Thinking about Bali travel packages but wondering, "Is Bali expensive for an Indian?" The good news is that this Indonesian paradise offers incredible experiences for everyone – backpackers, adventure seekers, families, and honeymooners. From pristine beaches to lush rice terraces, Bali delivers unforgettable adventures without draining your savings.
What does a Bali Trip cost when you factor in all expenses? This comprehensive guide breaks down real prices for flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities to help you plan the perfect Bali getaway without any financial surprises. Bali might be more affordable than you think!
Are Flights To Bali Expensive?
The cost of flying to Bali depends on:
- Where you're starting from
- Which airline you choose
- What time of year you travel
Here’s how to travel Bali from India from major Indian airports:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi: Direct Flights start from ₹28,031/- per person, connecting flights start from ₹12,131/- per person
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore: Direct flights starts from ₹23,073/- per person, connecting flights start from ₹12,131/- per person
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad: Connecting flights start from ₹24,012/-
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai: Connecting flights start from ₹24,188/-
Popular Airlines:
- Air India
- AirAsia
- Indigo
- AirAsia X
- Batik Air
- Malaysia Airlines
- Malindo Air
- Vietjet
- Thai Airways
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
Money Saving Tips While Booking Flights
- Choose flights with longer layovers
- Book 1-3 months in advance
- Avoid flying in July-September (Bali's busy season). Instead, fly in February the cheapest month because it's rainy season and fewer tourists visit then.
- Fly Monday to Thursday instead of weekends for cheaper fares
- Compare prices on various websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, ixigo, and Cheapflights
- Set up alerts on these platforms to know when prices drop
- Use incognito to avoid price tracking by airline companies
- Follow airlines on social media for special deals
- Use rewards points if you’re a frequent flyer
When Indian citizens visit Bali, they need to get a Visa-on-Arrival that lets them stay for up to 30 days. You have two simple options:
- Get the visa when you arrive in Bali. It would approximately cost you from ₹2665/- to ₹7,994/- depending on our stay.
- Apply online for an e-VOA at least 14 days before your Bali trip. It would cost you around ₹2665/- approximately.
Bali Tourism Tax: Every International tourist needs to pay the Bali tourism tax of ₹795/-
SIM Cards & Internet Access Expenses
To stay connected in Bali, you'll need to buy a SIM card or an eSIM. This will cost between ₹1,350/- to ₹4,700/- for a month of data, depending on how much internet you need.
Prepaid Physical SIM Cards: You can purchase these from local providers like Telkomsel at the airport or at local shops.
Best Local Prepaid SIM Card Providers:
- Telkomsel
- XL Axiata
- Indosat
E-Sim Cards: You can order online before you arrive and activate once you landed at the airport and get connected right away.
Best Local e-SIM Providers:
- Airalo
- Maya Mobile
- Telkomsel
Data Cost: You can avail the data packages from 1 GB upto 30 GB. The prices start from ₹435/- to ₹3,500/-
Food & Drinks In Bali: Cheap Or Expensive?
Wondering if food in Bali is cheap or expensive? Food prices in Bali really depend on what you want to eat? And where do you want to eat? If you’re on a tight budget, you can easily spend under approx ₹900/- per day!
Here’s the breakdown of different food options with prices:
1. Local Street Food At Warungs
- Local delicacies like Sate, Babi Guling are super affordable at just ₹175/- to ₹350/- per meal. The food is tasty enough.
- Craving something familiar like fries or chicken? These will cost a bit more, around ₹430/- to ₹700/- per meal.
Must-Try Street Food Dishes In Bali: Fish Head Soup, Babi Guling, Nasi Campur, Jaje Bali, Nasi Jinggo, Sate, Bakso, Terang Bulan, and Pisang Rai
Some Warung Recommendations: Warung Mak Beng in Denpasar, Sindhu Night Market in Denpasar, Gianyar Night Market in Ubud, warungs across Bintang supermarket in Seminyak, and Bakso Gerobak Biru in Kuta.
2. Food At Bali Restaurants
If you want a proper restaurant experience with good views and ambience, it's still pretty reasonable!
- Expect to pay about ₹1,300/- to ₹1,800/- approx for a nice meal.
- If you want to include drinks like some wine or cocktails with dinner, add ₹435/- to ₹900/- more!
- If you want to buy a bottle of wine, it will cost you ₹1,300/-
- Bottled water(small) costs you ₹100/-
- Want a healthy breakfast? Expect to spend approx ₹450/- on a smoothie bowl and approx ₹470/- on a Poke bowl.
Must-Try Dishes At Bali Restaurants: Mie Goreng, Bakso, Pisang Goreng, Ayam Pelalah, Babi Guling, and Nasi Campur.
Some Restaurant Recommendations: Ling-Ling's Bali in Kuta Utara, Kayuputi in Kabupaten Bandung, Breeze at The Samaya in Seminyak, The Swept Away Restaurant Ubud in Ubud, Amanaia Kuta Bali in Kuta, and Balique in South Kuta.
3. Tipping Expectations
Tips in Bali are appreciated. However, you don't have to tip a specific amount at restaurants and cafes. If you want to leave a tip, you can either:
- Just round up your bill to the next whole amount
- Give about 10% of your total bill
So whatever your budget or food preferences, Bali has plenty of delicious options that won't break the bank!
Getting Around Bali: Cheap Or Expensive?
Is Bali cheap or expensive when it comes to getting around? It is easy, and generally affordable with lots of options to choose from.
1. Taxis & Ride Apps:
- From The Airport, The Taxi Price: Starts from ₹2,600/-. If you want to grab the best deals, you can choose a good 8-day Bali Tour Package.
- Grab & GO-JEK Apps(like Uber): These apps will cost you ₹1,500/- on average depending on the distance, location, and peak hours. They work in popular areas like Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.
2. Renting Vehicles:
- Scooters/Motorbikes: Approx ₹300-/ to ₹900/- daily, and ₹1,800/- to ₹4,500/- weekly
- Cars: Approx ₹ 2,600/- to ₹4,500 /- daily
3. Ferry To Gili Islands:
- One-Way Tickets Cost: 2,600/- to ₹5,500/-
Important Points To Consider While Renting A Vehicle In Bali:
- You need an international driving license to rent vehicles.
- Check if your travel insurance covers vehicle rentals.
- Watch out for rental scams. Some companies might claim, that you damaged their vehicles.
- Take photos of any scratches or dents before you drive.
- Know that many locals are happy to help you find your way around.
Are Activities In Bali Expensive?
How expensive is a trip to Bali really depends on the activities you choose to include in your itinerary.
Cheap Activities: Sightseeing, Watersports, Shopping & More
- Hiking To waterfalls costs nothing
- Most of the Bali beaches are free to enter
- Local markets like Kuta, and Sukawati are free to explore. If you want to buy souvenirs from these markets, the prices may start from as low as ₹100/- to ₹4,000/- (don’t forget to bargain).
- Religious and cultural shows can be enjoyed at no cost
- The most Temples' entry fee is free. Temples like Uluwatu will only cost ₹180/- to enter. And mostly Bali temples’ donations range between ₹100/- to ₹300/-
- You need to follow Bali Temples’ Dress Code, a sarong. That will cost you around ₹30/- to ₹50/-
- Water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, surfing, parasailing, and snorkelling range between ₹2,000/- to ₹5,000/-
Pro Tips:
- It’s better to keep aside ₹3,000/- to ₹5,000/- extra, just in case.
- Just remember to be respectful of local customs and the environment while enjoying these activities
- While visiting temples, cover your knees and shoulders - follow the dress code.
- Don’t take pictures without permission
- Be careful while indulging in water activities
Staying In Bali: Cheap Or Expensive?
How expensive is Bali when it comes to accommodations? Bali has places to stay for all types of budgets.
1. Cheap Hostels (₹600/- ₹1,300/- per night)
- Basic rooms with many beds (up to 30 in one room!)
- Shared bathrooms
- No privacy
Some Best Hostel Recommendations: The Hostel Canggu in Canggu, Bali Bobo Hostel in Jimbaran, Family Hotel in Lovina, and Lokal Bali Hostel in Kuta
2. Mid-Range Hotels & Airbnbs (₹2,600/- to ₹4,500/-per night)
- Better for travellers who want more privacy
- A wide range of good Airbnb apartments are available
- Airbnbs may charge extra cleaning fees
Some Best Hotel Recommendations: Bintang Bali Resort in Kuta, and Swiss-Belhotel Tuban in Kuta
3. Luxury Private Villas (₹4,500 to ₹2,61,000/-per night)
- Private pools and luxury features
- Best for honeymooners
- Price range depends on size and location
Some Best Private Villa Recommendations: Visesa Ubud Resort in Ubud, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort in Seminyak, and Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan in Ubud
Money Saving Tips In Bali
Along with travel tips, know these money saving tips to enjoy your Bali vacation.
- Prices often start 200-300% higher for tourists than locals. Hence learn basic Bali phrases and BARGAIN!
- Local taxis and drivers may quote prices 2-3 times higher to tourists. Hence use ride hailing apps like GOJEK or Grab.
- Always ask prices before ordering or agreeing to services
- Ask your accommodation staff what things should reasonably cost
- Visit markets and restaurants where locals shop and eat