Solo trip to Bali: 16 Best things to do from chilling by scenic beaches to visiting iconic temples on your own!

Written by Junanto Xu
Co-written by Elsa Marie, Afina Najib, and Oceana Setaysha
Edited by Beverley Lennon

Are you ready to see the world on your own? There’s nothing quite like travelling alone, planning your own itinerary, choosing whether you want to sleep in today, fill your day with activities or treat yourself to a day of getting lost and pampered.

As avid travellers, we have learned that we would never travel if we always had to rely on and wait for others to book their ticket so we sometimes journey off on our own. Perhaps, them not going, could be the best thing that could ever happen.

No squad, no problem. If you ask us, our favourite destination for solo travelling is nowhere else than the magnificent Island of the Gods! With its plethora of beautiful places, hospitable people and unique experiences, Bali is the place where you realise your solo travel dreams! So if you refuse to wait, just go!

Here are the top things to do on your own when you’re travelling solo to Bali (from personal experiences too!).

Read More:

8 reasons you need to solo travel in Bali once in your lifetime

38 cool things to do in Uluwatu, Jimbaran and Bukit Peninsula in Bali

15 Fun one-day workshops in Bali: Balinese massage, woodcarving, silversmithing, cooking, traditional dance and more!

19 Affordable yoga retreats in Bali where you can enjoy magnificent views while you reflect and relax!

10 Affordable Bali spas with 1-hour full body massages under $10 (In Seminyak, Kuta and Ubud)

Immerse in the otherworldly culture of Bali

1. See a spiritual pillar atop a cliff at Uluwatu Temple

Perched atop a 70-metre-high cliff, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s best sea temples you can’t miss during your trip.

Every day during sunset, crowds gather at the temple for a breathtaking view of the orange ocean reflecting the setting sun. Don’t forget to catch the Kecak dance performance at sunset too!

*TripCanvas Tip: Reach at 4pm to get a good seat for the Kecak Dance.

2. Indonesia most iconic cultural park – Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Towering high in the Bukit Peninsula of Bali is Indonesia’s (World’s 15th) tallest statue of all time, Garuda Wisnu Kencana.

The iconic cultural park is dedicated to embrace and preserve the art, cultural, culinary, and spiritual values of the island of Bali. Throughout the year, several cultural performances and events are held here to introduce tourists to the authentic arts and talents of Bali.

Get a grasp on the beauty of Bali’s coastline

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3. Wander into a cave – The Suluban Beach

Everyone knows Suluban Beach as a surfers’ paradise, but Suluban Cave might just be the real treasure here.

Looking almost like a movie set from the Pirates of the Caribbean series with its otherworldly glamour, Suluban Cave oozes both mystery and mystique.

4. Chase the sunset on a beanbag-dotted beach – Double Six Beach

This has got to be one of Bali’s most Instagrammed sunsets – and for good reason! With perfect golden hues and flamboyant Balinese umbrellas dotting the vast stretch of beach, this may be the most colourful sunset you’ll ever see.

TripCanvas Tip: Reach by 5.45pm for front row seats!

5. Abandoned Utopia – Green Bowl Beach

Named because of its algae-covered rocks that are seen at low tide, Green Bowl Beach could have become the next big tourist destination. But the demolishment of nearby Bali Cliff Resort left the beach as an abandoned paradise, which remains known to only a select few.

Master local craftsmanship at a one-day workshop

6. Make Indonesian batik!

As you walk around in Bali, you may notice some of the locals wearing bright, beautifully-patterned sarongs and shirts. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this print, it’s called batik.

There are a few places on the island that teach how to make batik. Widya Batik in Gianyar (which receives particularly good reviews from guests) and Batik Popiler in Denpasar are two options you can consider.

7. Design silver jewellery like a Balinese silversmith at Studio Perak

Owned by Pak Ketut, this locally-run jewellery business boasts the making of stunning, contemporary art pieces inspired by nature. Involving silver as well as semi-precious stones, you can be sure that these Balinese treasures are as fine as they get!

Go chase hidden and exotic waterfalls

8. Step down into the rarified beauty of Tukad Cepung Waterfall

You must have heard all about Bali’s majestic waterfalls. Unknown to most people and only recently discovered by travellers, Tukad Cepung Waterfall stands almost virgin and unexplored.

This is as close to nature as you can get! You will have to climb a flight of steps to get to this beauty, so gear up accordingly.

9. A waterfall pool that you can lounge in – Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan is one of the few waterfalls in Bali that aren’t situated in the highlands or mountains. Unique for its lush green surroundings and heavy water flow, Tegenungan is perfect for swimming and enjoying fresh water.

P.S. This hipster waterfall is located right at the D’tukad River Club! 😉

Pamper yourself with an affordable spa session!

10. The spa haven for shopaholics – Kimberly Spa

Owning several outlets in Bali, Kimberly Spa promises a professional and relaxing body treatments like no other. After a long day of exploring the Island of Gods, what’s a better way to pamper yourselves than with magic hands?

11. Royal treatment on a budget – @Ease Spa

This is actually one of our personal tried-and-tested favourites! This spa has little to no presence online – it doesn’t even have a website! But you know what they say, all the gems are hidden offline… until now that is.

12. A Fully Organic Spa?: Cantika Spa

Truly one-of-a-kind, Cantika Spa is situated right in mystical Ubud. You will need to walk through rice paddies to get here, and it will be well worth the journey and visit!

Pick some unique souvenirs for your loved ones

13. Find authentic art at Sukawati Art Market

When we were here, we were blown away by the sheer size of Sukawati Art Market.

Here, you will find an extensive range of items. Handmade bags, wooden ethnic bowls, crockery, those popular comfortable batik pants, dresses, and insanely gorgeous shell items!

14. Hunt for treasures in the busy street of Ubud – Ubud Main Street

Don’t let the busy and crowded Ubud main street intimidate you! Stroll along and you’ll find that the street is packed with endless wonders ranging from unique artisanal shops (We recommend Threads of Life and Utama Spice), quirky and creative eateries (we recommend Paradiso Ubud and MyWarung) to magnificent holy sites (we recommend Saraswati Temple).

Have a meet-and-greet session with Mother Nature

15. Go on a refreshing morning walk at Campuhan Ridge Walk

Holidays are rare moments in life when we can ditch alarm clocks in favour of having the sun shine on us… but trust us, the sunrise walk at Campuhan Ridge Walk will be worth the early morning alarm clock you nearly snoozed.

This is a beautiful paved walk that is best enjoyed around 6 to 7am, right before the scorching hot sun rises fully. It’s a short trek that can be enjoyed as a self-discovery experience! Enjoy scenic views of endless greenery as you trudge towards the paddy fields at the end of the trek – what a perfect start to your day!

16. Will monkeys let you into their kingdom? – Ubud Monkey Forest

Step into the wilderness and venture deep into the kingdom of monkeys. Here, hundreds of friendly and funny primates are waiting to welcome you to the thrilling jungle life!

Ready for ultimate feels of freedom? Tell your friends and family you’re leaving and tag them below! What else would you like to know about solo travelling in Bali?

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

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