Staying connected with Wi-Fi while traveling to remote islands near Bali, like the Gili Islands, Nusa Penida, or Nusa Lembongan, can be a challenge. Whether you’re working remotely, sharing your adventures on social media, or simply staying in touch with friends and family, reliable internet access is important for many travelers. While remote islands may not have the same infrastructure as Bali, there are still several ways to ensure you stay connected during your trip.
Choose Accommodation with Reliable Wi-Fi
The easiest way to ensure consistent internet access while on remote islands is to book accommodations that advertise reliable Wi-Fi. Many guesthouses, hotels, and resorts on islands like Gili Trawangan or Nusa Penida offer free Wi-Fi as part of their amenities. However, keep in mind that the quality of the connection may vary depending on the location and infrastructure.
Use Local SIM Cards for Mobile Data
One of the most reliable ways to stay connected on remote islands is by using a local SIM card with a generous data package. Indonesian mobile networks like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo provide fairly extensive coverage, even on some remote islands. Telkomsel, in particular, is known for having the best reach in Indonesia, including remote islands.
Before heading to the islands, you can purchase a SIM card at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali or at many convenience stores around the island. These SIM cards are often affordable and can be loaded with data plans ranging from a few gigabytes to unlimited options. Popular tourist shops or phone kiosks can also help set up the SIM for your phone, ensuring you’re ready to go once you arrive on the islands.
Portable Wi-Fi Devices and Hotspots
If you’re traveling in a group or need to share your connection across multiple devices, portable Wi-Fi devices (also known as pocket Wi-Fi) are a convenient solution. Companies like JavaMifi, Skyroam, or Rent ‘n Connect allow you to rent portable Wi-Fi devices that you can use across Indonesia, including on remote islands. These devices typically connect to local mobile networks and provide internet access for multiple devices at once.
You can pick up portable Wi-Fi devices at Bali’s airport or have them delivered to your accommodation before your trip. While the speeds may not be as fast as city networks, portable hotspots are a great way to ensure internet access in places where public Wi-Fi isn’t readily available.
Visit Cafes and Restaurants with Free Wi-Fi
In popular tourist destinations like Gili Trawangan or Nusa Lembongan, many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi for customers. This is a great way to stay connected while enjoying local food or a coffee break. The Wi-Fi in these establishments is typically decent enough for basic tasks like browsing, sending messages, or uploading photos.
In areas like Gili Air or Nusa Ceningan, Wi-Fi speeds can be slower, but you’ll still find several beachfront spots that cater to digital nomads and tourists looking for an internet connection. Some places may have faster internet during non-peak hours, so if you need to upload large files or conduct video calls, try visiting these cafes early in the morning or late in the evening when fewer people are using the network.
Check Co-Working Spaces on the Islands
Co-working spaces are becoming more common on some of the larger islands, especially in places like Gili Trawangan or Nusa Penida. These spaces offer reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable workstations, and even printing services. If you’re working remotely and need a stable connection for extended periods, this is a great option.
Popular co-working spaces like Lembongan Co-Working on Nusa Lembongan or The Hub on Gili Trawangan offer a mix of open desks and private rooms, giving you a professional environment to work in. Plus, many co-working spaces offer day passes, allowing you to drop in for just a few hours without committing to a long-term membership.
Plan Around Internet Downtime
Even with the best efforts, internet connections on remote islands can still be unpredictable. Power outages, bad weather, or overloaded networks during peak tourist seasons can affect connectivity. It’s a good idea to plan around potential downtime by downloading essential documents, offline maps, or entertainment before heading to the islands.
If you rely on the internet for work or communication, consider notifying your contacts ahead of time about the possibility of being offline for short periods. This way, you won’t feel pressured to maintain constant connectivity while on the islands.
Explore Offline Alternatives for Navigation
While apps like Google Maps and Waze require internet connectivity for real-time navigation, you can download offline maps before your trip to ensure you can navigate remote islands without an internet connection. On Google Maps, simply select the area you want to explore and download the map for offline use. This is particularly useful when you’re island-hopping or exploring more remote parts of Nusa Penida or Gili Meno.
For translation needs, Google Translate also allows you to download language packs for offline use, helping you communicate with locals even if you lose your internet connection.
Tether Your Phone as a Hotspot
If you’ve purchased a local SIM card with a decent data package, you can use your smartphone as a personal hotspot for other devices like laptops or tablets. While this will use up more data, it’s a convenient option when you need to connect other devices to the internet. Just make sure your data plan supports tethering and that you monitor your data usage to avoid running out.
Many mobile plans in Indonesia offer data add-ons, which can be purchased at any time via mobile apps or by visiting local phone shops.
Prepare for Limited Connectivity on Certain Islands
Not all remote islands are created equal when it comes to internet connectivity. For example, while Gili Trawangan and Nusa Penida have more developed infrastructures, other islands like Gili Meno or Nusa Ceningan may have more limited access to Wi-Fi or mobile networks. It’s important to adjust your expectations and prepare for stretches of time where you might be offline, especially in more remote or less touristy areas.
If staying connected is crucial, research the specific islands and regions before your trip, and choose accommodation or cafes known for better connectivity. If you’re traveling to more isolated spots for an extended period, it may be wise to inform your friends, family, or colleagues that you’ll have limited access to the internet.
