Bali has a way of pulling you in with its tropical charm — golden beaches, swaying palm trees, and a culture that feels warm and inviting from the moment you land. If you’re traveling from India, it’s not just a vacation, it’s a complete shift in pace. The air smells faintly of frangipani, scooters zip past colorful temples, and every day can be a mix of beach lounging and temple hopping. But before you book your ticket, let’s talk numbers — how much will a trip to Bali actually cost, and where will your money go?
I’ve traveled this route more than once, and I can tell you that planning ahead makes a huge difference. While Bali can be as budget-friendly or as luxurious as you want, knowing the costs of flights, stays, food, and activities will help you avoid surprises. Here’s a breakdown based on my recent trips, mixed with some insider tips to get the best value for your money.
Flights from India to Bali
Flights are usually the first thing you’ll book — and often the largest expense. Round-trip tickets from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore to Denpasar (Bali) generally cost between ₹20,000 and ₹35,000 ($240–$420). If you’re flexible with dates and willing to take a layover in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Bangkok, you can sometimes find deals for under ₹18,000. Booking early (at least two to three months ahead) is your best bet, especially during high season from July to September.
Another thing to keep in mind is the airline choice. Low-cost carriers like AirAsia and Scoot often have the cheapest fares, but you’ll need to budget extra for baggage and meals. If you prefer comfort and fewer layovers, Singapore Airlines and Batik Air offer smoother connections — though at a slightly higher price. Pro tip: sign up for airline newsletters so you’ll be the first to know when fares drop.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
One of the easiest parts of planning your Bali trip is the visa process. Indian passport holders can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which costs IDR 500,000 (around ₹2,500 or $35) and is valid for 30 days. You simply queue at the visa counter after landing, pay the fee (cash or card), and get your passport stamped. It’s quick, but if you want to save time, keep your passport, payment, and a pen ready before you reach the counter.
The VOA can also be extended for another 30 days if you fall in love with Bali — which happens more often than you’d think. Immigration offices in Denpasar, Jimbaran, and Gianyar can process extensions, but it’s usually easier to have a visa agent handle it for you. Just remember that overstaying without an extension can result in fines, so mark your calendar as soon as you arrive.
Read more: Bali Entry Visa Guide: Types, How to Apply, and Estimated Costs (2025 Update)
Accommodation Costs
Bali’s accommodation scene is wonderfully diverse. You can wake up in a bamboo hut surrounded by rice fields for under ₹1,500 ($18) a night, or check into a luxury villa with a private pool and butler service for ₹10,000+ ($120+) per night. For a comfortable mid-range option — think stylish boutique hotels or villas with a small pool — expect to pay around ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night ($36–$72).
Location also matters. Staying in Ubud means serene jungle views and easy access to waterfalls and temples, while Canggu offers beach clubs, cafés, and a lively expat scene. Seminyak is perfect for upscale dining and shopping, and Uluwatu has some of the most breathtaking cliffside stays. If you’re visiting during peak season, book at least a month ahead, as the best-value places sell out fast.
Daily Expenses — Food, Transport & Activities
Bali makes it easy to eat well without spending much. At local warungs (family-owned eateries), you can get a filling plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles) for ₹200–₹500 ($2–$6). International cafés and restaurants are pricier, with meals ranging from ₹500–₹1,500 ($6–$18). If you love trying different cuisines, you’ll find everything from wood-fired pizzas to vegan smoothie bowls — and yes, even authentic Indian curries.
Getting around is another budget-friendly perk. Renting a scooter costs about ₹350–₹500 per day ($4–$6), and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek make short trips easy and cheap. Activities vary widely — from free beach sunsets to temple entrance fees of ₹100–₹300, or adventure tours like snorkeling, trekking, and rafting for ₹2,000–₹5,000. A daily budget of ₹1,500–₹2,500 ($18–$30) should cover food, local transport, and a small activity or two.
Example Budget for a 7-Day Bali Trip (Mid-Range)
- Flights: ₹25,000
- Visa: ₹2,500
- Stay: ₹30,000
- Daily expenses: ₹15,000
- Total: Around ₹72,500 ($870)
If you cut down on luxury stays and stick to local eateries, you could manage a week in Bali for ₹50,000–₹55,000 ($600–$660).
Places You Shouldn’t Miss in Bali
Bali has a vibrant blend of nature, culture, and hidden corners that feel like they’re straight out of a travel magazine. Here are some spots that should definitely make it onto your itinerary:
1. Ubud – Cultural Heart & Lush Rice Terraces
Ubud is Bali’s green sanctuary, where emerald rice fields stretch into the horizon and temple bells chime softly in the distance. Spend your mornings walking through Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a breathtaking UNESCO site where narrow paths wind between cascading paddies. Don’t miss Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to hundreds of cheeky long-tailed macaques and ancient moss-covered temples. The Ubud Art Market is perfect for picking up handmade crafts, batik fabrics, and unique souvenirs. It’s a slower pace here — ideal for yoga, art, and quiet reflection.
Read also: Is Ubud, Bali, Safe? Here’s What You Should Know
2. Canggu – Surf, Sunset & Cafe Culture
Canggu is Bali’s laid-back playground, popular with surfers, creatives, and digital nomads. Its black-sand beaches like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach are great for beginner-friendly waves and watching the sky turn orange at sunset. The café scene is unmatched — you can start your day with smoothie bowls at Crate Café, then hop on a scooter to explore street art-lined alleys and trendy boutiques. By night, the area comes alive with beach bars and live music spots.
3. Seminyak – Chic Shopping & Stylish Beach Clubs
If you want a taste of Bali’s upscale side, head to Seminyak. This area is dotted with designer boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, and beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta, where you can lounge with a cocktail while watching the sunset. The beach here is wide and sandy, perfect for an evening stroll. Seminyak is also great for spa days — many luxury spas offer massages and treatments for a fraction of the price you’d pay in India.
4. Uluwatu – Dramatic Cliffs & Cultural Shows
Uluwatu feels like the edge of the world. Perched high on limestone cliffs, the Uluwatu Temple offers one of the most dramatic sunset views in Bali. In the evenings, you can watch the Kecak Fire Dance — a mesmerizing traditional performance set against the backdrop of the setting sun and crashing waves below. For beach lovers, Uluwatu hides some of Bali’s most stunning coves like Padang Padang and Bingin Beach, popular with surfers and photographers alike.
5. Red Gun Powder, Pererenan – A Taste of Home
If you ever find yourself missing Indian flavors, Red Gun Powder in Pererenan is the place to be. This cozy restaurant serves comforting dishes like creamy butter chicken, smoky tandoori kebabs, and freshly baked naan. The warm hospitality and rich spices make it feel like a home away from home, perfect after a long day of exploring Bali’s beaches and temples.
Tips for a Smooth Trip in Bali
- Visit in the shoulder season (April–June, September–November) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Always carry some cash in Indonesian Rupiah for small shops and local transport.
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of random taxis to avoid overcharging.
- Exchange money only at authorized counters or ATMs inside banks.
With the right planning, Bali can be both affordable and unforgettable — and once you’re here, you’ll see why so many people return again and again.
Final Thought
Whether you’re coming to Bali for the temples, the waves, or the food, the island offers something for every kind of traveler. From the cultural calm of Ubud to the high-energy beach clubs in Canggu and Seminyak, each area has its own rhythm and charm. And while exploring, don’t forget to take a moment to slow down — watch a sunset, sip a coconut, or simply wander the small streets that often hide the best surprises. Save this list and enjoy your holiday in Bali.
