Dreaming of a week in Bali with $1,000 in your pocket? You’re not alone—Bali has become a top spot for travelers who want to see the world without emptying their savings. But is $1,000 really enough for a comfortable, fun week on the island, covering everything except your flight? Let’s break it down step by step, with practical numbers and real-life suggestions.
Accommodation: Where Will You Sleep?
Bali offers accommodation for all budgets, but where you stay makes a big difference in your overall cost.
Hostels and Guesthouses
If you’re traveling solo or don’t mind sharing, hostels can cost as little as $10–$20 per night, and usually include free Wi-Fi, sometimes breakfast, and a chance to meet other travelers. Private rooms in guesthouses average $18–$35.
Mid-Range Hotels & Villas
Looking for more privacy and comfort? Decent hotels and beautiful private villas with pools are very common in Bali for $40–$70 a night. Many include breakfast and daily cleaning.
Luxury Resorts
If your $1,000 is meant to include luxury stays, expect to use up $100–$300 a night, this will quickly eating your entire week’s budget.
Recommendation
For a balance of comfort and affordability, stick with a private guesthouse or mid-range hotel at $40–$50 a night. For 7 nights at $45, you’ll spend about $315.
Read more: 7 Best Place to Party in Bali & Where to Stay if You Want to Party
Food and Drinks: Eating Well in Bali
Bali is a food lover’s paradise, and you don’t need to spend big money to eat well.
Local Warungs (Small Restaurants):
You can have a satisfying meal for as little as $2–$3. Local favorites like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), satay, and fresh juices are everywhere.
Western Restaurants and Cafes
For western food or tourist-favorite places, expect $10–$15 per meal. These spots are pricier but great for the occasional splurge.
Snacks, Street Food, and Drinks
Fresh fruit, coconut water, and local snacks are under $1–$2. Bottled water is essential and less than $0.50 each.
Sample daily spending
Breakfast at your hotel/guesthouse (often free), lunch from a warung ($3), dinner someplace nice ($12), coffee or snacks ($5), and drinks with friends ($3).
That’s about $23/day × 7 = $161.
Getting Around: Transportation Options
Scooter Rental
Most travelers rent scooters easy to get and cheap at $5–$7 a day, with fuel for the week costing less than $7. But only rent a scooter if you have experience; the traffic can be tough.
Taxis and Online Ride Apps (like Grab & Gojek)
Short rides cost $2–$5 in town. Trips between towns (like Ubud to Seminyak) are $15–$30. For a full-day private driver, budget $40–$50.
Buses and Shuttles
Between main tourist spots, shared shuttles are only $7–$15.
Estimate
Rent a scooter for six days ($6 × 6 = $36) and take one taxi for a longer trip ($20), totaling about $56.
Read more: Handy Guide on How to Use Gojek in Bali
Sightseeing, Activities, and Tours
Bali’s secret is that so much is free or cheap—a day at the beach, hiking a mountain, or wandering beautiful rice fields costs little or nothing!
Popular Paid Activities:
- Surf lessons: $20–$35
- Yoga classes: $7–$15
- Day trips (Temples, rice terraces): $25–$50 with a tour group
- Snorkeling or island hopping tour: $30–$60
- Spa treatment: $10–$30 per hour
- Entrance Fees: Most temples charge $1–$4.
Estimated Activity Budget
Two activities ($50), surf lessons ($25), two yoga classes ($20), two spa treatments ($25), and $10 for entrance fees adds up to about $130 for a fun-packed week.
Shopping, Souvenirs and Coffee Stops
Markets have lovely handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. Bargain, and you might pick up gifts or keepsakes for $20–$50. Add in coffee or smoothie stops at cool cafes—budget around $4–$6 a day, adding up to $50 for extras.
Emergencies and Miscellaneous
Stuff happens—maybe you misplace your flip-flops or need medicine. Always keep something aside for surprises. Setting aside $50–$75 is wise.
Sample Budget Summary
- Accommodation : $315
- Food & Drinks : $161
- Transport : $56
- Activities/Tours : $130
- Shopping/Extras : $50
- Emergencies/Misc : $75
Total : $787
With this plan, you have about $200 left to upgrade hotels for a night or two, treat yourself to more activities, or simply relax and not worry about overspending!
How to Save Even More (or Enjoy Even More!)
- Eat Local: Stick with warungs for most meals and save lots.
- Stay in Less Tourist Areas: Towns like Sanur, Lovina, or Canggu’s outskirts are cheaper than Ubud or Seminyak.
- Share Expenses: Traveling with friends means sharing rooms, taxis, or full-day private drivers for big savings.
- Look for Early Bird or Group Tour Discounts: Many places make deals if you book together or ahead.
- Avoid Expensive Clubs and Alcohol: Alcohol is heavily taxed, making it a hidden budget killer.
Read more: How Much Does a Trip to Bali Cost? Find out Here!
What If You Have Less Than $1,000?
It’s still possible, especially if you’re happy with hostel beds, street food, and mostly free activities like the beach or hiking. Bali rewards those who travel simply.
$1,000 is a strong budget for a week in Bali—enough for comfort, some adventure, and even a few splurges. By spending money thoughtfully, you can have a week full of memories and unique experiences. Bali is rich, beautiful, and accessible—no need to break the bank! Enjoy every moment on the Island of the Gods.
