While prices have shifted since 2019, a detailed breakdown of an 8-day Bali and Malaysia trip that cost ₹32,000 (approximately $380 USD for two people) reveals strategies that remain relevant for budget travelers: smart currency exchange, early booking through aggregators, mixing hostels with budget hotels, and knowing when to take calculated risks.
The trip, documented in a comprehensive r/travel post, demonstrates what meticulous planning and flexibility can achieve. Round-trip flights from New Delhi booked four months in advance through Skyscanner cost ₹15,000 ($178 USD) including a 12-hour Kuala Lumpur layover used to explore the city.
Currency exchange strategy drove significant savings. The traveler used a Niyo Global card for ATM withdrawals in Bali, receiving a conversion rate of 210 rupiah per Indian rupee with no extra charges when using BNI ATMs. Airport exchanges offered only 150 rupiah per rupee. They also recommend carrying U.S. dollars for potentially better rates.
Accommodation ranged from budget hotels at 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $35 USD) per night for two in Kuta to hostels at 150,000 rupiah ($10 USD) in Nusa Penida. All bookings were made through Booking.com before departure.
Scooter rental proved essential and affordable: 45,000 rupiah ($3 USD) per day for three days in Ubud, plus minimal petrol costs. The traveler carried an International Driving Permit and Indian license - both proved necessary when stopped on the highway.
Kelingking Beach emerged as both highlight and warning. The iconic Nusa Penida destination features a treacherous trail from the clifftop viewpoint down to the beach - 40 minutes descending, 1.5 hours climbing back up. The post includes a critical safety note in all caps: "EVERYBODY SHOULD TRY GOING DOWN THE TRAIL TO KELINGKING BEACH, BUT NO ONE SHOULD BE FORCED BCOZ ITS VERY TOUGH AND DANGEROUS, IT THEIR OWN CHOICE."
