Just because flights to Bali are cheap doesn’t mean the accommodation is. To help your vacay dollar stretch we’ve rounded up 7 of the best value for money cribs on Airbnb right now.
Fresh from a trip to Bali it’s clear that prices have more or less skyrocketed in places like Seminyak and Kuta. We’re talking restaurants and cafes like Mexicola and Sisterfields charging close to Aussie prices. Perth prices, in fact.
What’s happened? It seems the Kuta-Seminyak area is on a mission to take gentrification to new levels, with the hippest of hip spots straddling dirt roads and rice paddies. With the almond lattes and bespoke fit-outs come a hefty price tag on average. Don’t even get started on the price of wine. Dear old central Ubud is not much better, although at least here you get a dose of old-school Bali zen on the side. So, if your idea of a holiday in Bali is to spend almost more than you would back home on food, drink, then you’re in for a treat. The accommodation rates, whilst cheaper than most stays back home, can still get rather pricey, when you look at what you’re paying for.
If, however your goal is to get to Bali on the sniff of an oil rag, (insanely cheap return airfares will get you there) as well as save on accommodation and eating out, plus zen out at awesome yoga retreats, then it’s time to set your sights further afield to Bali’s hidden gems.
A FEW TIPS ON LOCATION
If budget is important to you, and you really just want to make the most of the laid back vibes of the best cheap villas in Bali, then lead with your accommodation, not with a specific location. This will probably take you out of the tourist hotspots, which is how you’ll be able to afford a cool stay.
There’s a whole lot more to Bali than Kuta and the centre of Ubud. North of Kuta, Canggu is fast becoming ‘the place to be’. The coffee, yoga retreat and surf game is strong here, as is its popularity with ridiculously good looking people on scooters. The hipsters are circling, so get to Canggu before the prices explode.
Ever had that feeling that you just need to escape for a while and focus on yourself? From Ubud to Uluwatu and beyond, we round up 7 inspirational Bali yoga retreats with your name on it.
Sanur, on the east coast, is another sweet spot with lots going for it. Check it out for surf, yoga and calm vibes. Up north, Lovina has a whole lot of love to give for Aussies looking to get far from the maddening crowd. Oh, and dolphins. Lovina has lots of dolphins.
We’ve done the searching for you with a roundup of 7 budget-luxe Bali villas for under a hundy a day. Grab a mate and share the rate!
1. VILLA BANTES HIDDEN PARADISE – BULIAN
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Boasting fairly spectacular views, this tucked-away villa is located high up in the small village of Bulian, in north east Bali. Sleeps 3 guests. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Pool.
From the listing: Places to visit: Lovina beach for dolphin watching is a 45 minute drive, Beji, the farmer temple, is 20 minute away, Meduwe Karang temple is only 10 minutes drive, Air Sanih natural swimming pool on the beach is 15 minutes away, Sekumpul waterfall is a 30 minutes drive.Walk from the villa to dragon fruits farm and the village temple.
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2. BEACH HOUSE BY THE SEA – CANDIDASA
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This fully self-contained beach pad is the perfect getaway for those who want a home away from home. Set in a compound, it is a safe and friendly environment. Only steps away to a white sandy beach with restaurants and shops on your doorstep. Sleeps 4 guests. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
From the listing: We’re sitting here, talking to our friend who we actually met in Candidasa and she summed things up perfectly, “Candidasa is just MAGIC!” until you come here you can’t understand. It’s just a great place to be and you feel so at home”. It is a really clean, well maintained village with wide tree lined streets and everything that you could want. The ocean as your back yard, our place is like nothing else you will find in Candidasa as you can see by the photos. There are plenty of expensive Villas or one room bungalows but nothing in between and nothing as original as our home. It has a really friendly community feel and is nestled in amongst other homes, coconut palm trees and local Balinese families. It is very safe and child friendly.
Candidasa is not a very big place, but has a main road full on either side with many restaurants, lots of live music and many shops. Asri Shop, the main convenience store stocks everything. The water out the front of our place is clear and great for snorkelling. Not a huge beach but it is private and we think very beautiful. Padang Bai, is 15 minutes away where you can snorkel at Blue Lagoon and also where you catch a fast boat to the Gilli Islands which are a must see. Also in the other direction, about 15 minutes is Virgin Beach (another white sand beach) which is also a must visit.
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3. BAMBOO ECO COTTAGES IN RICE FIELDS – UBUD
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This bamboo cottage is a secluded eco retreat down a quiet foot path nestled in the rice fields and only a five minute walk to central Ubud. It features an open air basket weave bedroom with a mini loft, modern elegant bathroom and an outdoor living area. Sleeps 4 guests. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
From the listing: This is a woven house made almost entirely of bamboo. It is open air and as close to living in nature as you get. Breakfast is delivered when you awake on the patio overlooking a lush greenery as far as the eye can see. In addition to an organic garden we have a friendly goat who provides us with fresh milk we make into goat cheese and frequently serve in our delicious morning omelettes. The property is surrounded by rice fields with many opportunities for hiking.
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4. MAHAYONI RICE FIELDS & JUNGLE VILLA – UBUD
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S[/minti_dropcap]et beyond the bustling streets of Ubud, this unique villa offers luxury accommodation nestled between picturesque rice fields and jungle. A perfect sanctuary yet close to artistic Ubud. Sleeps 2 guests. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Pool.
From the listing: Ready to find peace and harmony while witnessing the cycle of life in the rice fields and daily spiritual activities of the local villagers while also being very close to Bali’s cultural centre of Ubud? Then Mahayoni is the perfect villa for you. We are only 10 minutes drive via free-shuttle service to the Ubud Market and Palace. At our villa you can fall asleep to a symphony of frogs, crickets and geckos and wake to a chorus of abundant birdlife and the daily activities of the local farmers as they start their work in the rice paddies.
Most of the produce for all meals comes from Life Sprouts Farm Bali, all organic and located directly next to the villa, where guests are welcome to participate in daily Agni Hotra fire ceremonies.
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5. LUXURY VILLA WITH POOL – SANUR
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Located in Sanur, on the eastern coast of Denpassar, this peaceful, fully furnished villa features a private swimming pool, outdoor and indoor showers, beautiful garden, Janechen, internet and housekeeping. 1 km from the beach. Sleeps 6 guests. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Pool.
From the listing: Friendly and peaceful surroundings with mixed locals and expats living here. Take a walk on the small streets in the area and explore how the locals are living. Its very inspiring and relaxing.
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6. GREAT MOUNTAIN VIEWS VILLA JASMINE – SIDEMEN
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Tucked away in a rather remote part of the island in Sidemen, east of Ubud, Villa Jasmine is part of a small resort. It’s back to nature at this stay, with options spanning walks through the Villa’s tropical Balinese gardens, bicycle rides in the rice paddies nearby, or adventures further afield with eyes on Bali’s volcanic Mt Agung, an hour’s drive to the north. Sleeps 3 guests. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
From the listing: The Villa Jasmine is laid out amidst a luscious Balinese garden and it is surrounded by traditional rice fields with a stunning panoramic views of Mt Batur and especially Mt Agung.
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7. VILLA SAR’JA ‘THE DUCK’ – CANGGU
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Nestled in the middle of a rice field along a river just 30 meters away, The Duck is a self contained wooden ‘gladak’ bungalow. Located 2km from Echo Beach on Jl Padang Linjong, and a 200 metre walk to Samadi Yoga and Vegetarian cafe. Tanah Lot is a 15 minute drive. Sleeps 2 guests. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Pool.
From the listing: The Duck also known as a Gladak (wooden 80 year old Javanese house) is a 1 room, bathroom, and outdoor Janechen and dining area, equipped with an Internet connection. There is also a Samsung TV and DVD player. Desk area to work.
The Duck is serviced 6 days a week. Garden & Verandah area that overlooks the pool and beyond the creek that passes at the bottom of the property. The Duck is settled in the middle of a rice field. The bedroom has an air conditioner and ceiling fan, the outdoor living area has a ceiling fan. airbnb.com
There you go. Take a trip outside of the mainstream tourist areas and discover a Bali villa with your name on it. Sure, you might need to share a pool in some instances, but priced under $100 per night, these stays are well within budget. Enjoy!
Image credits: Airbnb
