Bali, on the whole, is an affordable place to travel
Introducing our new series Holiday Money Diaries, in which travellers reveal every penny they spent while away on holiday.Think you can estimate how much a mid-range week in Bali with friends might cost? The total is at the bottom
This summer, I went on a group trip to Bali to attend a friend's wedding, which we also rolled into a holiday. There were six of us in total (made up of three couples), who flew in at separate times but then mostly stuck together in terms of activities and accommodation. We also joined other friends who were in Bali at various points. This trip had been a long-time coming for all of us – as well as being everyone's first time to Bali – so we planned things somewhere comfortably between bouji-blow-out and reasonable (considering Bali, on the whole, is an affordable place to travel). Read on to find out a daily breakdown of what I spent, plus the grand total.
Getting there
Total Expenses: £751.78
Transportation: The return economy flights with Emirates, including free checked-in luggage and space for a 7ft surfboard, cost me £626.97. Additionally, I spent £60 on a taxi from my home in North London to Stansted airport.
Pre-trip Airport Essentials: Before my trip, I rushed to buy some last-minute toiletries at Stansted, including a mini cleanser (£9.50), a mini body lotion, and a transportable/reusble razor (£11.81).
Meal at the Airport: Since I don't usually eat on flights, my friends and I decided to dine at Giraffe for dinner due to the long queue at Leon. We were drawn in by the promise of a booth with USB chargers. I opted for veggie gyoza, a somewhat disappointing katsu curry, and a refreshing sparkling water. This meal amounting to £19.50 satisfied our pre-flight hunger.
Spending during Layover: During the layover at Dubai airport, my husband and I were famished and sleep-deprived. We ended up spending AED111 (£24) at an American-style diner. We ordered a children's sized portion of chicken tenders and chips, two coffees, and two bottles of water to keep us going.
In addition to the above expenses, there may have been other miscellaneous costs that contributed to the overall total of £751.78 for my week-long beach holiday in Bali with friends.
Accommodation
Total: £451.88 (averaging £64 per night)
During our week-long beach holiday to Bali with friends, we enjoyed the comfortable accommodations of Boho Bingin Beach boutique hotel on the beautiful west coast of the Bukit Peninsula. This area is renowned for its incredible sunsets and world-class waves, making it a surfer's paradise. When we weren't surfing, we spent our time exploring the local surroundings and even made a visit to Ubud, a town renowned for its traditional craft and dance. Here, we managed to secure a stay in one of the charming Ubud (Bali) villas at all-balihotels.net, offering us a break from the coastal life and a chance to immerse ourselves in the inland's lush landscapes and unique art scene. If you are planning your own journey to this exotic paradise, we recommend checking out tophotels.com. This site is a treasure trove of information on the best accommodations throughout Indonesia, ensuring you will find the perfect place to call home during your stay.
For the first three nights, we stayed in a charming double room at the hotel, which cost IDR 3,888,750 (£226.88). One of the highlights of our stay was the daily two-course breakfast served at the hotel. Each morning, we indulged in a delightful spread of fresh fruit, fragrant coffee or tea, and a delicious hot dish to start our day off right.
On the beautiful Bukit Peninsula, the Boho Bingin Beach is adorned by a boutique hotel.
Our next stop during our Bali vacation was the serene fishing community of Seseh, about a 20-minute cab journey up the coastline from Canggu, granted the traffic behaves. This quaint village is decorated with golden temples in profusion and is enveloped by rolling rice fields. Our temporary lodging was the beautiful Eco Gypsy House. This villa boasts of classic Joglo-style (traditional wooden) structures, an extensive pool and inviting communal areas, subsequently highlighting Indonesia's artistic touch with intricately crafted wooden panels, opulent interior decor, including a variety of suspending lights, and statues of Hindu Gods. The expenses came out to be £1,350 for a four-night visit, equally divided among six guests, each paying £225. This fee also included a lavish breakfast spread consisting of appetizing omelettes or pancakes, succulent fresh fruits, and invigorating coffee. This villa brings the traditional Indonesian aesthetic right at your doorstep whilst offering modern comfort and luxury.
Day 1
Total: £22
Transfer:A taxi fromBaliNgurah Rai InternationalAirport to the Boho Bingin Beach hotel (half an hour journey) was350,000Indonesian rupiah (£20). A friend had recommended to book a transfer through our hotel ahead of time as hailing a taxi is difficult - the arrivals area is busy with booked drivers.
The journey ended with Bintang beers before bed at the hotel while catching up with our friends who arrived just after us: IDR 35,000 (£2).
Day 2
Total: £36.24
MORNING
Exploring the beautiful Bukit Peninsula in Bali is made easy with a rented scooter, which we secured for just IDR 100,000 (£5.83) for our entire stay at the hotel. The roads are peaceful and well-paved, allowing us to effortlessly navigate the area.
Our first destination was Bingin Beach, a hidden gem accessible only by foot. After descending a series of enchanting steps, we found ourselves immersed in a picturesque sandy haven. To top off the experience, we indulged in refreshing iced coffees at Kelly's Warung, where every sip came with breathtaking views of the beach and the talented surfers dancing on the waves (IDR 40,000/£2.33).
Waking up to the warm Balinese sun, we eagerly embarked on our beach adventure, riding our trusty scooter along quiet and well-maintained roads. It was a pleasant and cost-effective mode of transportation, allowing us to fully embrace the serenity of the Bukit Peninsula.
Sunset and swimming at Bingin Beach
Afterwards, we headed north toDreamlandbeach. We met other friends here for a long lunch (at Dreamland Warung). IDR 125,000 (£7.29) got me some mie goreng (stir-fried noodles) and a Coca Cola.
After moped-ing around in convoy trying to find a bar for sunset, we decided to head back to Bingin beach (where the tide was now low) for a swim and a few beers on the beach (IDR 60,000/£3.50).
We had dinner with our feet in the sand, watching the golden sunset and curling waves, at Lucky Fish, where a whole, freshly barbecued red snapper, rice, water spinach, and a large beer set us back IDR 275,000 per couple (£16/£8 each).
Belated
Afterward, we returned to the hotel's lounge to enjoy a game of cards while sipping on a refreshing mango daiquiri (priced at IDR 125,000 or £7.29) and indulging in a plate of freshly-cut chips (priced at IDR 35,000 or £2).
Day 3
Total: £82.04
EARLY HOURS
Taking an exhilarating ride on a moped, we reached Suka, a hip roadside café in Uluwatu that mirrors the trendy vibes of cosmopolitan cities like Melbourne and Los Angeles rather than its actual Balinese location. Our morning indulgence of two coffees and an invigorating berry smoothie cost us IDR 150,000 (£8.71).
Nearby, lies Wanderlust Swim, a fashionable swimwear boutique where I found myself walking out with a chic bikini, scoring a sale and acquiring it for IDR 402,000 (£23.30).
Among the peaceful beaches in Bali, Thomas Beach stands out as an ideal destination for both swimming and those seeking to try their hand at beginner surfing. Its pristine white sands and mesmerizing aqua marine waters create a serene atmosphere.
During our visit, we decided to maximize our time on the waves and ventured to rent surfboards for an hour. The cost of surfboard hire, priced at IDR 50,000 (£2.90), was reasonable, especially since we had left ours at the hotel. Additionally, we discovered that the same fee could secure two sunbeds and an umbrella, allowing us to relax comfortably as we soaked up the sun's rays.
For water enthusiasts and lounging aficionados alike, Thomas Beach proves to be an inviting haven for indulging in beach activities and enjoying a well-deserved getaway.
Afternoon Adventures and Tasty Treats
We decided to continue our beachside exploration by heading back to our go-to spot, Kelly's Warung, for a scrumptious lunch while soaking up the breathtaking surf scene (unfortunately, only for the more experienced surfers). Our culinary indulgence included a mouthwatering chicken burger, a delectable tofu poke bowl, a revitalizing turmeric, carrot, and orange juice, as well as a refreshing beer and coke. The total came to IDR 260,000, which equates to roughly £15 or £7.50 each for the two of us.
Before making our way back to the hotel, we made a quick stop to refuel the vehicle, spending just IDR 10,000 (a mere 58p) on petrol. It's amazing how little things like this can provide a glimpse into the local lifestyle and create fond memories of the journey.
During lunch, we couldn't help but marvel at the surfers riding the waves, displaying their skills and daring maneuvers. It was a reminder of the thrill and excitement that awaits those brave enough to tackle the challenging surf. The tantalizing blend of flavors in our meal perfectly complemented the beach ambiance, making it an unforgettable afternoon in paradise.
Renting a moped offers an affordable and convenient mode of transportation in Bali, particularly in the less crowded areas. It is a practical option for exploring the region.
Evening Activities
Based on a suggestion, we chose to explore Ulu Cliffhouse, a picturesque beach club and bar nestled high in the cliffs above Uluwatu. Down a series of terraces at sea level, this ravishing spot boasts jaw-dropping views of the sky painted in hues of lavender and the glistening teal ocean below. Sipping on high-quality cocktails like whiskey sours and frozen margaritas, which price around IDR 140,000 (£8), was worth every penny – not forgetting the additional 20% gratuity. These memorable experiences took my expenses up by IDR 504,000 (£29.20).
On the way back to our lodging, we stopped by Yeye’s Warung, a local hideaway dishing out mouth-watering Indonesian fare. A meal for two including seafood noodles, succulent beef rendang, zingy prawn summer rolls, crispy corn fritters and a pair of beers brought our total to IDR 340,000 (£19.70/£9.85 per head).
Day 4
Total: £182.54
DAWN RITUAL
Our day kicked off at dawn as we rode our mopeds to the historical Uluwatu Temple before the day crowds flooded in. This temple is amongst Bali's top six significant temple sites, with a rich history spanning over a millennium, perched atop cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the expertly sculpted barrels beneath. Each individual entry ticket was priced at IDR 50,000 (£2.90), while parking added an extra IDR 1,000 (6p) to our expenses.
On our journey back, we couldn't resist enveloping ourselves in the enticing aromas of Suka, where we indulged in a cup of their invigorating coffee, a plateful of assorted fruits, and crisp hash browns (IDR 153,000/£8.60; £4.30 per person).
Before bidding farewell to the Bukit Peninsula and setting off towards our next destination, we carved out some time for a revitalising massage session at the nearby hotel Mu. Nestled in a seaside cabana, the relaxing experience set us back IDR 204,000 (£11.80).
Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's six most important temples
EXPENSES
Continuing our Bali adventure, we made arrangements for a private transfer from Bingin to our next destination: the beautiful villa in Seseh Beach. The cost for this convenient hour-long journey was IDR 450,000 (£26) split equally among us, amounting to IDR 150,000 (£8.70) per person.
As we settled in at the villa, we enjoyed a delightful lunch by the pool. I indulged in a mouthwatering shrimp nasi goreng from the nearby Honey Warung, which only cost me IDR 50,000 (£2.90).
To explore the area, we decided to rent a moped for three days, secured through the villa. The price for this convenient mode of transportation was 70,000 IDR per day (£4).
During our trip, we discovered that Seseh Beach offered stunning vistas and a laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for relaxation and exploration.
Furthermore, our villa's location provided easy access to various local attractions, such as vibrant markets and captivating temples.
Our villa in Seseh, where we spent plenty of time by the pool
LATE
The stag and hen festivities took place on this evening. Asix-seat taxito the pumping party spot of Seminyak cost us 200,000 IDR(£11.60/£1.90 each).
The pre-wedding dinner was atKu De Ta, a thatch-roof beachside restaurant and a perfect perch for sunset. Pre-dinner cocktails cost 140,000 IDR (£8.10) – I had two Cuba Libres and a Margarita (£24.30).
Dinner cost600,000 IDR including service (£34.75) per person - we had sharing plates of lamb shoulder with hazelnut dukkah, roasted Balinese pork and grilled snapper, plus rice, salads and sambals. I bought a bottle of white wine for the table - 772,000 IDR (£44.70).
The girl gang then headed to Motel Mexicola, a neon-drenched bar/club that looked a bit like a setting from Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet. A round of three margheritas, four tequila shots and a bottle of water cost £39.79.
The taxi home, between six of us, cost 250,000 IDR (£2.50 each).
Day 5
Total: £11.40
AFTER WAKING UP
Following a night of indulgence, we experienced the repercussion of our actions in the form of intense hangovers. To recover, we decided to take it easy and find solace in the serene surroundings of the pool. As we lounged, we enjoyed the soothing tunes of our favorite music and immersed ourselves in the captivating world of literature.
AFTERNOON
We were delighted when the manager of our villa graciously extended an invitation to witness a fascinating religious ceremony unfolding in the nearby village that same afternoon.
Enthusiastically, we set off to observe the vibrant parade and stumbled upon a charming food stall ingeniously attached to a moped. There, we sampled bakso, a delectable dish consisting of traditional chicken or tofu dumplings immersed in a flavorsome broth alongside vermicelli rice noodles. To complete the culinary experience, each bowl was garnished with a crispy wonton and an assortment of fresh vegetables. This delightful creation became an instant favorite, with its burst of flavors lingering in my memory throughout the entire trip. Remarkably, this scrumptious treat was priced at a mere 60p per bowl!
Indulging in Local Experiences
During our week-long beach holiday in Bali, my friends and I took full advantage of the villa's offerings. We pampered ourselves with invigorating poolside Indonesian massages provided by a local company, which not only helped us relax but also immersed us in the local culture. These rejuvenating experiences cost just 150,000 IDR (£8.70) each.
Exploring the diverse culinary scene, we decided to elevate our dining experience by hiring a local chef who managed a popular restaurant. For an affordable price of 90,000 IDR, in addition to the cost of groceries, we were treated to a mouthwatering Balinese feast. Two additional friends joined our gastronomic adventure, making it a mere £2.10 per person for an exquisite spread that included grilled fish, ayam betutu (a flavorful slow-cooked spiced chicken), mie goreng, urab (a scrumptious salad of green beans, cabbage, and bean sprouts), and cassava leaves.
Experience the true essence of Bali by indulging in these unique services and exploring the culinary delights that this Indonesian paradise has to offer.
Day 6
Total: £91.10
MORNING
Starting the day with a hearty breakfast, my partner and I set off on foot from our villa, heading towards Batu Bolong for a morning of surfing. This picturesque beach, known for its beginner-friendly waves and sandy bottom, attracts surf enthusiasts of all levels, although it can get quite crowded at times. While we had our own surfboard, visitors can conveniently rent a foam board from a nearby beach-side shack for approximately 50,000 IDR, which is about £2.90.
In addition to the favorable surfing conditions, Batu Bolong offers the perfect blend of excitement and tranquility. Its vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by the array of beach-side cafes and restaurants, allowing visitors to refuel and relax after an exhilarating surfing session. A surfboard rental not only provides an opportunity to ride the waves but also offers a chance to soak up the sun and bask in the beauty of this stunning coastal paradise.
POST-LUNCH HOURS
Our day continued at the effervescent seaside hub of the COMO Uma Canggu hotel, perched on Eco Beach. A revitalizing pit stop here saw us enjoying a couple of caffeinated beverages, two fizzy drinks, and a refreshingly sweet berry juice, all for a total of 250,000 IDR, which roughly translates to £14.50.
Our next rendezvous was at the chic yet laid-back premises ofThe Slow, a hotel which adds a unique twist to the usual tropical vibe. The star of the place is its bar, touted for an elaborate menu of uniquely named and flavorful cocktails, starting from 110,000 IDR each or approximately £6.30. The drinks I sampled included the invigorating Naga Bubbles – a vodka-infused Darjeeling tea complemented by snake fruit – and the potent, punch-like Jack-o-lada which boasts a blend of jackfruit rum, coconut, and pineapple syrup. An additional mention goes to the well-received Santeria for its tantalizing salty profile.
NOCTURNAL
Our evening feast took place at Fishbone Local, renowned for its creative fusion of European and Asian cuisines with a primary focus on locally sourced, sustainable seafood. We kicked off our culinary journey with mouthwatering starters such as tuna tostadas, chili salted squid, a sublime blend of lobster and chicken dumplings, coupled with the crunchiness of Korean-style fried chicken. I decided to go in for the blue swimmer crab linguini as my main course, whereas, an array of desserts, including creamy gelato, silky smooth pannacotta, and exotic deep-fried snickers bar made for a shared indulgence among us six. Accompanying our dinner were two bottles of effervescent house sparkling wine priced at 400,000 IDR/£23 per bottle. The cost per plate rounded off to an affordable £50, give or take.
During our week-long beach holiday in Bali, my friends and I stumbled upon Pretty Poison, a unique venue that combines a bar and skate park. With a live DJ and thrilling performances by skilled skateboarders, the highlight of the evening was watching boys and girls gracefully navigate the empty swimming pool bowl. As I savored a delightful whisky sour, priced at 100,000 IDR (£5.80), the atmosphere was buzzing with energy and excitement.
Afterward, we decided to continue our adventure and discovered Black Cat Mini Mart, a hidden speakeasy concealed behind an unassuming minimart. Stepping inside, we were transported into a different era, accompanied by nostalgic tunes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Intrigued by their extensive cocktail list, I couldn't resist trying the True Romance, which only set me back 100,000 IDR/£5.80. It was the perfect way to wrap up the evening.
As the night grew late, we hailed a taxi to take us back home. Splitting the fare between the six of us, the cost came to a mere 250,000 IDR, amounting to just £2.40 per person. It was a small price to pay for the convenience and safety of a comfortable ride back to our accommodations.
Day 7
Total: £6.80
MORNING
The big day! The wedding started in the mid-afternoon so we once again spent the morning by the pool.
We went out for an early lunch to try some authentic babi guling, or suckling pig. The spot, which had tables arranged so they overlooked peaceful rice terraces, was recommended to us by the chef that cooked for us a couple of nights beforehand.
70,000 IDR (£4) got each person a soft drink and plate of suckling pig and crackling, urab sayur salad, sambal, rice and – the best bit – a salty, spicy pork broth.
Babi Guling is a traditional Balinese dish of suckling pork
Afternoon and Evening Adventures
We spent our afternoon and evening joyously celebrating at a breathtaking wedding venue situated in a secluded beachfront villa in Seseh. Arranging a taxi for the six of us to and from the wedding was not only convenient, but also cost-effective, as we only had to pay 150,000 IDR each way (£8.60), amounting to a mere £2.80 per person.
As we toasted to the newlyweds amidst stunning ocean views, we couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this remarkable experience. The tranquil ambiance of the villa and the enchanting beauty of the beach created the perfect backdrop for the heartfelt celebrations.
Throughout the evening, we reveled in the company of our dear friends, cherishing the memories we were creating together. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, accompanied by the delightful melodies played by the wedding band, enhanced the magical atmosphere.
Day 8 (and getting home)
Total: £74.51
A New Day Begins
We swiftly gathered our belongings and bid farewell to our temporary abode. The majority of our initial party, consisting of four individuals, hailed a taxi to embark on a journey back to the wedding villa. Our mission? To partake in a revitalizing luncheon and an invigorating pool gathering. The taxi fare for each person amounted to a mere £2.15.
Evening Plans
As our day on the beautiful beaches of Bali came to an end, my husband and I decided to take a taxi ride back to the Bali Ngurah Rai International airport. The fare for the trip came to a total of 400,000 IDR (£23), meaning each of us had to pay about £11.50. On our way to the airport, we made a quick stop at JFC, an immensely popular fast-food joint in Bali known for its delectable fried chicken. I couldn't resist trying their chicken burger, which cost just 12,000 IDR (69p).
Once we checked in at the airport, I stopped by a shop to pick up a few essentials. I purchased two bottles of water, a bag of Haribo peach hearts, and some Balinese chocolate, which I intended to share with colleagues at the office. The total for these goodies came to 315,000 IDR (£18.15).
During our layover at Dubai airport, hunger struck, and we ended up spending 99 AED (£21) at Pret-A-Manger. To satisfy our appetites, we indulged in a brie, tomato, and basil baguette, a cheese sandwich for the little one, and treated ourselves to a freshly squeezed orange juice and a large bottle of water.
After arriving back in London, we caught a train from Gatwick to St Pancras, which cost us £8.30. To safely transport our surfboard, we opted for an Uber XL to take us from St Pancras to our home. The fare for the ride came to £25.44, so we split it between the two of us, paying £12.72 each.
Reflecting on our holiday expenses, I couldn't help but think of the amazing memories we made and the experiences we shared. Despite the costs involved, the joy and relaxation we experienced on our week-long beach holiday in Bali with friends were undoubtedly worth every penny.