The 150k Points Challenge: 10-Day Island Hopping in Indonesia (Bali & Beyond)
Welcome back to the “150k Points Challenge,” where we empower families of three to transform their travel dreams into reality using strategic points and miles! This time, we’re setting our sights on the enchanting archipelago of Indonesia, specifically for a 10-day island-hopping adventure in Bali and its captivating surroundings.
Imagine soaring to the “Island of Gods” on a premium airline like Singapore Airlines for your outbound journey, then strategically earning points on your return flight. Our 150,000-point budget, combined with savvy cash management, will then unlock an unparalleled 10 nights of luxurious Accor hotel stays across Bali’s iconic regions – from the stunning beaches of Nusa Dua to the vibrant energy of Seminyak and the serene charm of Jimbaran.
This challenge demonstrates a core principle of savvy travel: mastering a hybrid approach of points for premium flights and strategic Accor redemptions for exceptional hotel value. Get ready to discover how smart points strategies can unlock the magic of Indonesia’s most sought-after destinations for your family!
The 150k Points Strategy: Bali Island Hopping for a Family of 3
For this exquisite 10-day Indonesian escape, our 150,000 points challenge focuses on a highly optimized hybrid strategy designed specifically for Indian points enthusiasts and families of three. Our goal is to drastically reduce cash outflow for premium experiences while maximizing the redemption value of our hard-earned points.
Our points breakdown for this trip:
- Flights: A strategic blend of premium airline points redemption for outbound travel and smart cash-back earning on the return leg.
- Hotels: Exclusive and high-value redemption of Accor Live Limitless (ALL) points for 10 nights of luxurious 4-5 star accommodation across Bali’s prime locations.
Why Accor and this Flight Strategy? In the Indian points ecosystem, Accor properties consistently offer some of the best redemption value for their price point, especially when compared to Marriott or Hyatt in popular destinations like Bali. Accor’s fixed-value redemption scheme (typically 2,000 ALL points = €40/₹3,500 off) allows for predictable and often outsized savings on premium hotels, making it a favourite among savvy Indian points users. Coupled with the strategic use of Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles for a premium flight experience and the lucrative 5X rewards on the return flight with the Axis Atlas card, this strategy keeps cash outflow to a minimum while delivering maximum luxury.
The Power Play (Flights): Singapore Airlines + IndiGo (Hybrid Strategy for Maximum Value)
For our family of three’s journey from Chennai to Bali, we’re deploying a sophisticated hybrid flight strategy that combines premium comfort with smart cash earning, ensuring every rupee and point works hardest for us.
- Outbound Flight: Chennai (MAA) to Denpasar (DPS) on Singapore Airlines (Points Redemption)
- Why Singapore Airlines? KrisFlyer miles offer excellent value for connecting flights to Southeast Asia. For a premium full-service airline experience, redeeming points for Singapore Airlines offers comfort and service unmatched by budget carriers, setting the tone for a luxury vacation.
- Cost: 20,000 KrisFlyer miles per person + ~₹2,750 taxes.
- For Family of 3: A total of 60,000 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles + ~₹8,250 in taxes.
- Return Flight: Denpasar (DPS) to Chennai (MAA) on IndiGo Airlines (Cash Saver + Rewards Earning)
- Why IndiGo (Cash)? While Singapore Airlines is fantastic for points, sometimes cash fares on budget airlines for direct or convenient return routes offer a better cash-to-value proposition, especially when paired with smart credit card earning.
- Cost: Approximately ₹21,000 per person.
- For Family of 3: A total of ~₹63,000 cash.
- Smart Play: This cash portion is paid using a high-earning travel credit card like the Axis Atlas Card, which provides a lucrative 5X rewards on direct airline bookings. This means while we pay cash, we’re actively earning a significant chunk of points back, effectively reducing the net cost and boosting our future points balance.
Points Spent for Flights: From our 150,000 points budget, we’ve smartly allocated 60,000 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles. This leaves a generous 90,000 points ready for our luxurious hotel stays.
The Power Play (Hotels): 10 Nights of Accor Luxury Across Bali for a Family of 3
With our flights strategically handled, our remaining 93,000 Accor Live Limitless (ALL) points are poised to unlock an extraordinary 10-night, multi-location hotel experience for our family of three across Bali. This strategy exclusively focuses on Accor properties, a deliberate choice by savvy Indian points users due to Accor’s transparent and high-value fixed-rate redemption scheme (where 2,000 ALL points provide a consistent cash equivalent off your stay). This makes it incredibly efficient to secure luxurious stays for minimal points.
Our 10-night Accommodation Strategy:
- Nusa Dua – 4 Nights at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort (Accor Live Limitless)
- Why this choice? Sofitel represents the pinnacle of luxury within the Accor portfolio. Nusa Dua is renowned for its pristine, family-friendly beaches, upscale resorts, and calm waters, making it an ideal first stop for relaxation and indulgence after your journey. This 5-star resort offers expansive pools, world-class dining, and spacious accommodations perfect for a family.
- Points Cost: An incredible 48,000 Accor Live Limitless points for 4 nights.
- Value Unlocked: This redemption delivers truly exceptional value, securing a stay at a top-tier luxury resort that would typically cost upwards of ₹95,000 for four nights in cash.
- Seminyak – 3 Nights at Grand Seminyak Lifestyle Boutique Bali Resort (Accor Live Limitless)
- Why this choice? Seminyak offers a completely different, more vibrant energy. It’s known for its trendy boutiques, world-class restaurants, chic beach clubs, and stunning sunsets. The Grand Seminyak, as a boutique lifestyle resort, perfectly blends modern comforts with Balinese charm, placing your family in the heart of the action while providing a stylish retreat. It offers a great base for exploring the lively side of Bali.
- Points Cost: A fantastic 25,000 Accor Live Limitless points for 3 nights.
- Value Unlocked: This offers premium accommodation in a sought-after, fashionable area, typically costing around ₹50,000 for three nights in cash, all secured with points.
- Jimbaran – 3 Nights at Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali (Accor Live Limitless)
- Why this choice? Jimbaran offers a blend of tranquility and local charm, famous for its fresh seafood dinners on the beach and beautiful bay. The Movenpick Resort, a family-friendly 5-star property, provides an excellent conclusion to your Bali adventure, particularly with its impressive pool complex, kids’ club, and proximity to cultural experiences. It’s a slightly more relaxed vibe than Seminyak, perfect for unwinding.
- Points Cost: A remarkable 20,000 Accor Live Limitless points for 3 nights.
- Value Unlocked: Securing another high-quality 5-star resort, typically valued at ₹40,000 for three nights, showcases the continued power of Accor points.
Total Hotel Points Required:
- Accor Live Limitless Points: 48,000 (Sofitel Nusa Dua) + 25,000 (Grand Seminyak) + 20,000 (Movenpick Jimbaran) = 93,000 Accor Live Limitless points.
This strategic, Accor-focused redemption plan effectively utilizes 93,000 points to secure 10 nights of exceptional 4-5 star accommodation for a family of three, delivering immense value and a diverse Bali experience well within our 150k points challenge.
Sample Itinerary: 10 Days of Balinese Bliss for Your Family
This itinerary is crafted to offer a diverse and memorable experience across Bali’s most iconic regions, balancing luxury, culture, and relaxation for your family of three.
Days 1-4: Nusa Dua (Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort)
- Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Luxury: Arrive at Denpasar International Airport (DPS) after your Singapore Airlines flight. Transfer to the opulent Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua. Settle into your luxurious accommodations, relax by the expansive pools, and enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the resort’s many restaurants.
- Day 2: Beach Fun & Water Sports: Enjoy the pristine beaches of Nusa Dua. Indulge in calm water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding, build sandcastles with the family, or simply relax by the beach club. Explore the nearby Bali Collection for shopping and dining.
- Day 3: Turtle Island & Cultural Show: Take a glass-bottom boat to Turtle Island to learn about sea turtle conservation. In the evening, consider a traditional Kecak dance performance or a delightful seafood BBQ on Jimbaran Beach (a short drive away).
- Day 4: Resort Indulgence & Spa: Dedicate a day to enjoying the full amenities of the Sofitel. Parents can enjoy a spa treatment while the child enjoys the kids’ club, or simply spend quality time together by the pool.
Days 5-7: Seminyak (Grand Seminyak Lifestyle Boutique Bali Resort)
- Day 5: Transfer & Trendy Exploration: Check out from Sofitel and transfer to the Grand Seminyak Lifestyle Boutique Bali Resort. After check-in, dive into Seminyak’s trendy vibe. Explore the boutique shops, chic cafes, and vibrant street art. Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant.
- Day 6: Beach Clubs & Sunset: Spend the day relaxing at Seminyak Beach, or visit a famous beach club (like Potato Head or Finns) for family-friendly pools, music, and food. Witness a breathtaking Balinese sunset over the ocean.
- Day 7: Cooking Class or Surfing: Engage in a family Balinese cooking class to learn local cuisine, or if adventurous, try a beginner’s surfing lesson at Seminyak Beach. In the evening, explore more of Seminyak’s diverse dining scene.
Days 8-10: Jimbaran (Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali)
- Day 8: Transfer & Family Fun: Check out from Grand Seminyak and transfer to the Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali. Settle in and immediately enjoy the resort’s fantastic family-friendly facilities, especially its dedicated pools and children’s activities.
- Day 9: Uluwatu Temple & Beach Hopping: Take a trip to the iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff edge, and catch another stunning sunset (perhaps with a Kecak fire dance performance if you missed it earlier). Explore nearby beaches like Padang Padang or Bingin for their unique charm.
- Day 10: Departure: Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at Movenpick. Depending on your IndiGo flight schedule, perhaps a last dip in the pool or some souvenir shopping. Transfer to Denpasar International Airport (DPS) for your return journey to Chennai.
Value Tally: What Our 150k Points Unlocked for a Family of 3
This 10-day challenge to Bali perfectly illustrates the immense power of a strategic points and hybrid cash approach, delivering luxury for a family of three with remarkable savings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the value unlocked:
| Item | Cash Cost (Estimated) | Our Points / Cash Outlay | Savings (Estimated) |
| Flights (Chennai to DPS Round-Trip for family of 3) | |||
| Outbound (Premium Airline) | ₹60,000 | 60,000 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles + ₹8,250 Taxes | ₹60,000 |
| Return (Cash + Rewards) | ₹63,000 | ₹63,000 Cash (Paid via Axis Atlas Card, earning 5X rewards) | ₹0 |
| Subtotal Flights | ₹123,000 | 60,000 KrisFlyer Miles + ₹8,250 Taxes + ₹63,000 Cash | ₹60,000 |
| Hotels (10 Nights, 4-5 Star Resorts for family of 3) | |||
| Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua (4 nights) | ₹95,000 | 48,000 Accor Live Limitless points | ₹95,000 |
| Grand Seminyak (3 nights) | ₹50,000 | 25,000 Accor Live Limitless points | ₹50,000 |
| Movenpick Jimbaran (3 nights) | ₹40,000 | 20,000 Accor Live Limitless points | ₹40,000 |
| Subtotal Hotels | ₹185,000 | 93,000 Accor Live Limitless points | ₹185,000 |
| Other Trip Expenses (Transport, Food, Activities, Bike Rental, Entry Tickets etc.) | ₹60,000 | ₹60,000 Cash (Budgeted, and where you can use a strong cashback or rewards card) | ₹0 |
| GRAND TOTAL TRIP | ~₹368,000 | ₹131,250 Out-of-Pocket (₹8,250 flight taxes + ₹63,000 return flight + ₹60,000 other expenses) + 153,000 Points (for flights & hotels) | ~₹237,000+ |
For a budget of 153,000 points (just slightly over our 150k challenge target, but delivering exceptional value), and a cash outlay of ~₹131,250, we’ve transformed an almost ₹3.7 Lakh vacation into an incredibly affordable luxury experience for a family of three! This showcases the immense power of smart points and hybrid cash strategies.
Pro Tip: Cards to Maximize This Trip
To effectively replicate this incredible Bali adventure and master the hybrid points strategy, here are the types of credit cards you’ll want in your travel arsenal:
- For Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles: Look for premium travel credit cards from HDFC Bank (e.g., HDFC Infinia, HDFC Diners Club Black) or Axis Bank (e.g., Axis Magnus, Axis Atlas) that allow direct transfers to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. These are your go-to cards for earning miles for premium flight redemptions.
- For Accor Live Limitless (ALL) Points: Axis Bank credit cards (especially Magnus and Atlas) HSBC Credit cards (Travel one, Premier) are excellent choices as they allow transfers to Accor ALL, and their reward rates make accumulating Accor points highly efficient for Indian users. Consider co-branded Accor cards if they offer superior benefits in your market.
- For the Return Flight (IndiGo Cash Payment with Rewards): The Axis Atlas Card is the star here. Its enhanced earning rate (e.g., 5X) on direct airline bookings ensures that even when you pay cash, you’re earning significant points back, effectively reducing your net travel cost.
- For Other Trip Expenses (Food, Transport, Activities): Continue to use your best travel rewards card (like the HDFC Infinia/Diners Club Black, Axis Magnus/Atlas, or a good cashback card). These ensure you’re earning maximum value on every rupee spent on the ground in Bali.
Conclusion: Your Epic Bali Family Adventure Awaits
This 150k Points Challenge to Bali truly embodies the spirit of savvy travel for a family of three. By masterfully blending Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles for a premium outbound flight, smart cash earning on your return, and an incredible 93,000 Accor Live Limitless points for 10 nights of luxurious stays across Nusa Dua, Seminyak, and Jimbaran, we’ve demonstrated how to unlock a dream family vacation for a fraction of its retail cost.
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of beach luxury, cultural immersion, and vibrant exploration. Start accumulating those diverse points, embrace the hybrid strategy, and get ready to create unforgettable family memories in the magical heart of Indonesia!
Ready for more travel hacking insights? Stay tuned for our next 150k Points Challenge!
