Are you planning on travelling solo in Bali in the near future? Bali is an incredible destination for solo travellers! Its natural beauty coupled with its wonderful hotels, resorts, restaurants and shops makes it one of the best countries in the world to visit.
For most of the pandemic Bali’s borders were closed, but they have now started welcoming tourists once again! Bali is coming back to life.
Bali has been a tourist hotspot for a long time now and is extremely popular with Digital Nomads and people working remotely so there are plenty of options for beautiful accommodation, food, transport and all your creature comforts. This means that Bali is the perfect place to visit for solo travellers and beginner travellers. It has everything you need (and more!) to have an unforgettable and relatively stress-free stay when you are travelling alone.
If you are travelling to Bali for the first time solo, it is good to know a few things before you go so there are fewer headaches and no surprises once you arrive! I recently spent a month in Bali for the first time and I was travelling solo the whole time. Overall I found Bali to be an awesome place to travel solo. Everything is really well set up and easy as a solo traveller plus there are lots of other solo travellers and a thriving expat community to connect with everywhere you go.
In this post, I’m sharing 23 things that are handy to know before you embark on a solo trip to Bali.
These tips include logistical things such as how to get around, money, getting a sim card, cultural awareness, visas and so on. We’ve also included tips on where to stay, hotels and things to do in Bali to meet other travellers!
1. Make sure you get your card out of the ATM before you leave
This is a very important tip for travelling solo in Bali. One thing that catches many travellers out in Bali (and other Asian countries) is that the ATM will take your card and only give it back after you have received the cash. Many people accidentally take cash and forget about their card leaving it in the ATM and losing it. Losing a card when you’re travelling is a real pain (which is why you should always have at least two cards with you!), especially if you’re travelling alone and can’t rely on friends or family to cover you while you sort out your financial situation.
It’s really easy to withdraw cash in Bali. You’ll find ATMs everywhere! Try and go for an Indonesian bank that is either attached to a bank or in a designated ATM area.
2. Use ride-sharing apps to get around
Ride-sharing apps will be your saving grace when travelling solo in Bali. Many tourists get around Bali using scooters. However, this is not advised if you aren’t very confident and experienced on a scooter as traffic is busy and the driving can be erratic. The last thing you need when you’re alone in another country is to end up in hospital after an accident (plus your insurance may not even cover riding motorbikes – always pay extra for this option!). Walking can be a challenge as well due to the distances to travel, the crazy traffic and the lack of footpaths.
Luckily there are other ways to get around Bali with relative ease! Bali has two main ride-sharing apps which are essentially the same as Uber. They are called Grab and Gojek. Download the app and request car or motorbike rides to zip you around. Doing this can be easier than catching taxis as you don’t need to argue over the price or whether there is a meter.
It’s important to note that there are tensions in Bali between taxi drivers and ride-sharing apps. This means that ride-sharing services supposedly aren’t allowed in all places (such as the airport, Ubud and some other more touristy places).
Personally, I used Gojek mainly to get around. It was the best price and they always had drivers arrive within a couple of minutes. I used the scooter rides for getting short distances in Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. I also used the car option when it was raining or to go long distances when I was changing location. For example going from Ubud to Canggu, Canggu to Uluwatu and so on. There was no need to order in advance and the prices were excellent.
3. Hire local drivers for day trips
Drivers are extremely helpful for travelling solo in Bali. Once you’re in Bali, you will likely be able to connect with reliable local drivers who you can call or text to give you a ride when you need one. You can connect with a good driver through Facebook groups, people you meet and also your accommodation.
Having a personal driver is amazing when you want to go on a day trip somewhere and see a bunch of places in one day, especially when you’re travelling solo. Many of the drivers are super friendly! They will keep you company, take you to cool spots you may not have known about and they will even take photos for you!
I used Klook to book a private driver one day to take me around to some of the places I wanted to see around Ubud such as a waterfall, the Pura Tirta Temple and the Tegalalang rice terraces. They had good prices and great communication for pick up. The only thing I’d recommend is knowing exactly where you want to go in your given timeframe and insisting that the driver sticks to the route. Avoid letting the driver decide where to take you for lunch as well. My driver basically lied to me about a waterfall I wanted to see being out of ‘zone’ and insisted I go to a tourist trap coffee plantation. He then took me to an overpriced average restaurant that was miles away and we got stuck in terrible traffic. All this happened because I was going with the flow and accommodating his recommendations but in hindsight, I should have had a solid plan
4. Tips for dealing with Bali belly
Bali belly is a notorious problem for first-timers in Bali. It’s not nice to have when you are travelling solo in Bali! Your digestive system won’t be adjusted to the bacteria in Bali. This can lead to diarrhoea and an upset stomach. Having Bali belly is kind of inevitable, especially if you haven’t travelled much in Asia, so it is best to go prepared.
When you’re alone in a foreign country and feeling sick, it can be lonely and even a bit scary not having your usual support network around. So help prevent Bali belly! You can do this by taking activated charcoal with you. You can buy activated charcoal tablets on Amazon or you can buy them in powder form in Bali (look out for a shop called Bali Buddha). Use activated charcoal when you start to feel a bit sick as it helps carry the bacteria out of your system without affecting you too much.
I took activated charcoal capsules and Saccharomyces Boulardii (which are perfect for upset tummies) with me. One time I actually got sick off eating something and took both of these and I was completely fine the next day.
5. Tipping isn’t customary in Bali
It’s good to know that you aren’t expected to tip anyone in Bali for solo travellers. No one is going to be asking for a tip or getting upset if you don’t give one. At restaurants, a service fee (and sometimes other fees such as taxes) are added to the bill anyway. It may be appropriate to tip in some circumstances, for example, your driver after a long day trip takes care of you. When travelling solo in Bali, costs can be more expensive since you aren’t splitting bills, so this is a great money-saving tip!
6. Be aware of spiritual customs and holidays
The majority of the population in Bali is Hindu. They are very spiritual and they have a lot of rituals, festivals, holidays and ceremonies that they participate in daily. This is part of what makes Bali such a beautiful and special island to visit! For example, Nyepi is a holiday in March when everything closes, lights are off, and the internet is off. Everything shuts down, even the airport.
Many village ceremonies are happening all the time which are amazing to see. It’s special to get fully immersed in the spiritual culture and traditions while you are here, to be aware of them and to also respect them. Be aware that you need to cover your legs and shoulders when visiting sacred sites and temples.
It is also important to note that when women are on their period they are not permitted in many temples and sacred sites. This can’t be policed but out of respect for their culture and religion, these places should be avoided if you are menstruating.
7. Bali is a volcanic region which can disrupt flights at short notice
It’s good to know this so you aren’t too surprised if your flight in or out of Bali is suddenly cancelled, especially when travelling solo in Bali. There’s not much point in worrying much about it because it’s completely out of your control and shouldn’t deter you from visiting. It’s just good to know! It’s also good to know that there are frequent earthquakes in Bali so you can expect to feel a rumble during your stay.
Make sure you have good travel insurance!
8. Make sure you know what visa you need (if any) before going to the airport
Make sure you have everything you need for your visa to gain entry at the airport. Many countries can get a visa on arrival for $35USD at the airport before you go through border control which is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days. The visa-free entry for 30 days is now limited to a few countries in Asia since the pandemic – always check on the official websites for the most up-to-date visa information.
To get the visa on arrival you need 6 months on your passport and proof of onward travel. You can pay the fee in a number of currencies in cash (not NZD though!) or you can pay by card – they don’t charge any surcharge for using a card. I paid by card.
At the time of writing you had to show proof that you have had 2 shots of an approved COVID vaccine to gain entry and that is all. You just need to show someone your international vaccine pass before paying for your visa on arrival.
9. Take the stress out by getting VIP airport service for just $30 with TIC Bali.
With this service, you get a driver who picks you up right after you get off the plane and they take you privately from the tarmac to the terminal. The VIP service will stay with you until you are through customs, have your bag and find your driver.
They will help you get a SIM card, go to an ATM and answer any questions for you. This service will be super beneficial if you feel nervous about coming to Bali alone for the first time and the process of going through the airport.
I thought about using this service because I get a bit anxious going to a new airport but I’m glad I didn’t bother because I was lucky enough to not have any queues at all really. You may not be so lucky though! The airport is nice and new and laid out in a way where it is easy to find everything you need like ATMs and SIM cards.
10. Get a SIM card at the airport
When you are travelling solo, it is important to be connected as soon as you land so that you can communicate and find your way around. Unless you want to pay high roaming fees from your home country, the best way to stay connected is to get a local SIM.
Many people will tell you to not get a SIM at the airport because it is much more expensive, however, for safety and convenience it is probably a good idea to just get one at the airport. I ended up getting my SIM card at the airport and I paid about $50NZD for 45GB of data – I went with the data only option. When my data ran out before the month was up and I topped up my phone with more data I realised how expensive it actually was haha! Also, about 15GB of the data I received was specifically for streaming and so I couldn’t use it for anything else and it went to waste. I would ask them about this and try to make sure you receive the full data package in GB you can use for everything.
Indonesia has made it more difficult for travellers to get SIM cards and requires you to have your passport and passport photos. All of this can be done at the airport for you but if you go to a local store you may have to go on a mission to get photos as well! Plus the time and money to go out and find a stall, it’s not really worth it (unless you are on a super strict budget).
The Wifi in the airport worked well so you will be able to get connected to your driver or hotel through whatsapp after you land if you don’t get a SIM. I’m fine with my choice to get a SIM card at the airport but I would change the way I do it next time.
11. Organise a ride from the airport to your accommodation in advance
When you depart the airport you will be faced with a ton of taxi drivers who want your business. This can feel super overwhelming and a bit intimidating especially if you are on your own.
See if your hotel will arrange a driver to come and pick you up so you don’t have to try and get a taxi (and possibly get ripped off!) or walk out of the airport to get a ride share.
Take the easy option and opt to have a driver with your name on a board pick you up. If you arrive late and don’t want to travel far to your next destination, book a hotel near the airport and continue your journey the following day.
I arranged a transfer from the airport to Kuta with Klook. I was anxious that they just wouldn’t turn up but the service was amazing and the transfer was friendly and smooth. It was also an excellent price! On the way back to the airport I booked a driver through Booking.com as I used them to book my last guesthouse. That also went without a hitch and was an even better price than Gojek. Gojek and Grab are also other great options for airport transfers. I’d avoid arranging a transfer with your hotel unless you don’t mind being ripped off.
12. Be careful with the animals in Bali
Many animals in Bali carry rabies, which is incredibly deadly. The monkeys aren’t friendly and just want your food so don’t get too close to them. Whatever you do, don’t make eye contact! There are some known places where monkeys cause havoc, even stealing phones and money from people. Pandang Padang Beach in Uluwatu is one of those places!
I found the street dogs in Bali to be a bit stand offish they weren’t really interested in too much connection. However, many of the cats were extremely affectionate. Interesting!
13. Visit the popular spots for photos as early as you can
Bali is fully back in business which means that crowds are flocking once again to this magical island to capture the perfect image for their Instagram feed.
There are so many stunning (and ultra-famous) spots to visit such as the beaches of Nusa Penida, waterfalls around Ubud, temples and so on. Beat the crowds by going super early. you can arrange all of this with your driver!
14. Where to stay?
If you are on a tight budget or really want to mingle and meet other people then staying in a hostel is your best bet! There are some really beautiful hostels in Bali so you don’t need to slum in. However, local guest houses are still king in Bali when it comes to finding budget accommodation options in all corners of the island. You will find hostels in the main tourist and party places though.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel or Airbnb even when you’re on your own, there are still plenty of options! One of the downsides of solo travel is not being able to share the cost of a hotel room or Airbnb with a friend or partner! However, in Bali you can still stay in some nice places with pools and all the amenities for upwards of $ 20 USD, so you don’t have to miss out!
I stayed in the most amazing Airbnbs in Ubud. They were super affordable for the standard of accommodation I got! I used a mix of Airbnb, booking.com and Agoda for all of my stays and was really happy with the standard and value everywhere except for Uluwatu. I just picked the wrong place, nothing against Uluwatu!
I stayed HERE and HERE in Ubud.
I will say that it was a bit isolating staying at Airbnbs, even though they had shared facilities the people who were there at the same time as I was tended to keep to themselves. I did get lonely after a while and was a little surprised at how hard I found it to strike up conversations with random people. I did anticipate this thought and chose to stay at a hostel when I went to Gili Air. I opted for a new bungalow room in a hostel and that was a really good option for solo travellers who don’t want to stay in a dorm.
15. You don’t have to stay at a hostel to meet people
You can meet others and make friends in many ways in Bali! There are so many people travelling solo and also ex-pats and digital nomads who call Bali home. If you are a digital nomad or are bringing your laptop on holiday there are many co-working places in popular DN towns such as Ubud and Canggu. This is a great way to meet people.
You can also go to yoga classes and other events when you are there. There are many conscious and spiritual-themed events and classes on offer.
Another way you can connect with others is through Facebook Groups. If you search Bali or a town you are staying such as Ubud on Facebook. You will see several travel-related groups you can join to ask questions or to see if anyone would like to meet up with you.
The only people I really connected with and met were at yoga studios in Ubud. I particularly loved going to Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Centre and to their cafe afterwards. Radiantly Alive was also another really beautiful and friendly studio I recommend going to meet like-minded people. The raw vegan cafe called Sayuri in Ubud also has a social vibe and events like kirtan and ecstatic dance where you can meet others. When I was in Canggu and Uluwatu I didn’t meet anyone, I was flying solo the entire time!
16. Check that your accommodation comes with Wifi in the room
Wifi in the room isn’t standard so make sure you have it! As a solo traveller, it is nice to be able to stream movies and go on the internet in the evening without using up all of your mobile data!
17. Always carry cash with you when travelling solo in Bali
It’s easy to get cash out in Bali as there are ATMs everywhere that accept foreign cards. Many smaller local places only accept cash so it’s important to always have cash on hand.
You can pay with a credit and debit card in hotels and westernised restaurants and shops. They may add on a surcharge for paying with a card of about 3% which I heard is actually illegal but they do it anyway! Cash is still king in Bali so come prepared!
18. Power socket and plugs in Bali
It’s always good to know what power adapter you may need (if any) before going to a new destination!
In Bali the standard voltage is 230V and the socket type is C and F. This is the same as the sockets in many European countries. If you are coming from somewhere else in the world like Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the states you will need an adaptor. Some hotels and hostels will have universal inputs but not all!
It is always easier to be prepared and get one before you go so you can charge up all your devices as soon as you arrive.
19. Laundry in Bali
It’s easy and cheap to get your laundry done in Bali. In all of the touristy areas, there are plenty of very affordable laundry services. Just hand over your bag of clothes and they will come back the next day clean and folded. Who loves other people doing their laundry for you? It’s an amazing service to have access to. Your accommodation will also likely offer laundry services but it may be a lot more pricey so check before handing over all your dirty clothes! Also just be aware that they use VERY fragranced washing powders in Bali. It can be quite offensive if you are sensitive to fragrance. I swear some of my clothes still smell like their laundry detergent!
20. Be prepared to sit in a lot of traffic
Bali is a small island and so the distance between places may seem small but keep in mind that there is A LOT of traffic. A journey that should take half an hour could take HOURS because of this.
Traffic is caused by lots of tourists getting around, locals getting around and also festivals and ceremonies that frequently block roads. Knowing this is what Bali is like before you go can help you plan for it and not get so frustrated when you’re sitting in traffic instead of on the beach!
21. Pamper yourself
Bali is one of the best places in the world to indulge in daily massages and spa treatments. Even luxury spas are super affordable by western standards. So take yourself to the spa (every day if you like!) and fully give yourself all the treatments that you might not be able to access so easily at home! A flower bath in Bali is definitely a bucket list experience!
22. Don’t be afraid to eat alone when travelling solo in Bali
The Balinese people are so lovely and friendly that you probably won’t notice you’re dining alone! I ate alone multiple times a day and never once felt weird. So you can breathe a sigh of relief that you won’t feel uncomfortable eating alone when travelling solo in Bali.
23. Recommended places to stay when travelling solo in Bali
Here are a few places that are recommended for travelling solo in Bali. These places have plenty of accommodation, transportation, restaurants and cafes and also plenty of other people who are travelling solo to connect with!
- Sanur
- Ubud
- Legian
- Canggu
It’s not necessarily recommended to go too off the beaten path in Bali when travelling solo. You can, of course, it just might be a bit more tricky and expensive to organise getting to more remote areas on your own. A solution to this is to connect with people through Bali Travel Facebook groups to see if you can link up with other people wanting to do the same thing. Not something I did but if I wasn’t working remotely while travelling I would of had much more time on my hands to explore and would have tried these options.
