers great value for your money. This means that compared to many other popular places, you can often get better quality for what you spend on things like where you stay, what you eat, and what you do. But of course, prices can be different depending on what you choose! Knowing what to expect helps you plan smarter and feel more relaxed once you arrive.
So, as your friendly hosts here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we’re happy to share this easy guide to the common costs for a Bali holiday budget in 2025. Think of this as us giving you some helpful information so you can plan with confidence and look forward to all the amazing things you’ll do!
Why Your Bali Holiday Budget Can Go Further Here
Why does a Bali holiday budget often feel like it stretches so well? There are a few good reasons for this:
Good Exchange Rates for Your Bali Holiday Budget
Often, if you’re using currencies like the US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Euro, or British Pound, you’ll find they’re worth more than the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). This means your money can buy more things locally for your Bali holiday budget.
Lower Local Costs for Your Bali Holiday Budget
Generally, things like paying people for their work, fresh food from the area, and running businesses can cost less here than in many Western countries. This means you might find it more affordable to eat out, get a spa treatment, or hire a local driver during your Bali holiday budget.
Lots of Choices for Every Bali Holiday Budget
Because Bali is a popular place for visitors, there are many different options for places to stay, food to eat, and things to do, all at different prices. This healthy competition means you can find something that fits your Bali holiday budget perfectly.
Because of all this, you can often have wonderful experiences, stay in comfortable places, and eat delicious food without spending too much on your Bali holiday budget. This might even mean you can treat yourself a little more than you usually would!
(Just a reminder: The prices below are just estimates based on information from around April/May 2025, given in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) with rough US Dollar (USD) and Australian Dollar (AUD) amounts to help you understand. Exchange rates can change, and prices can go up or down – always check the latest details!)
Key Things Affecting Your Bali Holiday Budget: Before You Go
Sorting these things out before your flight will help you set a clear plan for your Bali holiday budget:
Flights: A Big Part of Your Bali Holiday Budget
This is usually one of the biggest costs upfront. It can change a lot depending on where you’re flying from, when you’re traveling (June-August and December-January are usually more expensive), and how early you book.
Why Plan Early for Your Flight Budget? Airlines often raise prices as the departure date gets closer, especially for popular routes and busy times. Booking several months ahead usually means better prices and more choices.
Travel Insurance: Important for Your Bali Holiday Budget
This is really important for any trip overseas! How much it costs depends on what it covers, how old you are, and how long you’re going for, but it gives you peace of mind.
Why is it So Important for Your Budget? If something unexpected happens with your health or your travel plans, it can be very expensive in another country. Good insurance can save you from huge bills, letting you enjoy your trip without worrying. You might expect to pay around USD $50 – $150+ (about AUD $75 – $225+) per person for good coverage on a typical trip.
Visas & Tourist Levy: Must-Haves for Your Bali Holiday Budget
These are fees you have to pay to enter Bali.
Why Know This Now for Your Budget? Knowing these set government fees helps you plan your Bali holiday budget accurately from the start and avoid any surprises when you arrive. Right now, the Visa on Arrival (VoA/e-VoA) costs IDR 500,000 (around USD $30 / AUD $48), and the Bali Tourist Levy is IDR 150,000 (around USD $10 / AUD $15) per person. Paying the Levy online before you arrive (lovebali.baliprov.go.id) is a good idea for a smoother entry! Check out our detailed guide on fees.
Key Things Affecting Your Bali Holiday Budget: While You’re Here
Once you’ve arrived, how much you spend each day will really depend on what you like to do! Here are some general ideas to help you with your Bali holiday budget:
Typical Daily Spending for Your Bali Holiday Budget (Per Person, Not Including Where You Stay or Flights):
Why Give Ranges for Your Budget? Because everyone travels differently! These are just rough ideas:
- Budget-Friendly Style: Around USD $30 – $50 / AUD $45 – $75 (IDR 450k – 750k) per day. (Focusing on local food, doing fewer paid activities, using a scooter).
- Mid-Range Style: Around USD $70 – $120 / AUD $105 – $180 (IDR 1M – 1.8M) per day. (A mix of local and cafe food, doing some tours/activities, using ride-hailing apps or a driver sometimes).
- Comfortable/Treat Yourself Style: USD $150+ / AUD $225+ (IDR 2.2M+) per day. (Eating at nicer restaurants, getting spa treatments, having a private driver, doing more activities).
1. Where You Stay: A Big Part of Your Daily Bali Holiday Budget (Per Night)
This is often the biggest daily cost after your flights.
Why Know the Ranges for Your Budget? It helps you match what you’re looking for in terms of comfort to what you want to spend. Bali has great options for every Bali holiday budget!
- Budget Guesthouses/Hostels: IDR 150k-400k (around USD $10-25 / AUD $15-40). Simple, clean, and good for meeting other travelers.
- Mid-Range Hotels/Bungalows: IDR 600k-1.5M (around USD $40-100 / AUD $60-150). Comfortable private rooms, often with pools and breakfast included.
- Lovely Resorts (like Merusaka in Nusa Dua): IDR 2M+ (around USD $130+ / AUD $200+). Expect great facilities, service, beach access, and lots of places to eat. Check out our current special offers for great value!
- Private Villas: IDR 1.5M to many millions (around USD $100-$1000+). Prices can really vary depending on how big it is, where it is, if it has staff, a pool, etc.
2. Food & Drink: Delicious for Every Bali Holiday Budget (Per Person, Per Day)
You can eat really well in Bali without spending a lot!
Why Different Price Points for Your Budget? It depends on where you eat, if the ingredients are local or imported, and the type of service. Often, doing a mix of different places is the best way to go!
- Local Warung Meal: IDR 30k-70k (around USD $2-5 / AUD $3-7). Tasty, real local food, and very good value.
- Mid-Range Restaurant/Cafe Meal: IDR 100k-250k (around USD $7-16 / AUD $10-25) for a main dish. Comfortable places with more choices on the menu.
- Upscale/Fine Dining Meal: IDR 400k+ (around USD $25+ / AUD $40+) for a main dish. Fancy atmosphere and creative food.
- Drinks: Small Bintang (local beer) around IDR 25k-40k; Juice around IDR 25k-50k; Cafe Latte around IDR 30k-50k; Cocktails around IDR 90k+.
Daily Food Budget Idea: If you mostly eat at local warungs, maybe plan for IDR 150k-250k (around $10-16). If you mix it up with some cafes, maybe IDR 300k-600k (around $20-40). If you want to include some nicer places, maybe IDR 700k+ (around $45+). Enjoy trying all the different flavors of Bali!
3. Getting Around: Impacts Your Daily Bali Holiday Budget
How you travel around Bali will really change how much you spend each day.
Why Different Options for Your Budget? Bali offers different ways to travel that balance cost, how easy it is, how fast you can go, and the experience itself.
- Scooter Rental: Around IDR 60k-100k per day (around $4-7). The cheapest and most flexible way for one or two people if you’re comfortable and have a license. You’ll need to pay for petrol on top, but it’s not expensive.
- Gojek/Grab (Apps): Using ride-hailing apps on your phone can be very cheap for short trips (less than $2 for a bike taxi). Cars are more comfortable for longer trips (around $3-7+). Great value for getting around in the main areas. Check out our guide.
- Private Driver (Car Charter): Around IDR 600k-800k+ per day (around $40-55+) for 8-10 hours. The best value and comfort if you want to see a lot of things that are further apart. Really helpful for trips from Nusa Dua to places like Kintamani or Ubud. We can help you book one!
4. Things to Do & Entrance Fees: Factor These Into Your Bali Holiday Budget
Make sure to include these based on what you’re interested in!
Why Budget Separately? Because these costs can really change depending on what you decide to do.
- Temple Entrances: Usually not too expensive, around IDR 50k-100k (around $3-7) for the main ones [link to Fees post].
- Performances: A ticket for the Kecak dance might be around IDR 150k (around $10).
- Lessons/Classes: A surfing lesson could be around IDR 350k-500k (around $23-33). A cooking class might be IDR 400k+ (around $26+).
- Spa Treatments: A basic one-hour massage at a local spa might be IDR 100k-200k (around $7-13). Spas at resorts often offer more and cost more.
- Organized Day Tours: (Like a snorkeling trip) Often around IDR 700k+ (around $45+) including transport, activities, and lunch.
5. Shopping & Other Bits for Your Bali Holiday Budget:
- Shopping: This is totally up to you! Remember to bargain politely at markets.
- Other Essentials: Don’t forget to budget for things like a local SIM card, optional tips, and laundry services (which are usually very affordable).
Tips for Managing Your Bali Holiday Budget Happily
Being aware of your spending doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Here are some ways to manage your Bali holiday budget well:
- Match Your Style: Be honest about how comfortable you like to be and what you like to do. Planning for a very cheap trip when you prefer nice restaurants won’t work, and the other way around too!
- Book Big Things Early: Especially if you’re traveling during busy times, booking your flights and where you’ll stay months in advance usually gets you the best prices.
- Enjoy Local Food: Eating at warungs isn’t just good for your Bali holiday budget; it’s often where you’ll find the most authentic and delicious Balinese food! Try to mix these meals with some cafes or restaurants.
- Use Transport Apps Wisely: Gojek and Grab usually have fair, set prices for many trips, so you don’t have to worry about negotiating.
- Bargain with a Smile: If you’re at a market, think of bargaining as a friendly chat, not a fight.
- Keep Track of What You Spend: Use a simple app or notebook. Knowing where your money is going helps you stay on track without feeling stressed.
- Enjoy Free Things: Some of the best things in Bali don’t cost much or anything at all! Relaxing on beautiful beaches, watching amazing sunsets, walking through villages, looking at rice fields (where you’re allowed) – enjoy the natural beauty.
- Look for Packages: Sometimes, hotels or tour companies offer deals that include several things, which can save you money. Check out our current deals at Merusaka!
Conclusion: Your Dream Bali Holiday Budget is Within Reach!
Bali really does welcome all kinds of travelers, no matter their Bali holiday budget. Whether you’re planning a trip on a tight budget or something a bit more luxurious, understanding the costs involved helps you plan with confidence. This means you can relax more and enjoy your time once you arrive, knowing you’ve thought about the practical things.
Remember that Bali offers incredible value – the rich culture, the friendly people, the beautiful scenery, and the amazing experiences often feel like they’re worth much more than what they cost. By planning your Bali holiday budget thoughtfully, you can really enjoy the magic of the island.
We hope this helpful guide makes planning your finances for an amazing trip easier. The team at Merusaka wishes you happy budgeting and an even happier Bali holiday!
