Is Bali No Longer a Cheap Travel Destination?
Bali lovers have been left reeling as prices rise across the island. For decades, Bali has been considered one of the world’s most affordable travel destinations, but it seems like all that is changing, fast.
In a post shared on the Facebook group Bali Bogans, a page dedicated to Bali lovers from Australia, one traveler shared her experience paying the bill after a day out at Rock Bar Day Club in Jimbaran. The Aussie tourist shared a photo of her bill to give a warning to fellow travelers budgeting their upcoming trips.
The receipt shows that the tourist was charged IDR 240,000 (USD 15) for two 380ml bottles of water. For perspective, a 1.5l bottle of water at an Indomaret or Alfamart, or even a side-of-the-road stall is rarely more than IDR 30,000. Similarly, the receipt shows two small bottles of Bintang beer charged at IDR 120,000, usually around IDR 30,000 from the shops, around IDR 50,000 in a cafe. These prices are before the added service charge of 10% and tax.
The rising prices of vacation in Bali, from the rising costs of accommodation to the increasing cost of dining out, are starting to make tourists look elsewhere. In 2023, Japan became a top travel destination for Australian tourists, beating Bali as the most in-demand destination.
Leaders in Bali and high up in the Indonesian government are on a mission to promote more high-quality tourism to higher-spending tourists. In 2023, badly behaved tourists hit headlines almost every week, with leaders identifying many of these individuals as low-quality tourists who were scrimping on their travel experiences.
This is partly why the new tourism tax will be introduced on the 14th of February. The new mandatory IDR 150,00 per person fee is set to help the government fund the protection and preservation of Balinese culture and landscapes. However, many tourists see this as just another hike in the cost of a vacation on the island.
The introduction of the tourism tax comes as Bali’s most frequent international arrivals still have to pay for a 30-day visa. Before the pandemic, it was the case that Austrian tourists qualified for visa-free travel to Indonesia. However, it is now the case that tourists from 97 countries must pay IDR 500,000 for a visa.
For tourists looking for a more budget-friendly experience in Bali in 2024, there are a few things to keep in mind. Staying away from the busy, booming resorts of the south will surely see accommodation costs fall significantly. Travel apps like First Table are great for finding dining deals at the island’s most popular restaurants. Using public transport where possible like the Trans Dewata Buses and the free SMART @Ubud shuttle are all small but significant ways to cut costs on vacation.
Author’s Quote:
“The rising prices in Bali are making it harder for budget travelers, but there are still ways to have a budget-friendly vacation by exploring less crowded areas and using travel apps for deals.” – [Author’s Name]
Conclusion:
While Bali may no longer be as cheap of a travel destination as it once was, there are still opportunities for budget-friendly vacations. By avoiding popular tourist areas and utilizing travel apps and public transportation, travelers can save money and enjoy their time in Bali without breaking the bank.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
