{"id":1294325,"date":"2026-07-24T14:50:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=1294325"},"modified":"2026-08-11T17:54:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T17:54:42","slug":"backpacking-destinations-like-bali-but-cheaper-less-touristy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/backpacking-destinations-like-bali-but-cheaper-less-touristy\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacking Destinations Like Bali but Cheaper & Less Touristy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bali earned its spot on every backpacker’s list for a reason. Rice terraces, surf breaks, cheap smoothie bowls and a hostel scene that makes solo travel feel easy. But over the last few years, Canggu and Uluwatu have gotten busier and pricier, and a lot of travellers are asking the same question: where else can I get that Bali magic without the Bali price tag or the Bali crowds?<\/p>\n

The good news is that Southeast Asia and South Asia are full of backpacking destinations similar to Bali but cheaper<\/strong>, from quieter Indonesian islands to under-the-radar Thai beaches. Below are six spots that deliver the scenery, the social hostels and the laid-back pace, minus the queues for a sunset photo. Whether you’re chasing surf, temples or mountain views, there’s a Bali alternative here that fits.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Tom Bixler<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBook Hostels In Lombok<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf34 Why Does Lombok Feel Like Bali’s Calmer Twin?<\/h2>\n

Lombok sits just a short boat ride from Bali, and it shows you what Bali’s coastline looked like two decades ago. Kuta Lombok<\/strong> has the same turquoise water and dramatic cliffs as Uluwatu, but without the traffic jams or the inflated menu prices.<\/p>\n

A few reasons Lombok keeps coming up as one of the best places like Bali but less crowded<\/strong> for budget travel:<\/p>\n