Traveling to Bali with points and miles in 2024

This series on credit cards, points, miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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With its stunning beaches, vibrant landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Bali attracts both luxury and adventure travelers. Its affordability and wide range of lodging options appeal to various travelers. Popular activities like surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and visiting ancient temples ensure there’s something for everyone on this Indonesian island. Although Bali is generally affordable, there are always ways to save money by using points and miles.

Effectively using your points can turn your Balinese getaway into an affordable yet opulent retreat, allowing you to fully enjoy the island's offerings without exceeding your travel budget. Here’s how to get to Bali using points and miles:

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Bali Hotels Available for Booking with Points

Renowned for its breathtaking resorts, charming villas, and varied accommodations, Bali becomes even more accessible when utilizing your accrued points. Each major hotel chain offers several options in Bali for every budget. Whether you desire the tranquility of a beachfront haven in Nusa Dua or the lively atmosphere of Seminyak, using hotel points can help you save money. Here are the top budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels in Bali that you can book with points:

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IHG One Rewards

IHG boasts nearly a dozen hotels in Bali that you can book using points. Although IHG doesn't maintain a fixed award chart, expect to redeem between 9,000 and 126,000 points per night, depending on the specific hotel and travel season. If you're an IHG credit card holder, you’ll enjoy a complimentary fourth night on consecutive award stays, reducing your overall cost by 25%. Here are our top IHG hotel recommendations in Bali:

Best Budget Hotel: Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali (16,000 points per night)

The Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is an excellent budget-friendly choice conveniently located just 15 minutes from the airport, saving you transportation costs. Kids stay and eat for free, and adults enjoy complimentary daily breakfast. Free night availability varies by season, but anticipate spending around 16,000 IHG points per night.

Best Mid-Tier Hotel: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach (35,500 points)

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is an excellent choice for mid-tier accommodations. Nestled on a private beach and just 30 minutes from the airport, this hotel features six dining options, along with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi for all guests. A standard award provides access to a spacious, elegantly designed room complete with a balcony and daybed.

Best Luxury Hotel: Six Senses Uluwatu (126,000 points)

Situated in South Bali, Six Senses Uluwatu stands out as IHG’s premier luxury hotel. Standard awards are approximately 126,000 points per night and include a complimentary breakfast. At this rate, you’ll enjoy a 1,160 sq ft Sky Suite with an outdoor deck featuring a bathtub and stunning ocean views.

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How to Accumulate IHG Points

You can collect IHG points for any of these Bali hotels by signing up for an IHG credit card or by transferring points from Bilt Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards.

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Receive 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Gain 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, equivalent to $900 cash back or $1,125 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Acquire 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Obtain 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, translating to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Secure 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, which equals $900 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

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Hilton Honors

Hilton offers four hotels in Bali, catering to both budget-conscious and luxury travelers. Although Hilton Honors doesn't provide an award chart, they have a calendar feature to help you locate the lowest point rates for each hotel. Additionally, Silver elite members and above can enjoy the fifth night free on consecutive award stays, enhancing affordability. You can easily achieve automatic Silver status with the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors Credit Card.

Best budget option: Hilton Garden Inn Bali Ngurah Rai Airport (11,000 points)

If you're arriving late in Bali, the Hilton Garden Inn Bali Ngurah Rai Airport is a smart budget choice. Why splurge on a luxury hotel when you'll miss out on its amenities? Staying at this airport-adjacent hotel lets you save money while enjoying a cozy place to rest. Rates begin at 11,000 points per night, and the resort is conveniently located just two miles from the airport, a shopping center, and a water park.

Best mid-tier option: Hilton Bali Resort (35,000 points)

Perched on a cliff with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, the Hilton Bali Resort is a prime mid-tier choice. This beachfront property features all the amenities you need for a relaxing getaway, including four pools, a sandy lagoon, a top-notch spa, and four on-site dining options. You can secure a Garden View room at the Hilton Bali starting from 35,000 points per night.

Best luxury accommodation: Conrad Bali (48,000 points)

Nestled in Nusa Dua, the Conrad Bali is an opulent resort featuring expansive pools, a prime beachfront setting, and an exceptional spa. Starting from 48,000 points per night, you can reserve a spacious Deluxe room complete with a marble bathroom and a balcony that overlooks the pool.

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How to accumulate Hilton points

Hilton simplifies earning points through partnerships with travel credit cards. You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Hilton at a 2:1 ratio. Additionally, applying for a Hilton credit card can earn you a significant welcome bonus to use for your Bali hotel stay.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Receive 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after making $3,000 in purchases during the first 6 months of card membership. Offer valid until 1/8/2025.

• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Obtain 130,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership.

• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months of card membership. Offer valid until 1/8/2025.

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Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott features 28 properties in Bali, offering numerous chances to use Marriott points. There is no public award chart, and rates fluctuate based on the travel season. However, you can utilize the calendar tool to find the lowest point rates if your travel dates are flexible. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy members benefit from a free fifth night on consecutive award bookings, potentially saving 20% when booking five nights, even if some point rates seem high.

Best budget hotel: Fairfield by Marriott Bali Legian (6,500 points)

Fairfield by Marriott Bali Legian serves as an ideal budget-friendly option for travelers eager to enjoy nearby nightlife and is just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Guests can take advantage of complimentary offerings such as music lessons, cooking classes, and mixology courses. Standard rooms feature a minimalist aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling windows for ample natural light, with free nights starting at only 6,500 points.

Best mid-tier hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Bali (46,000 points)

The Ritz-Carlton Bali is an excellent choice for indulging in a luxurious getaway if you have plenty of points to spend. For 46,000 points per night, you can secure a Sawangan Junior Suite boasting over 1,000 sq ft of space, a marble bathroom, and a spacious balcony with views of the pool.

Best luxury hotel: St. Regis Bali (82,000 points)

The St. Regis Bali boasts lavish accommodations, beautiful gardens, and a pristine beachfront. For 82,000 points per night, you can stay in a 990-sq-ft St. Regis Suite featuring a spacious sitting area, walk-in closet, and elegant marble bathroom. If your travel dates are flexible, consider booking a discounted PointSaver award for 65,600 points per night.

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How to earn Marriott points

Marriott partners with Amex Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 transfer ratio. You can also accumulate Marriott points by applying for one of six available Marriott credit cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after making $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of membership with your new card.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card for $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card: Earn 85,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 5 Free Night Awards, each worth up to 50K points, for eligible stays after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. Offer ends 10/16.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Note: Some hotels may charge resort fees.

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World of Hyatt

Hyatt offers 13 hotels and resorts in Bali where you can redeem points. Their Bali locations provide exceptional value, featuring impressive properties at low redemption rates, starting as low as 3,500 points per night.

Best budget hotel: Alila Manggis (3,500-6,500 points)

The Category 1 Alila Manggis is a fantastic budget-friendly option for point redemptions. With room rates starting at just 3,500 points per night, it's simple to combine this with credit card welcome bonuses for an extended vacation. Set amid the coconut groves in northeast Bali, this eco-conscious resort provides a tranquil escape from the island's bustling tourist areas. Booking with points is an incredible value, as even the standard rooms feature stunning ocean views.

Best mid-tier hotel: Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort (21,000-29,000 points)

The Category 6 Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort is a premier wellness retreat featuring only 27 rooms nestled among rice paddies. A complimentary night allows you to stay in a Grand Deluxe Terrace Paddy View room.

Best luxury hotel: Alila Villas Uluwatu (25,000-35,000 points)

For those seeking luxury in Bali, the Category 7 Alila Villas Uluwatu is an outstanding choice for points redemption. Perched on a cliff at the southern tip of the island, away from the busy tourist areas, this resort offers one-bedroom pool villas for 25,000-35,000 points per night. Each villa boasts over 3,000 sq ft of space and a spacious outdoor cabana with ocean views, making it a truly unique property and an exceptional way to use Hyatt points.

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How to accumulate Hyatt points

World of Hyatt partners with Bilt and Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 transfer ratio. Additionally, you can earn Hyatt points through these hotel credit cards:

• World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Receive 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, plus an additional up to 30,000 Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points for every $1 spent on purchases that usually earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 within the first 6 months.

• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 in your first 3 months of card membership. An extra 15,000 Bonus Points can be earned after spending $12,000 in the first 6 months.

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The most affordable award flights to Bali

For those looking to explore the beautiful island of Bali on a budget, utilizing award flights with points and miles is a great option. Various airlines and rewards programs, particularly within the Oneworld alliance, provide economical award flight choices.

Here’s a guide to the most affordable award flights to Bali and tips on how to earn the necessary miles:

• Lowest economy class fare to Bali: 55,000 ANA miles round-trip

• Lowest business class fare to Bali: 140,000 American miles round-trip

• Lowest first-class fare to Bali: 140,000 Alaska miles round-trip

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Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines MileagePlan provides some of the most affordable award flights to Bali, with routes available via partner Cathay Pacific, connecting through Hong Kong. A notable benefit of Alaska MileagePlan is the option for a free stopover on one-way international flights. For instance, you can secure a one-way ticket to Bali while enjoying a complimentary stopover in Hong Kong, allowing you to explore multiple destinations on a single trip.

• Economy class: Starting at 60,000 miles round-trip

• Business class: Starting at 100,000 miles round-trip

• First class: Starting at 140,000 miles round-trip

Marriott points can be transferred to Alaska Mileage Plan at a ratio of 3:1, with an added bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 points you transfer. Additionally, you can accumulate Alaska miles through two co-branded credit cards:

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card: Receive 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees starting at $23) after spending $3,000 or more in the first 90 days of account opening.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles along with Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ after spending $3,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account.

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American AAdvantage

AAdvantage members can use their miles to book Cathay Pacific flights to Bali through American Airlines. The redemption rates are quite comparable to those offered by Alaska Mileage Plan, but AAdvantage miles are generally simpler to earn. You could consider using Alaska miles for your outbound flight (including a free stopover) and then redeeming American miles for your return journey.

• Economy class: Starting at 75,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business class: Starting at 140,000 miles for a round-trip

• First class: Starting at 220,000 miles for a round-trip

You can transfer AAdvantage miles from Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio or accumulate miles through a new AAdvantage credit card:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.

• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months of account opening.

• Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days.

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Transportation and activities

The costs for activities and ground transportation in Bali are quite budget-friendly. Most accommodations are conveniently located near the airport, and shuttle services to main resort areas are reasonably priced. To further cut down on these expenses and tourist activities, consider utilizing popular loyalty programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One.

With the Capital One Venture and Venture X cards, you can cover travel costs and then redeem your miles for one cent each. Alternatively, you can book tours, activities, and transport through the Chase Travel℠ portal. Points have a value of 1.25 cents each with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and 1.5 cents each with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

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Final thoughts

Whether you're seeking an affordable adventure or a lavish escape, Bali serves as a fantastic destination for diverse travel experiences. By thoughtfully gathering and using miles and points, travelers can achieve substantial savings on airfare, allowing them to discover Bali without overspending. With hotel rates beginning at just 3,500 points per night and affordable flight awards, you can relish the island's beauty at a minimal cost.

*Eligibility and benefits may vary by card. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for additional information. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These statements have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these entities.