The Truth About All-Inclusive Bali Trips

Alright, let’s talk about all-inclusive Bali trips—the kind where you pay upfront, show up, and (supposedly) everything is taken care of. Sounds like a dream, right? No budgeting stress, no surprises, just you, a beach, and endless cocktails. But if you’ve ever actually booked one, you know they’re not all sunshine and smooth sailing. Some are downright incredible, while others leave you wondering if you got played.

I’ve been to Bali more times than I can count (okay, maybe six, but who's counting?), and I’ve done the all-inclusive thing enough to have some strong opinions. Here’s everything I wish I knew before booking my first one, the hard lessons I’ve learned, and whether they’re really worth it.

What’s Actually Included? (And What’s Definitely Not)

So, let’s get one thing straight: all-inclusive in Bali isn’t always the same as all-inclusive in, say, Mexico or the Maldives. In some places, it means unlimited food, drinks, activities, and airport transfers. In Bali? It’s more like "we’ll cover the basics, but you’ll probably still spend money."

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Most packages include:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (but not always snacks)
• Some drinks (usually local beer and house cocktails)
• Shared airport transfers (sometimes, but don’t count on it)
• A few activities like yoga, snorkeling, or a cooking class

What they don’t include:

• Premium alcohol (you’ll be paying $15+ for a margarita)
• Spa treatments (sometimes you get a "discount," but that’s just marketing)
• Day trips (you’ll still need to book those separately)
• High-end restaurants on the resort (they’re always "extra")

If you’re expecting an all-you-can-drink situation where fancy cocktails magically appear in your hand, think again. Most resorts have a drink limit per day or only serve certain drinks on the all-inclusive plan. You want a mojito? That’s extra. You want imported wine? That’ll be $10 a glass.

The Food Situation: Amazing or Just… Meh?

Look, Bali has some of the best food in the world. Nasi goreng (fried rice with a runny egg on top), babi guling (suckling pig), and fresh seafood that’ll make you rethink every meal you’ve ever had. But the food at all-inclusive resorts? Hit or miss.

Some resorts go all out with international buffets, themed nights, and à la carte options. Others? They recycle the same four dishes, and by day three, you’re begging for real food. I stayed at one in Nusa Dua where every meal was rice, chicken, and something suspiciously unidentifiable. By the end of the trip, I was sneaking out to warungs (local eateries) for something with actual flavor.

If food matters to you, read reviews and check if the resort has multiple restaurants. One buffet for a week? No thanks. You want options. Bonus points if they let you dine at partner hotels—some do!

Drinks: Unlimited? Yes. But Not How You Think

Bali’s cocktail game is strong, but all-inclusive bars? Not so much. If you’re picturing top-shelf tequila or smooth whiskey, prepare to be humbled. Most resorts serve local spirits, and let’s just say… they hit different. Arak (Bali’s local liquor) is strong, unpredictable, and honestly, kinda rough on the stomach.

Most resorts limit you to two drinks per order and some even have drink hours (like only free drinks from 6–9 PM). If you’re a casual drinker, this isn’t a big deal. But if your idea of vacation includes a steady flow of piña coladas, check the fine print.

Also, if you’re thinking of drinking outside the resort—Bali has a 150% import tax on alcohol. That means a bottle of wine that costs $10 in the US? $25–$30 in Bali. Just something to keep in mind before you go wild at the duty-free store.

The “Hidden” Costs You Never See Coming

Okay, here’s where they get you. You book an all-inclusive Bali trip thinking, “Sweet, I don’t need to spend another dime.” And then you arrive and suddenly… you’re pulling out your wallet every five seconds.

• Resort Fees – Some hotels charge daily fees for "extras" like Wi-Fi, towels, or beach loungers. Yes, seriously.
• Taxis & Transportation – If your resort isn’t in a walkable area (looking at you, Uluwatu), you’ll need to budget for taxis or a scooter rental. Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia) is cheap, but resorts sometimes ban them to force you into overpriced hotel transport.
• Tours & Excursions – Want to see the rice terraces, go white-water rafting, or visit the monkey forest? That’s all extra. Some resorts offer discounts, but trust me, you’ll get better prices booking with a Bali private driver.
• Service Charges – Tipping isn’t mandatory in Bali, but many resorts add a 10–21% service charge to food and drinks. So that "free" dinner? It’s not as free as you thought.

Should You Actually Book an All-Inclusive Bali Trip?

If you’re the type who likes convenience and minimal planning, an all-inclusive deal can be a lifesaver. You won’t have to stress about where to eat, how much drinks cost, or whether you’re overspending. Plus, if you’re traveling with kids or in a big group, it’s way easier than splitting bills every night.

But if you’re someone who loves exploring, trying different restaurants, and booking your own activities, you’ll probably feel trapped. There’s so much more to Bali than what’s inside a resort. Some of my best meals were from roadside stalls, and the best adventures? They definitely weren’t on a resort itinerary.

My Honest Take?

If you’re visiting Bali for the first time and want a stress-free trip, go for it—but pick a resort with good reviews and multiple dining options. Just know that "all-inclusive" doesn’t always mean everything is included. If you’re the type who likes freedom and variety, skip it. Book a nice hotel, eat wherever you want, and use that extra cash for experiences instead.

Either way, Bali is 100% worth the trip. Just don’t let the all-inclusive label fool you into thinking you won’t spend a dime—because you definitely will.

The Best (and Worst) Places for All-Inclusive Stays in Bali

Alright, let’s get real. Not all all-inclusive resorts in Bali are created equal. Some are straight-up paradise, with infinity pools overlooking the ocean and five-star service that makes you feel like royalty. Others? Well, they’ll have you wondering why you didn’t just book an Airbnb and call it a day.

Here’s the breakdown of where to stay—and where to avoid—if you’re thinking about going all-in on all-inclusive.

Nusa Dua: The Classic All-Inclusive Spot

If you’re looking for traditional, luxury-style all-inclusive resorts, Nusa Dua is your best bet. This area is basically a gated community of high-end hotels, white sandy beaches, and private villas. It’s perfect if you want a chill, no-stress vacation where everything is within walking distance.Best Resorts:

• Melia Bali – One of the few resorts in Bali that actually does all-inclusive right. Multiple restaurants, a private beach, and solid food (which, trust me, is rare).
• The Grand Hyatt Bali – Huge resort, great service, and a beachfront location that’s hard to beat.
• Samabe Bali Suites & Villas – A little pricier, but this one is true luxury all-inclusive with unlimited drinks, activities, and top-tier dining.

Who Will Love It:

• Families who don’t want to stress about food and entertainment
• Honeymooners who just want to relax and be pampered
• Anyone who prefers a resort vibe over adventure

Who Might Hate It:

• Backpackers or budget travelers (it’s $$$)
• Anyone who wants an “authentic” Bali experience—this area is very resort-y
• Surfers (the waves here are non-existent)

Seminyak & Canggu: More Action, Less All-Inclusive

Here’s the thing: Seminyak and Canggu are two of the most fun areas in Bali, but they’re not big on all-inclusive resorts. These places are packed with beach clubs, trendy cafés, and boutique hotels, so you don’t really need an all-inclusive package here—there’s too much to explore!

That being said, there are a few options for those who still want the all-in experience:

Best Resorts:

• W Bali – Seminyak – Technically not all-inclusive, but you can add meal plans and drink packages. The vibe here? Trendy, high-energy, and great for nightlife lovers.
• Alila Seminyak – A quiet, high-end option for those who want to be near the action but still have a peaceful place to crash.
• LV8 Resort Hotel (Canggu) – Offers some all-inclusive-style packages, but it’s more of a hybrid setup with à la carte options.

Who Will Love It:

• Foodies—because Seminyak and Canggu have some of the best restaurants in Bali
• Digital nomads and remote workers (Wi-Fi is actually decent here)
• People who like nightlife, beach clubs, and a younger crowd
  

Who Might Hate It:

• Anyone looking for a quiet, private escape (this area is lively)
• Resort lovers—most hotels here are boutique-style, not massive all-inclusives

Uluwatu: Stunning Views, But Not the Best for All-Inclusive

Uluwatu is one of my favorite places in Bali, but let’s be honest—it’s not the place for all-inclusive resorts. This area is known for epic cliffs, world-class surf, and sunset beach clubs like Ulu Cliffhouse and Single Fin.

Most hotels here are boutique resorts or villas, so all-inclusive options are limited. If you do go for it, pick a place with great dining, because Uluwatu isn’t super walkable, and getting around requires either a scooter or a driver.

Best Resorts:

• Six Senses Uluwatu – A luxury resort that offers an all-inclusive option with top-notch food, spa treatments, and incredible views.
• Bulgari Resort Bali – Pricey, but if you want a true five-star all-inclusive, this is one of the best.

Who Will Love It:

• Luxury travelers who want seclusion and breathtaking ocean views
• Couples looking for a romantic getaway
• Surfers (because Uluwatu’s waves are legendary)

Who Might Hate It:

• Budget travelers (even the “cheap” places here aren’t that cheap)
• Party lovers—Uluwatu is more about beach clubs and sunsets than nightlife

What If You Skip All-Inclusive? (A Smarter Alternative)

Okay, hear me out: Instead of booking an all-inclusive Bali trip, try this.

1️⃣ Book a hotel or villa that includes breakfast.

Most hotels in Bali offer free breakfast anyway, so why pay extra for a full meal plan?

2️⃣ Eat at different places every day.

You’ll get better food, and it’ll probably be cheaper than an all-inclusive package. A meal at a local warung? $3–$5. A fancy dinner at a beach club? $20–$30. Either way, you’ll still spend less than resort food prices.

3️⃣ Buy your own drinks.

Go to a liquor store in Bali (or stock up at duty-free before you arrive). Cocktails at resorts cost $10–$15 each, but a full bottle of Bintang beer at a supermarket? $2.

4️⃣ Book tours separately.

Resorts charge way more for day trips. If you hire a private driver, you’ll pay around $50 for a full day (for the car, not per person!).

5️⃣ Use Grab or Gojek for transport.

Taxis from resorts are double or triple the price of app-based rides. Some resorts block Grab, but you can always walk to a pickup point nearby.

Is an All-Inclusive Bali Trip Really Worth It?

Yes, if:

• You want a relaxing, no-stress vacation and don’t care about leaving the resort.
• You’re traveling with kids or a big group and want to keep things simple.
• You find a resort that truly offers good food and unlimited drinks (they do exist!).

No, if:

• You actually want to experience the real Bali—because resorts don’t show you that.
• You prefer exploring, eating at local spots, and booking your own adventures.
• You don’t want to overpay for basic stuff like cocktails and tours.

If you’re going to do it, do your homework and pick a place with solid reviews. But honestly? If you want the best Bali experience, skip the all-inclusive and spend your money on the things that actually matter—amazing food, unforgettable day trips, and a hotel that doesn’t lock you into a one-size-fits-all package.

At the end of the day (oops, I said I wouldn’t say that), Bali is what you make of it. Just don’t let an all-inclusive deal trick you into thinking you won’t end up spending more—because you absolutely will.