Buzz
With a desire for affordability and beauty without compromise, we embarked on a 7-day independent trip to Bali, Indonesia, with a budget of $250 per person.
Embarking on a 7-Day Bali Adventure for $250
Flight Tickets: Spurred by the urge for a Bali getaway, we booked round-trip tickets three weeks in advance for $200. If you're lucky, you might find even cheaper fares. Our first impression upon arrival in Indonesia was the expansive and luxurious airport. You can make the most of your time here by exploring or catching up on sleep.
Money Exchange: We exchanged USD in Hanoi's Hà Trung Street before arriving in Bali and then converted it to IDR. Bali's airport has several reputable currency exchange counters offering better rates than those in the city center. Apart from the islands, Kuta, and Ubud, there are numerous currency exchange points. Small shops and counters with inflated rates prey on unsuspecting tourists, where you risk losing 30-40% of your money. Look for stores with signs reading 'Authorized Money Exchange,' staff in uniforms, and official receipts. Additionally, minimarts are reliable places for currency exchange.
Accommodation: When people think of Bali, they often picture luxurious beachfront resorts amidst tropical forests. However, Bali offers many other beautiful and affordable accommodations, ranging from $17.3 to $21.6 for standard rooms and $64.82 for villa rooms. To facilitate travel and relaxation, it's advisable to book accommodations in multiple locations. If you're visiting Nusa Penida, consider staying in a homestay on the island or spending 1-2 nights in a villa or resort. Besides affordability and quality service, you'll have ample opportunities for photo ops and Instagram-worthy moments.
Getting Around: We traveled by taxi between Kuta and Ubud and took a speedboat to Nusa Penida. While in Kuta, Ubud, and Nusa Penida, we opted for scooters. Scooter rentals are available at hotels or external vendors for around $4.83-5.17. In Bali, driving is on the left side of the road; it took us a day to get accustomed, narrowly avoiding collisions a few times.
Cuisine: Before our trip, we researched Indonesian cuisine, known for its Indian influences, rich oils, and spices, often perceived as challenging. To our surprise, it turned out to be delicious. Overall, the dishes were easy to eat and flavorful. Don't miss out on trying skewered meats, grilled duck legs, sweet and sour chicken, or pepper chicken...
In Kuta, you can visit Uluwatu Temple, Tanaloh, Blue Point Beach, Beach Walk Mall, and explore the streets... Kuta Beach is long, clean, with relatively large waves, suitable for swimming and surfing. Uluwatu Temple sits atop high cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Tanaloh is another famous sea temple. Blue Point Beach is stunningly blue, attracting surfing enthusiasts.
If Kuta is a bustling coastal city, Ubud is a stark contrast with lush tropical rainforests. Here, you can visit Ubud Market, an art and cultural haven, stroll around the streets, the romantic Campuhan Ridge Walk, visit Tirta Empul, Ulun Danu, Lempuyang Temples, experience the Bali Swing in the lush forests, or snap photos at Tegalalang Rice Terrace... When riding scooters in Ubud, pay attention to no-entry signs, no-parking signs, and one-way streets to avoid police questioning.
A trip to Bali wouldn't be complete without visiting Nusa Penida Island. We only spent a day there and missed out on many attractions. Kelingking boasts a legendary dinosaur-shaped cliff with a pristine white sand beach. The scenic arch at Broken Beach is mesmerizing. Angela’s Billabong natural infinity pool wasn't at its best when we visited, as the water level was low. Bali is a destination worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. It's also perfect for couples, so I plan to return to this gem of an island for a honeymoon.
Source: Yến Phạm/ Zing news
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourOctober 16, 2019
