Best known as the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, the island-province of Bali is home to a number of world-class scenic spots such as beaches, mountains, volcanoes and ancient temples as well as a diverse marine wildlife. A lot of backpackers, budget travelers, adventure junkies and divers go to Bali to relax and explore the wonders of the beautiful island. Considering these factors, how much does a trip to Bali cost?
The basic Bali trip cost may start from $265 and can reach up to $3,270, depending on the duration of your stay, accommodation costs, transportation expenses, food and drinks. However, this article will not discuss the costs of plane tickets since they vary from the place of departure and the airline you have chosen. But there are some travelers, especially families, who choose to pay for a Bali vacation package price that already covers the hotel and tour for a certain number of days.
Cost Breakdown
Generally, Bali is not that expensive. It is an outstanding tourist destination where almost everything is affordable, giving you satisfaction without costing a lot. If you intend to spend a certain budget, then you definitely can. To give you an idea how much you need to save for your Bali trip cost, this article will serve as your guide.
Accommodation
Let us assume that you are already in Bali, looking for a place to stay. Well, you do not have to worry about your accommodation since there are a number of hotels you can choose from. Generally, the hotel rates range from $20 to $2,500 inclusive of a 21 percent tax.
But what can $20 give you? Apparently, you already have a basic, clean room with an air conditioner, a private bathroom and a terrace.
The maximum hotel rate, which is charged with 21 percent tax and service for one day, provides you a much better room that has an exquisite Balinese bed and a wider terrace that lets you see the wonderful perspective of the island. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s private pool adorned with a beautiful tropical garden.
But whichever you choose, you can already stay in a very nice room for $100 to $150 for one night, satisfaction guaranteed.
To avoid such hassle of looking for a hotel, you can always opt to book and pay for a Bali vacation package price through the internet or travel agencies.
Transportation
When you are in Bali, make sure that you explore the island. You’ll never know. It may surprise you. But of course, you can not tour the island without vehicles, hence, transportation is a necessary expense that should be included in your Bali trip cost. You can either ride on a cab, rent a motorbike or hire a driver and a vehicle for one day.
*Taxi. The flag down rate of the taxi in Bali is 7,500 Indonesian Rupiah ($0.60). In most cases, the total costs when you ride a taxi without leaving the main town is around 30,000 to 90,000 Rupiah ($2.30 to $6.80). You are in safe and reliable hands if you are hopping on a Bali Bird or Blue Bird taxi. You may include this in your Bali vacation package price.
Just a piece of advice – as much as possible, try to avoid those cabs whose drivers refuse to employ their meter for the trip. Chances are they will rip you off.
*Motorbike. In cases when you have an International Driver’s License, then you can use it to rent a motorbike – only if you know how to drive one. The motorbike rental cost ranges from $5 to $15 for one whole day. But make sure to drive safely. Every year, authorities in Bali record a lot of motorbike accidents, some of which had led to deaths.
*Hiring a Private Car with a Driver. If you are not the adventure type who is up for anything, then you have the option to hire a private car with a driver get you around the island and through the daily traffic on Bali.
This type of transportation service is very much ideal for families who wish to have a hassle-free travel. It costs between 500,000 to 1,500,000 Rupiah (around $38 to $114), which is apparently a little higher than taxis and motorbikes. But you make to make sure that the agreed amount covers the fuel costs to avoid arguments when the service is over.
Despite being more expensive that the others, hiring a private car with a driver is highly recommended for three reasons:
– you get to enjoy sightseeing while inside the car
– no chances of getting lost since the driver knows the way
– you have someone to look over the car and your personal belongings in cases when you eat meals
To make sure that you hire a legit car and driver, see to it that he or she has a valid driver’s license, a special permit, insurances and other legal documents. Prices and rates also depend on your driver’s language and speaking skills. If drivers offer too cheap rates, then it is best not to take such service to avoid unpleasant situations.
Car models such as Land Cruiser, Volvo or limousine are expensive, which can cost between $150 to $250 for one day. Moreover, the price for the premium leaded gasoline is volatile, but currently, the cost is around 6,500 Rupiah ($0.50) per liter.
Food and Drinks
Aside from affordable hotel and transportation rates, you can also enjoy their food without spending too much from your Bali trip cost. However, if you avail of the Bali vacation package price, then you are assured that your food and drinks have already been covered. As a reference, here are the usual costs of meals you can buy every day.
– lunch and dinner meals at mid-range restaurants cost around $3 to $5 each
– carbonated drinks $1, while beer costs $3
– breakfast meals at high-end hotels cost between $5 to $30 for one person
– lunch and dinner meals at high-end hotels cost about $20 to $70 per person