A massage in a fancy spa in Sydney can cost upwards of $200, which means it’s usually a special treat for me. While it is possible to pay that in Bali’s top spas, there is no need to as many of Bali’s budget establishments deliver the real thing for a fraction of the cost. Spa menus are extensive and choosing is daunting so I made it my mission to hunt down the best budget Bali massage by trying the most popular varieties. If you don’t know your Lomi Lomi from your four hand massage my guide is a great place to start. Read on for all the details …
Budget Bali Massage Guide
Getting a massage in Bali is essential, so much so that it makes my epic list of 110+ things to do in Bali. Tracking down a budget Bali massage is easy. Every second shop has a gaggle of women out the front half-heartedly chanting ‘massage, massage’ to passers-by, but quality varies greatly. I chose two spa’s with comprehensive menus in my quest to uncover the best budget Bali massage. Neither of these are the cheapest in town, but they do offer a good balance between budget and quality. For the purpose of this exercise I set myself a maximum budget of AUD$20 and tested out some of the most popular massage variations on offer. My budget Bali massage guide gives you the low down so you can choose the one that is right for you. IF you are keen for a more upmarket experience, try these awesome Ubud spas.
Spa Overviews
Yes Spa – Yes Spa is located steps away from The Magani where I stayed so it was particularly convenient. First impressions were positive and I liked that there was no hard sell outside. Inside a large, clean and modern spa awaits with the first room containing the reception area, dedicated foot massage chairs and nail desks. The rear of the spa houses the massage area where 30 or so cubicles are ready and waiting to go. The generous sized beds impressed me as narrow beds where your arms hang uncomfortably off the edge are the norm in Bali. The fresh fragrant flowers in each booth was the perfect finishing touch.
Inner Glow – A smaller spa in a quieter part of Legian, Inner glow was my ‘go to’ spa on my last visit when I stayed at the nearby Ossotel. The ground floor houses the foot massage area and a handful of massage cubicles with about 10 more upstairs. Staff are friendly and like Yes Spa, there is no hard sell out the front. The menu contains all the usual suspects and a few treatments you might not expect, like ear candling.
Hot Stone Massage – Yes Spa
I popped into Yes Spa on impulse at 8.30pm with just enough time to fit in a 90 minute hot stone massage before the 10pm closing. My therapist asked my preferred pressure (medium please) before beginning a traditional massage. Two stones were used at a time but the swift movements ensured they didn’t feel uncomfortably hot. When each stone cools slightly it is strategically placed on your body as the massage continues. Before you know it the 90 minutes is up and excess oil is removed with a warm towel. I wish they hadn’t though as my dry skin laps this stuff up. I love a hot stone massage and Yes Spa delivered. IDR150,000 (AUD$15).
Verdict: Divine. One of my favourites.
Four Hand Massage – Yes Spa
I loved every minute of my very first four hand massage. The therapists were so in sync that it was hard to tell who was doing what as they pummeled, pushed and prodded my tight muscles into submission. My feet were given lots of love which was a pleasant surprise as they are often neglected. If I hadn’t promised you that I would try a variety (all in the name of research of course!) I would have this massage every single day. The four hand massage provides particularly good value as you get double the massage for only a fraction more. IDR170,000 (AUD $17)
Verdict: The winner! You simply must try this.
Foot Massage – Inner Glow Legian
I’m trying this just for you guys as this would not normally be my pick. Before beginning the massage my therapist washes my feet in warm water with fresh limes. I get it. Wearing thongs all day on the streets of Bali makes for manky feet and no one want to massage those! The massage extends to the lower legs and the calf pummeling felt heavenly on weary legs. This would be perfect in pairs or a group but the free wi-fi took care of my ‘Nigel no friends’ self. Add polish or a full pedi to complete the experience. IDR80,000 (AUD $8)
Verdict: The cheapest massage on offer. Perfect for sharing with friends.
Honey Massage – Inner Glow
I have extremely dry skin and given honey boasts softening properties I thought I would treat my winter ravaged body. Thick sticky honey replaces traditional oil as the lubricant and feels decidedly different. The massage movements are fairly standard and I would compare it to the Lomi Lomi. My therapist provided a really nice face and head massage (sans the honey) to finish up. A shower before you leave takes care of the excess product. If I’m honest, my skin didn’t feel any different and it’s not one I would repeat. IDR175,000 (AUD $17.50)
Verdict: The massage was good but the honey didn’t enhance it.
Herbal Massage – Yes Spa
After sleeping funny and waking up with a sore neck and back I sought out a massage that would alleviate my pain. The herbal massage promised gentle movements with heated herbal compresses to ease aches which was right up my alley. My therapist performed a full traditional massage before introducing the deliciously scented heated herbal compresses. Most movements are flat palm but the knuckles do occasionally make an appearance. Your limbs are stretched, bent and moved around which I quite liked. The still warm compresses are placed under your shoulders at the conclusion of the massage and the sensation of your full body weight bearing down on the compresses is supremely relaxing, so much so that I almost fell asleep. IDR150,000 (AUD $15)
Verdict: The gentle strokes and heat are perfect for easing aches and pains.
Lomi Lomi Massage – Inner Glow Legian
Originating from Hawaii, the Lomi Lomi technique involves kneading, rubbing and a lot of elbows so brace yourself. The pressure is firm but can be softened on request and a choice of fragrant oils are available.Ā There is no fluffing around here and you know you have had a massage when you walk out the door. IDR95,00 (AUD $9.50).
Verdict: One to try but not my favourite.
Aromatherapy Massage – Yes Spa
An aromatherapy massage combines scented oils with a traditional massage and is very popular in Bali. Scent is incredibly powerful so choose yours carefully to set the scene. The frangipani I chose was subtle and the sensation of warm oil on the skin feels delicious. If I had tried the aromatherapy massage before the hot stone and four hand I would have appreciated it more, but after those there was no going back. IDR100,000 (AUD$10)
Verdict: Great value simple massage.
If you are a Bali first timer you really should check out my secrets to booking a cheap flight and my Bali basics post which has all the essential information you need to consider when planning a trip. Which budget Bali massage will you choose?
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: This post is NOT SPONSORED and I paid for all massages in full. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Hollysbirdnest says
WOW I usually never go to massage, or spas when I am on vacation, but this seems really reasonable, and I think it is time for me to add this to my travel plans!! Thank you so much for all of your great travel tips! I love your blog!!
Allison Smith says
Thank you so much Holly! Iām just about to head to the airport to catch a flight to Thailand. I will definitely be having a few more massages over the next 10 days.
FS Page says
I so love getting massages. It relaxes me more than anything else. But yes, sometimes they are heavy on pockets. I agree that a Spa/ Massage is a must in Bali. Yes spa offers such vast variety of massages and spa. I would love to experience all of them. Thanks for sharing the details of the budget spa
neha says
Bali is famous for it’s spa. And it is good to see so many options. But where options are more, confusion also arises. i am glad that I stumbled upon your post. I will refer back to it when I plan my Bali trip. Since if I go there then I have got to take a massage and I don’t want to super splurge on that
Allison Smith says
Go for the four hand Neha. You will love it!
Sandy N Vyjay says
Bali is an exotic location and one generally associates the place with expensive things. A rejuvenating and relaxing massage is definitely something to be experienced when in Bali. However, you explode here the myth that this has to be an expensive experience. Your list definitely proves that one can have the indulgence of a massage on a budget too without having to bust a bank .
Allison Smith says
Exactly Sandy! Massages are so expensive in Sydney it is only ever a special treat ?
Gina says
I love cheap and good spas. When you talked about the hand and foot massage, I felt like I needed one right then and there. I’ve never heard of a honey massage but for the price, I’d definitely want to try it!
Suzannah says
Thanks for posting this amazing guide! I’ve Pinned it so I can use it for future reference. I’ve never been to a spa but I’m so, so desperate to go to one, especially in Bali!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Suzannah! I wish I could afford to go every day in Sydney lol
Cassie says
Oh man could I ever use a massage! These all look amazing! Fingers crossed I can make it to Bali one day š
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m going back in March Cassie! I’m taking my Bombay boy (21) and his girlfriend on their very first trip to Bali! We can’t wait ?
Caitlin says
Ahh, this brings back some fond memories. I stayed in Ubud for a few days back in June, and loved it! I had been planning on doing yoga and getting a massage every day, but somehow never made the massage happen until I splurged on a 5 hours sesh on the last day. I wish I’d done it your way though – seems like an epic plan to test them out! š
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
5 hours sounds like a dream Caitlin! It really was tough ‘research’ ?
Nina Tekwani says
I’m at home in Utah and literally just booked a massage for this weekend – but um, it’s not that cheap!! I’m so jealous. I really want to go to Bali. It’s incredible how inexpensive things like this are. It’s good to know that I can pamper and spoil myself more than I normally would when I do get the chance to visit!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I can imagine it’s not Nina! I’ve never been to Utah but I had a massage and facial in a swanky spa in Vegas a few years ago that set me back around USD$300 and while the surrounding we definitely a little flashier the massage was not a lot different. I know which so would prefer lol
Joanna says
Your article reminded me how badly I search for massages when I travel to Asia! They are so cheap and so amazing! Last time I was in India I got an hour massage for only 500 rupees (Ā£5). It was great and my back thanked me, after carrying the backpack for days. It’s one of those treats that I can afford when I travel but never at home, in England š
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Exactly Joanna. I’ve never been to India but massages always feature in my Bali and Thailand trips ?
Soumya Nambiar says
I am so tempted to go for a massage now. I rarely go for them. The four hands massage looks to be perfect for me. I would definitely keep this in mind when I go to Bali.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The four hand was the bomb! My new ‘go to’ from now on ?
Kathy says
I think that whenever you are travelling, it is very important to look after yourself which is why I love searching out great massages in budget. This post is right up my street. Thanks so much for sharing your findings.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Agree Kathy! I couldn’t afford to spoil myself like that at home lol
Tania Mukherjee says
Now I know a lot about massages! Bali sounds like a massage paradise, since you can pamper yourself at such a low price! I would ask you to someday visit Kerala, India and review the massage centres there!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
India is somewhere I haven’t really considered seriously but I would never say never! I think the heat would kill The Hubs though hehehe
Christina Guan says
Haha what a difficult mission you set for yourself š Bali looks like such an awesome place to relax! I haven’t been yet, but I’m constantly blown away by the quality of services you can get in Southeast Asia for a fraction of what we’d pay in Australia or Canada. Definitely saving these for later so i can pamper myself properly in Bali someday!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Yeah it was tough Christina! Someone has to do it ? Love Bali and it is my go to place when I want to relax and recharge. Daily massages certainly help with that!
Diana says
I had never heard of a honey massage before! Who knew about these secret properties honey has. I always do a lot of walking when I travel, as that is my favorite way to see a new city, but I always feel like I need a foot massage afterwards! I wish there was a foot massage guide for every city š
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I walk everywhere when I travel as well Diana. It really is the best way to get a feel for the city. ?
blondemoments says
Yaaasss!!! I love me some great massage in Bali! It was one of the best I ever had last year. And so crazy now cheap it is!!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
??? My guilty daily indulgence. I can get 10+ for what it would cost for 1 in Sydney.
Soraya says
Love this post! I’ve been to Bali a number of times and haven’t been too successful with finding a good budget spa. I have tried these ones though – so these are on my list for my next trip! The four hand massage sounds amazing! Never heard of it before and will definitely try it next time. And I’m like you – I don’t like when they wipe the excess oil off. That’s something I love about an oil massage, it’s also helps to moisturise my skin. Thanks for sharing!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Yes Spa was my favourite of the two and they have three locations but they do get busy. Four hand is the way to go!