Bali, also known as the 'Island of the Gods’ is a budget-friendly destination to travel to. Here are six money-saving tips to help make it even cheaper for you.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

Flight Hacks

Check Google Flights and Skyscanner for the best flight deals. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly.

1. Eat at local warungs 

Warungs are small Balinese restaurants that are perfect for eating on a budget! A typical Indonesian meal costs between $2 and $3. Apart from warungs, you can also eat at street stalls and local night markets, which sell traditional cuisine at lower prices.

If you want to drink while in Bali but don't have the money, some drinks are reasonably priced, such as the local beer Bintang or the local spirit Arak. There are many shops selling Arak for only $2 a bottle and you can even get it delivered straight to your door using Gojek!

Plan on visiting bars at Happy Hour there are some amazing deals on drinks at this time!

2. Rent a scooter

The cheapest way to get around Bali is by scooter, but only if you are comfortable riding one. Riding a scooter in Bali is chaotic and dangerous if you are unfamiliar with the unspoken road rules. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

Scooters can be rented for as little as 60,000 IDR (4 USD) per day, and even less if rented for a month at 700,000 IDR (50 USD). It depends on how long you plan on travelling. If you are in Bali for three weeks then renting a scooter for one month would be the cheaper option. Petrol for scooters is extremely cheap, costing only 10,000 IDR (0.70 USD) per liter. 

You can rent scooters anywhere on the streets of Bali, or ask your hotel where you can rent one.

3. Use Gojek or Grab

In the main tourist areas, GoJek/Grab (similar to Uber/Lyft) is a cheap way to get from one location to another. If you're not comfortable driving a scooter, download the Gojek and/or Grab Apps to your phone; they're much cheaper than taking a taxi.

If you must take a taxi, use Blue Bird Taxi Company, which is metered! This will save you money on overpriced taxis.

Make arrangements for airport transfers with your hotel or find a reputable driver. When you arrive at the airport, the number of taxi drivers who will approach you can be overwhelming.

4. Pay with Cash

Except for hotels, restaurants, and well-established businesses, few places in Bali accept credit cards. It is preferable to pay in cash to avoid foreign exchange fees, as well as fees for using your debit/credit card in Bali.

Make sure the card you bring with you does not have high foreign transaction and ATM withdrawal fees; otherwise, bring enough cash to last the duration of your trip.

The Wise Debit Visa card has no transaction fees and no conversion fees. Withdrawing money from an ATM is simple, and you are only charged a fee if you withdraw a certain amount per month or if the ATM has its own fees.

5. Purchase a SIM card outside of the airport 

Although buying a local SIM card at the airport is the most convenient option, it is also the most expensive. There are numerous small street stores where you can purchase local SIM cards at a lower cost

6. Find free things to do in Bali

Many tourist attractions charge an entrance fee, which can quickly add up. Look for free things to do in Bali or places that charge a small entrance fee.

Visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations will also be much less expensive than visiting Bali's main touristy areas. There are some incredible places in Bali's north and east, and I highly recommend visiting Sidemen, Candidasa, Munduk, and Lovina.

Here are some suggestions of free things to do in Bali:

South Bali

• Nusa Dua Beach

Photo by: Nusa Dua Beath Hotel and Spa 

   Suluban Cave and Beach 

Photo by: deenablain

Karang Boma Cliff

Photo by: nunamkhalubali

• Tegal Wangi Beach

Photo by: _haaapymee

Ubud

• Kajeng Rice Fields

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

• Ubud Traditional Market

Photo by: smbalitrip_

• Keramas Beach (Black Sand Beach)

Photo by: miroartist

• Campuhan Ridge Walk

Photo by: desireekujala

• Ubud Water Palace

Photo by: mayaubud

• Pengempu Waterfall

Photo by: strekozen

You could easily travel for 50 USD per day or less, which would include a comfortable guest house to stay in, eating local cuisine, riding a scooter, and even activities with a small entrance fee.

PS: cover photo by alikainwanderlust