Bali on a budget

Dewi Sri Cottages in Bali, rated as better than budget accommodation, and the boutique budget Hotel Barong are two of four hotels where you can stay with affordable packages from Garuda Orient Holidays.

Bookings at either hotel receive a cash-back offer of 50 per cent on the food and beverages you buy at the hotel, as long as you spend a million rupiah or more. That sounds like a recipe for bankruptcy, but a million Indonesian rupiah converts to around $200. There is also a free half-hour, in-your-room massage.

You can stay at the renovated Dewi Sri for six nights from $1229, or for $500 more, at the more traditional Balinese-style thatched villas of Vila Rumah Manis.

Included in all four flights and accommodation packages is the choice of four activities for an extra $180 - to go on a dinner cruise, take a bungy jump, go white-water rafting or take a day cruise to Nusa Lembongan.

Contact: for information on valid departure dates, call travel agent or Garuda Indonesia, (09) 366 1855, or e-mail, sales@garuda.co.nz