Costs of holidays in Bali
Stock up on duty free to keep costs down
Bali is not the cheapest destination in Indonesia but is a competitive choice at every level and still offers good value. Bali boasts plenty of options for every pocket, be it five star luxury or a cheap and cheerful meal for under a dollar. There are many things to spend your money on in Bali and even more street hawkers and shopkeepers keen to relieve you of your hard earned cash. It is sensible to give yourself a daily budget to adhere to but allow enough room for the occasional luxury.
Accommodation costs in Bali
Hotel costs are likely to be the biggest expense for most travellers. Bali’s hotel industry is well regulated and you can expect decent standards of comfort even at the lower end. Outside the peak summer months there is a surplus of rooms and it is definitely a buyer’s market with good discounts on offer for confident hagglers.
It is possible to get a nice double room for well under rp100,000 featuring ceiling fan, cold water en suite bathroom and breakfast. These are usually small family run businesses in an attractive garden compound with attached restaurant. The biggest concentration of budget places is in Kuta, Ubud and Lovina.
Mid range hotels can be found everywhere and typically come with air conditioning, en suite hot water bathrooms and stylish furnishings. Many larger properties will boast swimming pools. Prices range from rp300,000 – rp750,000 depending on facilities and more importantly location.
Expect to pay a premium for a sea view. The luxury market is just as competitive. There are trendy areas catering exclusively to well heeled travellers in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Seminyak. A price tag of rp1,500,000 per night will guarantee top notch facilities such as gourmet restaurants, spas, water sports clubs and ornamental gardens. There are also numerous villa developments that take luxury to sumptuous new heights. More on Kuta hotels.
Food and drink costs in Bali
Dining out is a real pleasure in Bali and the choice is simply amazing. Local street side stalls offer the cheapest option with Indonesian favourites such as nasi goreng fried rice or spicy peanut satay costing less than rp10,000. Tourist orientated restaurants are everywhere and are likely to serve up a mix of Indonesian and international dishes such as simple burgers, pasta and steaks.
A two course meal with a glass of beer should cost no more than rp50,000. There is no shortage of gourmet fine dining to be had in Bali. Head to stylish Seminyak for the best range of upmarket eateries serving up elegant cuisine from around the globe. Although not cheap, fine dining Balinese style is still excellent value compared to western prices. A romantic meal for two with wine can be enjoyed for around rp350,000 – rp450,000.
Alcohol is heavily taxed in Indonesia and quite expensive but still a far cry from prices in the UK and Europe. Bintang and Bali Hai beer is the local brew and costs around rp25,000 for a large bottle. Countless bars and pubs have nightly happy hours with very cheap spirits and cocktails and virtually all clubs offer free entry to foreign visitors.
Extra costs in Bali
Getting online in Bali is relatively cheap and hassle free in Kuta, Legian and Seminyak with hundreds of internet cafes charging an average of rp10,000 an hour. Elsewhere is more expensive and bandwidth limited, especially on the east coast.
Laptop users can take advantage of numerous free WiFi connections at cafes for no more than the cost of a cup of coffee. Smokers will rejoice at the giveaway prices of cigarettes in Bali, retailing at just rp10,000 – rp12,000 per pack. Western brands are generally limited to Marlboro, Benson & Hedges and Dunhill. More on shopping in Bali.
