Quick Answer
Telkomsel 5G is available in Bali’s main tourist areas including Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu (partial), and Ngurah Rai Airport as of 2025.
However, popular destinations like Ubud, Uluwatu, and Nusa Penida still operate on 4G LTE only.
For most travelers, 4G speeds are more than sufficient for navigation, social media, and video calls—but if you need maximum speeds for content upload or remote work, stick to South Bali’s coastal areas.
Introduction: Understanding Bali’s 5G Network Evolution
Bali’s telecommunications infrastructure is rapidly advancing, with Telkomsel—Indonesia’s largest and most reliable network provider—leading the 5G rollout across the island.
As of 2025, 5G coverage has expanded significantly in urban and tourist-heavy zones, offering travelers faster download speeds, lower latency, and better connectivity for bandwidth-intensive activities.
But here’s what many travel blogs won’t tell you: you probably don’t need 5G for a typical Bali vacation. Telkomsel’s 4G LTE network is robust, reliable, and more than capable of handling everyday tasks like Google Maps, WhatsApp calls, Instagram uploads, and Netflix streaming. However, if you’re a digital nomad, content creator, or remote worker who needs maximum upload speeds, understanding where 5G is available becomes crucial.
This comprehensive guide maps out exactly where you’ll find 5G coverage in Bali, which areas still rely on 4G, and how to choose the right BaliSIM eSIM plan for your connectivity needs.
Where to Find 5G Coverage in Bali (2025 Update)
Full 5G Coverage Areas
These areas have reliable, widespread Telkomsel 5G coverage with consistent high-speed connectivity:
1. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
Coverage Quality: Excellent
Real-world speeds: 200-400 Mbps download, 50-100 Mbps upload
The airport offers blanket 5G coverage throughout terminals, baggage claim, and arrival areas. If you arrive with a BaliSIM eSIM already activated on your phone, you’ll connect to 5G immediately after landing—no WiFi hunting required.
Traveler tip: Download your ride-sharing apps (Gojek/Grab) and make restaurant reservations while you’re still at the airport enjoying peak 5G speeds before heading into potentially slower areas.
2. Denpasar (Bali’s Capital City)
Coverage Quality: Excellent
Areas covered: Government district, Sanglah Hospital area, Renon, Gatot Subroto corridor, major shopping centers
Denpasar has the most comprehensive 5G coverage on the island, as it’s Bali’s administrative and commercial hub. If you’re visiting government offices (for visa extensions, permits, etc.) or attending business meetings, expect consistent 5G connectivity.
Use cases: - Video conferencing from coworking spaces - Large file transfers (design work, video editing) - Real-time collaboration tools
3. Kuta & Legian
Coverage Quality: Excellent
Areas covered: Beachwalk Shopping Center, Kuta Beach, Legian Street, Poppies Lane, hotel zones
Kuta and Legian, as Bali’s original tourist heartland, received early 5G investment. You’ll experience consistent 5G throughout: - Major hotels and resorts - Shopping malls (Beachwalk, Discovery Shopping Mall) - Beach clubs along the coastline - Waterbom Bali area
Content creator benefit: Upload 4K videos from Kuta Beach to YouTube or Instagram without frustration—5G speeds average 300+ Mbps in prime locations.
4. Seminyak & Petitenget
Coverage Quality: Excellent
Areas covered: Seminyak Square, Oberoi Street, Petitenget Beach, Batu Belig, major beach clubs
This upscale beach town has become a 5G stronghold, catering to Bali’s growing digital nomad and luxury traveler demographics. Expect reliable 5G at: - High-end beach clubs (Potato Head, Ku De Ta area) - Coworking spaces (Dojo Bali, Tropicana Coworking) - Seminyak Village shopping area - Luxury villa districts
Remote work paradise: Seminyak’s combination of 5G coverage, abundant cafes with power outlets, and beach proximity makes it ideal for working travelers.
5. Sanur (Selected Areas)
Coverage Quality: Good to Excellent
Areas covered: Bypass Ngurah Rai corridor, Sanur Beach Road (Jl. Danau Tamblingan), major hotels
Sanur’s 5G coverage is concentrated along the main beachfront road and the Bypass highway. Venture into residential side streets, and you may drop to 4G—but speeds remain excellent.
Best for: Families and older travelers who prefer Sanur’s calmer atmosphere but still want modern connectivity.
Partial 5G Coverage Areas
These areas have 5G in selected hotspots but inconsistent coverage throughout:
6. Canggu (Mixed Coverage)
Coverage Quality: Good (but patchy)
5G zones: Berawa Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Echo Beach (main strips), Finns Beach Club, The Lawn
4G zones: Side streets, rice field areas, residential neighborhoods
The reality: Canggu’s rapid development has outpaced infrastructure. While you’ll find 5G at popular beach clubs and main roads, moving 100 meters inland often drops you to 4G. For most users, this isn’t noticeable—4G speeds in Canggu average 20-50 Mbps, which is perfectly adequate.
Digital nomad note: If you’re working from Canggu, test your specific villa or coworking space with your BaliSIM eSIM. Many coworking spaces (The Billiard, Biliq, Dojo) are in 5G zones, but residential areas may be 4G only.
7. Jimbaran (Bay Area Only)
Coverage Quality: Good
5G zones: Jimbaran Bay seafood restaurants, AYANA Resort area, Samasta Lifestyle Village
4G zones: Uluwatu Temple road, residential hillsides
Jimbaran’s 5G coverage hugs the coastline—great if you’re dining at beachfront seafood warungs or staying at luxury resorts, but inland villas may only receive 4G.
No 5G Coverage Areas (4G LTE Only)
These beloved Bali destinations still rely exclusively on 4G—but don’t worry, Telkomsel’s 4G is robust and reliable.
8. Ubud
Coverage Quality: 4G LTE (10-30 Mbps typical speeds)
Network reliability: Excellent in town center, moderate in rice terraces
Ubud, Bali’s cultural and wellness capital, remains a 4G-only zone as of 2025.
The good news? Telkomsel’s 4G coverage is excellent throughout:
- Central Ubud (Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Art Market)
- Major hotel areas (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge)
- Popular restaurants and cafes
Slower zones:
- Deep rice terrace areas (Tegallalang Rice Terraces)
- Remote yoga retreat centers
- Jungle villas off main roads
Is 4G enough for Ubud? Absolutely. You’ll stream music, navigate with Google Maps, make video calls, and browse social media without issues. Uploading large files (4K video, RAW photos) will just take a few minutes longer than 5G.
9. Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula
Coverage Quality: 4G LTE (15-35 Mbps typical speeds)
Network reliability: Good at major surf spots, moderate on cliffside
Uluwatu’s dramatic clifftop geography creates connectivity challenges. 4G coverage is solid at:
- Uluwatu Temple
- Single Fin, Sundays Beach Club
- Popular surf breaks (Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan)
- Main roads (Jalan Uluwatu)
Weaker coverage: - Secluded cliff villas - Remote beaches accessed by steep stairs - New development areas
Surfer’s note: Check surf reports and forecasts while you still have a strong signal before heading to remote breaks.
10. Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Coverage Quality: 4G LTE (5-25 Mbps, highly variable)
Network reliability: Moderate to good, improving yearly
These stunning islands off Bali’s southeast coast have expanding 4G coverage but zero 5G infrastructure as of 2025. Telkomsel remains the most reliable network across the Nusa Islands, but expect:
Good coverage zones: - Main harbors (Buyuk, Jungutbatu) - Popular Instagram spots (Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach) - Main village areas - Major beach clubs
Weak coverage zones: - Remote coastal roads - Interior villages - Some cliffside viewpoints
Travel tip: Download offline maps before taking the boat from Sanur. Don’t rely on real-time navigation on Nusa Penida’s challenging roads.
11. Amed, Sidemen & East Bali
Coverage Quality: 4G LTE (10-25 Mbps)
Network reliability: Moderate
East Bali’s quieter, more remote character means 4G-only coverage with occasional dead zones in mountain areas. Telkomsel remains the strongest network here—XL and Indosat have spottier coverage.
12. Lovina & North Bali
Coverage Quality: 4G LTE (10-30 Mbps)
Network reliability: Good in Lovina town, moderate elsewhere
North Bali’s dolphin-watching hub has solid 4G along the main coastal road, but don’t expect 5G anytime soon.
5G vs 4G: Real-World Speed Comparison in Bali
Download Speed Tests (Telkomsel, December 2024 - January 2025)
What this means for you:
- 5G is 6-8x faster than 4G for downloads, 3-5x faster for uploads
- 4G is still perfectly fast for 99% of travel activities
- Latency (ping time) matters for video calls and gaming—5G provides noticeably smoother experiences
Do You Actually Need 5G in Bali? A Practical Guide
You NEED 5G if you’re:
A content creator uploading 4K video daily
- 5G uploads a 2GB video in ~3-4 minutes vs. 15-20 minutes on 4G
Remote working with large file transfers
- Design files, video projects, cloud backups
Conducting professional video conferences
- Lower latency = fewer glitches and interruptions
Live streaming
- Instagram Live, TikTok Live, YouTube streaming benefits from 5G’s stable upload speeds
You DON’T need 5G if you’re:
Using social media casually
- Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp work perfectly on 4G
Navigating with Google Maps
- GPS and mapping apps use minimal data
Streaming music or videos
- Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube buffer fine on 4G (720p-1080p)
Making video calls
- WhatsApp, Zoom, and FaceTime work well on 4G with 20+ Mbps speeds
Bottom line: 4G is sufficient for 90% of travelers. Choose your Bali accommodation based on location and experience—not 5G availability.
How to Check if Your Phone Supports 5G
Not all smartphones can access 5G networks. Here’s how to check:
iPhone 5G Compatibility
5G-capable iPhones:
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020+)
- iPhone 13 series (2021)
- iPhone 14 series (2022)
- iPhone 15 series (2023)
- iPhone 16 series (2024)
Check your iPhone:
1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options
2. If you see “Voice & Data” with options for 5G, your phone supports it
3. Ensure 5G is enabled (select “5G On” or “5G Auto”)
Android 5G Compatibility
Popular 5G Android phones:
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ and newer (2020+)
- Google Pixel 5 and newer (2020+)
- OnePlus 8 and newer (2020+) - Xiaomi Mi 10 and newer (2020+)
Check your Android:
1. Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information
2. Look for “5G” in supported network types
3. Or go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network
4. If you see a “5G” toggle, your phone supports it
Important: Your phone must also be carrier unlocked to use BaliSIM’s eSIM or SIM card.
Choosing the Right BaliSIM Plan for 5G Access
Telkomsel Plans (Best 5G Coverage)
Option 1: eSIM Telkomsel - Bali Visitor
Price: $14.06 USD (was $16.25)
Network: 4G LTE + 5G where available
Validity: 7-30 days (varies by package)
Rating: 4.81/5
Best for: First-time Bali visitors staying in South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu)
Option 2: eSIM Telkomsel - Indonesia Nationwide
Price: $27.56 USD (was $35.44)
Network: 4G LTE + 5G where available
Validity: 30 days
Rating: 4.69/5
Best for: Travelers exploring beyond Bali (Java, Lombok, Sumatra) who want the widest coverage
XL Axiata Plans (Limited 5G Coverage)
Option 3: eSIM XL - Bali Visitor
Price: $13.16 USD (was $15.22)
Network: Primarily 4G LTE, limited 5G zones
Validity: 15-30 days
Rating: 4.65/5
Note: XL’s 5G network in Bali is significantly smaller than Telkomsel’s. Choose XL for affordability and extended IMEI registration (90 days), not for 5G access.
Recommendation: If 5G coverage is important to you, Telkomsel eSIM from BaliSIM is the clear choice. It offers Indonesia’s most extensive 5G network, excellent 4G fallback, and seamless IMEI registration included with every purchase.
Tips for Maximizing 5G Performance in Bali
1. Enable 5G Mode Manually
Your phone may default to “5G Auto” to save battery. For maximum speeds:
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G On
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Preferred network type: 5G
Battery note: 5G consumes 15-30% more battery than 4G. If you’re beach-hopping all day, consider “5G Auto” to balance speed and battery life.
2. Download Offline Maps Before Remote Areas
Even with excellent coverage, it’s smart to have backups: 1. Open Google Maps 2. Search for “Bali” or your destination area 3. Tap the location name at the bottom 4. Select “Download offline map”
This ensures navigation works even in Nusa Penida’s dead zones or remote Ubud rice terraces.
3. Use WiFi for Large Downloads
Hotel and villa WiFi often exceeds even 5G speeds for large downloads: - App updates - Netflix downloads for offline viewing - Cloud photo backups
Save your mobile data for when you’re actually mobile.
4. Monitor Your Data Usage
Even with generous data packages, streaming 4K video drains data quickly:
Typical data consumption: - Instagram scrolling: 50-100 MB/hour - Google Maps navigation: 5-10 MB/hour - WhatsApp messaging: 1-2 MB/hour - YouTube (1080p): 1-2 GB/hour - Netflix (4K): 3-7 GB/hour
Check usage: Dial *888# from your Telkomsel line to see remaining data balance.
Future 5G Expansion Plans in Bali
Areas Expected to Get 5G in 2025-2026:
According to Telkomsel’s infrastructure roadmap:
Ubud town center — Expected Q3-Q4 2025
Uluwatu main road — Expected Q4 2025
Nusa Lembongan — Expected 2026
Amed coastal road — Expected late 2026
Lovina — Expected 2026
Nusa Penida remains uncertain due to geography and infrastructure challenges, likely remaining 4G-only through 2026.
Why Is 5G Rollout Slower in Tourist Areas?
It seems counterintuitive, but there are good reasons:
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Geography: Ubud’s valleys and Uluwatu’s cliffs make tower placement difficult
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Investment priorities: Urban Denpasar gets infrastructure first
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4G sufficiency: Current 4G speeds meet most tourist needs, reducing urgency
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Tourism fluctuation: Providers hesitate to invest heavily in areas with seasonal demand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does BaliSIM’s eSIM automatically connect to 5G?
Yes, if you’re in a 5G coverage area and have a 5G-compatible phone, your Telkomsel eSIM from BaliSIM will automatically connect to 5G networks. No special setup required—just ensure 5G is enabled in your phone settings.
2. Will I get charged extra for 5G data?
No, BaliSIM’s Telkomsel plans include both 4G and 5G access at the same price. Your data allowance works the same on both networks—5G doesn’t cost more per gigabyte.
3. Why does my phone switch between 5G and 4G constantly in Canggu?
This is normal in areas with partial 5G coverage. Your phone automatically switches to the strongest available signal. In Canggu’s case, you’ll have 5G on main roads and beach areas, but 4G in side streets and residential zones.
To reduce switching (and save battery): Set your phone to “4G LTE” mode in areas with patchy 5G.
4. Is 5G safe? I’ve heard health concerns.
Yes, 5G is safe. Telkomsel’s 5G network operates within international safety standards set by the WHO and ICNIRP. The radiofrequency energy levels are far below harmful thresholds—similar to 4G, WiFi, and other wireless technologies you’ve used for years.
5. Can I use 5G for hotspot/tethering to my laptop?
Yes, BaliSIM’s Telkomsel eSIM fully supports mobile hotspot functionality on 5G networks. This is perfect for digital nomads who need to connect laptops for work. Just be mindful of data consumption—video conferencing and large file transfers drain data quickly.
Hotspot setup:
iPhone: Settings > Personal Hotspot > Turn On
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering > WiFi Hotspot
Conclusion: 5G Enhances, But 4G Delivers
Telkomsel’s 5G expansion in Bali represents a major connectivity upgrade for travelers in 2025—but it’s not a make-or-break factor for most vacations.
Whether you’re in 5G-covered Seminyak or 4G-only Ubud, BaliSIM’s Telkomsel eSIM delivers reliable, fast connectivity that keeps you navigating, communicating, and sharing your Bali adventures effortlessly.
Key Takeaways:
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5G is available in Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, Ngurah Rai Airport, and parts of Canggu
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4G remains excellent in Ubud, Uluwatu, and remote areas
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Telkomsel offers the widest coverage of any Indonesian provider
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BaliSIM includes IMEI registration automatically with every eSIM purchase
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4G speeds (20-50 Mbps) are sufficient for 90% of travel activities
Your Next Steps:
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Check your phone’s 5G compatibility using the guides above
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Decide your primary Bali destinations (5G zones vs. 4G zones)
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Order your Telkomsel eSIM from BaliSIM.com
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Activate before or after arrival for instant connectivity
Internal Links: - Best Bali eSIM Plans — Compare Telkomsel and XL options - How to Activate Your eSIM — iPhone and Android setup guides - IMEI Registration Guide — Required for all visitors
Don’t let connectivity concerns hold you back—whether it’s 5G or 4G, BaliSIM ensures you’re always connected to what matters most in Bali.
