Bali is known for many things–cascading waterfalls, lush fields of rice paddies, delicious local cuisine–but the famed island destination is particularly beloved by tourists for its stunning accommodation that won’t break the bank.
With the current situation, typically low prices have dropped even further, and it is now possible to snag a top-tier place for as little as 3 million IDR per month. While the still buzzy Canggu area has started to see costs climb once again, farther out destinations like Ubud and Uluwatu ensure that you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck.
We’re breaking down accommodation based on four different price points–3, 7, 15, and 30 million IDR per month. Keep reading to find out how you can secure a stay in Bali that is as affordable as it is beautiful, or (if you’ve got a bigger budget to play with) just how to make the most of your money.
Let’s kick things off at 3 million. For this amount, villas in Canggu and surrounding areas might be hard to come by, but you can still manage a smaller private room at a guesthouse or homestay. Lots of hostels and co-working spaces offer monthly stays that include a room as well as access to shared facilities like a kitchen and office. In central Ubud, although many restaurants remain closed or have limited hours, 3 million per month will buy you a nicer room in a shared villa or guesthouse.
Even by climbing slightly higher to a 7 million IDR price point, options will open up considerably. In Canggu, your best bet is to find a group of friends interested in splitting a larger villa, which will bring the cost down for everyone. A three or four bedroom place at the cost of 7 million per room is easy to find. For those that want a place of their own, one bedroom, one bathroom villas in Seminyak are plentiful and often include a small kitchen, pool, and outdoor space. Most of these, fall short on views but are never too far from popular beaches and restaurants.
Meanwhile, in Ubud, if you have a sharp eye for deals, 7 million will score you a deluxe room at a higher-class villa, as well as stunning rice field vistas and a shared pool. At 15 million IDR per month, you can begin to explore the option of having a villa to yourself in and around Canggu, which is home to the most tourists, and therefore where prices are highest.
Of course, if you end up a bit outside of the main area, this means you’ll also want to rent a bike so you can easily access the cafés and bars at the centre. By roughly doubling the 7 million IDR budget, you can snag a more central location with sleeker, more modern facilities. If you’re travelling in a larger group, aim for a cliffside villa in Uluwatu or a place surrounded by rice fields in Ubud. By sharing the space, you’ll have the whole property to yourselves at a price of around 15 million per bedroom, far below the normal going rate.
In the upper range of villa budgets, you can find more spacious accommodation and some outstanding views. Because many have seen low occupancy this year, one or two-bedroom villas, especially in quieter areas, are currently priced at about half the typical rate. 30 million IDR per month in Ubud is enough to secure a stay at any number of gorgeous, sprawling villas with large gardens, rice field views, fully equipped kitchens, pools, and cleaning services.
In Canggu, particularly around Batu Bolong and Berawa, villas within walking distance of the beach also go for around 30 million IDR, and usually include a private pool, kitchen, and large living room, although the views aren’t as spectacular as in the more spread out areas of Ubud or Uluwatu.
Ultimately, your money can go a long way in Bali, especially given the current situation. The best deals can usually be found in villa rental Facebook groups frequented by owners who are looking to find longer-term guests. As a general rule, the quieter districts have seen even steeper drops in price, while a stay in a busier area like Canggu, Umalas, and Seminyak will give you less space and fewer views, but with costs still far below normal.
Whether you’re searching for a cheap and cosy spot or are willing to shell out a bit more for extra space, there are plenty of places available. Luckily, villas at most price points come with a pool and cleaning service. So with a bit of browsing, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your Bali holiday.
