$14 detail on restaurant receipt busts Bali 'myth'
An Aussie traveller unleashed over one small but staggering detail on her bill.
An Aussie woman who unleashed over the staggering price she paid for a 380ml bottle of water in Bali has reignited the debate over whether the holiday hotspot is still considered a "cheap" travel destination.
Posting an image of her receipt to social media, the traveller warned fellow Aussies to be cautious of prices at restaurants across the island, after she was charged a whopping near-$12 for a small bottle, which totalled $14 after a service tax was slapped on.
"As a heads up", the woman warned, telling fellow tourists to "make sure they've got deep pockets" when eating out across the province, adding that she didn't think "most would be aware" of the prices.
Woman's Bali bill prompts heated debate
The receipt shows that for two bottles of 380ml water, the woman was charged 240,000 rupiah, which is roughly A$23.
Hundreds of people aired their opinion in response, with the general reaction seemingly split down the middle. "Everyone knows it’s a very expensive place to visit," argued one person, while another pointed to the fact "Bali is no where near a cheap holiday as it used to be" and that its reputation is simply a myth.
Bali overtaken by Japan as Aussie holiday favourite, but one is much cheaper to travel to
Bikini-clad tourists in Bali shock supermarket shoppers: 'Looks of horror'
Aussies divided over whether hotspot still 'cheap'
On the other side of the debate, some stated that if travellers simply avoid "tourist traps" and restaurants known for steep prices, the tropical island can still be a budget-friendly option for families not wishing to break the bank on holiday.
"People saying it’s not as cheap as it used to be obviously you don’t know what you're talking about. Literally going there in March for two weeks with my family of three, we picked up return flights for $346 and two weeks accomodation for $1000 in a private villa!" a passionate traveller wrote.
Last year, it emerged that Bali had been toppled from its spot as Australia's number one overseas travel destination, with Japan capital Tokyo newly crowned.
It's the first time in eight years the Indonesian island has been bested by another holiday hotspot as the most researched summer getaway, according to travel site Expedia, and it could come down to perceptions that it is now a cheaper spot to travel.
Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long said that aside from Australians escaping the heat, the yen being down had made Japan "slightly more affordable", however Bali has also decided to dump it's $50 entry fee so it's still in the affordability race.
Expert weighs in on rising prices
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, travel expert at Finder Angus Kidman said that while there's no doubt Bali is getting more expensive, Aussies can still find a bargain on a budget.
“Bali has long enjoyed a reputation as a cheap holiday destination for Australians," Kidman told Yahoo.
"While that's still the case, air fares to get there are not as cheap as they were five years ago. Bali isn't immune from rising fuel costs and a more limited range of services. You can still pick up a return flight with a low-cost carrier for around $600 return, but super-cheap fares are somewhat rarer.
"Flights and accommodation will be your biggest costs – food is still cheap. Booking your activities in advance can help you save and set a proper budget for your trip."
While Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud have previously been hotspots for Australian travellers, beachside Sanur and Sidemen Valley are being touted as cheaper alternatives.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
