5 Tips Vacationing in Bali as a Backpacker, Cheap and Addictive!

Bali remains a favorite destination for tourists. Although many cities offer beautiful beach tourist destinations such as Yogyakarta, Belitung, and Karimunjawa, Bali seems to still hold a special place in the hearts of travelers and always becomes a priority when there is a holiday to visit.

However, everyone knows that Bali, being on a small island, certainly requires transportation that is not cheap, and often planes become a practical solution to get there. So, what if you want to vacation in Bali but have a limited budget? Traveling like a backpacker is the key! Here are some backpacker tips for a cheap and addictive vacation in Bali.

Itinerary and Packing Light

Preparing a travel plan for a backpacker is a must. This is because backpackers are independent travelers who do not rely on travel agents that provide complete itineraries for tourists. So, when you have carefully considered a vacation to Bali as a backpacker, it should also include a complete itinerary from departure to return. Don't let it be that when you arrive in Bali, you end up confused about where to go. Oh no, you might run out of vacation time! The itinerary should also be considered with the budget you have.

In addition to planning which places to visit in Bali, the items you need to prepare during your stay on the Island of the Gods should also be taken into account. Don't bring too many clothes. Adjust it to how many days you will be there. Don't overpack so that your backpack doesn't end up full of clothes and look like you're moving. Don't forget to bring dry snacks as well. If you want to save more, bring dry side dishes or even instant noodles to minimize food expenses.

Transportation: From Trains to Ferries

Don't use planes! They're expensive, and even if you find a promotional price, it's still considered expensive. Moreover, flying won't provide a meaningful experience because the journey is too short. The most popular public transportation to Bali among backpackers is by train. The destination station is Banyuwangi. If you are from the Java region, such as Yogyakarta, Solo, and surrounding areas, train tickets can be obtained from Rp100,000. It can even be cheaper if you regularly check for train promotions.

Once you arrive in Banyuwangi, you can take a ferry from the port to Bali. Just spend Rp7,500 and you can cross over to Bali. From the port in Bali, buses are available to take you to the city center. Bus tickets start from Rp35,000.

Accommodation: Simple and Comfortable

Look for the cheapest accommodation. You can find it from Rp45,000 per night with simple facilities. If you are backpacking with friends, it will be even cheaper because you can share costs.

However, if you want to save more money and make new friends, you can look for friends who live in Bali well in advance to stay with during your vacation in Bali. You can get to know friends of friends who are there or even intentionally look for friends living in Bali through social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or even Kaskus. But make sure that the person is nice.

Eat Economically, What's Important is Being Full

For meals, you don't need to go to fancy places to save costs. Before leaving, make sure to eat first and bring snacks to eat on the train. Once you arrive in Banyuwangi, you can buy food near the station because there are usually food vendors with cheap prices.

You can also bring dry side dishes like shredded beef that can last long or instant noodles to cook at your accommodation. Oh, and don't forget to bring your own drinks so you don't have to spend money on drinks.

Traveling in Bali

During your travel in Bali, you can use public transportation. Or, if you want more flexibility and affordability, you can rent a motorcycle or a car. The rental price is calculated per day at Rp75,000 for a motorcycle and Rp250,000 for a car.

A trip to Bali is no longer expensive if planned carefully and simply. What matters is the experience and impression gained from the trip, right? Besides, being a backpacker is very enjoyable because you don't have to rush with a schedule set by a travel agent.