Ubud Story Walks

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All Places to Visit

Best Shopping in Bali: 7 Places to Check Out

Best Shopping in Bali: 7 Places to Check Out

Best Shopping in Bali: 7 Places to Check Out

Here are 7 of the best shopping places in Bali, each offering a unique experience.
Bali isn’t just a tropical paradise for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture – it’s also a shopper’s haven.
Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, or high-end fashion, Bali offers a diverse range of shopping experiences.

1. Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud)

Ubud is known for its artistic vibe, and the Ubud Art Market reflects that with its wide range of local handicrafts and art.
It holds traditional Balinese crafts, handmade jewelry, batik clothing, wood carvings, and artwork. It’s a great spot to find unique souvenirs and support local artisans.
Haggling is a norm, so stay prepared to negotiate for better prices!

2. Seminyak Square & Seminyak Village

Bali’s fashionable luxury shopping hub is concentrated in Seminyak. It boasts a wide selection of international brands, upscale boutiques, and local designers.
Seminyak is famous for its sandy beaches and Instagram-worthy hotels and seafront bars. So it makes for a very pleasant shopping experience.

For trendy and chic fashion, this is the place to be.

3. Kuta Art Market (Pasar Seni Kuta)

If you’re looking for a treasure trove of souvenirs and crafts —- you can’t miss Kuta’s Art Market.
With a unique range of clothing, accessories, jewelry, souvenirs, and beachwear — Kuta’s creative products are unmatched.
At Kuta Market, you can shop for many items like beachwear or casual clothing.

4. Beachwalk Shopping Mall

For a relaxing shopping experience, head over to Beachwalk shopping mall.
With international brands, fashion, beauty products, and accessories — It has the best of both luxury brands and casual fashion retailers..
You can even enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the mall’s many cafes or restaurants with a view of the ocean. It makes for an unforgettable shopping experience.

5. Oberoi Street (Jalan Kayu Aya)

Located in Seminyak, Oberoi Street has something for everyone:
  • Boutique fashion,
  • Interior dĂ©cor,
  • Homeware,
  • Art galleries,
  • High-end shops.
If the bustling streets of Kuta or the traditional markets of Ubud seem overwhelming, Oberoi Street offers a more laid-back and upscale vibe.
Oberoi Street is just a 250 meter walk from Villa Mahasari. It has the best atmosphere and provides an endless choice of the most amazing restaurants in Bali.

6. Denpasar Traditional Market (Pasar Badung)

Denpasar Market has fresh produce, spices, textiles, traditional Balinese offerings, and souvenirs.
It’s the largest traditional market in Bali, so you get to experience the fascinating local life.
Denpasar Market is less touristy than other markets, offering an authentic local shopping experience.

7. Mall Bali Galeria

Mall Bali Galeria is a large shopping mall that is home to a variety of retailers, offering both international brands and local products.
With international brands, electronics, clothing, and souvenir shops — it’s a good spot for everything.
If you’re staying near the airport or in the Kuta area, check out Mall Bali Galeria for a convenient spot for last-minute shopping.

Shopping Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Bali Shopping Experience

1. Inspect Items Carefully
Inspect all items for any structural and visible defects because quality varies significantly between stores.
2. Double Check Your Invoice
Ensure that your invoice is correct before you leave the store. If the invoice is written in Indonesian, ask the shop owner to write it again in English.
3. Buy Quality Products
When you’re tempted to buy a cheap Balinese product, remember that shipping costs can be equal to the price of the original purchase. So it pays to purchase the highest quality items you can afford.
4. When Buying Stone
When buying stone, remember that natural products can contain flaws so go over each item in detail and make sure it’s cut flat on the base.

Follow Ubud Story Walks!

Ubud stands out not only for its unique artisan shops but also for its immersive shopping experiences.
Join Ubud Story Walks to explore the town’s artistic heritage while discovering hidden gems, offering the ultimate blend of culture, history, and shopping.
If you want to learn more about the local culture of Bali, follow Ubud Story Walks on Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bali is a shopping paradise with a wide range of items, including:
  • Traditional crafts
  • Art and paintings
  • Home dĂ©cor
  • Fashion and accessories
  • Souvenirs
The best time to shop around in Bali is during the dry season (April to October). The weather is pleasant and you can stroll around outdoor markets. But Bali’s shopping scene is year-round, with great deals available throughout the year.
Yes, bargaining is a common practice at Bali’s markets and smaller shops so feel free to negotiate prices, especially for souvenirs. However, be polite and remember that shop owners rely on these sales, so try to strike a fair deal.
In most shopping malls and upscale boutiques, credit cards are widely accepted. However, smaller markets and local shops may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some Indonesian Rupiah with you.
Yes. Bali offers unique souvenirs like handmade batik fabrics, silver jewelry, wooden carvings, woven bags, and traditional Balinese paintings. These items are great keepsakes that reflect Bali’s rich culture and artistry.
Authentic Balinese handicrafts can be found in traditional markets like Ubud Art Market or Kuta Art Market. You can also explore specialty shops in Seminyak or Denpasar for high-quality handcrafted goods.
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams

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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...

Excellent
Based on 163 reviews
Vicky Ilankovan
Vicky Ilankovan
2024-12-13
A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim
LH Sim
2024-12-10
Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner
Jessica HĂĽbner
2024-12-05
Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar
Andrea Slosar
2024-12-03
I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami
Neeraj Goswami
2024-12-01
I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap
Vinay Kashyap
2024-11-26
It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields
tamara fields
2024-11-26
Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins
David Hodgins
2024-11-25
We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter
Jill Boulter
2024-11-22
Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan
Shafiga Elshan
2024-11-15
It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
Categories
All Places to Visit

7 Unique Tours in Ubud [Updated 2025]

7 Unique Tours in Ubud to Check Out

7 Unique Tours in Ubud to Check Out

There are plenty of tours in Ubud, however, to avoid the tourist traps and see Ubud through a local lens, you need to be careful. 

In this guide, we we have compiled a list of 7 unique tours that take you beyond typical tourist routes in Ubud: 

Tour 1 - Ubud: Past to Present Tour

Through this tour, take a journey back in time and see how Ubud transformed from a quiet village into the cultural heart of Bali. With local-led expert guides, you’ll uncover hidden stories and visit iconic spots that most tourists overlook.

This tour also includes museum access and a delicious Balinese snack—letting you experience both the island’s history and its unique flavors.

Tour 2 - Lempad’s Legacy & High TeaTour

With this tour, you step into the world of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, the artistic legend who continues to influence Bali’s art scene.

Explore his remarkable works at the Royal Palace and Saraswati Temple, where each sculpture reveals stories of divine inspiration and Bali’s rich culture. As you walk through his masterpieces, you’ll also hear fascinating tales of Lempad’s life, including his remarkable choice to decide his own time of death at the age of 116.

After immersing yourself in art and history, relax with a luxurious high tea at Ibah Villas. Sip on fine teas, enjoy delectable pastries, and take in the peaceful beauty of your surroundings.

Tour 3 - The Myth of Pejeng Tour

This tour explores Bali’s ancient Buddhist-Hindu heritage on a journey through sacred temples, hidden burial sites, and the Archaeology Museum. In this tour, you’ll also witness the largest bronze vessel in Southeast Asia—a stunning relic that offers a glimpse into the island’s ancient past.

Furthermore, you will also learn about Bali’s first rulers, the Majapahit kingdom, and discover the secrets of the Temple of the Crazy Buffalo and the largest bronze vessel in Southeast Asia—an awe-inspiring relic of the island’s ancient past.

Tour 4 - Sacred Water Temples & Cleansing Ritual Tour

Experience a spiritual journey at the Tirta Empul Temple, where you can partake in a traditional purification ritual under the guidance of a Balinese priest. 

After the cleansing ceremony, you’ll visit other lesser-known water temples around Ubud, learning about their history and cultural significance. This tour is perfect for those interested in the spiritual side of Balinese culture.

Tour 5 - Bali Night Safari & Stargazing Adventure

Escape the usual tourist spots for a night adventure through Bali’s wilderness. This guided night safari in the forests around Ubud introduces you to Bali’s nocturnal wildlife, from civet cats to night-blooming flowers. 

The tour wraps up with a stargazing session in a quiet, open area, where you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of Bali’s night sky away from city lights.

Tour 6 - Ubud Village Life Tour

Experience authentic Balinese village life by joining a family in their home and participating in daily activities. From traditional farming practices to cooking local dishes and making offerings, this tour gives you a rare glimpse into the rhythm of rural life in Ubud. 

Additionally, you’ll also get a hands-on lesson in crafting ceremonial items, making this an enriching cultural immersion.

Tour 7 - Eco-Friendly Rice Terrace Trek & Farm Tour

Join this sustainable tour through Ubud’s iconic rice terraces, led by farmers who share their knowledge of traditional Balinese agricultural practices. 

In this tour, you will learn about subak, the ancient water irrigation system, and try your hand at rice planting or harvesting, depending on the season. The tour concludes with a farm-to-table lunch made with fresh ingredients sourced from the farm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can book each tour directly through the provided links or contact the tour operator for more details on availability, pricing, and customization options. You can book 3 of the 7 tours mentioned above here. 

It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a reusable water bottle. For water temple tours, modest clothing is appreciated, and sarongs may be provided.

Yes, many of these tours are family-friendly. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific age restrictions or accommodations for children.

All tours offered by Ubud Story Walks offer English-speaking guides to ensure you have a meaningful and engaging experience.
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams

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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...

Excellent
Based on 163 reviews
Vicky Ilankovan
Vicky Ilankovan
2024-12-13
A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim
LH Sim
2024-12-10
Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner
Jessica HĂĽbner
2024-12-05
Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar
Andrea Slosar
2024-12-03
I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami
Neeraj Goswami
2024-12-01
I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap
Vinay Kashyap
2024-11-26
It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields
tamara fields
2024-11-26
Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins
David Hodgins
2024-11-25
We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter
Jill Boulter
2024-11-22
Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan
Shafiga Elshan
2024-11-15
It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
Categories
All Travel Tips

10 Traditional Foods in Bali You Must Try as a Tourist!

10 Traditional Foods in Bali You Must Try as a Tourist!

10 Traditional Foods in Bali You Must Try as a Tourist!

With recipes that go back centuries, traditional food dishes in Bali act as a tangible representation of history connecting present-day humans to the past.  Thus, Bali’s gastronomy works to bring culture, spirituality, and local ingredients together and builds unique culinary experiences for tourists.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Bali, here are 10 traditional foods that will offer you an authentic taste of Bali’s heritage along with a deeper connection to its traditions.

1. Babi Guling

Image source: IG @bumbubalirestaurant  

Babi Guling, the Suckling Pig, is not just Bali’s most legendary dish, but also one that represents the region’s cuisine most beautifully. Most tourists land with this traditional Balinese food already on their itinerary.

Babi Guling involves a fairly extensive preparatory process; the recipe involves coating a piglet with spices, letting it marinate, and then fully stuffing it with basa gede or the traditional Balinese spice paste. The unique combination of spices and the piglet meat come together in a delicious blend once roasted.

2. Betutu

Image source: IG @ramdhinisiti  

Betutu is cooked in a similar way as Babi Guling, however the ingredients are slightly different.

Betutu is made with both duck (Bebek Betutu) and Chicken (Ayam Betutu), and makes use of a tamarind-based spice paste. Betutu also uses banana leaves to wrap the meat for over 24 hours, after which it is slow-cooked in bamboo bark for a rich taste profile. The dish is traditionally served with vegetables and sambal (Balinese chill sauce).
Betutu has a long history in Bali, and is believed to have been cooked first during the Majapahit era.

3. Lawar

Image source: IG @lins_chandr

Lawar is a unique traditional Balinese dish with minced meat (any of your choice), grated coconut, and a spice mix called “base genep.”

The flavor profile of this traditional dish can vary greatly depending on the options available:
1.  Choice of Meat: The type of meat you select plays a significant role in shaping the dish’s taste.

2. Types of Lawar: There are two main variations of Lawar:

  • Lawar Barak (Red Lawar): Includes coconut and animal blood, giving it a richer flavor.
  • Lawar Putih (White Lawar): A simpler version made with coconut, offering a milder taste.
3. Combination of Lawar: A mix of various types of Lawar is called Lawar Padamare, which combines the unique flavors of each variant.
Check Out: ​​Do’s and Don’t in Bali as a Tourist!

4. Sate Lilit

The word “Lilit” literally means to wrap around.

Sate Lilit can be made with any kind of meat, even turtle meat which is blended with grated coconut, coconut milk, and other ingredients and then wrapped around natural plant sticks.. The signifying factor behind Sate Lilit is its wrapping around the sticks which may be bamboo, sugarcane, or lemongrass sticks.

Sate Lilit is easily available at many Warungs (family-business eateries) in Bali.

Not sure how to fill your itinerary? Check out our suggested itineraries here.

5. Nasi Campur

The word ​​ Campur literally means ‘mixed’ in Indonesian, and Nasi Campur fits perfectly.

Nasi Campur is a rice bowl with various side dishes of your choice. While some side dishes are common, you can expect to see a range of options from different Warungs/restaurants. However, if you want to try out different flavors for your Nasi Campur, going for a buffet is the best option.

Some common side dishes include,

6. Urutan

Image source: IG @chef_kompiang

Even if you’ve eaten sausages a million times already, Urutan or Balinese sausage will still come as a surprise!

Urutan is a sun-dried fermented sausage made with pork, spices, and coconut milk. It is rich and aromatic and holds a special place in Balinese cuisine.

Often served at festivals, Urutan represents the island’s bold and flavorful approach to food. While traditionally, Urutan uses pork, you can easily find many halal versions too.

7. Tipat Cantok

Image source: IG @warung_men_runtu

Tipat Cantok is a common Balinese traditional food dish that is easily available at most local Warungs.

Tipat Cantok is a vegetarian-friendly dish and includes boiled rice cakes served with peanut sauce and vegetables. Additionally, restaurants may also serve tahu (firm tofu) or fried tempeh (fermented soy blocks) with it.

8. Serombotan

Image source: IG @rahayuni_evendi

Serombotan is a vegan-friendly side dish that uses fresh vegetables with coconut, beans, and sambal as topping.

The toppings make Serombotan perfect for those who want to enjoy the freshness of Bali’s produce without missing out on the island’s bold flavors

9. Balinese Coffee

Balinese Coffee or Kopi Bali, is famous for its bold flavor. Kopi Bali has strong historical roots, with businesses that have been involved in it for generations, over centuries.

Among all Indonesian coffees, Kopi Luwak is the most famous one, however, in Bali Arabica and Robusta are exceptional too.

10. Martabak

With different versions of it consumed all across Asia, Balinese Martabak is one of the most popular local traditional foods.

In Bali, Martabak is available as both sweet (martabak manis) and savory (martabak telur). Martabak can be best described as a stuffed-pancake, with chocolate or banana filling for martabak manis and egg, onion, meat, and seasonings for martabak telur.

Where to Find Authentic Balinese Food?

1.  For the most authentic taste of Balinese cuisine, visit local food markets and small warungs (family-owned eateries).

2. These spots serve traditional dishes made with love and time-honored recipes, and you will also get the best deals here.

Interested in exploring more of Bali’s traditions and history? Check out unique local-led walking tours in Ubud.
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams

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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...

Excellent
Based on 163 reviews
Vicky Ilankovan
Vicky Ilankovan
2024-12-13
A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim
LH Sim
2024-12-10
Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner
Jessica HĂĽbner
2024-12-05
Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar
Andrea Slosar
2024-12-03
I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami
Neeraj Goswami
2024-12-01
I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap
Vinay Kashyap
2024-11-26
It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields
tamara fields
2024-11-26
Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins
David Hodgins
2024-11-25
We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter
Jill Boulter
2024-11-22
Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan
Shafiga Elshan
2024-11-15
It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
Categories
All Places to Visit

Expenses in Bali: How Much Does it Really Cost to Visit Bali?

Expenses in Bali: How Much Does it Really Cost to Visit Bali?

Expenses in Bali: How Much Does it Really Cost to Visit Bali?

Most tourists overlook the importance of budgeting for expenses in Bali when planning a vacation, and thus, end up with unexpected costs and in stressful situations.
To make your trip planning easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide breaking down all expenses that you may encounter in Bali.
Pick out the options and facilities of your choice, that fit your budget, and set yourself up for a stress-free trip!

1. Flight Cost to Bali

The first, and likely the biggest, expense for your trip to Bali will be the plane tickets. Flight costs vary depending on where you depart from, the kind of flight you book, and when you book it.
However, for a general overview, take a look at the pointers below.
Travel from the U.S. or Europe typically costs more due to the distance.

Tips to Save:

1. Book early
2. Be flexible with dates
3. Use online comparison websites to find the best flights. These include Skyscanner, Smarter Flyer, and FareCompare among others.
4. If you can, plan your trip to Bali in off-peak months (October-November and February-April) when tickets can go as low as $350 from the United States.

2. Accommodation Costs

Bali’s diversity ensures that irrespective of where you’re from or how much you can afford to pay, there will be good accommodation options for you.
A great place to stay in Bali is Ubud which not only offers peace and natural beauty but will also keep you close to the island’s cultural heart. Ubud is perfect for unique experiences like Ubud Story Walks, which will allow you to explore Balinese traditions deeply.

Tips to Save:

1. Book in advance, and as early as you can.
2. Like airfare, accommodation costs, too, will be cheaper if you’re traveling off-season.

3. Food and Dining

You can try rich local dishes like Nasi Campur and Sate for just a few dollars from Warungs (small local eateries) as well as visit luxury restaurants for a blend of national and international flavors.

Tips to Save:

A good idea to manage expenses in Bali without compromising on experiences would be to mix up your meals between local warungs and mid-range cafes to balance flavor and budget.

4. Transportation

Travel Smartly:

Choose the best mode of transportation based on your itinerary. For example:

1. If you have to visit a single site on a given day, go with local transport.

2. However, if you plan on making multiple stops at sites that can each only be reached by car, it would be best to hire a private driver to save yourself from the headache of finding/booking rides repeatedly.

Not sure how to fill your itinerary? Check out our suggested itineraries here.  

5. Activities and Tours

Travel Smartly:

A good tip to make the most of your trip would be to cut down on your everyday expenses in Bali and instead, invest in memorable experiences like heritage tours and scuba diving.
However, if you’re tight on budget,
1. Go for free or low-cost temples for visits.
2. For tours and other activities, book with local guides like Ubud Story Walks.
3. Rent gear like snorkeling masks and quad bikes instead of booking whole tours, if you have previous experience with such activities.

6. Shopping and Souvenirs

Ubud is a fantastic place with lots of local shops to buy traditional Balinese items and high-quality handicrafts.

Tip to Save:

Unless you’re buying from a souvenir mall like the Krisna Mall, bargaining is quite common in Bali and prices are usually negotiable. So, don’t hesitate to politely negotiate for the best deals to reduce expenses on your Bali trip.

7. Essential Purchases and Miscellaneous Expenses

It is important to carry around bottled water and bug spray at all times. Costs for general everyday essentials aren’t too much and range from $0.20 to $3. However, these items often require frequent repurchasing, which can increase your trip expenses in Bali, so it’s best to buy several at once.

Sunscreens in Bali are generally quite expensive. Costs range from $15 to $50+ for small to mid-size bottles/tubes. It is recommended to bring extra sunscreens from your home country.

You can easily get prepaid SIM cards from airports as well as convenience stores in Bali. e-SIMs can also be purchased online.

Costs depend on the data package. However, for an estimate, check out the details of two e-SIMs’ packages below,
a. Unlimited data (1-day validity) – $6, by Holafly
b. 10GB data (30-day validity) – $24.75, by Airalo
These typically cost $1-$3 per kg of clothes at local laundromats and can go higher at $5-$10 for hotel laundry services. Places like Ubud and Canggu are full of great laundromats that offer exceptional services, including pick-up and delivery, at low costs.
Costs for travel insurance plans differ greatly based on the coverage you want and your time of stay. For insurance, it is ideal to get a quote based on your particular needs.
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams

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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...

Excellent
Based on 163 reviews
Vicky Ilankovan
Vicky Ilankovan
2024-12-13
A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim
LH Sim
2024-12-10
Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner
Jessica HĂĽbner
2024-12-05
Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar
Andrea Slosar
2024-12-03
I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami
Neeraj Goswami
2024-12-01
I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap
Vinay Kashyap
2024-11-26
It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields
tamara fields
2024-11-26
Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins
David Hodgins
2024-11-25
We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter
Jill Boulter
2024-11-22
Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan
Shafiga Elshan
2024-11-15
It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!