Visiting Bali as a Solo Female Traveller: My Honest Take
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Bali a few times now. These days, I’m usually exploring with my partner, James, but I’ve also visited Bali as a solo female traveller on a couple of trips. And I get it, the idea of travelling alone can feel a bit daunting at first.
But, honestly, Bali is one of the easiest, most welcoming places I’ve been to solo as a woman. I always felt safe, the locals are kind, getting around is simple, and if you want to meet people, it’s really easy, with plenty of yoga classes, beach bars, and co-working cafés.
And while it’s not as cheap as it once was, Bali’s still super doable on a budget, even if you’re travelling on your own.
In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know, from safety tips and budgeting to where to stay, how to explore, and the best spots for solo women to base themselves.
Is Bali Safe for Women Visiting Alone?
It’s totally normal to feel a little unsure about travelling alone at first, especially as a woman. Safety is often the biggest thing on your mind. But, to be honest, every time I’ve visited Bali (solo or otherwise), I’ve felt really safe.
Of course, the usual safety rules will apply here, as no place is perfect, right? But overall, Bali is such a welcoming, friendly place. That said, there are a few spots where you might want to be a little more cautious.
I really didn’t love Kuta. It reminded me a bit too much of my trip to Magaluf when I was 18 (IYKYK!), which might be fun for some, but probably not the vibe if you’re travelling solo.
It has had a bit of a glow-up in recent years, but I still found it a bit too rowdy.
Essential Safety Tips for Your Trip
Most of the safety advice I’d give for Bali is the same common-sense stuff I’d follow anywhere. If you can, try not to walk around alone late at night; it’s just not worth the risk.
Keep your valuables tucked away so you’re not flashing anything that’ll attract attention, and if you’re out at a bar, keep your drink with you at all times (I never leave mine unattended or with someone else, we can never be too safe girlies!).
It’s also best to be a little mindful with social media. It’s so tempting to post in real time, but it’s always safer to tag locations after you’ve moved on, especially if you’re sharing where you’re staying or hanging out solo.
And ALWAYS trust your gut. Honestly, if something feels off, it most likely is.
If you’re hiring a scooter, always wear your helmet (seriously, you’d be surprised at how many people don’t follow this rule), and make sure you’ve got decent travel insurance, just in case.
If you’re grabbing a taxi, stick with Bluebird cabs. They’re licensed and metered, but look out for the fake ones! The easiest way to spot a fake is if they try to negotiate a price instead of turning the meter on. Another alternative is using a ride-sharing app.
How Much Does a Solo Trip to Bali Cost?
Your daily budget in Bali really depends on how you like to travel and how much you want to squeeze into your days. But whether you’re keeping things low-key or fancy splashing out here and there, Bali can work for most budgets (especially if you visit in the wet season, October to April, which is usually the cheapest time to go).
👉 Accommodation
If you’re happy in a hostel, you can find beds for just a few quid. Dip & Doze in Canggu is around £6 a night at the time of writing this post.
But, if you prefer your own space, private rooms can start at about £10 a night, or if you’re after something mid-range, you’ll find decent apartments and hotels from around £20 – £30 a night (especially if you avoid peak season in July and August).
👉 Food
Bali’s food scene can be as budget-friendly or bougie as you like. Local warungs or street stalls are amazing for keeping costs down; you can grab a solid meal for around £2–£3 (a plate of gado-gado for something like 50,000 IDR is always a winner).
But if you’re hitting up Bali’s iconic cafés like Kynd Community (one of my fave vegan spots!), expect to spend more like £15–£20 for your meal and a coffee.
👉 Activities + Getting Around
Scooter hire is about £5 a day, or you can use Grab or GoJek, which are cheap but do vary depending on the time of day and how busy it is.
If you fancy a surf lesson, group ones usually start around £10. Day trips with a driver start at around £25.
💸 So what’s the total?
If you’re keeping things REALLY budget-friendly, like staying in a cheap hostel and mostly eating at local warungs, you’re looking at around £25–£35 per day, or roughly £200 – £250 for a week. That’s a proper shoestring budget, doable for sure, but it doesn’t really account for activities or extras.
If you’re planning on doing some activities, like having a few drinks, hitting a beach club, or heading out on day trips, I’d say your budget will easily double, so aim for around £500–£700 for the week to give yourself a lot more freedom.
Where to Base Yourself in Bali
Canggu: Social + Surf
If you’re wondering where to kick off your Bali trip as a solo traveller, I’d say start here. Canggu is probably the most social spot on the island and a brilliant place to meet other travellers (if that’s what you’re after), and I felt really safe as a woman on her own here.
It’s packed with cool beach bars, cafes, and it’s one of the best places to try surfing!
Where To Stay
If you’re looking for a social spot near the beach, Dip & Doze is a great shout. It’s only 750m from Berawa Beach and a 5-minute walk to Finns Beach Club, plus it has a pool to cool off in. They also offer a female-only dorm if that’s more your vibe.
For something a little quieter, Casa Amarta Boutique Lofts & Detox offers stylish studio spaces just an 8-minute walk from Berawa Beach. You’ll still be within easy reach of cafés and restaurants, but it’s ideal if you want a bit more space while staying close to the action.
Ubud: Chill + Culture
When I think of Bali beyond the beaches, I think of Ubud. This is where you’ll find the iconic rice fields, lush jungle, and some of the island’s most stunning waterfalls. The main town itself can be pretty busy (it’s no hidden gem these days!), but it’s easy to escape to quieter corners just outside the centre.
Ubud is the yoga and wellness hub of Bali. If you’re after retreats, sound baths, or just a slower pace, Ubud’s your spot. Plus, there’s so much Balinese culture to soak up here.
If you’re heading to Ubud from Canggu, I’ve also written about how to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
Where To Stay
If you’re after a budget-friendly spot with proper Ubud vibes, Ubud Rice Field House is a fab choice. It’s tucked in the rice fields, has a gorgeous outdoor area, free yoga, brekkie, and a female-only dorm if you fancy. Plus, they do a free dinner once a week and a Sunday walking tour.
If you want to feel like you’re in the jungle but still be right in the middle of it all, Raka Rai Bungalows is a fun pick. It’s next to the Monkey Forest (so yep, you’ll probably spot a few cheeky monkeys from your room!). It’s on the main strip, so it can be a bit noisy, but you’re close to all the cafés, shops, and yoga studios Ubud’s famous for.
Uluwatu: Laid-Back Coast
Uluwatu’s got surf vibes too, but it’s definitely more chilled than Canggu. The beaches here are some of my favourites, but just a heads-up, most of them involve climbing down steep cliffside stairs, so they’re not quite as easy to access.
It’s perfect if you’re after a slower pace with epic ocean views.
Home-Bience Hostel is a great budget-friendly spot where you can choose between a single room or a shared dorm. Breakfast is included, and there’s a lovely garden plus a pool.
Waroeng Surya Home Stay is great if you want to be near the beach without splashing the cash! Private rooms, a 10-minute stroll to Suluban Beach, and only a quick drive to Uluwatu Temple
Nusa Islands: Island Vibes
If you’re keen to escape the main island, I’d recommend Nusa Lembongan for solo travellers. It’s got a relaxed, easygoing vibe, with beach bars, gentle surf, and (on a clear day) incredible views back towards Bali and Mount Agung.
I do love Nusa Penida, but it’s a bit more rugged; the roads can be steep and patchy, so unless you’re super confident on a scooter or happy to hire a driver, Lembongan is the simpler choice if you’re on your own.
Devadav Hostel is a laid-back spot with mixed dorms, just a stone’s throw from Dream Beach and a short distance to Devil’s Tears. Perfect if you want to be near the water and keep things social without breaking the bank.
Naradas Mushroom Beach is perfect if you want to stay just a few steps from Mushroom Bay. You get private rooms, a chilled pool to unwind in, and free breakfast to set you up for the day.
Best Ways to Get Around the Island
There are loads of ways to get around Bali when you’re flying solo, and I’ve pretty much tried them all (except for one… I don’t trust myself on a scooter. I didn’t even pass my driving test until I was 32!).
Some options are definitely kinder on the budget than others, so it really depends on how you like to travel. Keep in mind that traffic is a bit of a nightmare in the larger towns in Bali, it’s best to travel outside of peak times, where you can and allow plenty of time.
Scooter
So obviously, I’ve skipped the scooter option, but loads of travellers swear by it. It’s one of the cheapest and most flexible ways to explore, usually just a few quid a day, and most hostels or hotels can help you rent one.
Just make sure you’re confident riding, always wear a helmet, and have decent travel insurance, as the roads can be a bit chaotic at times!
Ride-Sharing App
For short distances, this is hands-down my favourite way to get around. Grab and Go-Jek are the go-tos; they’re kind of like Uber (but there’s no Uber in Bali), and I actually think they’re even better.
You can book a driver on a bike or in a car, and the rides are super cheap.
Private Driver
If you’re covering bigger distances, have luggage with you, or fancy a day trip with loads of stops (without having to tackle a scooter), hiring a private driver is honestly the easiest option.
It’s actually way cheaper than you might think, you can usually get a driver for the whole day for around £25 – £30!
Taxi
Taxis are a decent shout for shorter trips, especially if you’ve got luggage with you. I’d stick with Bluebird, they’re reliable, and you’ll spot them easily thanks to the blue car and bird logo. Just watch out for the sneaky fakes!
Like I mentioned earlier, real Bluebirds always use the meter and won’t try to haggle a set price with you.
Boat (If You’re Visiting Any Of The Islands)
If you’re planning to head over to the Gili Islands, Nusa Islands, or Lombok, you’ll need to hop on a boat. The fast boats and ferries run a few times a day from different ports, with Sanur being the most popular.
If you’re prone to seasickness, definitely take your tablets before you set off. James didn’t last time, and let’s just say… he won’t be making that mistake again!
How to Meet People Along the Way
Honestly, I know it’s simple, but one of the best ways to meet people is by staying in hostels. I met most of my closest travel friends (some of them I still keep in touch with today!) that way.
Loads of hostels run activities too, so it’s not awkward; you can just join in and see if you meet anyone you click with. Even just chilling by the pool is a good excuse to chat to someone!
If you’re a digital nomad, co-working cafés and spaces are another easy way to meet like-minded people (plus, great coffee).
And if that’s not your scene, booking a group surf lesson, cooking class, or yoga session is a fun way to connect without the pressure.
Final Thoughts: Is Bali Worth It for Women Travelling Solo?
In short, yes, 100%! I really loved my time in Bali as a solo traveller, and I felt safe the whole time I was there.
It’s easy to meet people if that’s what you’re after, but it’s also somewhere you can happily do your own thing. Add in the beaches, the jungle, and all the amazing food, and it’s definitely worth it.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of your time there, I’ve put together a 10-day Bali itinerary that covers some of the best spots to explore along the way.
