Bali Power Outage Guide: What Tourists Need to Know

When the lights went out across Bali in May 2025, international news acted like the island went into doomsday mode. In reality? Power was back in most areas within a couple of hours, and the beach bars didn’t miss a beat.

It was the first full island-wide Bali power outage in nearly 20 years—the last one happened way back in 2005. That alone should tell you how rare this kind of thing actually is.

Power outages in Bali do happen from time to time, but they’re usually short, isolated, and not a big deal. If you’re visiting, it’s good to know what to expect, but no—this isn’t something that should affect your trip planning, your sleep, or your Wi-Fi-dependent smoothie order.

Here’s what actually happened, why it’s not worth panicking over, and what (very little) you need to do if you’re in Bali when the lights flicker.

Are Power Outages Common in Bali?

Not really. Despite what the headlines might make you think, Bali power outages are relatively rare—especially in the main tourist areas.

If you’re staying in places like Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, or Sanur, you’ll likely go your whole trip without even noticing a flicker.

Most Bali blackouts are short and caused by routine maintenance or an occasional hiccup in the power grid. The big island-wide outage in May 2025 made international news, but that kind of thing is the exception, not the rule.

When an outage does happen, it’s usually resolved quickly—often in under an hour. Many hotels and villas have backup generators that kick in automatically, so unless you’re in a rural area or a super budget guesthouse, you probably won’t even notice.

In short: a Bali power outage isn’t something to stress over. Bring a power bank just in case, but chances are you won’t need it.

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Recent Bali Power Outage – May 2025

On May 2, 2025, Bali experienced a rare but major power outage that affected nearly the entire island. It started around 4 PM local time and was caused by a disruption in the subsea cables that supply electricity from Java—essentially the main pipeline powering Bali’s grid.

Within a couple of hours, over half the island had power restored. Full restoration followed shortly after. While the outage was inconvenient, it wasn’t chaos. Shops stayed open, some mobile networks kept running, and most hotels with generators carried on like nothing happened.

This event made international headlines because of the scale—but again, that’s exactly why it’s news. It was an outlier. For most tourists, it was a minor blip, not a holiday-ruiner. If anything, it reminded travelers that having a charged phone and a power bank isn’t a bad idea.

Bottom line: the May 2025 Bali power outage was a big deal, but not typical. And it wasn’t as bad as the Spain and Portugal incident.

The last time something of this scale happened was in August 2005 – 20 years ago, just to give you an idea of how rare big power outages in Bali really are.

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What Causes a Bali Power Outage

Most Bali power outages come down to one of three things: scheduled maintenance, bad weather, or hiccups in the Java-Bali power grid. That’s it.

Bali doesn’t generate most of its own electricity. It relies on power sent through undersea cables from Java, where the main power plants are. If something interrupts that connection—like a technical fault or equipment failure—you might see a temporary blackout until it’s rerouted or repaired.

Other causes include:

• Storms – Heavy rain and wind can knock out local lines, especially in rural or coastal areas.
• Maintenance – PLN (Indonesia’s state power company) occasionally shuts down areas for upgrades or repairs, usually with notice.
• Local overloads – Rarely, if a transformer or area grid gets overloaded, a section might go down briefly.

But again, power outages in Bali are usually fixed fast. In most cases, you’ll get power back before your ice melts or your phone drops below 80%.

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Do Hotels Still Have Power During a Blackout in Bali?

Most of the time, yes. Especially if you’re staying in a mid-range or upscale hotel, resort, or villa.

These places almost always have backup generators that kick in within seconds of a power cut. You’ll still have lights, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi running while the rest of the street might be sitting in the dark. Some even run on full backup power indefinitely, so guests never notice anything.

Smaller guesthouses and budget hostels? That’s where things get a bit less predictable. Some might have basic generators that only power essential lights or fans, while others have none at all. If backup power is a dealbreaker for you, just ask before booking. Most properties that have it will proudly say so.

During a Bali power outage, your comfort largely depends on where you’re staying. But if you’ve booked somewhere decent, you’ll barely notice the blackout even happened.

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Tips for Dealing with a Bali Power Outage

If you’re in Bali during a power outage, don’t panic—you’re not stranded in the jungle. Most outages are brief, especially in tourist zones. That said, a little preparation goes a long way.

Here’s how to avoid turning a blackout into a buzzkill:

• Bring a power bank
  A good one. You don’t want your phone dying just as you’re trying to order a GoJek or Google “is Bintang still cold without electricity?”
• Have some cash
  ATMs and card readers might not work during a blackout. Keep a bit of rupiah on hand, especially for warungs or smaller shops.
• Use offline maps
  Download Google Maps for Bali before you arrive—or at least for the areas you’re staying and exploring.
• Book accommodation with a generator
  Most mid-range hotels and villas have backup power. If you’re booking a budget stay, it’s worth asking.
• Grab a local SIM with data
  Mobile data usually works fine, even if the Wi-Fi cuts out. Telkomsel and XL are the most reliable for coverage.
• Pack smart
  A mini flashlight or headlamp doesn’t take up space but can save you a lot of hassle. (For more practical gear ideas, check out my Bali Packing List—yes, it includes more than just bikinis and bug spray.)

In short: Bali power outages are a minor inconvenience, not a reason to rethink your trip. Be slightly prepared and you’ll barely notice.

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What to do during a Bali Power Outage

First of all—don’t panic. You’re in Bali, not a zombie apocalypse. Power outages in Bali are usually short and handled quickly, especially in tourist areas.

That said, here’s how to stay comfortable and avoid unnecessary headaches:

• Stay where you are
  If you’re at your hotel, café, or restaurant, just hang tight. Most businesses have procedures and know what to do.
• Use mobile data
  If the Wi-Fi cuts out, switch to your phone’s data. Telkomsel and XL usually stay solid even during blackouts.
• Don’t open the fridge
  If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, avoid letting the cold out. It’ll keep things chilled longer (like that bottle of wine) if the power’s off for a bit.
• Charge when you can
  When the power’s on, top up your phone and power bank—just in case another outage rolls through.
• Use it as a break
  Honestly? Grab a candle, sit outside, and enjoy the silence. No screens, no rush—just Bali doing what Bali does.

In short: when a Bali power outage hits, do less, chill more.

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Final Thoughts on Bali Power Outages

Look—power outages in Bali aren’t a big deal. Yes, the May 2025 Bali blackout made international headlines, but that’s because it was rare. Most locals can’t even remember the last time the power went out before that.

If it happens during your trip, the worst-case scenario is usually just a bit of heat and no Wi-Fi for an hour or two. You won’t be stranded, you won’t be in danger, and chances are your accommodation will have a generator humming away in the background anyway.

So don’t let the news cycle scare you into thinking Bali’s falling apart every time the lights flicker. Pack a power bank, book a decent place to stay, and carry on with your holiday. The island’s still just as beautiful—whether it’s lit up or candlelit.

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Useful links for your time in Bali

• Bali Private Car and Driver
• Bali Airport Transfer
• International Driving Permit for Bali
• Renting a Scooter in Bali

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Bali Power Outage FAQs

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More Bali Travel Tips

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