Australian tourist debunks Bali myth with restaurant voucher: 'Make sure you have deep pockets'

An Australian tourist is outraged after being charged a staggering amount for a bottle of water in Bali's traditionally cheap tourist hotspot.

The shocked woman posted a photo of her receipt on Facebook, showing that she had paid almost $12 for the bottle, which totaled a whopping $14 after a service charge was added.

Two 380ml bottles of water will cost the tourist 24,000 rupiah – roughly a whopping AUD$23.

Because she thought that other tourists to the holiday island were not aware of such high prices, she wanted to warn them with a 'heads up'.

The tourist told people they would need “deep pockets” when dining in the region and revealed she bought the water at Ayana Resort.

People were divided if Bali was no longer a cheap holiday or if there were still bargains (stock image pictured)

Many Australians argued that the voucher was proof that the holiday island was not as cheap as tourists thought.

“Everyone knows it's a very expensive place to visit,” one person wrote.

“Bali is no longer a cheap holiday like it used to be,” said another.

Others were adamant that Bali was still budget-friendly, as long as tourists avoid the 'tourist traps' and restaurants notorious for their high prices.

“People saying it's not as cheap as it used to be, you clearly don't know what you're talking about,” one person wrote.

“I literally went there for two weeks in March with my family of three, we grabbed return flights for $346 and two weeks of accommodation for $1,000 in a private villa!”

In 2023, Bali was knocked out of the number one spot for Australia's favorite international destination after an eight-year reign, according to Expedia.

Japan's Tokyo is now Australia's most visited overseas destination.

The country had one of the longest border closures during Covid-19 and only reopened to incoming tourists after two years in 2022.

Foreign visitors who wanted to attend the postponed Olympic Games in Tokyo were also not allowed to enter the country.

Instagram staple, the glamorous Rock Bar at Anya Resort and Spa is where the woman dined in Bali

Bali has become more expensive, but one travel expert believes food is still cheap

There may be talk that Japan is now more cost-effective and Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, said the fall in the yen has made Japan more affordable.

He also noted that Bali recently abolished the $50 entrance fee, so the destination is still considered affordable.

Finder travel expert Angus Kidman told Yahoo that Bali has become more expensive, but believes Australians can still find a cheap holiday.

'The airfares to get there are not as cheap as they were five years ago. Bali is not immune to rising fuel costs and a more limited range of services,” he said.

“You can still book a round-trip flight on a budget airline for around $600 round-trip, but super-cheap fares are a little more rare.”

He says that while food is still cheap, tourists should bear in mind that flights and accommodation will be the biggest expense.

He advises Aussies to book their activities in advance so they can save money and also plan a trip with a budget in mind.

The popular island's Sanur Beach and Sidemen Valley are promoted as cheaper alternatives.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Ayana Estate for comment.