Bali isn’t just a “holiday.” Spain is a holiday. Ibiza is a holiday. Bali? That’s an escape. The sort of trip you’ll be banging on about for years while your mates roll their eyes because yes, we know, you found yourself on a scooter in Ubud and now you’re suddenly all about yoga.
But the truth is, Bali really is that good. Whether you’re heading there with your other half for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, escaping London drizzle for some tropical heat, or finally using that annual leave you’ve been hoarding — Bali’s got you covered. And the best bit? Your pound goes further than you’d expect.
In this guide, I’ll take you through flights from the UK, visas, where to stay (from backpacker digs to clifftop honeymoon villas), how to get around, what the food will cost you, and even a sample itinerary so you don’t just wander around Canggu wondering why it feels like Shoreditch with palm trees. Stick around till the end — I’ve even added a full cost breakdown so you can see how much a week in Sanctuary Bali really sets you back, from budget to blowout.
Table of Contents
Flights from the UK to Bali in 2025
First hurdle: flights. There are no direct flights from the UK to Bali (DPS – Denpasar), so you’ll always have to stop somewhere along the way. Think of it as part of the adventure — a cheeky layover in Singapore, Doha, or Kuala Lumpur never hurt anyone.
How much you’ll spend (return flights from London in 2025):
- Economy: £550 – £800 (if booked 2–3 months ahead).
- Premium economy: £1,000 – £1,400.
- Business class: £2,000 – £3,500 (depending on season).
Insider Tip: Scoot (Singapore Airlines’ budget cousin) often does London → Singapore → Bali for silly-cheap prices if you’re happy without the frills. If you’re after comfort, Qatar Airways via Doha usually nails it with price + service.
Also Check:- The Ultimate 2025 Bali Travel & Honeymoon Guide for Americans
Flight Comparison Table (London Departures – Return)
| Class | Average Cost (2025) | Best Airlines/Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | £550 – £800 | Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines | Book 2–3 months early |
| Premium Economy | £1,000 – £1,400 | Singapore Airlines, EVA Air | More legroom, better food |
| Business Class | £2,000 – £3,500 | Qatar Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific | Champagne + flatbeds |
Visa & Essentials for the UK People
No one likes paperwork, but Bali makes it fairly painless.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): £28 (USD $35), valid for 30 days.
- Extendable: Another 30 days, same cost.
- E-VOA option: Buy online before flying, skip the airport queues it will all be worth it if you land at a busy time.
Tip: Pay in advance online — queues at Denpasar after a 16-hour journey are a special kind of hell.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
You can do Bali year-round, but the vibe changes with the seasons.
- Dry Season (Best): April – June, September – October (sunny, fewer crowds, best balance).
- Peak Season: July – August + December holidays (expect crowds + higher hotel rates).
- Rainy Season: November – March (cheaper, still fun, but beaches can get messy).
Pro Tip: If you want romance without the chaos, late May or mid-September is spot on — sunshine without the selfie-stick battalions.
Where to Stay: Budget to Blowout
Here’s the beauty of Bali: no matter your budget, you can live like royalty compared to UK prices. Let’s break it down:
Budget Travellers (£15 – £40 a night)
Think hostels, guesthouses, and homestays with breakfast thrown in. Perfect if you’re backpacking or doing Bali on a shoestring.
- Puri Garden Hostel (Ubud): Social, pool, free yoga classes. ~£18–£25.
- Taman Mesari Homestay (Sanur): Private rooms, Balinese charm, ~£25–£35.
Tip: In Ubud, you can walk almost everywhere, so you’ll save on transport too.
Mid-Range (£60 – £150 a night)
This is where most Brits land: boutique hotels, private villas, infinity pools with jungle views.
- Adiwana Bisma Ubud: Infinity pool overlooking the jungle. ~£80–£120.
- Amnaya Resort Kuta: Stylish, close to the beach. ~£70–£100.
Tip: Always ask for “jungle view” or “rice field view” rooms — they’re usually the same price as the car park view.
Luxury & Honeymoon (£250 – £800+)
This is where Bali stops being a holiday and becomes a film set. Ocean cliffs, butler service, floating breakfasts.
- Sanctuary Villas Bali (Ubud): Private pools, lush gardens. ~£300–£450.
- Ayana Villas Jimbaran: Clifftop sunsets, insane spa. ~£400–£600.
- Mandapa, Ritz-Carlton Reserve: The ultimate splurge — rice paddies, river views, personal butlers. ~£700–£1,200.
Tip: Book directly via hotel sites. They often throw in extras like free dinners or spa credit.
Also Check:- Best Sanctuary Villas Bali: A 2025 Guide to the Dream Stay
Stay Comparison Table
| Category | Price (per night) | Best Picks | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | £15 – £40 | Puri Garden Hostel, Taman Mesari | Cheap, social, walkable |
| Mid-Range | £60 – £150 | Adiwana Bisma, Amnaya Resort | Infinity pools, boutique vibes |
| Luxury | £250 – £800+ | Sanctuary Villas, Ayana, Mandapa Ritz | Honeymoon-perfect, world-class service |
Transport in Bali
Forget trains or buses — Bali transport is DIY.
- Scooter rental: £4–£6/day. Popular, but chaotic traffic makes it risky if you’re not confident.
- Car + driver: £35–£50/day for 8–10 hours. Ideal for couples/honeymooners who want to explore stress-free.
- Ride apps (Grab/Gojek): £2–£5 per short ride.
Tip: If you’re honeymooning, book a driver. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not stuck in traffic on a scooter in your honeymoon clothes.
Transport Comparison Table
| Option | Cost (per day/trip) | Best For | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter | £4 – £6 | Solo travellers, budget | Risky traffic |
| Car + Driver | £35 – £50 | Couples, sightseeing | Pricier |
| Grab/Gojek | £2 – £5 (short trips) | Airport runs, short hops | Surge pricing |
Food: Street Eats to Fine Dining
Here’s where Bali spoils you. You can go from £2 warungs (local eateries) to £100-per-head fine dining in one day.
- Street food / warungs: £2–£5 per meal (nasi goreng, satay, mie goreng).
- Cafés & mid-range: £7–£12 per meal (Canggu brunch bowls, Ubud vegan cafes).
- Luxury dining: £40–£100 per person (beachfront seafood, degustation menus).
Tip: Don’t miss Locavore in Ubud (award-winning, but book months ahead). For something more casual, try a beachside barbecue in Jimbaran.
Food Cost Table
| Type | Price per Meal | Where to Eat | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Food | £2 – £5 | Warungs, night markets | Authentic, cheap |
| Mid-Range | £7 – £12 | Canggu cafés, Ubud restaurants | Healthy bowls, fusion |
| Luxury | £40 – £100 | Seminyak, Uluwatu fine dining | Romantic, gourmet |
9-Day Honeymoon Itinerary
Want a ready-made plan? Here’s one that ticks all the boxes:
- Days 1–3: Ubud – Stay at Alaya Resort or Four Seasons Sayan. Explore rice terraces, temples, Monkey Forest, yoga, spa day.
- Days 4–6: Seminyak/Jimbaran – Stay at Kayumanis Jimbaran. Café culture, shopping, beach sunsets, seafood dinners.
- Days 7–9: Uluwatu – Stay at The Edge or Bulgari. Clifftop dinners, Kecak dance at sunset, beach clubs.
Cost Breakdown for a 7-Day Trip (Per Couple)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | £1,200 | £1,600 | £4,500 |
| Stay | £200 | £800 | £3,500 |
| Food | £150 | £350 | £900 |
| Transport | £60 | £250 | £400 |
| Activities | £100 | £300 | £1,000 |
| Total | £1,710 | £3,300 | £10,300 |
Reality check: A week in Bali can cost less than a week in Cornwall if you do it right. Or it can cost the same as a small car if you go full luxury. Both are worth it.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing about Bali: it’s not just pretty beaches and temples. It’s the way time slows down. The way even the budget stays come with smiles and hospitality that make you feel at home. The way you can tailor it exactly to your wallet — £20 hostels or £1,200-a-night clifftop palaces, it’s all here.
If you’re a Brit planning 2025, Bali is still one of the best value long-haul escapes going. It’s romantic, adventurous, and downright addictive. Go once, and chances are you’ll already be plotting your second trip before you’ve even unpacked.