How To Plan A Bali Trip On A Budget: Dos And Don’ts For Aussie Travellers

One of my favorite things about travelling is that there are lots of great destinations with beautiful landscapes, incredible foods, and opportunities for amazing memories — but I’m sure we’ve all experienced it too — the sneaky little costs which quickly blow your budget!

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When visiting Bali from Australia, how do you avoid getting taken for a ride? Or more importantly… What should you actually be skimming on?!

Before starting to pack all of those bags I want to mention some important things that should be taken into consideration if planning on visiting Bali with a small budget.

1 . Plan Your Budget Before Booking Your Bali Holiday

Create a Budget : If you are booking an Activity / Searching For Accommodation then always try To Create Your Budget About How Much You Want to Spend On This Particular Thing.

Calculate Your Max Expenditure You Can Invest Into Your Entire Trip Including Flights + Accomodation + Food + Local Transport + Sight-Seeing + TravelInsurance + A bit More For Unforeseen

Also remember about little things which sometimes are too important to overlook. Like Transport to and from the Airport, Excess baggage Fee, SIM Cards & Souvenirs etc. All these tiny costs get accumulated by the end of the week.

Quick Tip! You should also have some Emergency funds apart from your daily expense money. This allows you to be Flexible without Touching the Holiday Funds.

2. Choose the Right Time to Visit Bali

When planning the best time of year to visit Bali depends on several factors. If you’re trying to save money, then the time of year you decide to travel will influence this to some extent as well.

Bali gets busy around the same time as school holidays do — particularly those of Australian schools — and other key times through out the year.

So if you’ve got the flexibility to travel when you want to, why not check out prices over low season times and see about going mid-week in Bali, which are often cheaper. You’ll also find that Bali’s dry season is pretty much from April to October with the wet season being from November to March. Weather, crowd sizes and everything else will all vary depending on the season here.

What’s most important for you? Would you rather experience Bali when it’s really busy but get to go on your favourite dates due to their affordability? Or would you rather take advantage of more affordable options by booking in another time of year where Bali might be less hectic?

3. Compare Flights from Australia Before You Book

Flights could take up quite a chunk out of your Bali budget. Don’t settle with the first option that comes up on the screen. Look around to compare various options, including different dates of departure, airlines, baggage policy, scheduled departure / arrival time, etc.

The lowest-priced ticket doesn’t always mean the cheapest when you factor in the checked-in bag, seat preference, additional service charges, and other costs. Check your trip’s total duration along with possible stopovers too.

When you’re planning ahead, set up fare alerts to keep tabs on things before you’ve actually booked your tickets! Also, remember not only to consider the fare for the flight going into Bali but also the return flight too while making comparisons.

4. Pick Accommodation That Matches Your Travel Style

There’s also everything from guesthouses to hostels, private villas to beachfront resorts. So there’s no need for anyone to feel that they must sleep in a luxury hotel to fully appreciate this incredible island.

If saving on transport means anything to you, try leaving some space away from the main tourist street.

If you’re going along with friends or family, you might find it useful to do a bit of comparison shopping before choosing where you want to lay your head.

How much is really included in the price – is breakfast, Wi-Fi and even a transfer from/ to the airport all covered by the cost? Sometimes paying just a touch extra for your accommodation can actually prove a good financial move as it allows you to save money elsewhere.

5. Eat Local and Be Smart About Transport

Eat food from local cuisine. Researching local dishes and restaurant chains could make your meals cheaper than if you had ordered an Italian dish in Paris. Also eating locally at the famous warungs (local eatery) allows you to save tons of money as they have all-time-favorites such as Nasi and Mie Goreng which are super cheap!

You might be planning to go out with friends, but there is a way to travel – Ride share, Taxi/Car + Driver, Public transportation and Shuttle.

Try visiting multiple destinations on one day.

Always finalize prices prior to choosing transport. Ensure whether any charges would be included in mentioned fares for things like waiting and parking.

6. Enjoy Bali's Affordable Experiences

There’s no need to sign up for costly activities everyday to make sure you have a memorable holiday experience. There are many things you can enjoy in Bali that don’t cost a lot of money – relaxing on the beach, going to the markets, watching the sunset, cultural sights around town, visiting rice terraces & temples (many have very low entry/ parking fees), etc.

You will find entrance/parking fees for some of these places, as well as needing to book ahead for some activities. I always suggest researching what the admissions fees / opening times are beforehand, then decide which ones you would most like to do, instead of thinking “I’ll just try to fit all of this in”.

7. Check Entry Requirements and Travel Essentials

You should always keep an eye out when booking things online for surprise admin fees that can change your entire budget if they hit you at the worst time. So before heading over here, ensure that you are aware of all requirements needed to get into Bali including fees from the Visa, Tourist Fee For Bali & More.

Check the most up-to-date official information regarding your Passport, Travel Dates & Such. Make sure you have travel Insurance that’s right for you, Contact your Bank Regarding Foreign Transaction Charges & Find Different Ways To Get Your Hands On Indonesian Rupiah. Don’t push everything till last minute!

Don’t Leave All Your Important Arrangements Until The Eleventh Hour – You Will Likely Be Rushed & Choices May Be Restricted Or Dear! 8. Think About Going With A Package Instead Of Bookings Everything Yourself.

If you're someone who likes to plan your holidays by booking flights, hotel and things to do yourself, chances are you’re paying way more than you need to – why pay full price when there’s an option that’ll get you better deals?

Compare the cost of booking each item individually with a package that's got all your dates, hotels, prices and even your budget covered. Check what's actually included as sometimes a package might have all the benefits of saving time and being a great value, but just isn't the best fit for your dates, flexibility and interests. We can help you browse Bali holiday packages options.

8. Consider a Package Instead of Booking Everything Separately

Are you planning on booking your flights, hotels and things to do yourselves? If so then we recommend comparing the cost with a Bali holiday package that works around your dates, hotels, prices and budget.

When considering whether or not to go for a package tour, make sure to see what’s included beforehand. It could help save you both time in planning and money while at the same time not being the perfect fit for your dates, flexibility and interest.

 We can help you browse Bali holiday package options to match your travels’ needs and budget!

Final Words

You don’t necessarily have to spend tons for a remarkable vacation on Bali.

With some flexibility regarding your dates, finding the best flights, securing enough lodgings, eating up the local cuisines, and choosing amazing tours that will make your visit unforgettable. You would be able to cover most of what Bali has to offer while keeping your money safe!

Your money should be spent on your trip experiences, not strictly on its individual components. The idea is to spend smart on your trip experiences, not necessarily to cut costs across the board.

Let's plan a budget trip to Bali! Take a look at the budget travel options for Bali offered by EaseOnTrip and book your trip to paradise.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What Are Cheapest Ways To Get To Bali?

I’d suggest looking up flights with flexible dates (when going), selecting the best accommodation for you, eating at local warungs, and planning local attractions.

Least Expensive Month To Tour Bali From Australia

2. What is the least expensive month to tour Bali from Australia?

Cost depend on city of departure, dates of travel, airline flight options and local demand. Search different date combinations and avoid school holidays.

3. Would Bali be a good destination for a budget trip?

Yes. There are accommodation, food and activities catering for all budgets in Bali so it's easy to travel on different budgets.

4. Should I get a Bali package or plan it myself?

When you compare the total package cost and your convenience, the package may win out. However, if you're looking for good value and greater flexibility, booking independently might be better.