16 fun activities under $18 in Bali where you can have a smashing time with family and friends!

Co-written by Soma Dutta

What do you do when you’re bored and broke?

Well, you definitely won’t be spending your days at home, bemoaning your lack of funds and how everything seems to cost a fortune nowadays. At least, not in Bali, where even penny pinchers go on amazing adventures.

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We aren’t kidding when we say that Bali has something for everyone. From huge recreation centres and tree top parks to a hot spring in the middle of the jungle – tons of fun and entertainment are wisely priced to not widen that hole in your wallet.

Pay less, and get just as much – who says you need money to be happy?

1. Splash it out! – Taman Segara Madu, New Kuta Green Park

1-a. A treat for the water babies – New Kuta Green Park

A fun and exciting water park in New Kuta, is just what are summer dreams are made of.

Spread across 5 hectares, this sprawling park property has over 12 main water range activities that are perfect for a whole day’s budget outing!

Photo via: Baliassist

Take a swishing dip into the pool with the water slides at the park, and there are over 17 of them you can try your hand at!

Photo via: Baliassist,Vacationbaliindonesia

For the lovers of tranquil relaxation, there are also floating activities amidst the natural environment that the park is nestled in! Try out the lazy river or the wave pool, or both, for that matter.

Crank up the fun level with other activities like paintballing and Bungee Trampoline. But, the sure hit is their Flying Fox, it’s something that you wouldn’t get at your regular water­parks and it’s definitely worth having a go at!

1-b. For the Michael Phelps wannabes – Taman Segara Madu

Water parks have always provided a thoroughly fun environment providing splashy entertainment suitable for all ages – and Taman Segara Madu is one of those great water parks perfect for swimming fanatics. And at a great price too!

Photo via: Aprimanta,Laura Theux

Entrance tickets are sold at the unbelievable prices of USD $1 (Rp. 20,000) for children, and $2 (Rp. 30,000) for adults. For just a few dollars, you’ll get full access to the multiple slides available, along with the recreation centre’s full sized lap pool.

Cheap and yummy food is also available at Taman Segara Madu’s in-house restaurant, Warung Paon, so you won’t have to play on an empty stomach just to save a few dollars.

2. Playlands are always fun – Bali Fun World, Lollipops Playland

2-a. Where the old become young – Bali Fun World

When you go on a holiday as a family, it’s always hard to find something that both children and adults would like to do. What’s even worse is the pain in your heart that seems to come back every time you get another bill.

Photo via: Ayuutrisnaa

However, at Bali Fun World, that’s really all they offer – fun for both adults and children alike.

Photo via: Familylifebali

This 2000 square metre indoor entertainment centre offers a wide variety of facilities that aim to satisfy every visitor’s craving for excitement.

Watch your kids climb up the mini posts, zoom past in a car coaster, leap happily in a gigantic bouncy castle – or get down and loosen your hair with some football and gladiator fights!

Photo via: Winda Bali

The tech-savvy parent will also be delighted to know that the Playstation 2 and 3 are available in the Game room. Surely it’ll be ten times harder not to enjoy yourself in this funhouse.

2-b. Kids Day Out – Lollipops Playland

Got kids in tow? Here’s a place your kids where kids have the most fun and you steer clear of over spending.

This entertainment center for kids aged 1 to ­14, and is no less than a mini­ paradise for toddlers. Just buy an unlimited pass for your child and be rest assured.

Photo via: madebuanaputra,Meiranastasia,Elizabethyolandaa

In a safe and fun environment, Lollipops playland packs in hours of fun-­filled activities that include climbing, jumping and pool activities.  Take a break at their café while your kids have their fun ­time at this all­-equipped play area.

Photo via: Greenday Ontheroad,Cloe and the Twins,Yana Markram

The center organises frequent events for kids ranging from Magic Shows and clay workshops to drawing and painting competitions with a kid-friendly atmosphere.

It’s non­stop fun with games and activities like Trampoline, Flying Fox, Cargo Net and even console games for the techie kids.

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3. Why choose one when you can have both – Big Tree Farms

More than the fact that it’s a chocolate haven for chocolate lovers, this chocolate factory is known for being the largest bamboo-made infrastructure in the world.

Photo via: Aksiuk

That’s right, it’s completely constructed out of bamboo!

For the price of USD $2.80, you’ll be taken on a tour through the production processes in the factory, and even given a sampling of their cold-processed cacao.

Whether you’re there for the amazing architecture or mouth-watering chocolate, we trust that you’ll go away satisfied.

 

4. Slide Down on a Natural Waterslide – Aling-Aling Waterfall

This amazing waterfall in Bali  is located in Sambangan Village, close to Singaraja in North Bali.

This is a perfect place for an adventurer, as the waterfall is not (too) touristy compared to other popular waterfalls. Once you’ve arrived, you need to hike to the waterfall. And on the way there, be prepared for some scenic panoramas during the hike.

The waterfall is around 35-meter tall, and surrounded by green tropical trees. The water flows from the top splitting into two streams. Can’t wait to swim in that turquoise pond?

Video via jakesthebaker

This is probably the most unique thing in Aling-Aling Waterfall that not many waterfalls have. There’s a water slide leading into the pond!

Another good news is that Sambangan Village has 7 waterfalls that’s very close to each other in the same area. You can even combine a trip to this waterfall with a visit to Gitgit Waterfall which famous for its canyoning activity. Ready to slide?

5. Sari Segara Silkworm Farm: More than just beautiful fabric

Meet the little creatures that are responsible for the grandest fabric in human history.

If you cannot fathom how such luxury comes from such a humble worm, you can let your journey to Sari Segara Silkworm Farm transform your knowledge and experience.

Photo via: Harry Sutama, Foursquare by Nina S and Gladys R

To get premium quality silk, Sari Segara doesn’t stop with just natural work.

You’ll need staff with lots of care to weave the silk.

Photo via: Green School

Here, there’s two ways you can take a piece of exquisite silk home with you.

You can attempt to weave and draw a batik pattern on it by yourself, or you can simply buy the completed pattern in Sutera Sari Segara Art Shop.

Photos via: Badung Bali Trading

6. Lost in Cinema Paradiso at free movie-screening at this raw food restaurant – Paradiso Ubud

A unique concept café in Ubud not only serves up vegan and vegetarian gastronomical delights at affordable rates, but also has an in­-house state-­of-­the-­art cinema that diners can enjoy.

The best thing about it all? You get your seats for free!

The restaurant plays some world class movies in their tastefully done, full­y equipped theater, that should please any cinema enthusiast across the world. The capacity of the hall is around 150 persons, so you can rest assured about getting seats easily.

If you’ve got a few idle hours to spend and just a few bucks in your pockets, check up the schedule at their Facebook page or website for the next screening and drop in!

Enjoy a sumptuous meal off their splendid menu that  features some fresh and healthy vegan options without compromising on taste. Also, spend time looking at the art in their art gallery and mingling with like-­minded folks. The perfect evening plan, we’d say!

7. Walking the healthy way – Bali Herbal Walk

Got a green thumb and a penchant for health-related stuff? Come take a relaxing walk through the Bali ricefields, where you’ll learn about the various types of natural herbs that are beneficial for your health.

Photo via: Fabulous Ubud, Ffransisca Aangela

You’ll be brought through a 3 to 4 hour tour explaining the local rice-growing system as well as herbs, and at the end of it all, you’ll even get some herbal tea, drinks and a Balinese cake.

Photo via: Asia World Indonesia,Flowre Treats

Yes, all included in the admission price of USD $18.

Oh, and here’s one health tip for you to keep your feet in tiptop shape – wear comfortable shoes!

8. Glide Across the Sea Through Zip Line Between Cliffs – Abyss Zipline in Ceningan Island Resort

There are so many thrilling words in the title. ‘Gliding’, ‘sea’, ‘zip line’, and ‘cliffs’. And you can experience those thrilling things through one activity: The Abyss Zipline.

Nusa Ceningan and its sister, Nusa Lembongan, are famous for their cliffs and crashing waves. Imagine enjoying that spectacular scenery while sliding on the zip line. Not many things are as cool as that!

The facility is a relatively new hype in Nusa Ceningan. It was built about a year ago, and its popularity is rapidly growing among travelers.

Video by albineidhagen_s

This place definitely takes zip line to a new level. Interested to try this extreme flying fox?

Video by baskoro.ka

9. Take a Fun Class – Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Centre

Want to spend your leisure time by doing something meaningful and fun at the same time? Take an off-

Photo via: This travel Life

beat day out at Pondok Pekak Library and learn a skill for a lifetime.

Learn Balinese specialities like Fruit-carving and Jewellery -Making. Get to know about Balinese cultures by trying your hand at Balinese Dance and Balinese Painting.

Photo via: This travel Life

Better still, learn the Balinese language and take back a little of Bali’s culture with you when your trip is over. These are the skills that you can awe others with when you return. All this, at affordable fees starting from USD $7! It’s definitely value for your money.

Book nerds can enjoy the well­-stocked collections of books at the library for a day or borrow them at affordable rates.

10. Lovely or nasty? – Bali Butterfly Park

Imagine looking at insects through a magnifying glass – we think that’s how things will feel like at Bali’s Butterfly Park, where butterflies and bugs are bigger than you ever knew.

Photo via: Jaylejey,Veneragn,Izzyoturner

As you walk through the park, you might even get to witness the birth of a baby butterfly if you’re lucky enough.

Photo via: Abbyth

If you’re faint hearted… maybe you should give this a pass. Some of these bugs do look scary enough to get a weak stomach feeling queasy.

11. Mid-life career crisis – Circus Workshop

Do your friends often tell you to “stop clowning around”? Maybe they’ll change their minds after you get some proper circus training at Bali Circus.

Bali Circus offers drop-in classes for foreigners – one day courses from which you can learn well-known circus acts such as diabolo, juggling and riding a unicycle.

Photo via: Indahkalalo

Who knows?

Maybe you’ll find that a career change is in order!

12. Eat more for the price of one – Pasar Sindhu (Sanur Night Market)

What better way to get to know the real Bali than by venturing into the thick of it in the thick of night? What better way to satisfy your soul by binge eating?

Photo via: Cakethat

Pasar Sindhu is a well-known night market in Sanur that features rows and rows of local food stalls once the sky turns dark. Grilled or fried, chicken, lamb or fish – every craving of yours can be settled here in a uniquely Balinese way.

But wait! “We only have 20 dollars to spend”, the wrinkled bills in your purse scream. Well, guess what? Food at the night market can cost as cheap as USD $1 (Rp. 15,000) per serving – and we won’t be surprised if you still have some leftover change (and a pot belly) when you get home after.

13. Reconnect with nature – Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you’ve already gone through a few days of backbreaking fun and simply want to chill out, why not go for this soothing walk up the Campuhan Ridge? It doesn’t hurt that it also happens to be free.

Photo via: Thedreamerlab

This simple walk is suitable for people of all stamina levels. No rocky terrain, no cliffs to climb, just endless views of immeasurable beauty.

Photo via: Alibrdy

That, and at the end of your journey, you’ll find a nice cafe where you can sit down, have a cool drink, and bask in the majesty of the nature all around you.

Photo via: Flyingfourchette

Just make sure you set out early before the sun rises, or you might not be able to see through the layers of sweat on your face.

14. B1, B2 and the hungry monkeys – Sacred Monkey Forest

The Sacred Monkey Forest is one of the prime tourist destinations in Bali, and for good reason.

With the tranquil, scenic forest and a bunch of chatty and mysterious monkey guardians forming an interesting contrast, it’s no wonder that flocks of tourists come to this mysterious forest.

Photo via: Val Waters

These trips don’t come without a risk, though. Make sure you don’t display stray pieces of food or wear hanging accessories if you don’t want to be accosted by a zealous monkey.

If you’re planning to give them a good day by bringing along some bananas, take them out one by one to avoid a monkey ambush.

Photo via: Mikhail Perfilov

15. Diversity in one place – Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets

Of course, you’re here in Bali, so why would you go home without learning more about its fascinating culture, right?

One look at its name, and you’ll know that Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets isn’t like its other museum counterparts, which can be heavy on the information and loaded with the boring.

Photo via: Club Runner Blob Core Windows

This museum features a collection of various Indonesian, African and Japanese masks and puppets, and also stages traditional dances and shadow puppet plays for its visitors.

Photo via: Dodijustisa, Cucinaitaliananoer,Amandaanyza

You’ll only have to pay nothing – best prices guaranteed.

16. Nature as your bath buddy – Relax in a hot spring within a jungle

What? Hot springs again? Don’t worry, it’s an entirely different type of hot spring this time.

You’ve probably been in tons of pools overflowing with soothing hot spring water, but have you ever tried soaking yourself in the middle of a jungle?

Photo via: Aprilharpa

If you haven’t, now’s the time to try out new things.

This unique location on Bali’s north coast features a few hot springs that have been constructed in a garden right next to the forest. That’s some privacy, huh?

Photo via: Sancha Lys

If you’re worried about having to share the pool with other tourists,you can even pay an extra Rp. 10,000 (USD $0.70) for a private pool.

There, no more awkward eye contact with a swimsuit-clad stranger.

Special mention 1: Bird’s eye view – Bali Treetop Adventure Park

No thrillseeker will be able to refuse the temptation of walking among the clouds. Or at least, as close as you could possibly get.

Photo via: Jurogoje,Fashfash

Bali Treetop Adventure Park features circuits of different levels mapped throughout the trees in the area. From “easy peasy lemon squeezy” ones to “oh my god why” levels of thrill, this park has special adventures tailored for both the scaredy cat and the daredevil.

Photo via: Duiduidam

We still can’t really believe it only costs USD $19.50 for two hours and thirty minutes’ access to the park.

Either our eyes are failing us, or this is a really good deal you don’t want to miss. Or maybe… they’ve already foreseen that you’ll be spending half of the time stuck on a rope somewhere, too afraid to take the next step.

Photo via: Cathelijnex

Special mention 2: Unforgettable memory – Elephant Camp

Always wanted to get up close and personal with elephants? If so, this special excursion organised by True Bali Experience will be right up your alley.

Photo via: Loveandyouvideo

On this unique tour, you’ll get to learn more about the gentle giants and watch them move around in the stunning surroundings.

You’ll even get to pose for a photograph with them before leaving – all these for the price of USD $19!

Photo via: Instagram by Fercastas

Whether it’s a date with your significant other, or family time with the kids, these fantastic things to do will up the ante on the fun meter.

Know of other great outing ideas that should be included here? Let us know in the comments below!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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