Is Bali Safe To Travel Alone?

Bali is one of the safest places to visit in Southeast Asia and an ideal destination for female solo travellers. However, while I personally never had any issues with locals, I can’t say the same about non-Balinese people visiting the island. Only minor things, nothing serious, I’ll dive into this later on!

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some super helpful tips I’ve picked up during my time visiting and then moving to Bali. These tips will make sure you stay safe while enjoying your trip to the Island of Gods. 

Let’s dive in!

Personal Experience As Female Solo Traveller In Bali

I’m going to start by saying there is a difference between living in Bali and visiting for a short period. The island is super safe either way but there are minor things I would flag for your benefit.

As a tourist, you would move with the scooter more and visit touristy spots so you wouldn’t have much time to blend into the everyday dynamics. 

If you live in Bali instead I would say to keep your eyes open a little bit more. Still, nothing comparable to countries in the West, as mentioned before these are minor things. 

Here is what annoys me currently in Bali: I get catcalled by builders! As you might know by now, Bali is going under a big wave of construction and for that, there will be immigrants coming from other parts of Indonesia to get the job done. I’m not talking for all of them but some are inappropriate.

This is pretty much everywhere, I used to live in Ubud and now I moved to Sanur. Same thing! The same goes for some people on the scooter passing by and so on. But first of all, they are never Balinese people and second as women unfortunately, we are used to this worldwide! Hopefully one day things will get better!

That being said, I lived in London for 10 years and it wasn’t the safest place as a woman so right now I’m really happy in Bali! I wake up at 5 AM and go to the gym. It’s pitch black outside but yet super safe. If I do meet someone it’s all smiles and good morning! 

I feel like we all know each other even when I’m in a new neighbourhood and their kindness warms my heart every single day 💛

Safety Tips For Bali:

#1 Avoid Party Goers’ Areas

While Bali offers vibrant nightlife and popular party scenes in areas like Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak, these places might not be your cup of tea if you’re not into partying. If you want to have a more relaxed and peaceful experience, consider staying away from these areas and focus on exploring other parts of the island that align better with your interests.

These areas I mentioned are not particularly known for their cultural significance, but rather for being highly touristy. While you can certainly enjoy a fun day at the beach club, visit a trendy café, or even have a night out, I would still recommend not staying in these areas unless you’re after partying 🧘🏾‍♀️

#2 Don’t Rent A Scooter Unless You Know How To Drive It!

Bali’s traffic can be quite chaotic, especially in more touristy areas. If you’re not an experienced scooter rider or not confident in navigating through busy streets, it’s best to avoid renting a scooter. Instead, opt for Grab scooter or car.

It’s actually very affordable and the drivers are highly experienced! In case you are visiting less touristy places like Amed or Lovina, hire a driver or use public transport (12Go is the best site for that) as Grab won’t be available! If you are confident driving alone, get your bike from Bikago. It’s the best company in Bali and you would get the bike delivered too! 

#3 Prioritise Health Insurance

Like everywhere else in the world, things can happen in Bali as well. I personally had Bali belly 5 times and a surf accident – without travel insurance it would have been really pricey! 

Make sure you are covered at all times, 👉 I use SafetyWing which is one of the best out there. It’s affordable and easy to use 🏥

#4 Stay Connected: Get Your Data/SIM Card Sorted

Staying connected is vital while travelling alone and if you get lost, you can always call a Grab scooter to take you to your accommodation.

You can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport or in one of the many convenience stores around Bali.

Although eSIMs can be more affordable and definitely easier to use!

👉 I would recommend getting an eSIM through Ubigi eSIM. It’s a digital SIM card that you can activate as soon as you land in Bali, no need to replace physical SIM cards and so on! It’s super easy and stress free, and you can get 10% off with the code OBSERVER10.

Where To Stay In Bali: The Best Places To Visit Alone

If you are travelling to Bali alone and not sure where to start or where to go here are a few tips: 

Ubud: The Cultural Heart of Bali

If you’re looking for a spiritual or deeply cultural experience, Ubud is the place for you. There is also lots of nature. Think about the Monkey Forest being right in the centre, with rice terraces and beautiful trees.  

In Ubud, you can find a range of yoga retreats, art galleries, and traditional Balinese dance performances. There will be many friendly and affordable homestays but also nice hotels and resorts to choose from. Here are my favourite places in Ubud I loved as a female solo traveller. 

Last thing, there are so many cool activities in Ubud! You can go hiking up Mount Batur, check out Kintamani, visit various temples, explore rice fields, and even discover stunning waterfalls!

Uluwatu: Stunning Beaches and Surf Spot

As much as I love Ubud, I always miss the sea after some time. This is when I always make a move to Uluwatu. It’s the perfect place for beach days or surfing. There is also a wide range of cafes, cool gyms, restaurants and surf shops.

If you go, make sure to pay a visit to the Drifter Surf Shop and Cafe. This is literally the place to be! It’s not only a surf shop but also a delicious vegan restaurant and bookshop.

Sanur: Chill By The Sea

I love Sanur so much that I moved here! I love how it’s located close to the airport. It’s also 45 minutes scooter away from Ubud, Canggu and it has the most beautiful walking path right by the sea! 

Compared to Uluwatu is much more relaxed, the water is shallow and there are fewer cool/hipster cafes but it’s still worth a visit if that’s what you are looking for. 

Another great reason to stay in Sanur is that you’ll be really close to the harbour, which means you can easily hop on over to amazing islands like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan (they’re close to Bali!). But also, don’t forget about the Gili islands too – they’re a bit further, but totally worth the visit!

Fun Things You Can Do in Bali Alone

If you think that Bali is a honeymoon destination and would be depressing to visit alone – think again! There are tons of female solo travellers here! Hello potential new friends! 

Not only that but there are really fun activities to try out. These are normally within a group already so you will be able to meet other solo travellers!

Here it goes…

Snorkelling and Surfing Adventures

Snorkelling in Bali is just something you have to try out. The best spots are near Nusa Penida (check out full info here), Gili Islands (snorkelling details here) and Amed. 

If you want to try surfing, you’re looking at the right place! Uluwatu will be your best bet for both surf beginners and advanced! You can also try Canggu but the beach won’t be as nice as the ones in Uluwatu for sure!

Reserve your surf class near Uluwatu here 🏄‍♀️

Explore the Islands: Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

If you have extra time, don’t miss the chance to visit the neighbouring islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. These islands are insane! From Nusa Lembongan, you can even cross the yellow bridge and reach Nusa Ceningan which is a special place, not widely known by tourists just yet! Read this blog post if you want to know more about Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan, how to get there and what to do 🌴

Immerse Yourself in Balinese Culture

Take some time to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Bali. Visit traditional temples like Uluwatu Temple or Pura Tirta Temple, where you can witness religious ceremonies and stunning architecture. Attend a traditional dance performance or participate in a local cooking class to get a taste of Balinese traditions.

Balinese people are also very friendly, I’ve been invited to ceremonies by some of the homestay owners and learned how to make an offering. The offering is a beautiful tradition that is still practised by the locals, and it’s a great way to connect with the local community.

It consists of a bamboo container filled with flowers, candies, or spices (depending on what they are asking of the Gods) and is offered to the Gods on a daily basis.

Explore Bali’s Beauty!

If you have a love for nature, you’ve come to the right place! Bali offers so much more than just temples and surf beaches. It has absolutely incredible mountains, lakes, stunning rice fields, breathtaking waterfalls, and countless other places to explore.

If you have the time, venture beyond the touristy spots and discover more traditional neighbourhoods. 

Head north to Munduk and Lovina. From Munduk, you can visit the best waterfalls in Bali! You can also move northeast and go for a super challenging hike on Mount Agung (this is for seasoned hikers only!).

Where to Eat in Bali

I know you might be wondering what is the food like in Bali! Well, it’s delicious and pretty affordable. 

Local Warung: For Indonesian Food

If you want to try local dishes, head to one of Bali’s many local warungs (small family-owned restaurants). Here you’ll find delicious Indonesian dishes with lots of flavours like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and sate (grilled skewers). You can also get amazing grilled fish by the beach which could be a great end of a beach day.

If you’re nervous about Bali belly and want to avoid getting sick on your trip, 👉 check out my Bali Belly Toolkit — a no-fluff guide with everything you need to know about prevention, treatment, and what to pack, all in one place!

Western Restaurants

If you’re craving familiar flavours or simply want a break from Indonesian cuisine, Bali also offers numerous Western restaurants. From trendy cafes serving avocado toast to beachfront establishments with international menus, you’ll find a wide range of options to satisfy all your cravings. 

Where to Work From Bali

The wifi in Bali, especially during the wet season, is not really reliable in case you need high speed and need to be on Zoom calls! Sometimes during a storm, the wifi would go completely, so unless you want to suffer from Wi-Fi anxiety, I would recommend booking a coworking space.

Let me tell you something, these places are a lot more than just coworking spaces, they are incredible communities! They organise events and trips you can join as well! These are the best coworking spaces I’ve tried:

Outpost Ubud Penestanan

This place has the best location in Ubud and incredible views. As soon as you step in, you’re greeted with warm smiles, high-speed internet, free tea and let me tell you – an amazing sunset! They host regular social get-togethers, workshops, and events, which gives a strong sense of community.

Outpost, Nyuh Kuning Road (Ubud)

This coworking space is much cosier compared to the other and it’s located in the Mas area. The building is divided between a quiet area (downstairs) which is also air-conditioned and an upstairs which comes with ceiling fans and a beautiful balcony! This is my favourite place because it’s more compact and there are always dogs too!

The Space (Uluwatu)

If you are into yoga, meditation and sound healing, you need to check out The Space for sure! Even if you are not working, their yoga studio is one of the best on the island. The coworking area is air-conditioned and it comes with a few rooms you can use as meeting rooms. The Space doesn’t have as many activities as the other two I mentioned previously but it’s still very easy to meet people by the entrance or cafe.There are also a few places in Canggu which you can find here.

FAQs On Bali Safety And More

Is $1000 enough for a week in Bali?

Yes! With smart planning, $1000 can even last for two weeks. My digital guide shows exactly how to plan a two-week Bali trip under $1000, covering affordable stays, transport, and must-visit spots. If you’re only staying for a week, you’ll have even more flexibility with your budget.

Is Bali good for solo travel?

Definitely! Bali is one of the best places for solo travellers, offering budget-friendly accommodations, easy transport, and plenty of ways to meet people. If you’re unsure where to start check out my guide for first-timers!

Is Bali safe at night?

Yes it is! However, it’s always best to use Grab for late-night transport, stick to well-lit areas, and avoid isolated beaches at night.

What are some things to avoid when travelling alone in Bali?

Avoid drinking tap water, walking alone in secluded areas at night, and using unregistered taxis.

Also, be aware that tampons aren’t widely available in Bali, but don’t worry! 👉 My digital guide on finding tampons in Bali (with a bonus Google Map) helps you locate them easily.

Is Indonesia safe for solo female travellers? How can budget travellers find cheap accommodation in Indonesia?

Yes, with basic precautions, Indonesia is safe for solo female travellers. Budget travellers can find cheap accommodation through hostels, guesthouses, and local homestays—many of which are included in my Bali on a budget guide. I also have a blog post on how to save money during your trip in Bali here 🙂

What Now?

If you are wondering how to meet other girls in Bali, check out this blog post! It’s really easy and you can literally make friends for life – just like I did!

I would also recommend taking a look at the Bali Belly Toolkit, knowing what the best practices and who to call in Bali is super important when you are not well!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Related Blog Posts:

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How to Get from Bali Airport to Canggu for Female Solo Travellers

Full First Timer Guide to Bali For Female Solo Travellers

Bed Bugs in Bali: What I Wish I Knew Before Today

How to Get from Ubud to Nusa Lembongan: Step-by-Step Guide

Best Places to Stay in Nusa Lembongan for Female Solo Travellers

7-Day Bali Itinerary for Solo Travellers: Insider Tips & Must-Know Stops!