The Maldives has been considered a must-go destination for Indian travellers looking to pamper themselves with luxury, pristine beaches and a romantic escape for years. However, in the year 2025, a change is in the air, with Bali attracting more Indian tourists. Having visited both places extensively, I can say with confidence that Bali is not only less expensive, but also more culturally rich, adventurous and diverse.
Let’s see how Bali has become the new favourite destination for Indian tourists.
1. Bali is Pocket-Friendly
Cost is one of the most important factors in the maldives vs bali decision. Clearly, it is expensive to visit the Maldives.
• Flight Costs: Travelling from India to Maldives with direct flights is always more expensive than traveling to Bali with budget airlines offering great pricing for Indonesia.
• Accomodation: While The Maldives is known for ₹50,000/night overwater villas, Bali has beautiful resorts, private pool villas, and beachfront stays for as low as ₹5,000₹10,000/night.
• Food & Transport: You can enjoy a good meal in Bali for less than ₹500, while dining in Maldives can be very pricey because of the reliance on imported food. Bali also has budget-friendly transportation including scooter rentals, whereas the Maldives requires expensive speedboat or seaplane rides for going from one island to another.
If you’re an Indian traveler who loves to get more for your buck, Bali is your dream destination.
2. Bali offers Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Indian passport holders, unlike Maldives which requires a pre-approved visa for longer stays. That makes it easier for you to make spontaneous trips—no paperwork or stress. Especially in 2025, travel rules are becoming more flexible, that makes it even easier for the Indian tourists to come and stay in Bali.
3. While the Maldives is stunning, let’s be honest—it’s all about the beaches and the resorts. Once you have relaxed on a glistening white sandy shore and snorkeled in the clear as glass water, there isn’t much else to do.
Now, Bali, on the other hand, offers everything:
• Beaches: Diverse beaches in Bali, from the famous Kuta beach for surfing to the hidden gem of Nyang Nyang.
• Mountains & Volcanoes: You’re the adventure lover? Then a hike up Mount Batur for sunrise view that leaves you speechless.
• Rice Terraces & Waterfalls: The blue green rice terraces of Ubud and the Tegenungan that are stunning waterfalls.
• Temples & Spiritual Retreats: Bali has it all: ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, plus yoga, and meditation retreats for the spiritual seekers.
The result of this variety is that there are no two days the same in Bali.
Indian Food & Vegetarian Options – A Home Away from Home
One of the biggest concerns Indian travellers have while travelling abroad is food. In the Maldives, you’re often limited to resort restaurants, which may not always have the best Indian food or vegetarian options.
Bali, on the other hand, has embraced Indian cuisine wholeheartedly:
• Indian Restaurants Everywhere: From Ubud to Seminyak, you’ll find numerous Indian restaurants serving authentic curries, dosas, biryanis, and even chaats.
• Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly: With a huge focus on plant-based eating, Bali offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, perfect for those who prefer sattvic meals.
• Street Food That Feels Familiar: Balinese cuisine, with its flavors of coconut, spices, and rice-based dishes, has a taste that Indian palates can relate to.
Food alone makes Bali a winner for Indian tourists!
The Perfect Mix of Luxury and Budget Travel
The Maldives is known for its luxury travel, but Bali offers a perfect balance – whether you want a budget backpacking trip or a five-star luxury escape.
• Backpackers: Stay in budget hostels, rent a scooter, and explore Bali for as little as ₹2,000-₹3,000 per day.
• Luxury Travellers: Enjoy high-end resorts, spa treatments, and private villas with infinity pools for a fraction of what you’d pay in the Maldives.
• Couples & Honeymooners: Bali offers romantic jungle stays, beachfront dinners, and breathtaking sunset spots, all without burning a hole in your pocket.
The diversity of experiences makes Bali appealing to every kind of traveler.
If you are looking for adventure, Bali is the place to be! Compared to Maldives, Bali offers a lot more., Diving & Snorkeling surfing are 3 beautiful options.
You can go surfing in Canggu or go look for sea creatures in Amed from beautiful coral reefs.
Trekking & Rafting through the jungle, or a thrilling white-water rafting experience on the Ayung River, adds to the list of thrills.
Bali’s nightlife scene in Seminyak and Canggu is rocking with beach parties, rooftop bars, and live music.
If culture is more your scene, Bali’s spiritual side is just as intriguing: traditional dance performances, temple ceremonies, and yoga retreats can be transform your soul.
Why are all Indians preferring Bali over the Maldives in 2025? Let's compare the two…
✔ More affordable – Flights, accommodation, food, and activities are budget-friendly.
✔ More diverse experiences – Beaches, mountains, temples, adventure, and nightlife all in one place.
✔ Indian-friendly – Great food, visa on arrival, and a welcoming vibe.
✔ Great for every traveler – Whether you’re a solo backpacker, honeymooner, or digital nomad.
It is not to say the Maldives are not attractive. Bali, though, is a distinguished haven that gives so much beside luxury island escape. If you’re longing for a place, Bali should be your destination.
