Mum reveals exactly how to bag a Bali family holiday for just $4K

Yes, this does include during school holidays and no, you won't have to stay at a backpackers.

Kirstin Edwards

4 min read

July 11, 2024 - 7:16PM

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Bali – it's the dream holiday destination for families, with its beautiful weather, vibrant culture, and family-friendly attractions. But in the cost of living crisis, is it possible to still have a luxurious holiday there without breaking the bank?

As a mum who's holidayed in Bali seven times, it's a question my friends and family often ask me, especially when it's difficult to go anywhere in Australia as a family for $4k. And my answer is always yes, it is entirely possible to visit Bali as a family on a budget (and no, the trip won't resemble a backpacker's journey).

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Kirstin in Bali and a receipt showing four Adults Fed for $21 AUD at Tree House, Kuta Bali. Image: Supplied.

"Four star hotels - even during school holidays!"

I'm talking four-star hotels, flights, delicious meals, nannies, ice creams for the kids, massages, and insurance – even during the school holidays!

Here's how:

FLIGHTS

Join a frequent flyer program and use your points to offset travel costs:

As a Barefoot Investor fan and former credit card critic, it took a lot of convincing for me to sign up for a points-earning credit card. However, it has been a game changer for our family's ability to afford travel.

We recently flew to Bali for a $185 return p.p during the school holidays, using points we racked up by paying for our usual household bills and purchases.

Pro Tips:

While many people talk about using points for upgrades, we use frequent flyer points for economy flights to travel in the first place instead of splurging on expensive business-class tickets. Finding "free seats" is much easier, and the points required are significantly less.

We use and love The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card.

Cost: $856 - you only pay for the taxes

ACCOMMODATION

Opt for boutique accommodation over big chains:

By choosing smaller resorts, we've saved a ton of cash. One of our recent stays in Bali was at a charming place that cost $60 per night for a spacious 2-bedroom room with a kitchenette, just 200m from the beach.

Some of my favourite picks across the island include Sagara Villas & Suites, Parigata Resort & Spa, Sevn Legian and Truntum.

Pro Tips:

Book directly or leverage cashback websites like Shopback when they have travel specials.

Cost: $1050 or $150 per night

"Avoid kids' clubs"

Avoid resorts with kids' clubs:

Kids clubs aren't the be-all and end-all, and these resorts can cost a lot more.

In my experience, kids are just as happy with a pool, some pool toys, and an ice cream! Fun doesn't have to be expensive.

Qualified nannies are very affordable in Bali too - ranging from $10-12 an hour if you want some kid-free time. They typically bring games to entertain the kids as well.

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"No need to do every touristy activity"

ACTIVITIES

Prioritise relaxation and budget-friendly fun:

You don't need to do every 'touristy' activity on the island. Some of our best holidays have been when we have just rested, played card games, and enjoyed each other’s company, which can fall by the wayside during term time.

Pro Tips:

Choose one splurge activity, such as Waterbom Park, then spend the rest of the time doing low - or no-cost activities. We love playing frisbee, and tiggy is always a hit.

Beach cricket kits are cheap to hire - $12 for 3 days

Bike hire - $10 for 2 hours

Massages - $20 at a nicer spa

"Opt for local Warungs"

EATING & DRINKING

Food is a highlight of any holiday, and being on a budget doesn't mean you have to miss out. Here's how we maximise our dining budget and stretch our dollar further.

Pro Tips:

Opt for local warungs. These are small family-run restaurants and worth checking out.

Step back a street or two from the main drag to find similar meals for significantly less.

Keep a list of food specials near your hotel. Many places offer ‘Taco Tuesdays’ or 2-for-1 cocktails. Facebook groups and Tripadvisor are great for researching deals before your trip!

Stock up your mini-bar with supermarket snacks and drinks when you first arrive, as it’ll save you from paying resort prices for everything.

Go easy on the booze, as those costs will add up quickly. We like to choose 1 or 2 designated date nights and splurge on cocktails then, or sometimes we grab a bottle duty-free.

Kirstin with family and friends at Sagara Villas & Suites, Sanur, Bali. Image: Supplied.

Budget Breakdown:

$856 for flights (you pay for taxes)

$164 for insurance ($0 if you book your trip on your AMEX)

$700 for food

$240 for 2 x full days nanny hire

$70 for parents' date night, including cocktails and beer

$160 for Waterbom Park entry

$1050 for accommodation

$100 for shopping (handbags, basketball jerseys for the kids, sunnies)!

$250 for visas

$80 for daily ice-creams

$40 for 2 x massages at a nice spa

$10 for bicycle hire to ride on the beach path

$280 for incidentals (e.g., Grab/GoJek transport)

Total: $4K

"Go for five days - the flight time is short"

You can flex this budget to suit your family's preferences. If shopping isn't a priority, you could allocate more to food or another activity. Likewise, if you don’t need or want a nanny, that money could be used elsewhere too.

Want to splurge on nicer accommodation? Go for five days – the flight time is short!

Staying in one place helps to keep travel costs down, and choosing somewhere with eateries in walking distance is a huge plus. And always do a marketplace clean-out before you go; we often make $500 out of what we perceive as trash!

Happy travels!

Kirstin Edwards is the travel expert behind My Big Adventure, a series of fun and interactive travel diaries that teach kids about their holiday destination. All the guides are teacher-approved and packed with entertaining activities and interactive video content to keep kids busy and informed. You can check out the Bali edition here.