Solo traveling around Bali is a great chance to explore the island freely and at your own pace.
Explore enchanting temples, experience the vibrant nightlife, make quick friends and immerse yourself in the culture.
By visiting alone, you’ll have the freedom to go wherever you want, when you want – no planning required!
You’ll meet loads of locals who are excited to share their insider knowledge, and show you around their home. Balinese people, and Indonesians in general, are incredibly proud of their homeland.
For those looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Pack your bags and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
Here is everything you need to know about taking a solo traveling around Bali.
Why Travel Solo in Bali?
There are endless reasons why you might want to take your travels into your own hands and go solo traveling in Bali. You might want to avoid big crowded tours, save some money or just go at your own pace – Bali is a totally safe place to go it alone.
Spend your days wandering the island, mixing in groups you wouldn’t usually meet and exploring places that you wouldn’t usually go. When you are adventuring solo, you don’t need to worry about suiting someone else’s schedule, you can do it however you want.
There are amazing, vast landscapes, must-see cultural sights and lot of days where you can lounge away on the beautiful Bali beaches without having someone rushing you.
The Island of the Gods has a reputation for ‘changing people’. It is often used as a spiritual pilgrimage to find one’s purpose, and help work out the next steps in life. When you take the leap to visit Bali solo, you can really delve deep into your own self-development and improvement.
Where to Stay in Bali as a Solo Traveler
For the adventurous solo traveler, Bali is a dream destination. It has a little bit of everything from an energetic nightlife in Canggu, to spiritual temples in Ubud and the breathtaking vistas in Uluwatu – it is a tropical paradise that will lure you in for the time of your life.
Solo Traveling in Canggu
Canggu is the number 1 spot to stay in Bali right now. The charming coastal town is full of beaches, instagrammable cafes, restaurants, nightlife and shops.
A perfect place to meet people and find some travel buddies, Canggu is the most popular spot for backpackers, luxe explorers and solo travelers in Bali. It is teeming with digital nomads who have made the island their home thanks to all the amazing coworking spaces and Western amenities.
Spend your days hanging out on the beach, taking surf lessons and sipping coconuts, then refreshing before a night of partying, drinking and dancing in some of the best clubs in Canggu. If you are a totally outgoing person or prefer something a little more lowkey, Canggu has something for everyone!
For those who can’t go without their workout, the town is packed with modern gyms and fitness centers that offer every kind of work out – CrossFit, F45, pilates, yoga, everything! Getting down with your favourite hobby is a great way to make some friends.
As one of the busiest parts of Bali, you will encounter a lot of traffic, crowds and tourists, however as everything is so spread out across the town, it won’t bother your visit too much. If you aren’t keen to drive yourself, the GOJEK and Grab apps are a totally safe and reliable way to get around.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Canggu:
Tribal Hostel
Solo Traveling in Seminyak
If Canggu is the boho dream of Bali, Seminyak is the cosmopolitan heart of the island. It is a hip and vibrant area filled with amazing restaurants, bars, beach clubs and amenities. A beautiful town to call your island home, it has everything you need in the way of comfortable amenities, while mingling with classic Bali life.
When traveling solo in Seminyak, you’ll have everything you need in walking distance – no matter where you stay. Enjoy days around the town finding cute, trendy cafes, trying out world-class food and having a laze on the sand soaking in the sun.
A top spot for beachfront sunset cocktails, head to one of the town’s lavish beach clubs where the music gets louder as the day turns into night. With a front row view to a famous sunset and a cool vibey atmosphere, the party people will find it easy to make friends!
Wanna party? The nightlife in Seminyak is THRIVING! The area is packed with plenty of bars and clubs where you can dance the night away, or just grab a few drinks and watch live music. If you are heading out alone, be sure to stay cautious and aware of your belongings, keeping an eye on your drink at all times.
Staying in Seminyak is incredibly safe for solo travelers. Taking all the usual precautions like staying vigilant of your belongings, staying away from weird situations, and not doing anything stupid – like drinking too much or hopping in a random car, you are sure to have a comfortable and memorable stay!
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Seminyak:
Solo Traveling in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural heart of the island where many people head for a more spiritual experience. With some beautiful landscapes, cool attractions and heaps of culture, if you want to see a touch of the real Bali, Ubud is a must!
You can join in spiritual experiences like a traditional Melukat cleansing and rituals, explore the incredible Hindu temples, and get lost in the magnificent jungle. A stay in Ubud is filled with magic!
The mountain air of Ubud is fresh and invigorating – the temperatures tend to be cooler than in the rest of Bali making it perfect for a relaxing getaway. Plus, the local food scene is top notch! There are plenty of healthy food options, including vegan and vegetarian spots.
Although the heart of the town can be pretty manic with beeping bikes and hawking tourists, once you get away from the main road and into the smaller, quieter villages, you can really immerse in the culture of Bali.
Traveling around Ubud alone can be a truly transformative experience. You can go it solo the whole time, or join a yoga retreat or class to make some new friends.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Ubud:
Outpost Ubud Penestanan Coworking & Coliving
Solo Traveling in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is surfer central, renowned for expansive ocean views, breathtaking beaches, and interesting culture. Their expat scene is on the rise too!
The Ulu coastline is filled with hidden hideaways for days in the sun, and those sought-after waves for surfers of all levels.
As well as being a digital nomad and beach-goer hotspot, there are some great cultural spots to see. There’s Uluwatu Temple and the GWK Cultural Park that will let you learn even more about the Balinese culture.
And make sure the famous, magical Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple is on your to-do list!
The area is incredibly safe and welcoming to solo travelers. As with everywhere on the island, the locals are super friendly and welcoming – there will always be someone offering a helping hand.
You’ll quickly find that Uluwatu is an affordable destination, making it a great choice for budget travelers.
For getting around, renting a scooter is best as public transportation is pretty limited. That being said, you will need to have a little experience driving in Uluwatu to feel comfortable on the winding roads – don’t push yourself if you don’t feel ready!
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Uluwatu:
Solo Traveling in Kuta
Kuta may no longer be one of the most popular areas to visit in Bali, but it is a great spot for having everything you need in walking distance.
Known for its sprawling beach and large shopping malls, it is an ideal place to spend lazy days enjoying the sun, doing some retail therapy and basking in the calm, tropical atmosphere of Bali.
Packed with amazingly affordable hotels, hostels, guesthouses and villas, you can have a touch of luxury even if you are on a budget and alone. Solo travelers in Bali will love the hostel options as it will help you make friends to head out and explore with.
Kuta’s nightlife is renowned, with huge buzzing bars and clubs lining Legian street. You can party away till the early hours of the morning, just a moment’s ride away from your accommodation (order a GO-JEK!!)
It is a little further out from the new up and coming fave places in Bali, but it is close to the airport and a great start to a Bali adventure.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Kuta:
Solo Traveling in Other Parts of Bali
There are many other parts of Bali that are equally as beautiful and worthwhile visiting as a solo traveler. With stunning landscapes, outstanding accommodations and must-do activities, you don’t want to miss out on these more untouched parts of the island.
Kintamani is magnificent area of Bali filled with natural beauty which remains, relatively, untouched. The mountainous region is home to the magical Lake Batur and active volcano Mount Batur. You can find some great hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls and traditional villages.
Lovina is another rural place to explore if you’re looking for a more off the beaten path experience. There are black sand beaches, beautiful coral reefs and some epic diving spots!
For a more unique solo traveling experience in Bali, these less touristy places are definitely worth checking out.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Other Parts of Bali:
Top Tips for Solo Traveling in Bali
- Pack light: One of the best tips for traveling alone in Bali is to pack light. You don’t want to be carrying around a heavy backpack with all your belongings from place to place. Pack the essentials and pick up anything else you need on the island – they have pretty much everything you can think of!
- Research: Before you go, it’s important to do your research about Bali. Learn about the culture, customs, language, and attractions. This will help you better understand the island and make the most out of your trip. Of course you’ll find everything you need to know on Balipedia 😉
- Stay safe: Safety is paramount when traveling alone! Make sure to stay in well-lit and secure areas, keep your valuables safe, and always let someone know where you’re going. Many accommodations in Bali are safe, but be sure to check reviews before booking anywhere.
- Respect the culture: Bali is a very diverse and religious place. Be sure you respect the culture and customs of the locals. This means being mindful of how you dress, following the rules, and being polite. You will get much more out of your experience if you stay respectful.
- Stay connected: Stay connected with your friends and family back home but don’t get lost in the Instagram hype. Put down your phone and really take a look at the island.
- Learn some Bahasa Indonesia: Learning some basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia will make your stay even easier! Impress the locals with a little bit of their own language – you may even get some better deals at the markets 😉
- Get travel insurance: Although it isn’t a requirement to have travel insurance for Bali, we highly recommend it! You never know what is around the corner in terms of delays, missing luggage, accidents and robbings, cover your back for it all with a good insurance!
- Be flexible: Don’t feel like you have to stick to a strict itinerary during your Bali holiday. Be flexible and open to new experiences! It will help you make the most of your trip and find yourself in some truly incredible situations.
- Have fun: Traveling solo around Bali isn’t something everyone gets to do! Make the most of the opportunity and really dive into every chance handed to you, you won’t regret it!
Final Thoughts
Solo traveling in Bali is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a solo traveler. The island is overflowing with natural beauty and an interesting, rich culture. It’s easy to discover something new every day.
Whether you venture out to explore the expansive rice terraces and villages of the central highlands, or take in the breathtaking views from atop the Uluwatu cliff tops, there’s truly something for everyone.
Packed with other adventurous backpackers and travelers looking for an adventure buddy, heading to Bali solo won’t be lonely!
Featured image: Alengkong Bali Camp
