What to Do in Bali on a Budget | Your 2025 Guide

There's a reason why Bali is known as the "Island of the Gods." It's a tropical paradise that gives you a mix of lush landscapes and rich culture. 

Now, hold on. That sounds pretty pricey, right? Well, I know that visiting a tropical paradise that has beautiful rice terraces, golden shores, and wellness retreats might sound expensive, but it doesn't have to be. You can absolutely have a blast on a budget in Bali if you know where to look. 

This guide covers the best free and affordable experiences that help you avoid tourist traps and experience Bali like a local. All it takes is a little bit of planning…

Free & Nearly-Free Experiences

Some of my favourite travel experiences have cost almost nothing, and Bali is no exception. While tour companies will try to pressure you into expensive packages, most of Bali's natural beauty is accessible for pocket change.

Sunrise at Mount Batur

While Mount Batur isn't exactly a hidden gem – it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali, Indonesia – you don't need to fork out for an expensive tour, this active volcano has a sunset view that is easily the most iconic on the entire island.

Instead of pricey tour groups, you can organise your own hike. Local guides charge around $15-20 per person if you book directly in the village, compared to $50+ through hotels. Not only are you saving money, but you get a more personalised and local experience.

The hike takes about two hours, and starting around 3:30 am, you'll catch the sunrise painting the sky above the clouds. I know 3:30 am sounds kind of insane, but it may not feel too early if you're still jetlagged. Mount Batur's crater rim has some of the most jaw-dropping views on the planet, so the early start is absolutely worth it.

Chasing Waterfalls

Sekumpul Waterfall in North Bali is referred to as one of the most beautiful on the island, with multiple tiers cascading through the lush jungle. Entry costs less than $2, and the short trek through rice paddies is half the adventure. Keep in mind that Sekumpul waterfall usually requires a local guide, which still only costs a few dollars when booked in the local village.

Tegenungan waterfall near Ubud is easily accessible and perfect for a refreshing swim after exploring the nearby rice terraces. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.

If you like to avoid crowds, the Banyumala twin waterfalls are a more secluded experience since fewer people know about them. You might even get the place to yourself.

Temple Sightseeing

Uluwatu Temple, perched on dramatic cliffs, costs around $3 for entry and has spectacular sunset views over the Indian Ocean. Time your visit right, and you'll catch the traditional Kecak fire dance performance.

Tirta Empul, the holy spring temple, charges a small entrance fee, but you get the unique experience of participating in an authentic cultural ritual. The purification ritual is a deeply moving experience that doesn't cost extra. You can take part in alongside local worshippers. The Tirta Empul complex is one of Bali's most sacred sites and definitely a Bali bucket list item if you're looking for any spiritual experience.

Another famous temple is the Besakih Temple on Mount Agung's slopes, which is another temple with killer views and a peak into Balinese spiritual life. This mother temple complex showcases the island's rich religious heritage and has breathtaking mountain vistas.

Beach Days & Coastal Exploring

Bali's coastline offers endless free entertainment without expensive beach clubs or day passes.

Relaxing on Public Beaches

Kuta Beach might be crowded, but it's completely free and fun for people-watching or surfing lessons. The waves are ideal for beginners, and board rentals cost a fraction of resort prices.

Sanur Beach on the eastern side of the Island has calmer waters and stunning sunrise views. Just bring your own towel and some snacks, and you have the Bali-perfect morning. The calm vibes make it ideal if you're you want some peace.

On the southern peninsula is Balangan Beach, with consistent surf breaks and a relaxing vibe. The beach scene here is less intense than in Seminyak, making it a lovely retreat for budget travellers who want pristine beaches and coastlines without premium prices.

Tide Pools & Sunset Spots

With social media, it's sometimes hard to find unknown treasures these days, but Bali still has some secrets up its sleeve. The cliffs around Uluwatu Temple hide numerous secret beaches perfect for a unique adventure. Kelingking Beach in nearby Nusa Penida is another place with awe-inspiring views for just the price of a boat ticket.

If you love snorkelling, then you have to add Crystal Bay and Broken Beach to your Bali list. The tropical fish here rival any marine park, and you can spend entire days here for almost nothing.

For all the thrill seekers out there, the Blue Lagoon has cliff jumping in addition to snorkelling in crystal-clear water and diverse marine life.

Local Food & Markets

In my opinion, food makes up at least half the joy of travelling, and in Bali, it really shines.

Eat Like a Local

For some authentic local food at rock-bottom prices, Warungs are my go-to establishments. These family-run eateries serve up massive portions for only $1-3 per meal. Balinese favourites like nasi goreng, mie goreng, and satay skewers are hearty, delicious, and incredibly cheap.

Affordable Night Markets

Nothing quite captures the feel of local culture like the atmosphere at night markets. The Gianyar night market comes alive after dark, with dozens of stalls selling everything from satay to traditional desserts.

You can eat your way through multiple dishes for under $10. My trick is trying small portions from multiple stalls. It's so much fun to meet all the different vendors, and it lets you sample more flavours.

Culture, Art & Community

You don't need to go to expensive shows or get pricy tour packages to experience Balinese culture. Real culture happens in everyday life, and locals welcome respectful visitors. Here are some of the top budget-friendly places to experience Balinese culture.

Free Cultural Events

Temple ceremonies happen regularly across Bali, Indonesia, and visitors are usually welcome to observe respectfully. These ceremonies are a window into Balinese Hindu practices. Typically, the accommodations can give you a schedule.

If you're a music lover, Gamelan orchestras practice in community centres throughout the island. The hypnotic music costs nothing to experience and is a deep cultural immersion.

Visit Art Villages

While the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a famous tourist destination, the surrounding art villages are fascinating experiences without entrance fees. Celuk, for example, specialises in silver jewellery, and Mas focuses on wood carving.

You can wander through workshops, chat with artisans, and watch traditional techniques being passed down through generations.

Nature, Wellness & Adventure

Bali's natural beauty provides endless free entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts and wellness seekers.

Budget-Friendly Yoga

Canggu, Ubud, and Sanur offer donation-based yoga classes where you pay what you can afford. Many hostels include free morning sessions, and beach yoga at sunrise costs nothing but an early wake-up call.

Practising yoga surrounded by rice terraces or with ocean views beats expensive studio classes back home. The spiritual energy of Bali makes these practices particularly powerful.

Rice Field Walks

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud are absolutely scenic. And the best part? You don't need to pay entrance fees to enjoy rice terrace views. The Campuhan Ridge Walk, in particular, has spectacular vistas of vast rice fields.

Walking through rice paddies also gives you chances to meet local farmers and get an up close and personal look at traditional irrigation systems. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth the small entrance fee for their incredible scale.

If you find yourself in central Bali, I highly recommend the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, as it has some incredible photo opportunities. After all, we all love a little Instagram hype.

Scooter Rentals

A scooter is a fast and fun way to explore the whole island for only around $5 per day. You can skip the expensive tours and zip around to multiple temples, beaches, and rice terraces in a single-day trip.

Just be careful. Bali traffic is no joke around popular tourist attractions. Start with shorter rides to get a feel for the land. Always wear helmets and check if your travel insurance covers scooter use.

Hidden Gems

From my experience, the best travel stories always come from hidden gems. Skip the crowds and inflated prices and get right to the incredible experiences.

East Bali Adventures

East Bali tends to see fewer tourists than southern Bali. Travelers are seriously missing out on hiking trails, traditional villages, and stunning coastal views around Mount Agung. But their loss can be your gain.

Amed features excellent snorkelling and scuba diving spots where you can see tropical fish without paying marine park fees. The coastline showcases black sand beaches and traditional fishing villages.

Elephant Cave and Ancient Sites

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) near Ubud has striking carvings with a long history. The entrance fee is also low, and you can easily pop on over to nearby rice terraces.

Coffee Plantation Tours

Coffee plantation tours can be a bit pricey through tour companies, but for many independent visitors, the rates are much cheaper. You can learn about traditional growing methods and try different varieties, like the famous kopi luwak.

Adventure Activities on a Shoestring

Bali has plenty of opportunities for thrill seekers who don't want to drain their travel funds.

Cliff Jumping and Swimming

Similar to the Blue Lagoon near Padangbai, the coastline around Uluwatu has cliff-jumping spots galore. Just be sure to check conditions with locals. It's also smart to start with smaller jumps to assess water depth. The thrill is incredible, and cliff jumping is totally free.

Volcano Hiking Beyond Mount Batur

Mount Agung, Bali's highest peak, is a spiritual journey that gives even the experienced hikes some fun challenges. The climb provides incredible sunrise views across the entire island. Local guides tend to have more reasonable rates.

Mount Agung experiences make the demanding trek worthwhile for adventurous travellers seeking authentic mountain experiences.

Stay Connected Without Breaking the Bank

Smart Connectivity for Budget Travellers

Look, paper maps and old-school travel books have their own charm. But staying connected while exploring Bali makes it a lot easier to find local spots, translate with vendors, and navigate between hidden gems. Tourist SIM cards at airports are overpriced, and roaming charges can be quite a shock.

A travel eSIM or SIM for Bali, like ZenSim, lets you scan a QR code before travelling and activate local data rates instantly upon landing. Get instant access without queues, haggling, or language mix-ups.

I like to be a bit spontaneous when I travel, and having a reliable smartphone with an eSIM makes that a breeze. You can book scooter rentals, check maps for temple locations, and share amazing photos from rice terraces without worrying about costs. Reliable internet access also helps you discover unique activities like cooking classes, find the best warungs, and book day trips to attractions like Waterbom Bali.

Making Your Budget Stretch Further

Timing and Accommodation Strategies

If your schedule allows, visiting during off seasons means lower accommodation prices, fewer crowds at popular attractions, and generally better deals on everything. And don't worry, temple ceremonies happen year-round, so you won't miss out on authentic experiences.

Saving on where you stay makes a huge difference. I've really enjoyed staying in local homestays. Plus, you get authentic experiences and dramatically lower costs. Many include breakfast and offer insights into daily Balinese life that no resort can match.

Creating Unforgettable Experiences

When you're travelling on a budget in Bali, you don't have to compromise experiences. In many ways, a budgeted experience is choosing authentic over artificial, local over touristy, and meaningful over Instagrammable.

Swimming on beautiful beaches, hiking active volcanoes, exploring ancient temples, and learning about Balinese culture provide richer experiences than expensive resort packages. The money you save can be spent on local crafts, authentic food, and longer stays.

You don't have to spend big to create unforgettable moments in Bali. With a little prep and the right tools, like a travel eSIM from ZenSIM, you can spend less, live more, and make every rupiah count.