Bali, often called the “Island of the Gods,” has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide. While many picture luxury resorts and beachfront villas, Bali is equally friendly to those who prefer a more adventurous and budget-friendly approach—backpacblogsking. With its mix of stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, spiritual temples, and vibrant nightlife, Bali can be explored without breaking the bank. All you need is smart planning, a flexible mindset, and a love for the road less traveled.
1. Getting Around on a Budget
The easiest and cheapest way to explore Bali is by renting a scooter. For about IDR 70,000–100,000 (₹350–500 / $5–7) per day, you can get unlimited freedom to zip through small villages, rice fields, and hidden beaches. Just make sure you have an international driving license and always wear a helmet.
For those who are not confident on two wheels, you can rely on ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab, which are affordable alternatives to taxis. If traveling between towns like Ubud, Canggu, or Uluwatu, consider shared shuttles that cost a fraction of private taxis.
2. Budget Stays with Character
Hostels are the lifeblood of Bali’s backpacking scene. Places in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak often offer dorm beds for as low as ₹600–1,200 ($8–15) per night. These hostels aren’t just cheap—they come with pools, community dinners, yoga sessions, and surf lessons, making them perfect hubs to meet fellow travelers.
If hostels aren’t your style, guesthouses run by local families are another great option. They’re cozy, affordable, and give you a glimpse of Balinese hospitality, often including breakfast with tropical fruits and strong Balinese coffee.
3. Eating Like a Local
Forget the fancy beach clubs—backpackers thrive in warungs, small family-run eateries that serve authentic Indonesian food. A filling plate of nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), or nasi campur (mixed rice with side dishes) will usually cost around ₹150–250 ($2–3).
Smoothie bowls, cheap vegan cafés, and street food stalls in tourist hubs like Ubud or Canggu also provide healthy, Instagram-worthy meals at budget-friendly prices. To save more, carry a reusable water bottle with a filter to avoid buying plastic bottles constantly.
4. Exploring Bali’s Free & Affordable Experiences
Backpacking is about experiences rather than luxury, and luckily, Bali is full of them:
- Beaches: Many of Bali’s most beautiful beaches like Padang Padang, Balangan, or Bingin are free or have a small entry fee.
- Temples: Iconic temples such as Tanah Lot or Uluwatu Temple charge minimal entry fees (about ₹150–300), but the cultural experience is priceless.
- Rice Terraces: Head to Tegallalang in Ubud or Jatiluwih, a UNESCO site, to witness the iconic green landscapes.
- Waterfalls: Tegenungan, Sekumpul, and Gitgit are accessible at small entry fees and make for refreshing day trips.
- Trekking: Hiking Mount Batur at sunrise is a must for backpackers, with tours starting around ₹1,500–2,000 ($20–25).
Backpackers often create their own itineraries by mixing these free and low-cost experiences with occasional splurges.
5. The Backpacker Hotspots
- Canggu: Surf culture, digital nomad cafés, and lively nightlife.
- Ubud: Yoga retreats, rice terraces, spiritual healing, and art markets.
- Uluwatu: Stunning cliffs, hidden beaches, and surfing waves.
- Amed: Perfect for snorkeling and diving at shipwrecks.
- Nusa Penida: Backpackers love taking a short ferry to this rugged island to see Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay.
6. Meeting People & Embracing the Backpacker Spirit
Backpacking Bali is as much about people as it is about places. Hostel dorms, community dinners, beach cleanups, or even a random conversation in a warung often lead to lifelong friendships. Travelers often share tips, rides, and even plan island-hopping adventures together.
Staying flexible is key. Bali is best enjoyed without rigid schedules—leave space for spontaneous detours, whether it’s joining a local ceremony, taking a surf lesson, or hopping on a scooter to chase a waterfall you just heard about.
7. Smart Tips for Backpacking in Bali
- Pack light: Tropical weather means you don’t need much beyond shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, and flip-flops.
- Stay connected: Buy a local SIM card for cheap data (Telkomsel is reliable).
- Respect the culture: Always carry a sarong when visiting temples and be mindful of local customs.
- Travel insurance: Medical care for scooter accidents or lost belongings can be costly—insurance is a backpacker’s safety net.
🌴 Bali Travel Hacks
- Get a Local SIM Card – Buy a Telkomsel or XL SIM at the airport or local shops for cheap data and smooth Google Maps navigation.
- Use Gojek & Grab – These apps are cheaper and safer than haggling with random taxis. You can also order food, groceries, and even massages!
- Rent a Scooter (If Confident) – The easiest way to explore hidden beaches and temples. Always wear a helmet and check brakes before renting.
- Stay in Ubud or Canggu – Ubud is perfect for culture and nature, while Canggu is best for surfing, cafés, and nightlife. You can balance your stay between both.
- Avoid Tourist Traps – Instead of Kuta, explore less-crowded gems like Sidemen Valley, Nusa Penida, and Amed for diving.
- Carry a Sarong – Many temples require one, and it saves you from renting.
- Bargain Politely – At local markets, bargaining is expected. Start at half the quoted price and smile.
- Pack a Reusable Water Bottle – Bali is hot and humid. Many cafés and hotels offer free refills, saving money and plastic waste.
- Visit Early Morning or Sunset – Popular spots like Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Tegenungan Waterfall get crowded. Go early or late for the best experience.
- Cash is King – Keep small bills (IDR 10k–50k) for taxis, street food, and markets. ATMs are everywhere, but fees can add up.
- Skip Currency Exchange at the Airport – Rates are poor. Use ATMs or exchange in Ubud, Seminyak, or Kuta for better value.
- Book Tours Locally – Online prices are higher. Ask your hotel or local driver for better deals on day trips.
- Respect Local Customs – Don’t step on offerings (canang sari) on the streets. Dress modestly in temples.
- Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Mosquito Spray – Protects you and Bali’s marine life.
- Plan for “Bali Time” – Traffic jams are common, especially around Seminyak, Ubud, and Denpasar. Always leave early for flights or temple shows.
✨ Bonus Hack: If you love luxury, check out Bali villas on Airbnb—they’re often cheaper than resorts and come with private pools!
Bali Essential Kits
1. Travel Essentials Kit
- Passport + printed copies
- Travel insurance papers
- Credit/debit cards + some cash (small denominations)
- Local SIM card or international roaming
- Power bank & universal travel adapter
- Waterproof phone pouch (for beaches and waterfalls)
2. Beach & Adventure Kit
- Swimwear + quick-dry towel
- Flip-flops / water shoes
- Sunglasses & wide-brim hat
- Waterproof dry bag (for boat rides or snorkeling)
- Snorkel mask (optional, but handy for Nusa Penida or Amed)
3. Health & Safety Kit
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Mosquito repellent (a must for Ubud & jungle areas)
- First-aid basics (band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relievers)
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
- Prescription medicines (carry in original packaging)
4. Temple & Culture Kit
- Lightweight sarong (mandatory for temples)
- Modest clothing (covering shoulders & knees)
- Reusable water bottle
- Small umbrella or rain poncho (sudden showers are common)
5. Tech & Capture Kit
- Camera / GoPro with extra SD cards
- Drone (if you want aerial shots – check local rules)
- Charging cables & extra batteries
- Lightweight tripod for sunrise/sunset shots
6. Comfort & Extras Kit
- Travel pillow & eye mask (for long flights or road trips)
- Snacks / protein bars for day trips
- Lightweight backpack for daily use
- Refillable shopping bag (eco-friendly & useful at markets)
✨ Pro Tip: Pack light! Bali has amazing local shops and markets—so leave space in your luggage for souvenirs, clothes, and handicrafts.
What Not To Do in Bali
Final ThoughDon’t Disrespect Temple Etiquette
Never enter a temple without wearing a sarong and sash.
Avoid pointing your feet toward shrines or sitting on holy statues.
Women should not enter temples during menstruation (local belief).
Don’t Step on Offerings (Canang Sari)
You’ll see small flower-and-rice offerings on sidewalks. Step around them—never over or on them.
Don’t Use Tap Water
Bali’s tap water isn’t safe for drinking. Always use bottled or filtered water.
Don’t Overpack Your Schedule
Bali traffic can be unpredictable. Avoid cramming too many spots into one day, or you’ll spend hours stuck in jams.
Don’t Touch People’s Heads
In Balinese culture, the head is considered sacred. Even with kids, avoid patting their heads.
Don’t Be Careless with Wildlife
Monkeys at Uluwatu and Ubud Monkey Forest can snatch glasses, hats, or phones. Don’t feed or provoke them.
Don’t Sunbathe Nude or Topless
Bali is conservative. Nude or topless sunbathing is disrespectful and can get you in trouble.
Don’t Do Drugs
Indonesia has extremely strict anti-drug laws, with harsh penalties. Never risk it.
Don’t Haggle Aggressively
Bargaining is normal in markets, but always do it with a smile. Don’t push too hard—it’s part of the culture.
Don’t Ignore Scooter Safety
- Always wear a helmet, even for short rides. Police often fine tourists for not wearing one.
- Don’t Rely Only on Cards
- Many small shops, warungs (local eateries), and drivers prefer cash. Keep small bills handy.
- Don’t Forget “Bali Time”
- Things often run late here—shows, ceremonies, even transport. Stay patient and embrace the relaxed pace.
- Don’t Trash Beaches or Temples
- Littering is highly disrespectful and harms Bali’s natural beauty. Always dispose of waste properly.
- Don’t Ignore Local Customs
- Dress modestly in villages, avoid excessive PDA in public, and learn a few polite words like Terima Kasih (thank you).
✨ Golden Rule: Respect Bali’s culture, people, and environment, and you’ll be welcomed with smiles everywhere.ts
Backpacking in Bali is more than just a budget trip—it’s a journey into culture, nature, and community. The island has a way of balancing adventure with peace, offering sunrise hikes and sunset beach parties in the same day. With affordable hostels, cheap eats, and countless free experiences, Bali proves that you don’t need luxury to enjoy paradise. All you need is curiosity, a backpack, and the spirit of adventure.
