Bali Solo Travel: How To Have An Amazing Trip When Visiting Bali Alone

By Mal Hellyer. This post on traveling Bali solo contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Interested in Bali solo travel?

Then you’re in the right place!

As a woman living in Bali, I can say with confidence that it is one of the best destinations in the world for solo female travelers.

First of all, it’s gorgeous with plenty to do and see. It’s also extremely affordable and safe, which is particularly important for women traveling alone.

And what I love the most about Bali is how easy it is to make friends — so there is no need to worry about feeling lonely while traveling solo.

And if you’re wondering, is Bali safe to travel alone? The answer is yes.

This all being said, it’s important to do some planning in order to help ensure a fun and memorable trip.

Luckily, the following guide shares everything you need to know about visiting Bali alone and a Bali solo trip itinerary.

Quick tip: While Bali is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials. One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves.

Savvy Solo Traveler [Free Course]

But, first, before we dive into the important tips for planning a solo trip to Bali, I want to invite you to grab access to the free Savvy Solo Traveler ecourse, which can help you successfully plan your first solo travel experience!

The six-day ecourse is designed to help you feel confident about booking your solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Grab your seat in the course here!

Then keep reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting Bali alone and traveling solo successfully.

Where To Stay When Visiting Bali Alone

Are you wondering where to stay solo in Bali? Here are some best areas in Bali to stay as a solo female traveler:

Kuta

Kuta is a no-brainer choice when it comes to choosing the best area to stay on a solo trip to Bali. Whether you’re spending a day, a month, or one week in Bali, Kuta should definitely be on your list.

First of all, Kuta is one of Bali’s most popular tourist areas and a backpackers’ paradise — which means cheap accommodation options ranging from hostels to guest houses, great nightlife, and plenty of opportunities to meet people.

Kuta has plenty to offer, too, and thanks to the many shops selling different tours and experiences it’s also a great base to go on various excursions.

Additionally, Kuta is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf! If this is something that you haven’t tried yet, then there is literally no better place in the world to experience that. You can also learn through one of the many surf and yoga retreats in Bali that take place here.

Click here to search local Kuta hotels or check out the map below on where to stay for your solo trips to Bali:

Uluwatu

Uluwatu beaches are some of the best on the island! Living in Bali myself, I’ve really fallen in love with them.

Known for its stunning cliff tops and epic stretches of sand that are perfect for a solo beach trip, Uluwatu is also way less busy than Kuta or Seminyak, without much nightlife, especially off-season.

If you are a beachgoer and want to explore some of Bali’s best beaches, this is the best area for you. Uluwatu also has some world-class surf breaks, attracting surfers from all over the world. So, if you’re an experienced surfer, I recommend Uluwatu.

Just note that if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the beach you’ll want to research the best and worst time to visit Bali.

Click here to search local Uluwatu hotels or check out the map below:

Canggu

Canggu is another fantastic location to stay in Bali as a solo female, especially as it’s where many Bali expats live and is way less touristy in comparison to Seminyak or Kuta.

It is an excellent location for those wanting to stay in Bali beyond the two week holiday. Canggu has a fantastic food scene, with a new café or restaurant popping up literally weekly.

It has some good nightlife and a few awesome beach clubs such as The Finns and La Brisa.

Furthermore, it’s an excellent place for some retail therapy with many independent boutiques and designers along the main Canggu street – Jalan Batu Bolong.

Canggu also has some good surf breaks, such as at Echo Beach and Batu Bolong. They are suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, so if you’re a beginner looking to surf daily, I recommend staying in Seminyak or Kuta. 

Overall, it is one of the best areas for travelling to Bali alone.

Click here to search local Canggu hotels or check out the map below:

Ubud

Situated in the middle of the island, Ubud is considered to be Bali’s cultural capital. It’s also often touted as one of the best places for solo travel in Asia.

You won’t find any nightclubs here, but what you will find are yoga classes, meditation centers, Balinese flower baths, and spiritual retreats.

If you’re a yogi or want to explore a more holistic side to Bali, Ubud is the perfect choice for you. 

Additionally, if you want to visit outdoor attractions, there are many rice fields and waterfalls near Ubud.

Click here to search local Ubud hotels or check out the map below. It’s recommended to spend at least 3 days in Ubud.

Things To Do On A Solo Trip To Bali

One of the biggest benefits of traveling alone is having ultimate freedom over your schedule. Luckily, Bali is a diverse island with so much to do and see. Your Bali solo holiday can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you want it to be.

Here are some of the best things to do in Bali alone that you should include in your Bali itinerary. If you’re wondering “Is solo travel fun?” this list can help ensure it is!

Rice Fields

Bali is famous for its stunning rice fields, and exploring them is one of the best ways to experience authentic Bali. You need to add them to your Bali solo travel itinerary!

If you only have the time for one rice terrace trip, then visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace, situated a short drive north of Ubud.

Beaches

Bali has some epic beaches and going to Bali alone offers the perfect opportunity to spend as much time at them as you want. The best beaches are located on the Bukit Peninsula and within Uluwatu.

Visit Suluban Beach, where you can spot many pro surfers. The best way to enjoy Suluban is to watch the sunset from one of the clifftop bars such as Single Fins.

Nyang Nyang Beach has an awesome shipwreck, while Balangan Beach has a fantastic viewpoint perfect for an epic photo.

Bali also has some black-sanded beaches such as Amed, Pasut, and Lovina. And if you’re looking for the best diving spots, you will love Candidasa Beach in East Bali.

Temples

The majority of Balinese people are Hindu, and their religious practices are rich and distinct. The best way to experience this part of Balinese culture is by visiting some gorgeous Bali temples.

Visit Tanah Lot Temple — which is best enjoyed at sunset — or Uluwatu Temple, famous for Kecak dance shows.

And if you would like to immerse yourself in Balinese spirituality, attend a cleansing ritual at Pura Tirta Empul Temple.

Activities

If you travel Bali solo and are a nature lover, you will love to know that it is also a fantastic place for active travel adventures.

The island has some of the world’s best surf breaks, which means it is the ultimate bucket list destination for many professional surfers.

But the good news is Bali is also an excellent place to learn surfing. For instance, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Canggu, and Kuta have many good surfing schools at very affordable rates. If you want to hang out with fellow surfing students, I recommend booking a surf camp which is an excellent way of making friends. 

Finally, if you love yoga, there is no better place to practice than Bali. Try one of the many Ubud yoga houses.

Other awesome activities to try in Bali include hiking up Mount Batur, diving in Candidasa, and swimming with turtles off the shore of Gili Trawangan. Doing a sunrise hike up Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, is also epic, though note it’s recommended to spend at least 2 weeks in Bali if doing this as it’s a 10-12 hour hike that also requires 1-2 days for recovery.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a small island situated off the shore of Bali. If you love exploring beautiful nature, you’ll love Penida Island.

One not-to-miss experience here is visiting a few of the most epic beaches you have ever seen, such as Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, and Crystal Bay Beach.

You can visit Nusa Penida on a day tour — like these — or if you want to explore the island at your own pace, you can stay for a few days.

If you have more time, I recommend snorkeling with the manta rays and visiting the Mangrove forest on Nusa Lembongan.

Nightlife

If you’re a party girl, you won’t be disappointed by Bali, which has incredible nightlife year-round.

The best areas for nightlife are Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu, where you can hit up the beach clubs at sunset.

Try Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, Single Fin in Uluwatu, or La Brisa in Canggu.

Getting Around Bali

If you travel to Bali alone, you’ll have plenty of options for getting around!

By Scooter

The easiest way to get around Bali, since public transport is virtually non-existent, is to hire a scooter. Scooter rentals in Bali are exceptionally affordable and start at 50,000 IDR per day (equivalent to about $3). 

Taxi Services

Taxis are great for moving from A to B, such as airport pick-up and drop-off. Make sure you always go with a reputable taxi company such as Bluebird Taxi Bali.

You can also hire drivers for a full day to visit places in Bali, which is a convenient way to explore the island.

Go Jek

When traveling around Asia, you can use ride-sharing to get around through Go Jek, which is the Asian equivalent of Uber. It is one of the best ways to explore Bali as a solo traveller.

It is also an affordable way to get around Bali, especially for those who don’t feel comfortable riding a scooter. Just download the Go Jek app on your phone, enter your location, and you’re good to go. You can choose between a motorbike or a car ride.

Go Jek also delivers food from local restaurants, which is an excellent option if you want to stay in.

Organized Tours

Another way to get about Bali is to book an organized tour, which allows you to meet other people, learn about Bali, and have all of your activity logistics taken care of for you.

You can pre-book your tours before your holiday or book them when you’re already in Bali.

Here are a few popular Bali tour options:

• Bali Instagram Tour: The Most Scenic Spots (Denpasar)
• Bali Full-Day Water Temples and UNESCO Rice Terraces Tour (Denpasar)
• Highlights of Ubud: Nature, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Temple & More (Sanur)
• Bali Quad Biking and White Water Rafting (Badung Regency)
• Nusa Penida Highlights Day Trip: All-Inclusive (Nusa Dua)
• Ubud: Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace, Water Temple & Waterfall (Seminyak)
• ATV Quad Bike Through Tunnel and Waterfall in Bali (Kabupaten Gianyar)

Click here for a full list of Bali tours.

Where To Eat & Drink When Visiting Bali Alone

It is widely acceptable to eat in Bali alone, which is great for solo female travelers.

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive meal, I recommend eating in a local warung, which is a small family-owned restaurant.

Some are very traditional and others more modern. You normally can just point out what you want, and the meal prices start at 20,000 IDR per meal ($1.5). My favorite warung in Canggu is Warung Local.

For a more upmarket experience, eat in cafes. Places like Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Uluwatu have plenty of them. They’re usually pretty casual, and as long as you order something, you can stay as long as you want.

Most Canggu expats work in cafes. Here are some of my favorite cafes in Bali:

KYND Community – it is a super cute and very Instagrammable café situated in Seminyak. Visit for the best-looking and tasting vegan food in town.

The Loft – is a chain, so you’ll find their cafes in Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu.

Ours Café – situated in Uluwatu, Ours is excellent for healthy and delicious eats.

Milu by Nook – is situated in Canggu with a really cool ambiance and a rice field in their inner courtyard. Milu by Nook is excellent for any time of the day and a cocktail or two in the evening.

Bali Solo Travel Safety

Generally, Bali is one of the safest places in Southeast Asia for solo female travelers. I’ve lived in Bali for up to 12 months at a time, traveled extensively with a friend and on my own and never felt unsafe.

However, the prolonged border closure has pushed many Balinese people into poverty which means that petty crime now happens more often than in the past.

General Bali Safety Tips

Here are a few Bali travel tips to keep in mind in regard to safety:

Avoid walking alone after dark. This is something I wouldn’t recommend in any city in the world. Most towns in Bali are not suitable for walking due to the lack of pedestrian pavement. So, even during the day, it’s not the safest to walk on the roads.

If you decide to use Tinder or Bumble in Bali, make sure the first date is during the day and in a public place such as a café.

Finances

I probably don’t need to tell you that you shouldn’t carry too much cash with you at any time, but there are a few other matters that are worth considering if you’re traveling solo.

While you can pay by card in fancy Western cafes and restaurants, cash in Bali is still the most reliable payment method. The tricky part is that ATMs in Bali are often unreliable, and sometimes it takes a few goes to get your cash out.

I recommend bringing two types of cards — a Visa and a MasterCard — so that if one of them doesn’t work you still have a backup. Always keep the second card stored in the safety box at your hotel.

Also, I recommend getting a prepaid travel card such as Monzo or Revolut. They have excellent exchange rates, and you can top them up easily using an app on your phone.

Scooter Safety

If you decide to ride a scooter, always wear a good-quality helmet. Most accidents in Bali happen on a motorbike so take extra precautions if you’re not an experienced driver. I would recommend wearing a full-face helmet as most accidents involve going over the handles and falling on your teeth.

If you’re staying in Bali for longer, get yourself a new helmet that you won’t mind wearing. They cost about $30.

Moreover, always put your purse under the seat. Having your bag snatched off you while riding a motorbike is the most common theft scenario in Bali. You can also wear hidden pocket clothing to avoid pickpockets.

It’s also wise to avoid driving your scooter alone at night. You can call a Go Jek motorbike driver to escort you safely back to your accommodation. Go Jek is equivalent to Uber in Europe, and it is incredibly affordable and safe in Indonesia.

Solo Travel Bali Final Tips

Traveling solo doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be alone all the time. Here are some great ways to meet people while traveling in Bali:

Facebook groups – There are a few Facebook groups specifically for women where you can ask questions about anything Bali-related and suggest meetups up with other women. My favorite group is Girls in Bali.

Stay in hostels – Staying in hostels is a great way to be around people, have some interesting conversations, hang out, and make friends.

Dating apps – Bumble or Tinder can also be a good way to meet people. The Bumble app actually has a friend mode, but generally, meeting a guy or a girl can be casual and doesn’t need to lead to anything.

Bali Solo Trip Cost

While the daily budget on a solo trip to Bali will vary greatly depending on your accommodation, where you eat, and the way you travel, here are some useful averages to give you an idea of what you can expect.

Accommodation – $10 for a night in a hostel, $50 double mid-range room

Food – $3 for a meal in a warung, $10 a meal with a drink in a western cafe

Transport – $3.5 scooter rental a day, $60 car with a driver hire per day

Activities – $31 for a two-hour surf class, $7 for a one-hour massage, $21 return ferry to Nusa Penida

Bali Car Rental

Many travelers to Bali choose to rent a car. You can do this through a platform like Discover Cars which allows you to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Bali Travel Insurance

When visiting Bali — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Bali Solo Female Travel FAQs

Still have questions about solo travel in Bali? Here are some answers:

Q) Is Bali good for solo travel?

Yes, a solo trip in Bali is a wonderful idea! The country is very safe and welcoming for solo female travelers and there are endless activities that you can enjoy on your own.

Q) Is it safe to travel to Bali alone?

Yes, Bali is a safe destination to visit solo, especially if you stay in Canggu and other popular spots for travelers and digital nomads.

Q) How much does a solo trip to Bali cost?

The cost of solo travel to Bali will depend entirely on your travel style. It can be a very budget destination with $10 dorm beds and $3 meals or a luxury destination. You can use my solo travel budget calculator to estimate your costs!

Q) What are the best places to stay in Bali for solo female travelers?

Kuta, Uluwatu, Canggu, and Ubud are all great places to stay on your solo Bali trip.

Q) Is Bali safe for solo travel?

Yes, traveling to Bali alone is safe. As long as you take the standard travel precautions, like not waving money around, you shouldn’t have any issues.

What would you add to this Bali solo travel guide?

About The Author

Mal Hellyer is a digital nomad and passionate world traveler living in Bali. She runs Raw Mal Roams – which provides practical tips to solo female travelers – as well as Where To Stay Bali, a site dedicated to helping people plan the perfect trip to Bali. You can follow Mal’s adventures in Bali and beyond on Instagram.

Enjoyed this Bali solo travel itinerary? Pin this guide on solo female travel in Bali for later!