Advertisement

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?

1. Getting There

From SingaporeFrom Malaysia (tap here to view)From Perth, Australia (tap here to view)

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:

More info (tap to expand)
Pak Wayan

Price: From Rp. 500,000 per day (Approximately USD $34)
Contact: +62 812 3673 3969 (WhatsApp available)

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.

More info (tap to expand)

Price for car charter: From USD $34 a day
Price for airport transfer: From USD $6.39 per trip

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)

More info (tap to expand)

Price: From Rp. 600,000 per day (approximately USD $42.72) for one day tour (10 hours)
Address: Jl. Raya Gumicik Gg. Marlin No.16, Ketewel, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali 80223
Contact: +62 813 5339 4441 (Whatsapp available)

Website

2-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

More info (tap to expand)

Price: From Rp. 60,000 per day (Approximately USD $4.26) for one day
Address: Jl. Setia Budi, Gg Jangkong Sari No. 99 Kuta, Bali 80361
Contact: +62 812 3834 2595

Website

3. 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)

More info (tap to expand)

Bali Pork Star

Price: Rp. 32,000 – Rp. 225,000 (Approximately USD $2.26 – $15.92)
Address: Jl. Nakula No.88 Ruko C, Seminyak – Bali
Phone: +62 818 817 760
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 10 am – 10 pm

Website

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

More info (tap to expand)

Blue 9 Beach Bar at Double Six Beach

Price Range: Rp. 35,000 – Rp. 135,000 (Approximately USD $2.48 – $9.55 )
Address: Double Six Beach, Seminyak
Contact: +62 88 777 888 99
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 8am – 12am

website

Check-in at your affordable and comfy stay (also well-located!) – M Box Hostel Seminyak

Photo Via Mboxseminyak

More info (tap to expand)

M Box Hostel Seminyak

Rates: Shared pod room from USD $8 (Approximately Rp. 115,000)
Address: Jl Raya Seminyak no. 19 Seminyak, Bali
Contact: +62 361 730 977
Website

Cek Harga di Booking.com

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

More info (tap to expand)

Revolver Espresso

Price: Food from Rp. 45,000 – Rp. 120,000 (Approximately USD $3.21 – $8.56); Drinks from Rp. 25,000 – Rp. 49,000 (Approximately USD $1.78 – $3.50)
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No.3 (Gang 51), Seminyak, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 7 am – 11 pm
Contact: +62 851 0244 4468

website

Explore Indonesia’s most iconic cultural park – Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (2 hour)

Photo Via Gwkbali, Alfredshots

More info (tap to expand)

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Price Range: Locals from Rp. 75,000 (Approximately USD $5.27) for adults and Rp. 57,000 (Approximately USD $4) for children; Foreigners from Rp. 115,000 (Approximately USD $8.08) for adults and Rp. 95,000 (Approximately USD $6.67) for children  (Note: Packages including lunch and more are also available)
Address:  Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Badung 80364, Bali
Contact: +62 361 700 808
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8am – 10pm. Check performance schedule here.

website

Lunch atop a cliff with majestic ocean views – Ulu Cliffhouse (1.5 hours)

Photo Via Myguidebali, Regis.guyot_

More info (tap to expand)

Ulu Cliffhouse

Price range: From Rp.30,000– Rp. 200,000 (USD $2.20–14.50)
Address: Jl. Labuan Sait No. 315, Padang-Padang, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon – Thur 11 am – 10 pm; Fri – Sat, 11 am – 12 am; Sun, 11 am – 10 pm
Contact: +62 813 3881 2502

website

Discover a beach with a secret cave – Suluban Beach (2 hours)

Photo Via Adzsax, Ritaalimkina

More info (tap to expand)

Suluban Beach

Parking fees: Rp. 5,000 for motorbikes (Approximately USD $0.35) and Rp. 15,000 for cars (Approximately USD $1,05)
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361 (Coordinates here)

Witness a spectacular cultural performance with a picturesque sunset backdrop – Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple (3 hours)

Photo Via Suphakaln-Wongcompune

More info (tap to expand)

Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple

Temple entrance fee: Rp. 30,000 (approximately USD $2)
Kecak Dance ticket price: Rp. 100,000 (Approximately USD $8.10)
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 6pm (Open 24 hours for worship purposes)Kecak Dance performing hours: Mon – Sun 6pm – 7pm

*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

More info (tap to expand)

Mana Uluwatu

Price Range: From Rp. 40,000 – Rp. 295,000 (Approximately USD $2.81 – $20.69)
Address:  Uluwatu Surf Villas, Jalan Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu, Pecatu, Bali
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 7 am – 10 pm; Breakfast from 7 am – 11.30 am; Lunch from 11.30 am – 4 pm
Contact: +62 817 555 421

website

Get a relaxing pampering treat! – Kimberly Spa (1 hour)

Photo Via Mstrfinlay, Fervency_, Ozdreamer-O

More info (tap to expand)

Kimberly Spa

Price: From Rp. 115,000 (Approximately USD $8.13) for a 1-hour Traditional Balinese Massage
Address: Jl. Raya Seminyak No.16, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Contact: +62 851 0115 2015 / +62 82 247 999 111
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 11pm

website

Day 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_

More info (tap to expand)

Kilo Bali

Price: Rp. 50,000 – Rp. 185,000 (Approximately USD $3.54 – $13.09)
Address: Jl. Drupadi No.22, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Contact: +62 812 4616 7618
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, Breakfast/ Brunch from 8am – 3pm; Dinner from 6pm – 11pm; Bar from 6pm – 12am

website

Hunt for artisan cuisine and craft –  Ubud Main Street (1 hour)

Photo Via Mmmini_ming, Xopowo3

More info (tap to expand)

Ubud Main Street

Address: Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (Coordinates here)

Lunch with 360° paddy field views – Pomegranate Cafe (2 hours)

Photo Via Chom_sawan

More info (tap to expand)

Pomegranate Cafe

Price: Food from Rp. 26,000 – Rp. 70,000 (Approximately USD $1.85 – $5); Drinks from Rp. 15,000 – Rp. 35,000 (Approximately USD $1.07 – $2.50)
Address: Jl. Subak Sok Wayah, Ubud, Bali 80571 (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 9pm
Contact: +62 878 6080 3632

website

Treat yourself with delectable desserts – CarameL Patisserie & Cafe (1 hours)

Photo Via Bryvern

More info (tap to expand)
CarameL Patisserie & Cafe

Price Range: Rp.10,000 – Rp. 48,000 (USD $0.71 – $3.40)
Address: Jl. Hanoman No. 4B, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 970847
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 9pm

website

Explore the kingdom of monkeys – Ubud Monkey forest (1.5 hours)

Photo Via Breathtaking.postcards

More info (tap to expand)

Ubud Monkey forest

Entrance fee: Rp. 50,000 (Approximately USD $3.54) for adults and Rp. 40,000 (Approximately USD $2.83) for children
Address: Monkey Forest Street – Padangtegal Ubud Gianyar – Bali
Contact: +62 361 971304 / +62 361 972774
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8.30am – 6pm

website

Indulge in authentic Balinese dinner and traditional performances – Laka Leke (2 hours)

Photo Via Hebbe820, Mrsslambert

More info (tap to expand)

Laka Leke

Price Range: Rp. 17,000 – Rp. 105,500 (Approximately USD $1.20 – 7.46)
Address: Jalan Nyuh Bojog No.32, MAS, Ubud, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 977 565
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 11pm
Performance Schedule: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, 8 pm – 8.45 pm

website

*TripCanvas Tip: Reach at 8pm for performances on selected days.

Stay at a traditional Balinese guesthouse – Warji House 2

Photo Via Limmka

More info (tap to expand)

Warji House 2

Rates: Twin room with view from USD $17 per night (Approximately Rp. 230,000)
Address: Jalan Bisma, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 971261 / +62 81 338 458485
Website

Check Rate on Agoda

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

More info (tap to expand)

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Address: Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuan, Sayan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia (Coordinates here)

Breakfast with views at this secret hidden cafe – Yellow Flower Cafe (2 hours)

Photo Via Gabriella_mosteller, Servus_from

More info (tap to expand)

Yellow Flower Cafe

Price: Rp. 15,000 – Rp. 100,000 (Approximately USD $1.06 – $7.01)
Address: Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 812 3889 9695
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 7.45am – 9pm

Awaken your senses at an all-organic spa – Cantika Natural Spa (1.5 hours)

More info (tap to expand)

Cantika Natural Spa

Price: From Rp. 150,000 (Approximately USD $9.88) for a 1-hour Traditional Balinese Massage
Address: Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Contact: +62 851 0094 4425 / +62 361 794 4425
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 7pm

website

Bite into crispy duck skin – Bebek Bengil (1.5 hours)

Photo Via Jellyyuliani

More info (tap to expand)

Bebek Bengil

Price Range: Rp. 42,000 – Rp. 125,000 (Approximately USD $2.88 – $8.56)
Address: Jalan Hanoman, Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali 80571
Contact: +62 361 975 489
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 11pm

website

Explore Ubud’s iconic exotic waterfall – Tegenungan Waterfall & D’tukad River Club (2 hours)

Photo Via Sovest13

More info (tap to expand)

Tegenungan Waterfall & D’tukad River Club

Entrance fee: Rp. 15,000 per person (Approximately USD $1)
Address: Jalan Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 7am – 6pm

Have an icy time with the best gelato in town –  Gaya Gelato (30 minutes – 1 hour)

More info (tap to expand)

Gaya Gelato

Price Range: Rp. 27,000 for small cup (Approximately USD $1.85) | Rp. 40,000 for medium cup  (Approximately USD $2.74) | Rp. 55,000 for big cup (Approximately USD $3.76)
Address: Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud, Bal, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 979252 / +62 361 979253
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun  8am – 10pm

website

Enjoy an early dinner with majestic valley views – Sayan House (2 hours)

Photo Via Kensuke.hiruta

More info (tap to expand)

Sayan House

Price range: Rp. 35,000 – Rp. 380,000 (USD $2.60 – USD $28.40)
Address: Jalan Raya Sayan No. 70, Sayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 12pm – 11pm (last order at 10 pm)
Contact: +62 361 4792592

website

Spend the night at a gypsies and artists’ haven – Drinks at Bali Bohemia (2 hours)

Photo Via Alexrasputin, Naomirowland

More info (tap to expand)

Drinks at Bali Bohemia

Price range: Rp. 18,000 – Rp. 128,000 (Approximately USD $1.27 – $9.06)
Address: Jl. Nyuh Bojog- Nyuh Kuning, Ubud, Bali (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 361 978 631 (huts) / +62 813 3888 4756 (restaurant)
Opening Hours (restaurant): Mon – Sun, 7am – 10pm

website

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

More info (tap to expand)

Lazy Cat Cafe

Price: Food from Rp. 25,000 – Rp. 70,000 (Approximately USD $1.77 – $4.95); Drinks from Rp. 20,000 – Rp. 110,000 (Approximately USD $1.42 – $7.79)
Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.23, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali (end of main road direction to museum blanco)
Contact: +62 813 3882 2589
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 8am – 6pm (Monday closed)

website

Hunt for unique souvenirs at a local market – Sukawati Art Market (2 hours)

Photo Via Jasonhymn

More info (tap to expand)

Sukawati Art Market

Price range: From Rp. 30,000 (Approximately USD $2)
Address: Jl Raya Sukawati, Bali, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8am – 7pm

Head to the airport and start planning your next solo trip!

4. Best time to visit

  • 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.

  • The dry season is generally from May to September, and the wet season from October to April.

  • Peak season in Bali is from July to August, as well as during Easter holidays, Christmas and New Year.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Mainstream areas of South Bali such as Kuta, Seminyak and Uluwatu: 3 to 4 days

  • South Bali + Ubud: 4 to 5 days

6. Estimated Budget

  • Estimated flight cost:

    • From Singapore: SGD 175

    • From Malaysia: RM 400

    • From Australia: AUD 309

    • From Jakarta: Rp. 706,000

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Estimated transport cost (Seminyak to Ubud and back via GoCar/Grab/taxi): Rp. 500,000 (Approximately SGD $48.15/ RM 144.34)

  • Estimated hotel/hostel cost: Rp. 690,000 (Approximately SGD $65.96/ RM 200.56)

  • Estimated food cost: Rp. 948,000 (Approximately SGD $90.63/ RM 275.55)

  • 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

Advertise with us