Breaking Down the $30 Budget
On $30 a day: $8-12 for accommodation, $6-10 for food, $3-5 for transport, $5-10 for activities. Think like a local, not a tourist.
Accommodation
In Ubud, a private room with breakfast and rice field view costs $8-15/night. Dorm beds from $6-8. Monthly room from a local owner: $150-200.
Eating Like a Local
Nasi campur at a local warung: 20,000-35,000 IDR ($1.30-2.30). Avoid tourist strip restaurants where the same dish costs 3–5x more.
Getting Around
Scooter: 60,000-80,000 IDR ($4-5)/day. Grab and Gojek for ride-hailing. Shared shuttles between areas: $5-8.
Free and Cheap Activities
Uluwatu Temple sunset: 50,000 IDR ($3.30). Tegallalang rice terraces: similar. Mount Batur sunrise: $30-40 with guide.