If you’re planning a trip to Bali, you’ll need to know about the island’s internet speeds. Depending on where you are, you may find that your browsing and streaming experiences vary greatly. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the internet speeds in Bali to help you choose the right location for your needs.
We’ll also cover all of the different internet options in Bali so that you’ll be able to make the best decisions for your online connectivity.
Internet Speed Bali: Is it Good?
Bali is a world-famous tourist destination and is known as a digital nomad hotspot. For these reasons and because of our obsession to be connected it’s important to have access to fast internet. But, Bali has a poor reputation for having slow and unreliable internet connections.
But, that is changing rapidly. Bali has put a major emphasis on internet access and connection speeds on the island. They have introduced a 4G mobile service to most parts of Bali as well as invested in fiber optic cables to connect certain areas of the island to high-speed internet.
There are still some areas of Bali that have access to slower internet speeds, but overall the internet speed in Bali has improved greatly in recent years and is only getting better.
Where is the Fastest Internet in Bali?
So, where can you find the fastest internet in Bali? Surprisingly, it’s not always in the big cities. In fact, some of the best speeds can be found in small towns and villages.
One hotspot for fast internet is Ubud, which is home to a number of tech startups and digital nomads. The average download speed in Ubud is an impressive 41.51 Mbps.
Another great option for fast internet is Canggu, which has become a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers. The average download speed in Canggu is 37.62 Mbps.
I live in Canggu and just did an internet speed test at 57 Mbps download and 52 Mbps upload. We are not even on the highest data package that would get us over 100Mbps! And for reference, the monthly cost for our internet service is only about $21 USD.
Is the WiFi Internet in Bali Reliable?
The wifi internet in Bali has become much more reliable in recent years, but there are still some areas where the connection can be spotty. If you’re planning to work or study online while in Bali, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place in case of any unexpected outages.
In general, the vast majority of hotels and resorts in Bali offer reliable wifi for their guests. However, there are still some hotels that have spotty or slow connections, mostly in rural areas. If you’re planning to stay in a hotel for an extended period, it’s a good idea to check with the front desk about the quality of the wifi before you book your stay.
Is the Wifi Fast Enough on Bali to Stream Video?
Depending on where you are located and what type of internet connection you have you should be just fine to be able to stream video. For reference, to be able to stream Netflix in 4K you’ll need a minimum speed of 25 Mbps.
How to Get Good Internet in Bali
There are several options to get good internet in Bali. Let’s take a look:
Get a Local Bali Sim Card
The most common and probably the best option is to get a local SIM card with data package. This will give you access to the internet on your phone and you can use your phone as a hotspot for other devices. These mobile SIM cards are widely available (even at the airport).
The cost is very reasonable, for example, an 8GB data package from Telkomsel (one of the biggest network providers in Indonesia) will cost you around IDR 100,000 which is about $7 USD. This is valid for 30 days.
Some of the best mobile SIM card providers:
- Telkomsel: It is slightly more expensive than the other providers but their network coverage is the best in Bali. You can buy a Telkomsel SIM card at the airport, mobile phone shop or any convenience store.
*I recommend this one!
- Indosat Ooredoo: This provider has good network coverage, especially in urban areas. You can also buy an Indosat Ooredoo SIM card at the airport, mobile phone shop or any convenience store.
- XL: Fast internet connection and similar in price to Telkomsel. Available at most mobile phone shops and convenience stores.
You will need to jump through a few hoops. Technically, you’re supposed to register your phone’s IMEI number and pay a government tax (which can be done at the airport upon arrival).
You’ll also need to register your new SIM card using your passport or stay permit like a KITAS permit.
*Note: If you don’t register your IMEI number upon your arrival you will have 90 days on your local SIM card before it will shut down. Unless you are staying for longer than 90 days you should be fine.
Rent or Buy a Portable Pocket WiFi Device
Another option is to get a pocket wifi device. These can be rented or bought and will give you a portable hotspot to connect multiple devices to.
If you’re planning to stay in Bali for an extended period, it might be worth buying your own pocket wifi device. You can find these devices online or at most electronics stores in Bali.
If you only need a pocket wifi device for a short period, you can easily rent one. Most hotels will have these available for rent, or you can find them at the airport or from one of the many rental companies in Bali.
Use Public WiFi
If you’re staying in a villa or hotel, they may have their own wifi network that you can use. Many cafes and restaurants also offer free wifi for customers.
If you need to use the internet and can’t seem to find a good connection, your best bet is to head to one of the many cafes or restaurants that offer free wifi. Just be sure to buy something while you’re there!
Coworking Space
Finally, there are quite a few coworking spaces in Bali with good fast internet connections. These can be a great option if you need to get some work done while you’re in Bali.
Pricing for coworking spaces in Bali can vary, but you can expect to pay around IDR 150,000 (about US$10) per day.
Some of the most popular coworking spaces in Bali include:
- Dojo Bali: This coworking space is located in Canggu and offers fast internet, a swimming pool, and a nice view.
- Outpost: This coworking space is located in Ubud and offers beautiful views, fast internet, and a great location.
- Hubud: This coworking space is located in Ubud and offers fast internet, a community of digital nomads, and a great location.
If you’re planning on staying in Bali for an extended period you may want to set up your own internet connection. Here are some of the best Bali internet providers:
Bali Internet Provider
BaliFiber
BaliFiber is 100% fiberoptic and used by many businesses and coliving spaces. They offer high-speed internet connections and a variety of plans to choose from.
Bali MTM
If you’re looking for a good, reliable internet connection in Bali, Bali MTM is a great option. They offer high-speed internet connections and a variety of plans to choose from.
*This is the service we have and it is super fast and rarely goes down.
Biznet Bali
Biznet is one of the largest providers covering about 80% of Bali. It has a bandwidth of up to 250 Mbps and an unlimited quota.
FirstMedia
Offers the best HD cable TV services in Indonesia and has a fast, reliable internet package.
Indihome
A cheaper internet service that offers coverage for most of the island of Bali. Packages start at around $14 USD per month.
GlobalXtreme
As one of the oldest internet providers in Bali, GlobalXtreme offers both a Fiberoptic service as well as wireless.
Pro Tip: Use a VPN Service
If you need to access certain websites that are blocked in Indonesia, you’ll need to use a VPN service. A VPN (virtual private network) will encrypt your internet connection and allow you to access websites that are normally blocked in Indonesia.
There are many different VPN services available, and they all have their own pros and cons. Some of the most popular VPN services used in Indonesia are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and TunnelBear.
Conclusion: Bali Internet Speed
Bali is an amazing place with plenty to see and do, but if you need to get some work done while you’re here, a good internet connection is essential. We’ve provided a list of the best Bali internet providers and some tips on how to find a good internet connection in Bali. Whether you’re looking for high-speed fiberoptic internet or just a reliable connection, you’ll find it here in Bali!
Planning a Trip to Bali? Check Out These Additional Resources:
What Vaccinations Do I Need for Bali?