Bali on Any Budget

Ashley Niedringhaus
Updated
Bali on Any Budget

Bali is a favorite among American tourists—thank in no small part to the city’s reputation for being gorgeous, rejuvenating, and soulful (see also: the popularity of Eat, Pray, Love). Here visitors can stroll through the laid-back town of Ubud, shop in Seminyak, schedule a meet-and-greet with monkeys, or catch a wave among the surfer hippie crowd. What’s more, there’s no shortage of spacious rooms, five-star service, and impressive views. Convinced? Here are three locations to suit any budget.

Courtesy of AirBnB
Courtesy of AirBnB

Splurge:

The Mulia Bali
Boasting the largest villas in Bali (a place that takes luxury accommodations very seriously), The Mulia is nestled along the beautiful Nusa Dua coastline. Guests staying in one of the 108 villas will enjoy 24-hour butler service, a private hydrotherapy swimming pool, a spacious courtyard, and indoor and outdoor showers.

In-room details are not overlooked, and include 400-thread-count linens, a Jacuzzi tub, and traditional Balinese décor. Friendly staff members are quick to give a buggy ride to the tennis courts or private beach, and butlers offer packing services and arrange off-property excursions.

Courtesy of Mulia Villas
Courtesy of Mulia Villas

Venture outside the villas for complimentary high tea, a dip in one of the three pools, exclusive access to chic beachside cabanas and Balinese, Asian, and Western-style treatments at the spa. Villa rates start at $980 a night.

Courtesy of The Legian
Courtesy of The Legian

A Lot of Luxe:

The Legian Bali
Located on Seminyak Beach, The Legian is a short ride from Bali’s posh boutique shopping district and famous beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta. At the all-suite resort, sunlight drenched rooms include outdoor decks with daybeds, a deep soaking bathtub, rain shower, and Acqua di Parma bathroom amenities.

The resort offers a host of restaurants, a spa and three-tiered infinity pools with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. During the day, pedal to town on a complimentary bike or make like a local and rent one of the hotel’s Vespas and zigzag around Bali’s charming side streets. At night, well-heeled patrons head to the cigar lounge or outdoor Pool Bar for libations. Suite rates start at $470 a night.

Courtesy of Ayana Resorts
Courtesy of Ayana Resorts

Budget-Friendly Bliss:

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali
Set on a bluff overlooking the cliff-lined coast of Jimbaran Bay, Ayana’s infinity pools and famous Rock Bar (a must-visit for any traveler) belly up to white sandy beaches and breakers. Spacious rooms favor traditional Indonesian designs, including batik bed runners and artwork crafted locally, and have a roomy patio and deep tub.

There are several restaurants (international, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese) and the nighttime buffet includes a cultural show with a performance of Kecak dancers. Amenities like planting a tree on the property grounds, cooking class, yoga, bike tours and golf are offered, and nearby cultural attractions include Uluwatu Temple and the Jimbaran Bay traditional fish market. Room rates start at $293.

Courtesy of AirBnB
Courtesy of AirBnB

AirBnB Rentals
The booming hotel industry in Bali now includes a large selection of impressive AirBnB rentals popping up across the island. While standard white-glove perks, like 24-hour room service and an in-the-know concierge are missing from these properties, private pools, airport transfers, cooks, and dedicated staff are all part of the package at a fraction of the cost. Here, two excellent options: Ocean-Front Villa, $170 a night; The Beach House at Balian Beach, $200 a night.