Written by Junanto Xu
Co-written by Elsa Marie, Jiayi Ng, Candice Neo, Beverley Lennon, Oceana Setaysha, Afina Najib, Jia En Toh, Abigail Chang, Laura Jodoin, Kim Wilson, Kristyna Schonova, Silke Teubener and Cisca Lim
Edited by Beverley Lennon
Found an unbelievably low rate flight ticket to Bali? But after asking around, it seems like no one else in your close circle has the time or budget to afford a trip right now. And of course, you begin to wonder: “Should I make the trip? Is Bali safe for solo travellers? Will I meet like-minded people along the way? What do I do? Where do I stay, HEEEELP!”
Yes, the concept of travelling alone can be daunting as you have no one to watch your back and depend on. But on the other hand, you can gain control of your whole trip (no more bickering over what to eat or where to go) and embark on a self-discovery trip to connect with your true self while discovering hidden beaches, immersing in local culture and more!
And if you ask us, there are plenty of reasons why a solo traveller should see Bali! Aside from being remarkably safe, it also stores a collection of attractions for a trip of a lifetime. You may find yourself running through exotic forests and enjoying authentic performances atop a cliff, and before you know it, you’ll be chugging the famous local Bintang beer at a beach bar whilst exchanging solo traveller tales with new friends!
Not convinced yet? Wander Women index has ranked Indonesia as the world 5th best destination for solo female travellers!! So now, if the world has approved it, what are you even waiting for?
Here’s a quick overview (Table of content)
Tap sections below to scroll to the relevant section
1. Getting there
2. Getting around
3. Recommended sample itinerary
4. Things to do
5. Where to stay
6. Where to eat
7. Best time to visit
8. Recommended length of stay
9. Estimated budget
10. Tips and scams
1. Getting There
Direct flight (total cost from SGD $175)
Take Tigerair, AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, SilkAir or Singapore Airlines from Singapore Changi Airport to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. (Flight time: ~2h 40 min)
Direct flight (total cost from RM 400)
Take Malindo Air, AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. (Flight time: ~3h)
Direct flight from Perth (total cost from AUD $309)
Take AirAsia, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Garuda Indonesia or SilkAir from Perth to Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali). (Flight time: ~3h 40min)
2. Getting Around
2-a. Renting a private car
If you’re planning to visit multiple spots in one day or view comfort and safety as one of your most important priorities, renting a private car would be perfect for you!
Want to travel with an experienced driver to explore lesser-known areas? We recommend Pak Wayan:
Klook
Klook also offers both airport transfer and private car charter services. However, non-mainstream areas (outside South Bali and Ubud) might incur additional charges.
For female travellers who are unsure about the safety of a private car, you can opt for a female driver instead:
Bali Lady Driver (All-female drivers)
Website2-b. Ride-hailing app
One of the most convenient and affordable option to travel around the Island is by using ride-hailing apps, GoJek and Grab.
These two apps allow you to hail trustworthy motorbikes (Go-ride and Grab bike) or car drivers so you can escape the horrible traffic in Bali, just like how Steve Aoki did.
You can also hail cars using the same app if you’re travelling in a slightly larger party.
TripCanvas Tip: Top up Go-pay at the local convenience store (Alfamart or Indomaret) to get 10% off every ride.
2-c. Rent a motorbike
For travellers who can ride a motorbike, renting one to travel around the island will grant you flexibility at a cheaper rate.
AGP Motor Rental
Website3. Recommended sample itinerary
Not sure how to plan your solo trip to cover the best of Bali? Here’s our recommended itinerary:
Day 1
Indulge in local delicacies and chill at Bali’s most famous beach!
If there is one thing we never miss when travelling solo in Bali, it is to find comfort at local restaurants to indulge in authentic food. And to conclude the day, you can’t miss a magical time at the beach for sunset and drinks! We absolutely love the scene at Double Six Beach as live bands animate the long stretch while the sun rays pierce through the colourful Balinese umbrellas before dipping below the horizon😍!
Day 1 route
Arrive at the airport
Chomp down lunch at Bali Pork Star (1 hour)
Enjoy the glorious sunset by a famous beach – Blue 9 Beach Bar at Double Six Beach (2 – 3 hours)
Photo Via Ajuice_46, Rose_violetz
Check-in at your affordable and comfy stay (also well-located!) – M Box Hostel Seminyak
Photo Via Mboxseminyak
Day 2
Immerse in Bali’s iconic culture and nature atop clifftops!
Uluwatu and its surroundings are the first places I enjoyed travelling solo in Bali. It is about the cultural experiences, the spectacular beaches and luxury cliff top views that all come to make the best memories. I would not say that the area is the best to meet other travellers but you get to relax and immerse in local culture with parks and performances.
Day 2 route
Get your morning caffeine fix at Revolver Espresso (1 hour)
Photo Via Ernandaputra, Cmarco
Explore Indonesia’s most iconic cultural park – Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (2 hour)
Photo Via Gwkbali, Alfredshots
Lunch atop a cliff with majestic ocean views – Ulu Cliffhouse (1.5 hours)
Photo Via Myguidebali, Regis.guyot_
Discover a beach with a secret cave – Suluban Beach (2 hours)
Photo Via Adzsax, Ritaalimkina
Witness a spectacular cultural performance with a picturesque sunset backdrop – Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple (3 hours)
Photo Via Suphakaln-Wongcompune
*TripCanvas Tip: Reach at 4pm to get a good seat for the Kecak Dance.
Indulge in creative dishes with soothing ocean sounds – Mana Uluwatu (1 hour)
Photo Via Labutka
Get a relaxing pampering treat! – Kimberly Spa (1 hour)
Photo Via Mstrfinlay, Fervency_, Ozdreamer-O
websiteDay 3
Explore Bali’s centre of culture and wellness hub!
One memory that stands out from my last solo trip in Bali is the time I got to spend in Ubud, a place for yogis, a spiritual haven like no other! I absolutely love strolling along the streets of Ubud and exploring its ins and outs, dining with magical paddy field views, feeding the monkeys and going on a unique dinner experience at Laka Leke (one of our favourites!). You’ll also find plenty of like-minded travellers to connect with!
Day 3 route
Breakfast in a glass house – Kilo Bali (1 hour)
Photo Via Travelbite.id_
Hunt for artisan cuisine and craft – Ubud Main Street (1 hour)
Photo Via Mmmini_ming, Xopowo3
Lunch with 360° paddy field views – Pomegranate Cafe (2 hours)
Photo Via Chom_sawan
Treat yourself with delectable desserts – CarameL Patisserie & Cafe (1 hours)
Photo Via Bryvern
Explore the kingdom of monkeys – Ubud Monkey forest (1.5 hours)
Photo Via Breathtaking.postcards
Indulge in authentic Balinese dinner and traditional performances – Laka Leke (2 hours)
Photo Via Hebbe820, Mrsslambert
*TripCanvas Tip: Reach at 8pm for performances on selected days.
Stay at a traditional Balinese guesthouse – Warji House 2
Photo Via Limmka
Day 4
Take in the peace of nature, enjoy a pampering treat and gather with gypsies!
One day in Ubud is never enough! This jungle town is full of waterfalls, temples and beautiful restaurants with views so you’ll have to stay over for another day. I always spend a longer time in Ubud for its peaceful atmosphere and also to treat myself with an indulging body treatment at a spa and a good drink among other free-spirited travellers at the colourful Bali Bohemia!
Day 4 route
Take a tranquil walk amidst the paddy fields – Campuhan Ridge Walk (1 hour)
Photo Via Donrealtyv
Breakfast with views at this secret hidden cafe – Yellow Flower Cafe (2 hours)
Photo Via Gabriella_mosteller, Servus_from
Awaken your senses at an all-organic spa – Cantika Natural Spa (1.5 hours)
Bite into crispy duck skin – Bebek Bengil (1.5 hours)
Photo Via Jellyyuliani
Explore Ubud’s iconic exotic waterfall – Tegenungan Waterfall & D’tukad River Club (2 hours)
Photo Via Sovest13
Have an icy time with the best gelato in town – Gaya Gelato (30 minutes – 1 hour)
Enjoy an early dinner with majestic valley views – Sayan House (2 hours)
Photo Via Kensuke.hiruta
Spend the night at a gypsies and artists’ haven – Drinks at Bali Bohemia (2 hours)
Photo Via Alexrasputin, Naomirowland
Day 5
Start the day slowly and shop for your loved ones!
As all good things come to an end, I always prefer taking my last day slowly with some good coffee kick in the morning and nowhere else does lazy days like Lazy Cat Cafe for breakfast! Of course, I also always try to do some last minute shopping for my loved ones too before heading off and planning my next solo trip to Bali!
Day 5 route
Wake up slowly with breakfast at Lazy Cat Cafe (2 hours)
Photo Via Kyersay
Hunt for unique souvenirs at a local market – Sukawati Art Market (2 hours)
Photo Via Jasonhymn
Head to the airport and start planning your next solo trip!
4. Best time to visit
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Bali has a reliable, warm and tropical climate all year round, with temperatures averaging from 26°C to 28°C. Locations at high altitude, such as Ubud and Bedugul, enjoy chillier weather.
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The dry season is generally from May to September, and the wet season from October to April.
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Peak season in Bali is from July to August, as well as during Easter holidays, Christmas and New Year.
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In May, June and September (non-peak period), accommodation is 30% to 50% cheaper than peak season rates. Plus, you still get great dry season weather most of the time.
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If you enjoy watersports, such as surfing, the waves are great during April and October. While slight rain showers are expected, you’ll also see plenty of sunshine. These are also great months to travel with children as most theme parks and attractions are less crowded, making getting around stress-free!
5. Recommended length of stay
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Mainstream areas of South Bali such as Kuta, Seminyak and Uluwatu: 3 to 4 days
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South Bali + Ubud: 4 to 5 days
6. Estimated Budget
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Estimated flight cost:
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From Singapore: SGD 175
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From Malaysia: RM 400
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From Australia: AUD 309
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From Jakarta: Rp. 706,000
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Estimated total scooter rental cost (Days 2-5): Rp. 240,000 (Approximately SGD $23.11/ RM 70) *Restaurant and beach are of walking distance from recommended accommodation on Day 1
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Estimated Grab Car cost (Airport transfers on Days 1 and 5): Rp. 197,000 (Approximately SGD $18.93/ RM 57.03) *Go Car is currently not legal at the international airport yet, so we recommend Grab for airport transfer.
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Estimated transport cost (Seminyak to Ubud and back via GoCar/Grab/taxi): Rp. 500,000 (Approximately SGD $48.15/ RM 144.34)
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Estimated hotel/hostel cost: Rp. 690,000 (Approximately SGD $65.96/ RM 200.56)
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Estimated food cost: Rp. 948,000 (Approximately SGD $90.63/ RM 275.55)
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Estimated activity cost: Rp. 580,000 (Approximately SGD $55.45/ RM 168.58)
Total estimated cost
From Singapore: ~SGD 479
From Malaysia: ~RM 1,313
From Indonesia: ~Rp. 3,861,000
From Australia: ~AUD 624
7. Tips and scams for solo travelling in Bali
P.S. Check out more tips for travelling to Bali in general!
Now you are ready to kick off your maiden solo trip, tag your friends and let them know you’re going (without them!). Also, don’t forget to share your experiences with us once you’ve conquered Bali by yourself!
PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
Tell us
PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us |