AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025
OVERVIEW
We are continuing our ‘optimal loop’ through S E Asia.
Mid August through Mid October is a difficult time for sun lovers to travel through S E Asia … it is Rainy Season almost everywhere … except some parts of Indonesia (such as Bali Island).
When I am doing my S E Asia ‘loop’ I always plan to spend 2 months in Indonesia at this time of year.
We have abandoned our plan to go to the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands are now too expensive for GRANDPAckers. The tide is out.
<<< We stay on Bali Island and we have a bit of a look-around to see what Bali still has to offer GRANDPAckers >>>
IN SUMMARY
Hotel prices in Indonesia have increased significantly over the past few years.
This is especially true on the smaller islands around Bali such as the Gili Islands, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida where prices have as much as quadrupled.
However, you can still find reasonably priced accommodation on Bali Island itself.
REFERENCES
I have provided a lot of detailed information on Bali and its surrounds in the past.
I will try not to duplicate that information again in this post. The purpose of this post is to provide an update.
If you want more detail, please follow this link.
EXCHANGE RATE
The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (the ‘IDR’ or ‘r’). At the time of writing, the exchange rates for the major currencies were:
| US$1 | EU€1 | GB£1 | |
| Published Wholesale Rate | 16,334 | 19,050 | 21,984 |
| Actual Exchange Rate (Wise Debit Card) | 16,264 | 18,968 | 21,890 |
| Actual Exchange Rate (Typical Credit Card) | 16,122 | 18,803 | 21,699 |
| Actual Exchange Rate (Good ATM) | 16,219 | 18,916 | 21,829 |
Over time, these exchange rates will change. Please check the current rates.
For simplicity, think of a 100,000r / 100k note as being US$6 / EU€5 / GB£5.
ATMs
Indonesian ATMs are limited to either (1) dispensing a maximum of 30 notes or (2) a maximum amount. So, check what note picture is displayed on the ATM. If (1), you may be limited to IDR1.5m. If (2), you are usually limited to an IDR2.5m.
WARNING: Places like Kuta Town are notorious for ATM fraud. Make sure that you check the ATM for suspicious cameras and non-bank card-slot scanning devices. For safety, always try and use an ATM that is inside a bank.
ALSO NOTE: Kuta Town is also famous for the Money Changer Scam, so be careful if you use one of these guys.
WISE DEBIT CARD
I keep my costs down by using a Wise Debit Card.
Wise allow me to withdraw up to US$250 per month from ATMs without any fees. Thereafter, I use whichever Debit Card provides the lowest ATM withdrawal rate (which is, usually, still my Wise card at 1.75%).
However, in Indonesia, I get a lower ATM withdrawal rate using a normal Visa Debit Card which charges only 1.30%.
BALI ISLAND
Bali is the top tourist destination in Indonesia …
… but, Bali Island offers more than just Kuta Town.
GETTING TO BALI ISLAND
Most people that come to Bali Island land at DPS (Denpasar) Airport.
INDONESIA eVISA
Indonesia now offer an eVisa option. I strongly advise you to get an eVisa in advance rather that going through the long-winded Visa On Arrival (VOA) process.
This is especially true if you plan to stay for more than 30 days.
There are many scam sites, make sure that you go to the official government website.
The application process is straight-forward. You will be charged 500k plus 20k in payment fees (about US$32 per person).
NOTE: You will be required to provide proof of your hotel booking as well as proof of your onward / return flight ticket.
For safety, they advise you to apply for your eVisa at least 5 days before your arrival. Mine was processed within 24 hours.
ONWARD / RETURN FLIGHT
Obviously, they will expect this onward / return ticket to fall within the 30 day eVisa period.
If you want to extend your Tourist Visa and stay longer than 30 days, this may be a problem if you do not have a ‘flexible’ ticket.
If this is the case, I suggest that you buy a ‘dummy’ ticket from someone like Best Onward Ticket, Onward Ticket, or Dummy Ticket. You will pay between US15 and US$20 per person.
INDONESIA eCD
You are also required to fill in a Customs Declaration.
Again, I strongly advise you to go to the official website and get your eCD online rather that fill it in on arrival.
DPS AIRPORT
Getting to Bali through DPS Airport (in the past) was a bit of a nightmare: you could queue at immigration for hours.
That has changed completely. The whole process is now automated.
If you have your eVisa and eCD, you just scan yourself through in under 15 minutes.
INDONESIA eVISA EXTENSION
In the old days, extending your VOA was a pain in the butt:
- You had to physically go to your nearest Immigration Office (which is difficult if you are already on an island such as the Gilis); then
- Fill in an Application form; then
- Queue; then
- Hand over your passport with your payment; then
- Return 5 days later; then
- Queue again, then
- Pick up your passport containing your Visa extension.
Each time, you needed to budget 2-3 hours on-top-of any travel time.
However, if you have an Indonesia eVisa, you can extend this online up to two more times of 30 days each.
You go to the same official eVisa website, find you eVisa Application, then choose to ‘extend’.
A 30 day extension costs the same price as your original eVisa: 500k plus 20k in fees. You cannot apply straight away. You have to wait until you are within 10 days of your current eVisa expiring.
Alas, they have not fully automated it yet 🙁
You still have to physically go to your nearest Immigration Office so that they can take updated passport-style photos.
On the positive side, you only have to visit once and they email you your eVisa Extension. Mne took 5 days to arrive.
TELKOMSEL SIMPATI SIMCARD
The internet that you get in Bali (and some hotels) is known to be ‘variable’.
I advise you to get a Telkomsel SIMPATI SIMcard.
You can buy these at DPS Airport … but, you will pay a higher price than you will at a Telkomsel Store in Kuta.
At the airport, they will try and over-sell you the most expensive option 🙂
I purchased the cheapest option; a new SIM with a 30 day package (with 13GB local data, 6GB general data, 3GB application data, 30 mins talk time, and 30 SMSs) for 250k. In a store, this would have cost under 200k.
Indonesia requires all SIMs to be registered. You will need your passport. The vendor will do this for you included in that price.
I had already downloaded the Telkomsel Mobile App, so I was up-and-running immediately.
TOP UPS
The My Telcomsel App does not allow top ups using Foreign methods. To top up, you will need to go to a minimart or mobile phone store. Internet is cheap. I topped up a further 20GB for 2 weeks for 35k.
EXPIRY
WARNING: Your Telcomsel SIMcard will expire at the end of that 1 month.
You can renew it if you go back to an Immigration Office.
I was in Amed when it expired, so I just bought a new 1 month SIMcard with a 12GB Data Package for 170k.
KUTA TOWN
GOJEK is Bali’s local alternative to GRAB.
GOJEK is significantly cheaper than GRAB.
I had already pre-downloaded the GOJEK Mobile App, so I walked out of DPS Arrivals and booked a GOJEK Car to my Kuta Town hotel and paid only 150k.
ABOUT KUTA TOWN
My plan was to spend 3 nights in Kuta before moving on to Gili Trawangan.
Kuta Town offers few accommodation options within GRANDPAcker’s Standard and price range.
But, you may have to work hard and spend a lot of time to find something decent in this price range.
PLEASE NOTE: AGODA has bought out BOOKING.COM. AGODA offer better prices than BOOKING in Indonesia (even for the same hotels) but BOOKING provides better filter options.
MY ACCOMMODATION
EDEN HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
I used Agoda to book 3 nights in a ground floor ‘Pool Access’ room (including Buffet Breakfast) at the Eden Hotel.
I got a ‘highly discounted’ rate of 520k / US$32 per night.
This is ‘over-budget’ for GRANDPAckers who usually need to target a maximum of 1/3rd of their daily budget (being 375k / US$23 per night on this year’s daily budget).
However, I wanted to spoil myself and it was excellent value for money at this discounted rate.
It came with everything that you would expect from a hotel advertising a US$156 per night rack rate.
PONDOK TAKSU BALI ACCOMMODATION
As aforesaid, I abandoned my plans to go to Gili Trawangan. Instead, I decided to see what it was like to live in Kuta Town for 1 month.
I used AGODA to book a ‘Double Deluxe’ room at the Pondok Taksu Bali.
I got a ‘highly discounted’ rate of 233k / US$14 per night.
It took me a long time online to find the Pondok Taksu … finding something this good at this price was not easy.
The hotel is located on Jalan Mataram.
It was an excellent price and only minutes away from minimarts, laundromats, and cheap warungs. It was also only a 10-15 minute walk to Legion Beach.
EAT & DRINK
EAT
A ‘Warung’ is a local eatery and you can find one almost every 20 metres along Jalan Mataram.
A take-away Nasi Campur is easily available (this is where they display multiple dishes in the cabinet window and you just select what you want … and pay for what you have chosen).
A typical take-away Nasi Campur can cost as little as 15k / US$1.
Most warungs offer a decent meal for 20k.
For 25k / US$1.50 you have a multitude of options.
DRINK
Indonesia is a Muslim country. Drinking alcohol is a sin. You pay a ‘sin tax’. This makes alcohol relatively more expensive than it is a most other countries.
If you are a ‘drinker’, you will probably spend 100%s more on drinking than you will on food.
A typical price in a tourist bar in a tourist area for a 330ml bottle of local Bintang Beer is 45k / US$2.75.
Get away from the tourist areas into the back streets (such as Jalan Mataram) and the same will cost 25k-30k / US$1.55-US$1.90.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
GOJEK
A GOJEK Car will cost about 35k to go about 2km. You can do the same on a GOJEK Moto for about 13k.
SCOOTER RENTAL
Scooter Rental in Kuta is now a cartel … the locals got together and decided to all charge 150k per day … anyone caught charging less will get into trouble with the other locals.
BICYCLE RENTAL
Bicycle rental is possible but not popular because, in Kuta Town, the roads are busy and chaotic … it isn’t very safe.
CONCLUSION
GRANDPAckers can easily afford to live in Kuta Town … but, it was not for me.
I know many better places in the World that I would rather be for the same (if not less) money.
AMED
GETTING THERE
Amed is located about 90kms north-east of Kuta Town.
Bali has public transport but most tourists get around on Tourist Shuttle buses.
A Shuttle from Kuta Town to Amed is about 420k (when booked on the internet) which includes 1 piece of luggage up to 20kg. If you have more, you must pay the driver another 30k. This price does not include hotel pick up and drop off, so add the cost of getting to / from their transport hubs.
GOJEK
Gojek quoted 560k / US$35 door to door. I chose this option … where else in the world can you travel in a taxi for 3.5 hours going 90kms at that price?
ABOUT AMED
Amed has become a 14km stretch of coast that includes several other villages. A more correct geographical name would be North Seraya. Not all of the coastline is beach.
Bali Island is entirely within the ‘Coral Triangle’: a marine area of the western Pacific Ocean.
Amed is one of Bali’s best spots for snorkeling and SCUBA Diving! You can snorkel right off the shore of some of the beaches.
You will find more than 10 Dive Shops in Amed town center.
THE BEACH(ES)
Most beaches in the area have black volcanic sand as they are close to Mount Agung, Bali’s largest volcano.
Snorkel and fin rental is approximately 50k per day. Beach Loungers also cost around 50k per day.
Sadly, you may see a fair bit of trash on the beaches here (which is normal in Bali / Indonesia).
If you want to spoil yourself, there were numerous beachfront bungalows for rent … most looked very nice.
MY ACCOMMODATION
There were several hotels in Amed within the GRANDPAcker price range for my dates.
I used Agoda to book 4 nights in a Double with Sea View at the Pelangi Beach Homestay.
I paid a discounted price of 240k / US$15 per night which included (a very simple) Breakfast.
The accommodation was basic but adequate …
… and I enjoyed sitting on my patio with a view out over the sea.
My accommodation was conveniently located and the wifi was good enough to stream videos.
On the bad side, there was nowhere to hang your clothes (so I had to rig up my travel washing line to use as a clothes rack).
WHERE TO STAY
I suggest that you look in the Yellow Shaded Areas on the beach-side of the main road.
The Orange Shaded Areas are also worth a look.
EAT & DRINK
You have many options … especially around where I stayed.
EAT
WARUNG HAPPY
If you hunt around, you can find very cheap places like Warung Happy. I tried their Gado Gado (15k), Chicken Curry (20k), and small beer (25k). The Gado Gado (at the back of the photo) was very disappointing. 
In a more typical warung, the cheapest meal (like a Gado Gado) starts at 35k (note the difference in quality).
WARUNG SEGRA
A more typical ‘local’ meal costs 45k-50k. A BBQ Mahi Mahi (fish) in Balinese sauce on the beach at Warung Segara was 50k … it was very nice.
At the ‘tourist’ restobars expect to pay 65k-75k for a ‘standard’ meal.
DRINK
The typical price for a small 330ml bottle of Bintang is 30k. A large is 45k (or 50k-55k on the beach).
The standard cost of Cocktails is 85k.
I saw very few ‘Happy Hours’.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
GOJEK
Gojek operate here (and all over Bali Island).
SCOOTER RENTAL
On the street, you can rent a scooter for 80k per day (or less if you haggle). You may need to pay a deposit, and you will need a valid driving license.
I rented a scooter from my hotel for 60k per day.
BICYCLE RENTAL
You can rent a bicycle for 40k per day.
INTERNET / WIFI
I had a strong 4G signal everywhere with my Telkomsel SIM.
The internet at my accommodation was good enough to stream video.
CONCLUSION
You do not come to Amed for a ‘beach holiday’ … you come to get away from the crowds and to SCUBA / Snorkel.
CANDIDASA
GETTING THERE
Candidasa is located about 70kms north-east of Kuta Town.
A Shuttle from Kuta Town to Candidasa is about 250k (when booked on the internet) which includes 1 piece of luggage up to 20kg. If you have more, you must pay the driver another 30k. This price does not include hotel pick up and drop off, so add the cost of getting to / from their transport hubs.
FROM AMED
There are many places offering Shuttle Bus services at reasonable prices. But this is hotel-to-office (if your hotel is close to the main route), not hotel-to-hotel … so you may have to pay extra for a Gojek at the other end.
My local shop asked 60k extra for my over-sized suitcase.
Shuttles usually left at between 7am and 9am.
Gojek quoted 230k to go the 22kms door to door. I could leave at my noon check-out time. My Candidasa check-in time was 2pm. This was much more convenient. I chose the Gojek option.
ABOUT CANDIDASA
Candidasa is a seaside town that rests on the edge of a fresh water lagoon, named Candi Dasa Lagoon. The town is centered around Jalan Raya Candida, where a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops line this main road.
Candidasa is a good spot for snorkeling and diving, notably around the three islands just off the coast: Gili Tepekong, Gili Mimpang and Gili Biaha. All three offer excellent diving.
THE BEACH(ES)
Candidasa is in the Marine Protected Area which covers about 8 km of coastline on each side of Candidasa (from Virgin Beach to the east up to the Crystal Beach Bali hotel to the west).
For various reasons, the coastal barrier that protected the beach has washed away. Action is being taken to halt that erosion and to restore the beach(es).
You do not come to Candidasa for the beach … you come here to Dive & Snorkel … you find at least 10 Dive Shops in town.
MY ACCOMMODATION
Finding something decent within the GRANDPAcker price range for my dates was very hard. I only had 4 options (1 of which was too isolated for me).
I didn’t take any chances … I booked one week in advance.
I used Agoda to book 4 nights in a Sea View Double at the Dewa Bharata Bungalows.
I paid a discounted price of 305k / US$19 per night which excluded Breakfast.
I was impressed by my room …
… and the Sea View from my patio.
It was definitely worth it at this price.
WHERE TO STAY
You are in Candidasa to Dive. You can stay anywhere along or near the beachfront road.
However, getting a hotel with a nice pool would definitely improve the quality of your stay.
EAT & DRINK
Candidasa is targeting mid-range tourists.
EAT
There are only a couple of cheap warungs in town where you can get a ‘local’ meal (like a Nasi Goreng) for around 35k.
Most restaurants offer meals starting at 65k going up to 150k.
KELAPA MAS
The Kelapa Mas was a bit of a surprise … it looks ‘up market’ … but their prices are very reasonable.
A whole grilled fish (Mackerel) was 65k and a large Bintang 38k.
Add on 5% Service Charge and 10% VAT.
WARUNG SANTILOKA
In comparison, a more ‘rustic’ looking restaurant like the Santiloka:
Offered a similar (disappointing) meal for the same price.
Please note that the Santiloka also offers cheaper ‘local’ meals in the 30k-35k price range.
DRINK
There are about 5 minimarts on the main street where you can buy alcohol at normal prices.
Expect to pay 45k-50k for a large Bintang in a restobar.
Local alcohol Cocktails start at 85k.
I saw very few ‘Happy Hours’.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
GOJEK
Gojek operate here.
SCOOTER RENTAL
On the street, you can rent a scooter for 150k per day (or less if you haggle). You may need to pay a deposit, and you will need a valid driving license.
My accommodation offered a motorbike for 150k and a 110cc Scoopy for 100k.
BICYCLE RENTAL
I did not see any bicycles for rent on the street … but, you may be able to rent one from your hotel.
INTERNET / WIFI
I had a strong 4G signal everywhere with my Telkomsel SIM.
The Dewa Bharata wifi was good enough to stream videos.
CONCLUSION
Candidasa has become a 1km long beachfront road next to a badly eroded beach.
Enjoy your diving … otherwise, you may be better off going elsewhere.
PADANG BAI
GETTING THERE
Padang Bai is located about 55kms north-east of Kuta Town.
A Shuttle (such as Perama Bus) from Kuta Town to Padang Bai is about 125k (when booked on the internet) which includes 1 piece of luggage up to 20kg. If you have more, you must pay the driver another 30k. 
Such a Shuttle takes 2hrs to 4hrs depending on traffic.
This price is hub-to-hub, so you may have to add the cost of getting to / from their transport hubs.
REVERSE DIRECTION
Gojek wanted 385k. Private taxis wanted 450k. My hotel wanted 400k.
The agents around the Fast Boat Terminal double the Shuttle price and ask 200k.
For a better price, walk 30 metres through the car park to the southern side of the Fast Boat Terminal. There, you pay 75k-125k including luggage.
The Shuttle Busses wait for the Fast Boats to arrive from the Gili Islands and Lombok. As a result, most leave between 1pm and 2pm.
My hotel checkout time was 12 noon. I found a Shuttle that left Padang Bai at 1pm for 75k. This suited me fine.
FROM CANDIDASA
Gojek quoted 80k to go the 14kms door to door. I could leave at my noon check-out time. My Padang Bai check-in time was 2pm. This was the most convenient for me. I chose the Gojek option.
ABOUT PADANG BAI
Padang Bai is a crowded harbor by day and a chilled port town by night.
Padang Bai is a busy pick-up and drop-off point for fast boats to the Gili Islands and Lombok Island that leave from the Fast Boat Terminal. The area around the Fast Boat Terminal gets jammed with cars, taxis, and Shuttle Busses at peak times.
The population of Padang Bai village was less than 4,000 in the latest 2016 survey.
WHAT TO DO
Padang Bai has five major temples … for the average tourist, none of them are ‘must sees’.
Three of these are located upon the northern hill over-looking the bay. These are worth a trip if you want to ‘stretch your legs’ and to get a panoramic view of the bay.
Good diving and snorkeling is available in the immediate area. There is good snorkeling in the main bay, though the snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon is even better.
THE BEACH(ES)
The beach between the Fast Boat Terminal and the Public Ferry Port is unkept and not suitable for swimming.
If you want some ‘beach time’ you are best to go to north of the Fast Boat Terminal.
It is generally awash with colorful double-outrigger fishing boats … which, alas, get in the way of your ‘swimming experience’.
BIAS TUGAL BEACH
Also called ‘Pantai Kecil’ (Little Beach) or ‘White Sand Beach’.
It is good for swimming, though the currents can be strong.
To get there, head towards the Public Ferry Terminal from the police station for 100 about metres then turn right up the hill for another 50 metres.
Directly after Bamboo Paradise you have 2 options:
- Continue by road over the hill; They charge for parking (IDR2k for a scooter and IDR5k for a car).
- Turn left under the barrier at the sign that says Bias Tegul; and cut across country over the hillside track.
While descending, weather permitting, you should be able to see the largest mountain on Bali: Mount Agung.
BLUE LAGOON BEACH
Blue Lagoon Beach is located over the hill on the northern side of town. It is a pleasant, small covey beach which is good for snorkeling.
You will find a restaurant where you can rent beach loungers.
The coral reef is right up to the shoreline, so you may want to bring water shoes.
Wading through the water can be dangerous due to an abundance of coral and submerged rocks.
At High Tide, the beach disappears completely.
MY ACCOMMODATION
Again, finding something decent within the GRANDPacker Standard and price range for my dates was very hard. I only had 3 options.
I didn’t take any chances … I booked one week in advance.
I used Agoda to book 4 nights in a Deluxe Sea View Room at the Harmony Guest House.
I paid a discounted price of 270k / US$17 per night which included Breakfast (for 2).
The Harmony was OK for the price, the wifi was OK (but the signal disappeared now and again … which I fixed by moving the router), the aircon worked, and the included breakfast was a choice of about 5 options.
Alas, I didn’t see much sea from my balcony.
On the bad side: I had to run around in the shower to get wet, the ‘wet bathroom’ never dried (so, I was always trying to dodge the puddles on the floor), and the Hostess is always trying to sell extras such as boat tickets.
But, otherwise, it was a good location and good for the price.
WHERE TO STAY
Let’s have a look around the streets south of the Fast Boat Terminal:
Compare that with the streets north of the Fast Boat Terminal:
Simply put, the area south of the Fast Boat Terminal is the ‘poor’ side of town and the area north of the Fast Boat Terminal is the ‘rich’ side of town.
I suggest that you look in the Green Shaded area close to the Fast Boat Terminal.
The Yellow Shaded area is worth a look but it is a bit more ‘rustic’.
I would avoid the Red Shaded areas. The area around the Public Ferry Port is a bit ‘nah’ and the roads leading the Fast Boat Terminal get busy and congested.
EAT & DRINK
The price differs depending on whether you are in the ‘poor’ part of town or the ‘rich’ part of town. In the latter, expect to pay about 50% more.
EAT
North of the Fast Boat Terminal, meals start at 65k.
South of the Fast Boat Terminal, meals start at 35k.
CAFE PAPA JOHN
Located on the beachfront road south of the Fast Boat Terminal.
A Grilled Fish meal was 45k and a Large Singarajah Beer 40k.
It was nice.
BAGUS HOMESTAY
Located on Jalan Segara south of the Fast Boat Terminal. It comes out on the street as the sun goes down (when all of the traffic has gone).
A Deep Fried Chicken meal was 40k. Alas their small Bintang Beer is over-priced at 35k.
It was average … perhaps, I should have paid more for the ‘catch of the day’ 🙂
DRINK
The ‘standard’ price for a Large Bintang around town is 50k. In some of the smaller, ‘local’ restaurants you pay 45k.
You can buy the same in a minimart for 37k.
I didn’t see any Happy Hours advertised.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Everything is within walking distance (1-2 km). If you want to explore the surrounding area, motorbike rental and car rental are widely available.
GOJEK
Gojek operate here.
SCOOTER RENTAL
The standard street price for a 110cc-125cc scooter is 120k-125k.
BICYCLE RENTAL
I didn’t see any bicycle rentals.
INTERNET / WIFI
I had a strong 4G signal everywhere with my Telkomsel SIM.
The internet at my hotel was good enough to stream video.
CONCLUSION
Padang Bai itself, is a charming little village. Spending a night or two here will not be time wasted … but, if you stay any longer, you may get bored.
GETTING AWAY FROM BALI
From Padang Bai, I catch a Shuttle Bus back to Kuta Town (80k Bus + 30k Gojek).
I will stay 1 night before flying on Batik Airways to Bangkok, Thailand (US$125 including 20kg check-in luggage).
I will stay 1 night in Bangkok before flying on Air Asia to Luang Prabang, Laos (US$125 including 30kg check-in luggage).
GRANDPAcking COSTS
Read About – GRANDPAcking Costs if you don’t know how to interpret my figures.
Costs are broken down into Cost Of Existence (COE) and Cost Of Living (COL):
- COE: Is the basic costs of just being there;
- COL: Is the additional costs that make being there fun.
MY GRANDPAcking COSTS
These were my actual costs:
To view the above spreadsheet in more detail, {right click} on it and choose an option.
AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE / (BLUE) TOP SECTION
I lost an average of 0.71 taking cash out of ATMs because I took out the maximum of 2,500,000r from BCA Bank ATMs.
I lost an average of 1.30% on my Visa Credit Card.
I lost an average of 0.43% Wise Debit Card which I used to pay for my accommodation where possible.
COST OF EXISTENCE (COE) / (ORANGE) MIDDLE SECTION
ACCOMMODATION
I averaged 265,500r / US$16 per night. 11 out of 42 nights included breakfast (for 2).
FOOD & BEVERAGES
I averaged 82,500r / US$5.00 per day. Please note that I eat to live, I do not live to eat … my costs are always significantly lower than other people.
SIM CARD / MOBILE DATA
I bought a Telkomsel SIM Card with a 1 month plan at DPS airport for 250k.
I topped it up with 50k (plus 2,500 fee) but lost that credit when the SIM Card expired.
I bought a 2nd Telkomsel SIM Card with a 1 month Data Only plan in Amed for 170k.
VISA EXTENSION / NATIONAL PARK FEES
A 1 month eVisa cost 520k.
I extended for 1 more month at a cost of another 520k.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
My Backpacker Level Travel Insurance policy has been pro rata’d.
NECESSARY TRANSPORT
To get from Kuta Town to Amed to Candidasa to Padang Bai and back to Kuta town using Gojek and 1 Shuttle Bus cost 1.14m.
COST OF LIVING (COL) / (BROWN) BOTTOM SECTION
LIVING COSTS
I averaged under 113k / US$7 per day on my evening beers.
I rented a scooter for a day in Amed for 110k.
IN / OUT COSTS
I spent 200k / $US12 on Gojek taxis between DPS Airport and my Kuta Town hotels.
OTHER COSTS
I spent a further 20k / US$1.25 per day on personal habits.
GRANDPAcking SUMMARY
My COE was 465k / US$29 per day (41% of my daily budget).
My COL was 140k / US$9 per day (12% of my daily budget).
My Grand Total cost was 605k / US$37 per day (53% of my daily budget).
I had ‘Money to Burn’ … I still had over 535k / US$33 left over each day … I could have done heaps more and still stayed within budget.
YOUR GRANDPAcking COSTS
This would be your budget:
To view the above spreadsheet in more detail, {right click} on it and choose an option.
ORANGE COLUMNS / LEFT HAND SIDE
The left of the spreadsheet (orange columns) shows the costs for a GRANDPAcking Couple living to GRANDPAcking Standard using a Standard (Home) Bank Credit / Debit Card where possible and withdrawing cash from ATMs where cash is required.
These costs are for a 30 day stay in Shoulder Season (avoiding peak times such as Easter, Xmas and New Year).
COST OF EXISTENCE (COE)
ACCOMMODATION
Expect to pay 300k / US$18 per night excluding breakfast.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Expect to pay just over 380k / US$23 per day eating cheaply in local restaurants.
SIM CARD / MOBILE DATA
Expect to pay about 250k / US$15 for a Telkomsel SIM Card with a 30 day package bought at DPS Airport.
VISA
Two eVisas are just over 1m / US$64.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
A typical Backpacker Level Travel Insurance policy has been pro rata’d.
NECESSARY TRANSPORT & SIGHTSEEING
1 day scooter rental each week 150k / US$9 including petrol for each 1 day rental.
Expect to pay about 2m / $US132 and transport to/from the Airport and to get around the island on Shuttle Busses.
SUMMARY
Your COE is about 863k / US$53 per day. This is 79% of your daily budget.
This means that you have about 231k / US$15 left to spend each day.
You will find Bali to be ‘High Priced‘.
RIGHT HAND SIDE / PURPLE COLUMNS
The right of the spreadsheet (purple columns) shows the costs for a GRANDPAcking Couple living to GRANDPAcking Standard using a Wise Debit Card where possible and withdrawing cash from ATMs where cash is required.
Given that:
- You will be travelling around the island; and thus
- You will have to pay high short-term Scooter Rental rates.
The Wise Debit Card makes no significant difference.
COST OF EXISTENCE (COE)
ACCOMMODATION
No change.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
No change.
SIM CARD / MOBILE DATA
No change.
VISA
No change.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
No change.
NECESSARY TRANSPORT & SIGHTSEEING
No change.
SUMMARY
No change.
GRANDPAcking SUMMARY
A GRANDPAcking couple can afford a month travelling around Bali Island on a western State Pension Budget.
You will find Bali High Priced compared to other GRANDPAcking destinations.
If you are ‘heavy drinkers’, you will probably find Bali unaffordable.
CONCLUSION
Could you afford to retire here on a GRANDPAcking budget? MAYBE (it depends on how much / what you drink). Would you want to? YES.
Just be aware that, on this budget, you won’t be going to ‘beach holiday’ spots. The cheaper destinations in Bali do not have good beaches.
TTFN
