A destination known for being a solo traveller’s paradise, Bali is packed with ancient temples, golden sandy beaches, and thriving rice fields. The Indonesian island is ideal for budding nomads, regardless of whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or spirituality.
It’s, therefore, no surprise that most of its visitors will continue to come back year after year – some even deciding to make the move here permanent. However, while Bali is regarded as relatively safe, it’s still important to be aware of how to prepare and protect yourself, especially as a solo female traveller.
In this guide, we take a look at how to make the most of your trip to Bali, including where solo female travellers should stay, what activities to take part in, and how to make lifelong friends.
Where to stay in Bali
Canggu
A resort village located on the south coast, Canggu is probably best known for its buzzing nightlife scene. Batu Batlong in particular is great for socialising and meeting other travellers since the area is populated mostly by tourists and expatriates. The locals also speak great English.
Canggu is generally deemed safe for female travellers, with street harassment not being a prevalent issue. It’s still recommended that you try to stay in crowded areas and don’t travel alone late at night. You should also try to respect local customs and dress modestly when out and about in public.
Ubud
One of the more laid-back areas in Bali, Ubud is unofficially referred to as the cultural and spiritual capital of the island. From meditation to yoga and purification rituals, it’s a haven for those looking to relax and unwind. It’s because of its deeply ingrained culture and customs that Ubud is deemed safe for solo female travellers.
One of the highlights of Ubud is the Monkey Forest, where you’ll get the chance to interact with the cheeky inhabitants of the sacred sanctuary. Do be careful though as they can be super aggressive, particularly if you have no bananas to give them.
What to do in Bali
Practice Yoga
You can’t visit Bali without attending a Yoga class, it’s practically unheard of. What’s better than clearing the mind and stretching the body amid beautiful scenery? The Yoga Barn is one of the top places in Bali for Yoga classes, ranging from styles like Vinyasa Flow to Hatha, Iyengar, and Yin.
Afterwards, consider experiencing a Balinese flower bath. The rejuvenating ritual is available at most spas, blending the healing properties of warm water with fragrant blossoms. If this sounds good to you, head over to The Udaya or Karsa Spa.
Visit the beach
There’s no shortage of beaches and villa pools to spend the day building your tan in Bali. Out of all the islands in the Indonesian archipelago, the beaches here are undoubtedly the best – and there are thousands.
Visiting early in the morning is the best time for a beach trip since the humidity is more bearable and there are fewer tourists. You’ll generally find a range of cafés and bars in the southern part of the island as this is the most developed.
Jimbaran Beach is a popular choice thanks to its fantastic sunsets and delicious cuisine. The gentle waters are also ideal if you’re looking to try your hand at surfing for the first time.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking a quiet escape from Bali’s crowds, Green Bowl Beach is your best bet. The seaweed-covered cliffs provide the perfect backdrop to the secluded fine-sand coastline and glistening waters. There are vendors selling snacks, just be sure to keep your food and valuables away from those pesky monkeys.
Do note that while most of the beaches are free, some do require foreigners to pay a small fee, which can be as little as £1.
Stroll through Rice Terraces
The rice fields in Bali are considered sacred, which is reflected in the many temples and statues dedicated to the goddess of rice and fertility, Dewi Sri. A trip to these rice fields or terraces is a must and are some of the oldest and best preserved in the whole of Asia.
There are rice terraces all over the island but one of the best is Tegallalang. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these rice fields can be found just north of Ubud in the Gianyar Regency. If you follow the trips of popular travel influencers, you’ll have likely seen them posing for photographs here on giant swings or going ziplining.
Jatikuwih is another popular rice terrace in Bali, and one of the largest. Covering 600 hectares on the Batukara mountain range, the vistas are like no other. There are also pathways allowing you to ride bikes through the area.
Making your way around Bali
Firstly, it’s important to sort out how you will reach your accommodation once you land in Bali. This sounds easier than it is, however, since there are little to no taxi ranks and the taxi kiosks aren’t the simplest. Avoid the hassle after your long-haul flight by pre-booking a Bali airport transfer that’ll greet you on arrival. You’re also guaranteed a price that is fair.
During the time you’re in Bali, it’s recommended that you book a scooter taxi on either the Go-jek or Grab apps or use Bluebird Taxis instead of getting in one off the street. That way, you can be sure the driver is legitimate. Some tourists have reported scams and dishonest drivers, particularly those wearing branded jackets. Keep your wits about you and do as you would back home and you should be fine.
Metered taxis in Bali are very cheap but it’s important to ask the meter to be engaged or negotiate a price before setting off. If they do so happily with little to no argument, make sure to tip them at least IDR10k for their manners. Generally, you’ll find drivers become more difficult for longer journeys, those during hours peak hours, or fares from tourist attractions.
How to meet people in Bali
Travelling solo doesn’t mean you’ll be alone for your stay here. Bali is one of the best places to meet like-minded individuals on their own adventures. Before going, it’s worth joining trustworthy social media groups.
Some good ones to look for include Canggu Nomad Girls and Girls in Bali, both found on Facebook. Simply include a few words about yourself and see if anyone is up for meeting you for a drink or tagging along on a tour.
If you’re planning to stay in a hostel, you’ll also likely make friends this way too. Not only are these accommodation types incredibly affordable but they often organise activities for you to take part in around the island.
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