Bali is not only one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world, but also has lots to offer visitors in terms of things to do and places to visit. It also happens to be a relatively affordable destination for visitors from Singapore.
There are lots of options in Bali for any budget. If you’re a backpacker on a budget, here are some tips that can help you get the most out of your trip.
Choose a Backpacker-friendly area
Bali has lots of accommodation and facilities for travellers of all kinds, from those who want luxury to those on a budget. Backpacker accommodation tends to be concentrated in certain towns or areas, so it pays to know where to look when booking a place to stay.
Canggu tends to be popular amongst budget travellers and surfers, thanks to the proliferation of inexpensive guesthouses.
Ubud is another popular choice for those who are looking for a more laid back atmosphere with a hippie vibe, although it is getting pricier these days.
If you’re in Bali to dive and want cheap accommodation, another option is Padangbai.
And for young partygoers who just want a cheap place to crash, Kuta and Legian are popular, though it must be admitted that they have been ruined by all the tourism.
Eat at Warungs
There are plenty of food options in Bali, from international restaurants targeted at tourists to local warungs.
If you are on a budget, opt to enjoy most of your meals at warungs. These tend to be small, local, family-owned restaurants or stalls with a very simple atmosphere and that mainly sell affordable local dishes. Warungs do not charge taxes, and because most target a local clientele, prices are normally very affordable.
If you are not sure where to find good warungs in the vicinity, check out the area in and around the local market, or ask a local.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Bottled water is not expensive in Bali, but because of the hot weather and the sunshine, you’ll end up consuming lots of it if you don’t bring your own water bottle with you. Constantly relying on bottled water to hydrate is also going to worsen Bali’s plastic waste problem.
Bring along a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the water dispensers at your accommodation before you leave for the day. Boiled tap water is safe to drink in Bali, so you can also boil water at your accommodation if a kettle is provided. Throughout the day, you should be able to find a free flow of refillable water at many restaurants and cafes.
Rent a Bicycle or Scooter instead of taking Taxis
Taxis are the most expensive way to get around in Bali, especially if you are travelling alone. It is usually much cheaper to rent a scooter a bicycle.
Bicycle or scooter rental fees are generally charged by the day. Many of the towns such as Seminyak, Kuta and Canggu are not that far away, so you should be able to cycle or even walk from one to the other.
If you are not up for cycling or scooter riding and still want to avoid expensive taxi fares, one option is to use the Gojek app to hitch a ride on someone else’s scooter.
And if you absolutely have to take a taxi or are travelling in a big enough group to make it worthwhile, take only Blue Bird taxis and insist on using the meter.
Buy travel insurance
Before leaving on your backpacking trip to Bali, protect yourself with travel insurance from HL Assurance. Check out our website for the latest deals and promotions, and compare our travel insurance plans to find the one that best suits your needs.
Malaysia
Hong Kong