Balinese massage: where to go and how much does it cost?
Pretty much anywhere: in Bali there's a massage place on every corner, from the tiny local salon to the luxury hotel spa. An hour of Balinese massage costs 90,000 to 150,000 IDR (about US$5 to US$8) in a simple salon, and more than 1,000,000 IDR (about US$55) in a top spa.
What is a Balinese massage?
It's a full-body oil massage (often coconut oil, scented with frangipani or lemongrass) that combines long gliding strokes, pressure on specific points, kneading and stretching. It's firmer than a typical relaxation massage, without being painful. The Balinese have practised it for centuries, and the techniques are often passed down within families.
Spas also offer traditional treatments to add on:
- The boreh: a warm wrap of rice and spices (ginger, cloves), once used by farmers after a day in the rice fields.
- The lulur: a turmeric and rice body scrub from the royal courts of Java, where it was used to prepare brides.
- The flower bath: a warm bath covered in petals, to finish in style.
How much does it cost?
Rough prices for one hour:
- Local salon: 90,000 to 150,000 IDR (US$5 to US$8).
- Mid-range spa: 200,000 to 400,000 IDR (US$11 to US$22), in nicer surroundings (shower, tea, garden).
- Five-star hotel spa: 500,000 to more than 1,500,000 IDR (US$28 to more than US$85), with jungle or ocean views.
Watch for the little "++" after a price: it means tax and service are added on top, often 15 to 21% more.
What to expect
- Booking: walk in at small salons; book the day before for well-known spas, especially in Ubud and Seminyak. Some Ubud spas even pick you up for free.
- On the day: you'll be given disposable underwear, and your body stays covered with a towel throughout.
- Pressure: say so from the start. Pelan-pelan means "gently", lebih keras means "harder".
- Tipping: not compulsory, but a few tens of thousands of rupiah are appreciated in a small salon, where wages are low.
On the beaches, especially at Kuta and Sanur, women also offer massages on the sand. It's cheaper, but oil, sand and sun rarely mix well.
Verdict: for regular massages, a local salon or a mid-range spa does the job nicely. Save the five-star spa for a special treat.
Tip: book your first massage on the day you arrive. After the flight, it's the best cure for heavy legs, and it helps you sleep properly from the first night.
Information checked in November 2026; check again before you travel.