Bali Travel Cost for Solo Travelers: My 3-Week Budget Breakdown

When you think of Bali, “cheap vacation” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Between five-star resorts, upscale beach clubs, and infinity pools overlooking lush rice fields, Bali often gives luxury vibes — especially on social media. I used to scroll past those dreamy photos of flower baths and floating brunches assuming a Bali vacation was way out of my price range. But after hearing so many solo female travelers rave about this Indonesian gem, and seeing Bali ranked #6 on Forbes’ list of cheapest currencies, I started to wonder: Could the actual Bali travel cost be lower than it looks?

There was only one way to find out. I booked a one-way ticket and gave myself three weeks to explore the island — while tracking every single Rupiah. My goal? To break down the real Bali trip budget from the perspective of a solo traveler and see if Bali could truly be both affordable and amazing.

So…is Bali expensive? Or is it a surprisingly budget-friendly tropical escape for solo travelers? Let’s get into the full breakdown of what I spent during my 3-week solo travel Bali adventure...the numbers might surprise you.

 

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Before jumping into my full Bali travel cost breakdown, here are a few important things to know about money and how spending works on the island, especially if you’re planning your own solo travel Bali adventure.

Indonesia’s official currency is the Rupiah, and while some restaurants and cafes accept card payments, cash is king in Bali. You’ll find plenty of ATMs across the island, but be cautious as ATM scams do happen. Always use machines in well-lit, busy areas and check the card reader for signs of tampering. Throughout my trip, I kept a close eye on my transactions to protect my accounts.

When managing my Bali travel budget, I relied on two international cards that I highly recommend: Charles Schwab for fee-free global ATM withdrawals, and Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earns points that I redeem for free flights and hotel stays. Both cards reimburse international transaction fees, which helped me save money and stretch my Bali trip budget further.

All costs in this article are listed in USD. For clarity, I’ve divided my Bali travel cost into three main categories: general, personal, and incidental expenses. Your own travel style, preferences, and timing will naturally affect your total spend, so think of this as a guide — not a strict rulebook.

Lastly, I visited Bali in April 2024, and while prices may vary depending on the season, this should still give you a solid reference point if you're wondering how much a Bali trip really costs. Now, let’s dive in!

 

Golden hour at Canggu Beach, views like this cost nothing but add so much to the Bali solo travel experience.

Bali Travel Cost for Solo Travelers: General Expenses

Getting to Bali - A Guide to Affordable Airfare

 

DISTANCE MATTERS

When calculating your overall Bali travel cost, airfare is one of the biggest line items and it can vary dramatically based on where you’re flying from. But if you play your cards right, there are a few ways to make getting to Bali more budget-friendly.

One option is to turn a long-haul journey into a multi-stop adventure. Instead of flying directly from the United States to Bali, consider breaking up the trip with a stop in another country you’ve been wanting to explore. For example, flights from Atlanta to Bali are usually more expensive than flying from international hubs like Istanbul or Nairobi. Adding a stopover can help cut down both the time and cost of your flight and give you a chance to experience a new destination on the way.

The idea to solo travel to Bali first came to me while I was living as a digital nomad in Bangkok. One of the perks of being based in Southeast Asia is that countries are relatively close to one another, making it easy to hop between destinations. Instead of flying directly to Bali, I planned a pitstop to explore the world’s #1 airport. I booked two separate tickets: one from Thailand to Singapore, and another from Singapore to Bali. The total airfare came out to just $216.38, significantly reducing my overall Bali travel cost — though I ended up paying even less (I’ll explain how in a bit).

 

CHOOSING YOUR DEPARTURE POINT

If multi-stop journeys don’t align with your Bali trip budget, another way to save on flights is by experimenting with your departure point. Price checking different international airports is a smart way to lower your Bali travel cost without sacrificing the entire experience.

Try searching for airports near your location that offer competitive international rates. For example, if you’re based in Maryland, check flights from major hubs like JFK in New York or MIA in Miami. While this may mean booking additional flights and managing your own layovers, the total savings can make it worthwhile if the math is right.

That said, always weigh the trade-offs. A cheaper flight doesn’t always equal better value. Let’s say you find a $650 flight from JFK, compared to an $800 flight from Baltimore. Sounds like a win, right? But if the JFK option requires an extra flight, a hotel stay, and roundtrip ground transportation, your Bali travel cost might end up higher — and far less convenient — in the end.

Also, don’t forget to compare one-way versus round-trip tickets. In some cases, booking two separate one-way flights can actually save you more than buying a round-trip. Flexibility is your best friend when budgeting for a trip like this.

 

Flying into paradise — my Bali travel cost started before landing, but travel hacks helped me save on flights from Bangkok.

 

USING CREDIT CARD PERKS

When you don’t have flexibility with your departure plans, a solid travel credit card can help you reduce your Bali travel cost. Earlier I mentioned that my total airfare from Bangkok to Bali was $216.38. But here’s where the travel girl cheat code kicked in: CashBack points. Thanks to rewards from my Chase Sapphire Preferred card, I saved $124.73 — bringing my flight cost down to just $91.65. That essentially made my flight from Singapore to Bali FREE!

These kinds of travel perks are clutch when you’re looking to maximize your solo travel budget without compromising your experience. For anyone planning a budget-conscious Bali vacation, I highly recommend exploring credit cards with travel rewards.

 

 

BECOME AN AIRLINE BUDDY

Now, not everyone loves credit cards and depending on your age or location, you might not even qualify for one yet. But don’t worry, there’s another hack that could help lower your Bali travel cost: airline buddy perks. As many airlines as there are in this world, the odds are highly favorable that someone in your network works at one. Airline employees (and their buddies) get access to deeply discounted flights, often covering the entire cost aside from taxes and fees. So don’t be shy — reach out to extended friends and family and shamelessly butter someone up for those standby flight benefits! It could make your Bali trip budget a whole lot more manageable

 

SEASONAL TIMING

If no one is handing out buddy passes, there’s still another great way to cut your Bali travel cost: plan your solo trip during Bali’s off-season.

The wet season runs from November through April (excluding major holidays), and while you might get the occasional thunderstorm, the trade-off is worth it. Fewer tourists, lower hotel rates, and discounts on excursions all help you stick to your solo travel budget. If you're into self-care, it’s the perfect excuse to lean into cozy spa days, long massages, and journaling sessions from your balcony. Plus, let's be honest: what’s a few raindrops when you’re already planning to be in bikini anyway? It’s an easy win for anyone planning a cheap vacation in paradise.

 

Where to Stay In Bali - Accommodation Rates

The next big factor in your Bali travel cost is where you choose to stay. Accommodation options in Bali vary widely, and what you pick will directly impact your solo travel budget.

A villa in Nusa Dua might be ideal for someone craving luxury, while a surf-focused traveler might go for a hostel near Kuta Beach. Luckily, Bali has a spot for every price point. From hostels and hotels to resorts and traditional home stays, your Bali trip budget can stretch pretty far.

During my solo travel to Bali, I opted for home stays in both Seminyak and Ubud, the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and affordability. My first stop was Seminyak, where I paid just $285 for a 12-night stay. The room was spacious, air-conditioned, and included a TV, kitchen access, and distilled drinking water. It was cleaned almost daily, and my host family welcomed me with such warmth that it truly felt like home.

 

 

My second home stay was in Ubud, where I paid $205 for 8 nights, and breakfast was included. Just like the one in Seminyak, this stay had all the comforts I needed but with a jungle view upgrade. Instead of a garden, I had a private balcony overlooking lush greenery and a stream flowing below. Falling asleep to the sound of rushing water? Absolute bliss. 

 

My Ubud balcony view and just one of the reasons this peaceful home stay was worth every penny of my Bali travel cost.

 

I made all my accommodation reservations through Booking.com. When I compared their prices to Airbnb listings, Booking consistently offered more value. It also helped me manage my Bali travel cost more effectively, thanks to their “Pay Later” option. For many properties, you don’t have to pay upfront — a huge win if you’re trying to balance flight costs and accommodation at the same time. This feature made it easier to reduce the initial expenses of my solo travel Bali adventure.

In total, I spent $489.80 on accommodations for my 3-week solo trip, which comes out to just $24.49 per night. Not bad for comfort, culture, and convenience — all while staying well within my Bali trip budget.

Dining Around Bali - Food Expenses

Food is another key category to consider when calculating your full Bali travel cost. Fortunately, Bali is a dream for budget-conscious foodies. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing local bites on the go, it’s easy to eat well without overspending.

If you’re traveling solo on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that Indonesian cuisine is both flavorful and affordable. Traditional eateries, called warungs, are great spots to enjoy dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles) at low prices. And if you’re curious about Bali street food, it’s a super tasty way to stretch your solo travel budget even further.

That said, Bali also caters to luxury travelers and digital nomads so you’ll find tons of trendy cafes and upscale restaurants, especially in areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud. If you're chasing a full culinary experience, it’s easy to upgrade your meals but it can also add up fast.

Bali restaurants often charge extra beyond the menu price. The time of day can also impact price, with dinner typically being more expensive than other meals. There’s usually a 10% dine-in tax plus a 5–10% service charge at most sit-down spots, and tipping is optional. These hidden fees can quickly impact your total Bali travel cost if you’re dining out for every meal.

During my 3-week trip, I mixed things up to stay on budget. I dined at restaurants occasionally, tried a few warungs, bought groceries for breakfasts and snacks, and ordered food delivery when I wanted convenience without the dine-in markup. Delivery was often the cheapest and easiest option — I could enjoy the same delicious food from the comfort of my home stay, and skip the added taxes and fees.

Here’s my full food spending breakdown for the trip, which totaled $391.57:

Breakfast - $30.77

Brunch - $73.26

Lunch - $152.87

Dinner - $88.02

Snacks - $13.64

Groceries - $33.01

Food was one of my bigger expenses, but I still kept things under control, proving that with a little strategy, you can eat well and keep your Bali trip budget on point.

Navigating Bali - Transportation Expenses

Seeing various parts of the island is a must for the full Bali experience so you’ll definitely want to factor for transportation in your Bali travel cost. There are several ways to get around Bali, and most are very affordable for solo travelers.

You can hire a private driver, hop on a motorcycle taxi, or simply walk, especially if you stay in centralized neighborhoods like Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud. These areas offer walkable access to cafes, coworking spots, the beach, and local attractions, which helps cut down your Bali transportation costs. If you’re traveling on a solo travel budget, staying local can really help stretch your money. On the flip side, travelers seeking luxury or remote serenity might prefer destinations like Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, or North Bali, which often require longer (and pricier) commutes.

During my 3-week solo travel to Bali, I stayed in Seminyak and Ubud. Most days, I walked to the gym, grabbed groceries, or popped into a nearby coworking cafe. For anything further, I used Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) to get motorcycle rides. These quick, convenient moto rides became my main mode of transport and were super budget-friendly too. I only spent $40.73 over three weeks for local trips!

The more expensive rides were my airport transfers. Between my two accommodations and the airport, I spent $56.67 across four taxi rides. In total, my transportation expenses in Bali came to $97.40 — not bad for three weeks of getting around the island with ease. 😎

Every bit of planning like this made my Bali travel cost more manageable and gave me freedom to explore comfortably within my Bali trip budget.

 

Bali Travel Cost for Solo Travelers: Personal Expenses

Expenses for Tours and Activities

Bali is designed with tourism in mind. Even if you don’t typically care to do touristy things on vacation, this insta-worthy island will make it hard to resist!

One of my favorite excursions was a full-day tour that included stops at the Bali Swing, a coffee plantation, Tegenungan Waterfall, and the Monkey Forest. I booked the tour directly through my home stay host, who ended up being my guide, driver, and personal photographer for the day — all for $41.41. The entrance fees to each location added another $22.42.

Later in my trip, I had a slow day at the beach and rented a chair for $6.40. Altogether, I spent $70.23 on activities. A small price for rich experiences that made my solo travel Bali itinerary unforgettable.

 

Tourist moment unlocked! This full-day tour was one of the few planned expenses in my Bali travel cost, and totally worth it.

 

Self-Care Expenses

Self-care activities were a top priority for me on my solo trip to Bali, and not surprisingly, it ended up being one of my biggest personal expenses in my overall Bali travel cost. From spa days to shopping, I embraced the relaxing energy the island had to offer.

Here’s the full breakdown of my self-care spending:

Souvenirs + Clothes shopping = $51.10

Mani + pedi + eyebrows + sugar bikini wax = $56.83

Full body massage + flower bath = $23

In total, I spent $130.93 on self-care and pampering. Worth. Every. Rupiah.

With Bali being such a wellness-friendly destination, it’s easy to incorporate self-care without breaking your solo travel budget. This was money well spent and a reminder that luxury doesn’t always mean expensive when you’re in Bali.

 

Handling pampering needs in Bali is a nice little savings hack for budget-savvy solo travelers.

Miscellaneous Expenses

If you're visiting Bali for less than 90 days, you'll need to purchase a tourist visa. While the application can be done online in advance, I opted for the more convenient visa-on-arrival, which cost $32.71. That made up the entirety of my miscellaneous expenses.

As for staying connected, I used Airalo to get 6 GB of data for my 3-week trip — and thanks to some handy credits, the final cost came out to FREE.99 😎.

Little savings like these helped keep my Bali travel cost down without compromising on comfort or convenience.

Bali Travel Cost for Solo Travelers: Incidental Expenses

Health and Wellness Costs

Even the most well-planned solo Bali trip comes with a few surprises. For me, it was a bout of food poisoning in my first week.

While I had SafetyWing travel insurance (a must, by the way!), I still paid $218.39 out of pocket for clinic care. I also stayed active during my trip and spent $34.46 on gym day passes and short-term memberships.

All together, my incidental plus health and wellness expenses came to $252.85. Definitely not part of the original Bali trip budget, but a great reminder to build in some buffer when planning your own Bali travel cost.

The Total Cost Of My Solo Bali Trip

So, what was my final Bali travel cost?

For a full three-week stay — including flights, accommodations, food, transportation, activities, wellness, and everything in between — I spent a grand total of $1,688.

That averages out to $53/day (excluding flights and accommodations), which allowed me to balance splurges with smart savings throughout the trip. While I wouldn’t categorize the trip as luxurious, I definitely didn’t hold back, and I left Bali feeling whole, well-fed, relaxed, and with my wallet still intact.

 

Final Thoughts: Is Bali a Cheap Vacation?

So… what do you think? Is Bali a cheap vacation spot?

Personally, I’d say yes, especially when compared to other tropical destinations. With a bit of planning and some flexible travel hacks, the Bali travel cost for solo travelers can be shockingly reasonable. Whether you're a budget-conscious adventurer or a soft-life solo traveler, Bali offers the kind of trip that feels indulgent without the high price tag.

Let me know in the comments:
Have you been to Bali or are you planning a trip soon? What are your thoughts on the real cost of traveling to Bali?