Bali Travel Guide for Indian Tourists (2027): Visas, Costs & Best Hotels

Planning a Bali holiday from India? This guide brings together the practical information Indian passport holders need before departure, along with a shortlist of beautiful places to stay. Rather than overwhelming you with hundreds of hotels, it highlights a few accommodation options in each area and links to more detailed Bali hotel and villa guides when you’re ready to compare.

Start with accommodation: If you’ve already booked your flights, jump to where to stay in Bali. The hotel recommendations are designed to help you shortlist properties and check availability, while the entry and travel sections make the rest of your planning easier.

Bali from India: quick planning checklist

Passport valid for more than six months and an appropriate Indonesian visa or e-Visa on Arrival for your circumstances.
Return or onward ticket, verifiable accommodation confirmation and sufficient funds for the trip.
Complete the free All Indonesia arrival declaration within the permitted three-day window before arrival.
Pay Bali’s separate foreign tourist levy through the official Love Bali portal if applicable.
Compare Bali neighbourhoods first, then choose accommodation that fits your holiday style.
Arrange an airport transfer, check travel insurance and save your hotel’s address offline.

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Bali?

Yes. Bali is part of Indonesia, and Indian passport holders travelling as tourists generally need an appropriate Indonesian visa. Indian nationals are eligible for the tourism Visa on Arrival / electronic Visa on Arrival route for a stay of up to 30 days, subject to immigration requirements. Visit the official Indonesian e-Visa portal for the currently applicable visa type, cost and permitted stay.

The Indian Embassy advises travellers to have a passport valid for more than six months, a return or onward journey ticket, a confirmed hotel booking or address, evidence of sufficient funds and a clear tourism purpose. Entry is ultimately determined by Indonesian immigration officials, even when a traveller is eligible for Visa on Arrival. Check the Indian Embassy’s latest travel advisories before departure.

Arrival card and Bali tourist levy

All international arrivals must complete the All Indonesia integrated declaration, which combines immigration, customs, health and quarantine arrival details. It can be submitted within three days before arrival through the official free arrival form. Save the confirmation QR code to your phone as you will need it to exit customs with your bags.

Bali also has a separate IDR 150,000 foreign tourist levy per person, subject to applicable exemptions. It is separate from a visa payment. The official Love Bali website provides payment details and an electronic voucher.

Flights from India to Bali

Flights arrive at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), close to Kuta and Jimbaran. Depending on the departure city, airline and travel dates, travellers may find direct or connecting itineraries. Compare the total travel time rather than the ticket price alone: a long connection can cost a valuable holiday day. My preferred site to find the best flights deals is KAYAK.

Indian rupees, Indonesian rupiah and paying in Bali

Bali uses Indonesian rupiah (IDR), not Indian rupees (INR). Hotel listings may display prices in IDR, USD or your selected booking currency, so compare the final amount payable, taxes and cancellation rules before confirming a reservation.

International debit and credit cards are widely accepted at larger hotels, but some small businesses prefer cash. Check with your Indian bank that your card is enabled for international transactions, and compare foreign transaction fees and ATM fees with using a travel card.

For Indian travellers visiting Bali, my recommended travel money option is the Wise Travel Card. Designed specifically for Indian residents travelling overseas, Wise lets you load money directly from your Indian bank account in INR using IMPS, NEFT or RTGS, then spend in Indonesian rupiah (IDR) without the exchange-rate markups commonly charged by traditional bank cards. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with transparent conversion fees, making it easier to manage your Bali holiday budget. Whether you’re paying for restaurants, beach clubs, shopping or withdrawing cash in Bali, Wise is a convenient option worth considering before you leave India.

Exchange currency at reputable money changers, count the notes before leaving the counter and avoid changing large amounts at unofficial outlets, and be wary of the currency desks at the airport.

Where to stay in Bali: the best areas and our hotel shortlist

There isn’t one best area for every Bali holiday. The right base depends on whether you’re travelling for a honeymoon, a relaxing resort break, a family trip or a first visit. Start with our guide to the best areas to stay in Bali for a full comparison, or use the shortlist below to start checking hotels.

Here is my saved list of all time favourite hotels in Bali

For a first visit, a holiday of around seven to ten nights gives enough time to combine a beach destination with Ubud. Couples may prefer splitting their stay between a private-pool villa and a beachfront resort, while families often benefit from staying in one or two bases rather than changing hotels frequently. For first time visitors I recommend no more than 1 change of location per 3 nights. So a 6 night itinerary would be 2 different areas and 10 nights would be 3.

Ubud: jungle views, culture and romantic villas

Ubud suits couples who want quiet mornings, spa treatments, dramatic greenery and private-pool accommodation. It’s inland rather than beachfront, so pair a few nights here with a coastal stay if beach time is important.

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa: a resort option for travellers who want an established Ubud stay with a tranquil setting.
Green Lander Ubud: offers a 5-star hotel experience with a swimming pool with a view, sun terrace, and lush garden.
Ulan Ubud Resort & Spa: Overlooking Tjampuhan River and terraced rice paddies feature modern Balinese style.

For more accommodation options, see our best hotels in Bali guide. For a wider hotel selection, start with the linked hotels guide; our dedicated Bali villa roundup is still being prepared.

Seminyak: stylish villas, restaurants and shopping

Seminyak works well for travellers who want restaurants, shopping, spa days and an energetic atmosphere, with a broad choice of villas that make sense for couples and groups sharing accommodation.

Double – Six Luxury Hotel: enjoys great views of the Indian Ocean.
Cicada Luxury Townhouses: features a year-round outdoor pool and tropical garden with spacious sun terrace and free private parking is available on site.
Baliterraneo Boutique Resort Seminyak: offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a balcony or terrace with pool views, ensuring a relaxing stay.

Explore the best private-pool villas in Seminyak for a fuller comparison with more options.

Nusa Dua: luxury beachfront resorts and easy family holidays

For a holiday centred on resort facilities, swimming pools and beach time, Nusa Dua is one of Bali’s most convenient choices. It particularly suits travellers who prefer staying in one well-equipped property.

Paradisus by Meliá Bali: a luxury resort candidate already covered on The Bali Edit.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali: Surrounded by lush greenery overlooking the ocean, offering luxurious stays in Nusa Dua boasting a 60-yard outdoor swimming pool.
Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua: offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views.

See our best resorts in Bali for more resort comparisons.

Legian and Kuta: easy first-time bases and family-friendly options

Legian is useful for first-time visitors who want a straightforward beachside base without being isolated from restaurants and shops. Kuta has an active atmosphere and can be practical for shorter stays or families looking for entertainment.

Padma Resort Legian: one of The Bali Edit’s established top stay recommendations, especially for families and first-time visitors.
Hard Rock Hotel Bali: an entertainment-led option to compare if children’s facilities are important and walkability to Malls and WaterBom with the beach right across the road.
The Mahata: A modern, affordable option for families in Legian.

Read our top three Bali stays for a more detailed look at the Padma recommendation.

Sanur or Uluwatu: two very different coastal stays

Sanur is often better for travellers looking for a slower beachfront holiday, gentler surroundings and easy dining with walking pathways. Uluwatu is known for clifftop scenery, dramatic beaches and special-occasion resorts. They serve different holiday styles, so choosing between them is often more useful than treating them as interchangeable.

The Meru Sanur: Located on the shore of Sanur Beach, just a 5-minute walk from Le Mayeur Museum, The Meru Sanur offers an accommodations with an outdoor pool and a spa center.
Radisson Blu Resort & Villas Bali Uluwatu: Located in Uluwatu, 1969 feet from Impossible Beach, Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu features accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden.

For an Uluwatu experience beyond your hotel, see one Uluwatu day at two different budgets and our favourite sunset spots in Bali.

How to choose a hotel that is right for your trip

Compare the total price for your dates, not just the advertised nightly rate. Check breakfast inclusion, taxes, refund conditions, transfer times, pool privacy and room configuration. For families, confirm the children’s age policy and whether an extra bed is included; for couples, decide whether a private pool matters more than direct beach access. Use my free booking comparison spreadsheet to ensure you find the best deal.

If Indian or vegetarian food availability is important, check the hotel’s current restaurant menus or contact the property before booking. A vegetarian-friendly menu is not automatically the same as a fully vegetarian kitchen, and dietary requests should be confirmed directly.

How many days do you need in Bali?

Four nights: Choose one area and add one or two day trips. Seven nights: Split your stay between Ubud and a beach destination, or base yourself in one resort and explore at a slower pace. Ten nights: Consider Ubud plus Seminyak and either Uluwatu or Nusa Dua if changing hotels appeals to you. Travel times can be lengthy, so don’t pack every day with cross-island journeys.

For inspiration, see our Bali bucket list.

Food

Bali offers Indian, Indonesian and international dining options, particularly in established visitor areas. Vegetarian travellers should confirm ingredients and preparation with individual restaurants, rather than assuming that a dish without visible meat contains no fish sauce, stock or other animal ingredients.

Transport and staying connected

For getting around, arrange your airport pickup in advance with a private car (confirm with your hotel is transfer is an additional cost if offered) or use an established transport service. I recommend having Grab downloaded before you arrive. I look up the route as I am waiting for my bags and as soon as I exit customs I order my Grab Car. By the time I walk to the Grab Kiosk I usually only have to wait 5 minutes. This is much more affordable than booking private transport. Of course you will need to be connected to use your apps! I use Airalo all over the world and have never had any issues. Download it, and purchase your Indonesian package before your trip. Then activate at your home airport. These apps are useful to download before visiting Bali.

A little tip when collecting your bags, ensure you can see the screens at the end of the carousel as the designated baggage collection sometimes changes last minute. I always check the tag of one of the first bags to come out to ensure I am not standing around at the wrong place.

Travel insurance and health

Medical care, cancellation, luggage issues and unexpected changes can be expensive abroad. Compare a travel insurance policy that covers the activities you plan to do and any relevant pre-existing conditions. Our Bali travel insurance guide explains what to check before choosing a policy.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Bali from India

Can Indian tourists get a Visa on Arrival in Bali?

Indian passport holders are eligible for Indonesia’s tourism Visa on Arrival / e-Visa on Arrival route, subject to the current entry rules. Check the official immigration portal before departure and carry supporting documents.

What currency should Indian travellers use in Bali?

The local currency is Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Compare INR-to-IDR exchange rates before your trip and check international card fees with your bank.

Is Bali good for honeymoons from India?

Yes. Couples can choose from private-pool villas in Ubud or Seminyak and beachfront resorts in Nusa Dua or Uluwatu. For the most useful comparison, decide on your dates and budget before narrowing the hotel shortlist.

Where should Indian families stay in Bali?

Nusa Dua, Legian and Sanur can all work well for a family holiday, depending on the ages of the children and whether you value resort facilities, walkability or a relaxed environment. Compare specific room types and resort facilities before booking.

Should I book one hotel or split my stay?

For a short trip, one base is simpler. With a week or more, combining Ubud and a coastal resort gives a more varied experience, provided you allow enough time for hotel transfers.

Plan your Bali stay

Start by choosing the area that best matches your holiday, then compare our favourite hotels in Bali, best resorts and area-by-area accommodation guide. Once you’ve shortlisted a hotel, check availability for your actual travel dates and review the booking conditions before paying.