Visa Run Ideas From Bali: Where To Go If You Are Alone
The Good Observer Blog contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase or booking through one of my affiliate links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclaimer here for more information.
I remember my first visa run from Bali. Total chaos. I was panicking over ticket prices and Googling nearby countries I barely knew.
If you’re planning to stay in Bali for more than 30 days and don’t want to extend your visa, or just can’t for whatever reason, there’s really only one move. You leave the country and come back. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s what we all do.
I’ve done a bunch of these over the past few years and I still have a few coming up. My go-to is usually Kuala Lumpur. Flights are usually affordable, and if I need to stay overnight, hotels are way cheaper than in Singapore.
But every now and then the prices flip, so I always check. And sometimes I want more than a quick border hop. I want a proper break. That’s when I head somewhere like Vietnam or even all the way to Korea or Japan.
So if you’re in the same boat and trying to figure out where to go, I’ve got you. Here’s everything you need to know about the best visa run spots from Bali, how much they cost, what to see, and how to choose the right one for you.
Where To Go (And Why)
| Destination | Flight Time | Why Go | Best Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | About 2h 45m | Fast, easy, super smooth entry |
Ibis Budget Joo Chiat 👉 Book now |
| Kuala Lumpur | About 3h | Good food and budget friendly |
Alila Bangsar 👉 Book now |
| Manila | About 4h 15m | Fun and full of local energy |
Heroes Hotel 👉 Book now |
| Bangkok | About 4h 30m | Great food and easy to explore |
Tamni Hotel 👉 Book now |
| Hanoi | About 5h | Cheap, walkable, good street food |
Golden Legend Boutique Hotel 👉 Book now |
| Tokyo | About 7h | A bit far but worth it |
Muji Hotel Ginza 👉 Book now |
Destinations Close To Bali:
#1 Singapore
Flight duration: Between 2h30 and 2h50
Flight price: $140 return (depending on time of the year!)
Accommodation price: Starting from around $80 per night. It’s no secret that Singapore can be expensive, especially for short trips, but after a few visa runs I found a place that’s both affordable and well located.
👉 Check out Ibis Budget Hotel by Joo Chiat! I loved this place because it was within my budget (about $80 per night) and central. It’s close to the beach so I watched the sunrise every morning! There is also a water despenser on the ground floor to fill out your water bottle!
-> Do you want more inspiration? Check out the best places to stay in Singapore here!
Why Singapore? It’s the closest place you can run to when your visa’s about to expire. It’s clean, easy to get around and everything is super organised. You land, go through immigration without drama and can be in the city centre within 20 minutes.
If you’ve never been, it’s actually worth staying for a night. It’s definitely not cheap, but there’s a lot to see and eat in a short time. Even the airport is wild. Locals literally hang out there on weekends. No joke. Check it out here!
Cool things to do:
- Changi Airport is not just an airport. There’s an indoor waterfall, a butterfly garden, art everywhere and even a cinema.
- Marina Bay at night is lovely. You can take a boat cruise and watch the fountain show from the water.
👉 Check tickets availability here! It’s a really nice way to spend the evening and go for dinner after!
- Gardens by the Bay is beautiful. The outdoor area is free but if you want to see the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest you’ll need a ticket.
👉 Get your tickets on GetYourGuide.com! It’s affordable and easy to use. I got my tickets in no time and went in without queuing. Loved it!
- Hawker centres are where you’ll eat best. Chicken rice, laksa, satay, nasi lemak. All for a few dollars and full of flavour!
Worried about wasting hours at the airport?
Grab this free packing list so you stay fresh, comfortable and prepared at the airport.
#2 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Flight duration: Around 3 hours
Flight price: Starting from $106 return
Accommodation price: Starting from around $60 per night. There’s a wide range of places in KL, but this one below is my favourite.
👉 Book your stay at Alila Bangsar! Alila is one of the nicest places I’ve stayed in KL. It’s one MRT stop from KL Sentral or about 20 minutes walking. I loved the views from my room and the bathtub was the perfect way to relax after a long day. The food at the restaurants on the ground floor was genuinely amazing. I’ve stayed here twice and would absolutely go back!
Why Kuala Lumpur? It’s one of my favourite visa runs so far. The flight is a little longer than going to Singapore but it’s worth it. The city is full of colour, the food is amazing and it’s a lot more affordable.
It’s also surprisingly easy to get around with the trains. You can go straight from the airport to the city without needing to haggle with anyone or get stuck in traffic.
Last time I was there I even squeezed in a side trip to Ipoh and still had time to explore KL. The city has this mix of street food, skyscrapers and quiet corners that just works. If you’re thinking about picking this destination I’ve put together a full Kuala Lumpur itinerary to help you plan it all properly.
Things to do in Kuala Lumpur:
- There’s loads to see even in a short visit. The Petronas Towers and KLCC Park are worth a stop, Batu Caves is great if you’ve never been, and Chinatown is full of snacks and souvenirs
- Central Market is good if you want local crafts without the mall madness
- It’s also a great base for day trips or weekends away. You can reach places like Ipoh, Malacca or even the Cameron Highlands without much planning
#3 Manila, Philippines
Flight duration: Around 4 hours and 15 minutes
Flight price: Starting from $221 return
Accommodation price: Starting from around $30 per night. Hotels in Manila are generally very affordable. This one’s my favourite.
👉 Check out Heroes Hotel! This place feels totally different from the usual hotel vibe. It’s themed, colourful and has a cool personality without being over the top. I loved how fun and laid back it felt. Great option if you’re staying for a night or two and want something with a bit of character.
Why Manila? If you’re staying in Manila itself, it’s surprisingly affordable and full of history. You’ll find everything from Spanish architecture to modern malls and street markets. It’s busy, a bit chaotic, but always interesting.
There’s a lot to do in the Philippines, even during the rainy season, so it’s a good one to consider year round. If you have more time and the weather holds up, the beaches are unreal. But just know you’ll probably need another flight to reach them.
Cool reasons to visit Manila:
- It’s an easy intro to the Philippines if you’ve never been. Busy, lively and colourful!
- Visit the Intramuros to get a taste of the country’s history with old churches and colonial buildings
- Food is a big deal here. Street stalls, local diners and big malls all have proper Filipino favourites
- If you’ve got extra time, you can fly to places like Cebu or Palawan for beaches and nature
#4 Bangkok, Thailand
Flight duration: Around 4 hours and 30 minutes
Flight price: Starting from $173 return
Accommodation price: Starting from around $35 per night. You’ll find everything from fun hostels to really decent hotels. This is one below is my go-to!
👉 Stay at Tamni Bangkok! I’m obsessed with this place. The rooms are amazing and it’s way more peaceful than you’d expect for being right in the city. They even have a cute rooftop garden where I used to watch the sunrise. It’s modern but still cosy and honestly one of my favourite places to stay in Bangkok.
Why Bangkok? It’s a great visa run if you want a change of scenery and a break from Bali’s rainy season. From October to February, Thailand stays sunny while Bali floods. Perfect excuse to swap your raincoat for a mango smoothie.
The city is busy in the best way. Tuk-tuks buzzing past temples, golden shrines sitting next to giant malls, and food everywhere you look. You’ll never run out of places to explore whether you’re staying for two days or a full week.
Things to do in Bangkok:
- The Grand Palace is a must if it’s your first time in the city. It’s incredibly detailed and full of history. Go early to avoid the heat and crowds. You’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees to get in.
- Wat Pho is home to the giant reclining Buddha and it’s right near the Grand Palace, so it makes sense to visit both on the same morning.
👉 Get a guided tour of both temples here! It saves time and helps you understand what you’re actually seeing.
- Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. You’ll pass temples, bridges and wooden houses on stilts. It’s a peaceful way to see a different side of Bangkok.
👉 Check boat tour options here. There are even ones with dinner included if you want something special.
- Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market if you’re there on a Saturday or Sunday. It’s one of the biggest markets in the world with everything from clothes and food to homeware and plants.
Want more inspiration?
Find out more things to do in Bangkok here! Or read my Bangkok solo hotel guide if you want more places like Tamni. Check out my 2 weeks Thailand itinerary for ideas beyond Bangkok.
Destinations Further From Bali But Worth Considering
#1 Hanoi, Vietnam
Flight duration: Around 5 hours
Flight price: Starting from $197 return
VietJet usually has the cheapest flights. The legroom is tight and there are no screens so don’t expect much. I sleep like a stone so I didn’t mind but if you don’t, book an aisle seat and move around when you can
Accommodation prices: Starting from around $30 per night. Hanoi is super affordable and you can find really good hotels in great locations without spending much.
👉 Stay at Golden Legend Boutique Hotel! This is my go-to in Hanoi. It’s in the Old Quarter which is definitely the best area to stay. You can walk everywhere, the rooms are lovely and breakfast is included. I’ve stayed here a few times and it’s always been easy and welcoming
Why Hanoi? The flight to Hanoi is quite long but I thought it was totally worth it even for only five days. The culture, history, art and food are something else.
The cost of living in Hanoi is very low. I broke down the budget comparing Hanoi with Singapore and found out it was cheaper to spend five days in Hanoi than two in Singapore. That includes flights and hotels.
Cool things to do:
- Visit the Temple of Literature or Bach Ma Temple. Look out for the lanterns outside, the smell of incense and the sound of chanting inside
- Catch a show at the Water Puppet Theatre. It’s colourful, traditional and really fun to watch!
👉 Book your ticket in advance here. I loved this show and always recommend it to all my friends!
- Take an evening stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake. On weekends, the roads close off and the whole area turns into a festival with music and markets
- Walk around the Weekend Night Market at Hàng Đào. It’s a great spot after dinner with loads of street stalls and souvenirs
->Take a look at my detailed Hanoi travel guide for everything you need to plan your stay.
#2 China, Japan and Korea
Flight duration: Bali to Seoul takes around 7 hours depending on your flight route and connections. From there, Japan and China are easy to reach with short regional flights.
Flight price: Flights from Bali to Seoul start from $350 return, but keep in mind you’ll likely book one-way tickets between countries. Internal flights (like Seoul to Tokyo or Tokyo to Beijing) range from $100 to $250 depending on the season and how early you book.
Accommodation price: Expect to spend around $80 per night for a comfortable, well-located boutique hotel. You can find great options in all three countries without going full luxury. Hostels or smaller guesthouses will be cheaper (check them here), but if you’re doing a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s worth upgrading.
Why so far? These countries might feel far from Bali, but they’re actually a lot closer than flying from Europe or the US. If you’ve got the time and budget, this is such an exciting option to consider.
The cultures are so different from one another, and there’s a real sense of adventure in covering all three in one trip.
If you want help planning it all, I’ve already done this exact trip and put together a full two-week itinerary for South Korea, Japan and China.
-> Check out the itinerary here!
South Korea
Seoul is a great place to start. It’s easy to fly into from Bali, and the city is full of interesting neighbourhoods, great food and plenty to do. It’s also surprisingly manageable even if it’s your first time.
👉 Stay at Ryse Hotel in Seoul! It’s stylish, central, and ideal if you want somewhere that feels local but elevated. There’s a cool creative vibe and it’s right by Hongdae, one of the best areas in the city.
Japan
If you’re going during blossom season, Japan should be at the top of your list. I’d suggest skipping Osaka if you’re short on time and head straight to Kyoto or Tokyo.
👉 For Tokyo, I recommend the Muji Hotel! It’s minimalist, peaceful, and in the perfect location to explore Ginza. A total dream if you’re a Muji fan like me.
China
Finish the trip in Beijing. This city is intense, rich in history, and totally different from the other two. I found it fascinating and full of surprises.
👉 Stay at Old Town & Drum Tower Hotel! This spot is right in the Hutongs and one of the few places that takes international cards. It’s cosy, easy to find, and the staff speak English, so it’s great if you’re nervous about the language barrier.
#3 Cambodia and Australia
I haven’t done visa runs to Cambodia or Australia myself but I wanted to mention them in case you’re curious about going somewhere a bit different.
Cambodia looks like a great option if you’re keeping things low budget and love exploring temples and history.
Flight duration: Around 3h 30 to Phnom Penh
Flight price: Starting from $120 return
Accommodation price: You can find good places from around $20 per night, especially in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
Australia would be more of a treat kind of trip, because it’s pricey! If you’ve been thinking about going, flying into Perth makes it more doable from Bali.
Just make sure to check the visa requirements and plan ahead before booking anything.
Flight duration: Around 3h 40 to Perth
Flight price: Starting from $210 return
Accommodation price: Prices are generally higher. Budget around $90 and up for a hotel in Perth
What if I told you, there is a good chance to stay for free? 👉 If you love pets, sign up to Trusted Housesitters! You would get a beautiful free accommodation in exchange of house sitting. Australia has quite a few all year round!
How Long Should The Visa Run Be?
This is up to you. The minimum is literally leaving and coming back even the same day. However, if you’ve never been to countries near Indonesia, I would recommend spending at least a week for each visa run so you get to visit a different place and renew your visa at the same time!
How To Pick The Right Country
Before we deep dive into the list of countries, let me tell you 2 important tips that will help you choose the best destination for your visa run if you are planning on staying for more than 1 day:
#1: Think about Accommodation and Cost of Living – Not only Flight Ticket
Sometimes we think that Southeast Asia is always cheaper than our home countries. Wrong! Let me give you an example.
Singapore will be one of the closest options for your Visa run, and yes, the flight ticket might be cheap. However, if you are planning on spending a few days there, the accommodation and cost of living are very pricey!
So make sure you do your research when it comes to budgeting because you don’t want to get surprises!
I use 👉 Skyscanner to check flights and for good hotel deals I check both 👉 Booking.com and 👉 Agoda!
#2: What Is The Weather Like?
This might sound silly to you, but hear me out. I went to North Vietnam in December and I’ve been absolutely freezing! That’s right, it was full winter and I only brought my summer clothes from Bali. So if you think Southeast Asia is always warm, this one is for you!
Also, keep in mind the rainy season too! Some places around Bali might sound appealing to visit, but if they are in full rainy season, you might end up walking in puddles for the entire trip.
OK, now you’re ready! I’m going to start with a list of destinations close to Bali and move to the list of countries further away. You can then pick based on the time available and budget. Let’s go!
FAQs About Visa In Bali
If you’re coming in with a Visa on Arrival (VoA), you get 30 days to start. You can extend it once for another 30 days, so that gives you 60 days total. After that, you either need a different visa or you’ll have to leave the country and come back. Yep, that’s what we call a visa run and we all end up doing it at some point.
Only for a few lucky nationalities. Most of us need a Visa on Arrival or need to sort out a visa before getting here. If you are from a country that gets visa-free entry, it’s usually good for 30 days and can’t be extended. And the list of visa-exempt countries changes, so always double-check before booking your flight.
If you got in with a Visa on Arrival, you can extend it once for another 30 days. That gives you a full 60 days in Bali. You can do the extension yourself at immigration or hire an agent if you don’t feel like dealing with the paperwork and lines. Just don’t leave it too late. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires. Once your 60 days are up, it’s time to head out and come back in. Visa run time.
You’ll want the Social-Cultural Visa, also known as the B211A. It starts with 60 days and you can extend it every month up to 180 days. You do need to apply before arriving in Indonesia, usually with the help of a sponsor or visa agent. Once you’ve hit the six-month mark, you’ll have to leave the country. That’s when most people do a visa run and start fresh with a new one.
Most travelers do need a Visa on Arrival. It’s super easy. Pay around 500,000 IDR (about 35 USD), either online before you land or right at the airport. Get your passport stamped and enjoy your 30 days in Bali. You can extend it once to stay up to 60 days total. If you want to stay longer or work remotely, you’ll need to look into other visa types. And once your visa is up? Yep, it’s time for a visa run.
The Social-Cultural Visa (B211A) is probably your best bet. It lets you stay for 60 days to start and can be extended monthly up to 180 days. You’ll need to get this visa before arriving in Indonesia, usually with the help of a visa agent who acts as your sponsor. You might also need travel insurance, proof of funds, and a return ticket. After 180 days, you’ll have to leave the country and come back in on a new visa. Hello again, visa run.
Yes, unless you’re from one of the few visa-free countries. For everyone else, the Visa on Arrival costs 500,000 IDR (about 35 USD). You can pay online ahead of time (which is way easier) or at the airport. It gives you 30 days with the option to extend once. After 60 days you will have to leave!
Last Tips on Visa and Luggage
I hope this post was useful and you have a clearer idea of where to spend your visa run. If you want to know more about visa requirements for Bali, check out this blog post.
My last tip would be to leave your suitcase in Bali if your visa run is short. Some budget airlines would charge a lot to check in your suitcase! Just kindly ask your homestay or hotel in Bali if it’s okay for you to leave the suitcase there for a few days, it’s very likely they will say yes!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts
15 Things To Do In Bangkok For Female Solo Travellers From A Regular
Shower Facilities At Hanoi Airport: My Experience During A Layover
Best Hostels In Tokyo And Mt Fuji For Solo Travellers
Travel Guide: Distance From Bali To Bangkok And How to Get There
Fly From Bali To Japan For Cherry Blossom Season!
Guide to Singapore Airport Shower Facilities & Layover Tips
Guide To Shower Facilities at BKK Airport
How To Shower For Free At Dubai Airport (2025 Update)
Ultimate Guide To DMK Airport Shower Facilities & Layover Tips
✍️ Solo Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable adventures to a new country, here are the essential tips every solo traveller should know:
📱 Should I get an eSIM?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Check current plans here
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance when travelling alone?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit. I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
🏩 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
My go-to for hotels or hostels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
✈️ Where can I book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark into a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook.com. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car instead, use DiscoverCars, they have cars available to pick up right at the airport!
🐒 What’s the best way to book my activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Bookyogaretreats.com is my go-to for the best yoga retreats worldwide.
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The best debit card to use when travelling worldwide is Wise! It’s easy to apply for and you save lots of money when travelling alone.
