✈️ Why Bali Is Still a Top Destination for Indians in 2025
Bali, Indonesia continues to dominate the bucket list of Indian travelers in 2025 — and for good reason. From exotic beaches and cultural richness to budget-friendly luxury, it offers the perfect blend of experience and affordability.
This blog is a real breakdown of my 14-day Bali trip, covering everything from flight costs and visa hacks to hidden destinations, SIM card mistakes, and daily budgets.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Bali in 2025
The best time to visit Bali is September to October. It’s the shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists, lower prices, and dry, pleasant weather.
I visited in October 2024 and found it perfect for beach visits, hikes, and photography — with no rain and fewer crowds.
🛫 Flights from India to Bali (Round Trip)
- Direct Flights (Bangalore/Delhi): ₹50,000–₹55,000
- Best Budget Option: Layovers via Singapore or Malaysia – ₹35,000
- Tip: Book 2–3 months in advance using Skyscanner or Google Flights.
Even with a 4–5 hour layover, it’s worth it. Changi Airport (Singapore) is a destination on its own!
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements for Indians in 2025
Indians can get a Visa on Arrival, but a pre-approved e-Visa is faster and more convenient.
- e-Visa Cost: ₹2,800
- Bali Tourist Tax (Eco Tax): ₹850
- Total Entry Cost: ₹3,650
- Official Site: molina.imigrasi.go.id
Apply online and save at least 30–60 minutes at the airport.
👉 What Is Bali Tourist Tax and Why Is It Charged? – How to Pay Bali Tourist Tax Online: Step-by-Step Guide
📶 SIM Card in Bali: Avoid This Common Mistake!
I made the classic error of buying a SIM card at the airport for ₹2,500. The same SIM is available outside for ₹600 or less.
Better Alternative? Use an eSIM!
No need to search for stores or carry physical cards.
👉 Check our guide to the best eSIMs in Bali for 2025 – we compare Holafly, Telkomsel & Saily for unlimited data, speed, and ease of use.
💱 Currency & International Card Usage
- ₹1 ≈ 187 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Tip: Divide IDR price by 200 for rough Indian equivalent
Recommended Card: Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card
✔️ Zero forex markup
✔️ Currency tracking
✔️ Free airport lounge access
✔️ Safer than exchanging cash
Avoid shady money exchanges — scams with fake notes are common.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Bali (Smart & Budget-Friendly)
- Day 1: Airport hotel – ₹6,500
- Nusa Penida (2 Nights): Jungle glamping – ₹20,000 (₹5,000/person/night)
- Canggu (3 Nights): Luxury villa for 12 friends – ₹2.5 lakh → ₹7,000/person/night
- Rest of Trip: Homestays & hostels — ₹1,500–₹2,000/night
Pro Tip: Travel with friends to split villa costs. You get luxury on a budget.
🍛 What to Eat in Bali & Food Budget
- Local Warungs (eateries): ₹250–₹300 per meal
- Indian or Western Restaurants: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per meal
- Tip: Skip tourist traps with fake reviews. Ask locals for hidden gems.
Bali is a haven for non-vegetarians — seafood is fresh, cheap, and delicious.
👉 What to Eat, Where to Go & Foodie Tips – Bali Street Food Market.
🚖 Local Transport & Apps You’ll Need
- Grab & Gojek: Must-have apps for cabs, food, and daily needs
- Scooter Rentals: ₹1,000/day
- Tempo Traveler (Group Travel): ₹2,000/day
Apps = convenience + savings. Always compare ride prices before booking.
📍 Must-Visit Destinations and Hidden Gems in Bali
1. Munduk – Nature’s Hidden Paradise
- Coffee plantations, forest rivers, quiet trails
- Lemukih Waterfall trek: ₹2,500 (includes guide, natural slide, local meal)
- Truly offbeat and worth every penny
2. Nusa Penida – Instagram vs Reality
- Kelingking Beach = Epic views, but
- Strong waves, long travel, limited swimming
- Verdict: Good for photos, not experiences
3. Canggu – Clubbing Capital
- Top Clubs: Finns, Savaya, Mexicola
- Cost: ₹10,000–₹12,000 for 3 nights
- Best enjoyed with friends for budget sharing
4. Gili Trawangan – My Personal Favorite
- No cars, only cycles & horse carts
- Hostel: ₹800/night
- Cycling: ₹450/day
- Unmatched sunsets and peaceful vibes
💡 Final Travel Tips for Bali in 2025
- Book flights and hotels early to save
- Apply for e-Visa and pay eco-tax online
- Avoid airport SIMs — use eSIMs
- Carry a travel card — avoid cash scams
- Mix up your trip: adventure, relaxation, party
- Skip overhyped “Instagram spots” unless it’s your thing
- Talk to locals — they’ll show you the real Bali
💰 Final Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
| Expense | Approx. INR |
|---|---|
| Flights (RT) | ₹35,000 |
| Visa + Tax | ₹3,650 |
| Stay (14 Days) | ₹45,000–₹55,000 |
| Food | ₹15,000–₹18,000 |
| Local Transport | ₹4,000–₹6,000 |
| Experiences | ₹8,000–₹10,000 |
| Extras (Shopping, Spa) | ₹5,000+ |
| Total | ₹1.15L–₹1.3L |
🌍 Final Thoughts: Is Bali Still Worth It?
This wasn’t a backpacker trip, nor was it luxury splurge. It was a smart, well-researched 14-day Bali adventure with zero tour packages and 100% real experiences.
Bali in 2025 is still cheaper than Goa, offers better nature, smoother services, and unforgettable memories.
So if you’re looking for an affordable international trip with high ROI — Bali is your best bet.
