Introduction: Budget-friendly Bali Holidays
Planning a Bali off-season getaway is the perfect way to enjoy the island’s beauty without the heavy crowds. Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali offers pristine beaches, emerald rice terraces, dramatic volcanic peaks, and a rich Hindu-Balinese culture. Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly adventures, rejuvenating wellness retreats, or a deeper connection with art and tradition, this Bali off-season travel guide gives essential tips on flights, visas, safety, and local customs to help you enjoy a relaxed yet well-prepared holiday.
Best Time to Visit and Bali Off-Season Travel Tips
If you are planning your off-time in Bali, the island welcomes visitors all year round, but the experience varies with the seasons.
- Peak Season (July–August & December–January): Sunny skies and lively festivals attract the biggest crowds and higher prices.
- Shoulder Season (April–June & September–October): Widely regarded as the best months for budget travel to Bali, these months offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and better hotel deals.
- Bali Off-Season (November–March): Known locally as the rainy season, this period sees Bali experience lighter tourist traffic and significant discounts on flights and accommodations
For travelers seeking true off-time in Bali, the shoulder and low seasons are ideal. You’ll find quieter beaches, less crowded temples, and more personalized service, while still enjoying the island’s cultural events and tropical charm.
Flights to Bali – Best Options from India and Beyond
Besides Indian and Indonesian airlines, various international airlines operating from India have direct and indirect flights to Bali. If you’re flying during the Bali off-season (November–March), you’ll often find better airfare deals and more seat availability compared to peak months.
Air India operates a full-service direct flight to Bali from New Delhi. The flight duration is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Visa & Documentation for Your Off Time in Bali
- Indian tourists are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at select Indonesian airports, including Bali, provided they hold passports valid for at least six months. VoA allows a traveler to stay in Indonesia for 30 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a time. Currently, the cost of VoA is IDR 500,000 (approximately US $30 OR INR 2700). An onward/Return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to support one’s stay in Indonesia are also required at the time of procuring the e-Visa.
- The Consulate General of India (CGI), Bali, has cautioned Indian tourists that, despite the VoA facility, if they are not convinced, Indonesian Immigration may deport the passengers without assigning any reason. Therefore, the travelers should read the “Advisory for Visitors to Indonesia” issued by CGI to ensure a joyful trip.
- However, for the sake of convenience and to save wait time at the Bali airport, it is highly recommended that an e-VISA be acquired before departure. Travelers may procure the e-Visa from the official website (https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/).
Tourist Levy and Entry Fee – What Travelers Must Know
To improve the infrastructure, quality of services, and safety of tourists, the Bali Province authorities have imposed a tourist entry fee of IDR 150,000 (approximately US $9 or INR 800) on all international travelers, including Indian visitors to Bali. Tourists can pay the entry fee online at the LoveBali website (https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id) before departure or upon arrival.
However, the following categories of VISA holders are exempted from paying the tourist entry tax: –
a) Holders of diplomatic and official visas;
(b) Crew members on vehicles;
(c) Holder of Temporary Stay Permit Card (KITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit Card (КІТАР);
(d) Holders of Family unification visas;
(e) Holders of Student visas;
(f) Holders of Golden visas, and
(g) Holders of other visas.
Golden visa holders and other visa holders are exempt from payment after applying and receiving approval through the LoveBali app, provided they have done so at least five days before arriving in Bali.
Top Places to Visit
These spots feel exceptionally peaceful if you visit in the Bali off-season when crowds are fewer:
- Bali offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and lively coastal spots that cater to every type of traveler.
- Begin with Ubud, the island’s cultural heart, where the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Palace, and vibrant art markets showcase Balinese tradition.
- Head to the dramatic Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temples, perched on sea cliffs with stunning sunset views and evening Kecak dance performances.
- For breathtaking scenery, trek the Mount Batur volcano at dawn or explore the serene Tirta Empul holy spring and Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave).
- Beach lovers can unwind at Kuta Beach, Seminyak and Nusa Dua for upscale resorts, while surfers flock to Canggu and Padang Padang.
- For a quick island escape, take a short boat ride to the Nusa Islands—Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan—known for dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and world-class snorkeling.
- These highlights reveal Bali’s unique blend of spiritual heritage, lush landscapes, and vibrant coastal life. Exploring these iconic attractions during the Bali Off-season means fewer crowds and more peaceful experiences.
Affordable Stay and Food Choices During the Bali Off-Season
Bali is an affordable destination in terms of food and stay. All kinds of stays, at any budget, are available in Bali’s main happening areas as well as in the outskirt areas. Hotel prices drop noticeably during the Bali off-season, making luxury villas and resorts far more affordable.
Vegetarians may find some selected choices of foods and restaurants; however, seafood and other non-vegetarian foods are abundantly available and sometimes at cheaper rates.
Health Protocols and Travel Insurance Essentials
- The Indonesian Government has lifted all COVID-19-related guidelines. Currently, there is no condition to produce the proof of vaccination or other related documents upon arrival of any traveler to that country. Foreign travelers are also free to travel in domestic flights and different modes of transport within Indonesia.
- Indian travelers visiting Indonesia must now complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card, which has replaced the old SATUSEHAT health pass and separate customs forms. The new digital arrival card is easy to complete. Visit the website https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/ or open the official app and submit the information within 72 hours of your arrival in Indonesia.
- Sign up with your email and confirm the OTP. Choose New Arrival Card and fill in your passport details, nationality (India), flight or ship information, purpose of visit, where you’ll stay in Indonesia, and a short health declaration. Check everything once, then submit. You’ll receive a QR code on the screen and via email—please download it or take a screenshot. Show this QR code to immigration and customs officers upon arrival.
- The card is free and will be mandatory nationwide by October 1, 2025, streamlining entry by combining immigration, customs, and health checks into a single digital form.
Some Health and Safety Recommendations
- Phone & gold chain snatching, as well as ATM card skimming, have been reported, especially in the tourist areas of Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. Hence, utmost care should be taken of your belongings while walking in the streets and riding motorbikes. Withdrawing money from the bank branch ATMs is highly advisable.
- The cost of medical treatment in Bali is on the higher side. Hence, travelers should take adequate Travel Health Insurance before visiting Bali.
- Since medical response may take a longer time owing to large numbers of travelers, ample caution should be taken while going for adventurous activities like ATV ride, Banana boat ride, hiking, snorkeling, Go-kart, and other water/adventurous sports, and safety checks of equipment should be ensured beforehand.
- For driving rental scooters or bikes in Bali, you must have an International Driving License. Carry both the IDP and your Indian license together; the IDP alone isn’t valid. Local Police and health insurance companies are stringent in this matter, and non-adherence to this rule may land you in trouble in case of any mishap.
- Utmost care should be taken before renting any vehicle/transport, ATV, Jet-Ski, boat, etc., for personal use, and ensure that it has adequate insurance coverage for any damage and third-party liability. If the rental vehicles in Bali, including those used for water sports/activities, are not insured, please note that in the event of an accident, the renter is not obligated to pay for damage to the vehicle or to third parties involved in the accident. The user may be required to pay for any damage.
- For trips being managed by a tour operator, kindly make sure to use services only from reputed and well-established tour operators.
- Avoid consuming or bringing any banned narcotics in Bali, which is illegal and attracts strict punishment, including a death sentence in case of trafficking.
The Indian Consulate in Bali has published the above guidelines on their website https://www.cgibali.gov.in/page/guidance-for-indian-tourists/.
Behavioral & Cultural Guidelines Every Visitor Should Follow
To preserve Bali’s cultural integrity and address issues arising from tourist misconduct, authorities have introduced stringent guidelines regarding general behavior, dress, and traffic regulations, among others. The following are some essential guidelines to be observed by the tourists:
Etiquette at Temples and Sacred Sites
- Tourists should be polite and mindful of locals’ personal space and sacred places, and should remove their shoes when entering homes and temples. They should avoid loud behavior, touching people’s heads, and disrupting ongoing rituals and ceremonies.
- Climbing on sacred trees and places is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid taking photos of people, sacred objects, idols, and places without permission.
- Sharing hate speeches and misinformation is punishable and should be avoided.
- Some temples/sacred places may discourage the entry of menstruating women, and persons with open wounds should avoid visiting the holy areas.
Dress Code for Public and Religious Areas
- While casual dress is acceptable, revealing dresses should be avoided in public areas or gatherings.
- Visitors are required to wear traditional Balinese attire or cover their shoulders and knees when entering the temple areas and adhere to the modest dress code. Many temples stipulate dress codes and provide sarongs or shawls for rent to cover up if required.
Traffic Rules and Driving in Bali
- Always obey the Indonesian traffic rules.
- To drive a vehicle, always carry an International Driving License along with your driving license.
- Always use roadworthy, insured, and officially registered vehicles for transport.
Environment Guidelines – Sustainable Tourism Practices
Avoid single-use plastics and dispose of all waste responsibly. Follow local recycling or trash-sorting rules.
Knowledge of Natural Disaster Preparedness
The entire country of Indonesia, including the island of Bali, lies in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. According to a newspaper article published in January 2025, Bali experienced 582 seismic activities in 2024 alone.
The Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has a dedicated Instagram account that publishes all related news in both Indonesian and English. The Bali administration wants all foreign travelers to be familiar with the news and instructions issued by the Agency in case of any such emergencies.
Key Emergency Contacts and Assistance
In the event of any emergency, the number of Bali Police is 110, Ambulance/Medical Services- 118/119, and Search and Rescue – 115. The country code is +62.
The Indian Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Bali are available to assist any Indian in case of an emergency. The contact number of the Emergency Contact Officer of CGI, Bali, is (+62-361) 259504, and the mobile number is +62 81353846936.
Conclusion
Bali is magical year-round, but the Bali off-season offers unmatched value, serenity, and authentic experiences that are less crowded and more immersive. Travelers can enjoy a fulfilling travel package to the ‘Islands of God’ by adhering to the latest travel advisories, respecting local customs, and staying informed about safety protocols. Whether for culture, nature, or beaches, choosing the Bali Off-season ensures a budget-friendly yet fulfilling holiday.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q1. How many days in Bali is enough?
Ans. Five to seven days. Let’s see the main highlights—Ubud’s rice terraces and temples, a sunrise hike on Mount Batur, and a few beach days in Seminyak, Canggu, or Nusa Dua. If you’d like to include side trips to the Nusa Islands or explore the quieter north and east, plan for 10–12 days. Travelers visiting during the Bali off-season can cover more spots without rushing as there are fewer crowds.
Q2. What is a reasonable one-week budget?
Ans. A mid-range trip for one person typically costs USD 500–800 (approximately INR 40,000–65,000), excluding international flights and Visa expenses. This includes a boutique hotel or private villa, meals at reputable cafés, scooter rentals or occasional taxis, and a couple of guided tours.
Budget travelers can get by on roughly USD 30–40 a day, while luxury seekers can spend far more. Your budget stretches further if you travel in the Bali off-season, thanks to cheaper hotels and flights.
Q3. Can I brush my teeth with tap water from Bali?
Ans. It’s safer to use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Tap water is not reliably treated, and most locals boil or filter it first.
Q4. How do you shower in Bali?
Ans. Showers in hotels and villas typically use the local water supply, which is suitable for bathing purposes. Just avoid swallowing the water and keep your mouth closed while rinsing.
Q5. How do you use a bathroom in Indonesia?
Ans. You’ll find both Western-style toilets and traditional squat toilets. Carry a small pack of tissues or toilet paper, as well as hand sanitizer, since many public bathrooms don’t provide these essentials. A bucket or spray hose (also known as a bidet shower or bum gun) is a standard cleaning tool.
Q6. Can you flush toilet paper in Bali?
Ans. Usually no. Plumbing in many places isn’t built for paper waste. Used toilet paper should be placed in the bin provided next to the toilet—even in many Western-style bathrooms.
Q7. What is the time difference between Bali and India?
Ans. Bali is 2 hours and 30 minutes ahead of India. Suppose it’s 12:00 noon in India, it’s 2:30 PM in Bali on the same day.
Q8. What essential items should I pack for a trip to Bali?
Ans. Pack light, breathable clothes like cotton tops, shorts, and swimwear, plus a sarong or scarf to cover shoulders and knees for temple visits.
Bring comfortable sandals, walking shoes, and a light rain jacket or umbrella if visiting during the Bali off-season (November–March).
Carry your passport, visa, travel insurance, and the All-Indonesia Arrival Card QR code, along with some Indonesian Rupiah and an international debit/credit card.
Essentials include a universal power adapter (230 V, Type C/F plugs), a power bank, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle with a filter, and a basic first-aid kit that includes prescription medicines.
An international driving permit is mandatory if renting scooters, while a waterproof phone case, dry bag, and reusable shopping bag add extra convenience for beach and adventure activities.