Bali, a popular island destination in Indonesia, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. It’s a place that attracts travelers from all walks of life, including those exploring solo. If you’re considering a solo trip to Bali, you might be wondering about safety and what to expect. Here’s a look at why Bali is considered a good choice for solo travelers, with some practical insights to help you plan your visit.
- My Personal Opinion and Experience
- Friendly Locals & Welcoming Culture
- Constant Activity
- Safe and Convenient Transportation
- Abundant Accommodation Options
- What to Look Out For in Bali
- Leo’s Bad Experience
- Safety Tips
- Make Friends Before & During Your Trip
1
My Personal Opinion and Experience
Not once during the entire month I spent in Bali did I feel even the slightest bit in danger. I have to say that I was very fortunate. I went on a solo trip but ended up meeting a Norwegian girl through a Facebook group. We bonded so well that I spent my entire trip with her. It didn’t take more than a day for me to feel completely safe and to begin appreciating all the beauty this island has to offer.
Keep reading for more information about the Facebook group that helped me meet my great friend.
My Favorite Trip?
When people ask me what my favorite trip is, this is how I like to answer:
When you travel as much as Leo and I do now, beautiful blue waters are beautiful blue waters, and impressive mountains are impressive mountains. So, what makes the true difference between countries that share similar landscapes and wildlife? It’s the people.
We could compare the beauty of Bali to that of Thailand. While these two places have their differences, they offer a similar style of scenery. However, the biggest difference between these two destinations, in my opinion, lies in the interactions I had with the locals. The contrast is quite significant: in Bali, I felt that every person I met was friendly and welcoming, whereas in Thailand, I sometimes found myself being ignored in restaurants when asking for help. It’s important to note that experiences can vary widely depending on where you go and who you meet.
Of all the places I’ve visited, the Balinese people have an energy that’s simply incomparable. It’s difficult to put into words, but you’ll see it with your own eyes when you visit this incredible island!
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Friendly Locals and Welcoming Culture
When I say the locals are your friends, I mean it literally. I’ve never developed relationships like the ones I formed in Bali anywhere else in the world. For example, when your driver arrives to pick you up, you’re likely to be greeted with a warm, “Hi Jezabel! How’s it going? Are you ready to leave?” If you’re taking a surf lesson on the beach, there’s a good chance you’ll leave as best friends with your instructor, just as I did. The kindness and gratitude of the Balinese people are unparalleled, making them the friendliest community I’ve ever encountered.
Balinese Culture
The warmth and friendliness of the Balinese people are deeply rooted in their culture. The concept of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between people, nature, and the spiritual world, plays a significant role in their daily lives. This belief system encourages a strong sense of community and mutual respect, which is reflected in the way they treat visitors.
Having traveled to many different countries, I’ve encountered various levels of hospitality, but Bali truly stands out. While other cultures may express kindness in different ways, the Balinese have a unique ability to make you feel like part of their community almost instantly.
3
Constant Activity
There are no dead moments in Bali—there’s always something happening. Even in the middle of the night, you can find someone ready to help. Need a late-night snack? Head to a Mini Mart. You’ll never feel alone in Bali because there’s always life around you.
4
Safe and Convenient Transportation
Transportation in Bali is incredibly easy and safe, thanks to services like Gojek and Grab, which function similarly to Uber. You can call a motorbike or car through the app, so you always know the price and when your ride will arrive. The drivers are consistently friendly, and with so many available, you’ll never be stranded.
Can’t Call One? Your Phone is Dead?
Once, my phone died while I was alone in the center of Seminyak. I wasn’t worried at all because Gojek drivers were everywhere. When I was ready to return to my hotel, I simply asked a friendly driver for a ride, and he gave me a fair price. They’re always there when you need them.
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Abundant Accommodation Options
Having a great variety of accommodations means you’ll easily find a place that suits your needs and comfort levels. For solo travelers, Bali’s numerous hostels are ideal.
Why Stay In a Hostel as a Solo Traveler?
These places not only provide a secure place to stay but also foster a sense of community, allowing you to meet fellow travelers. Many hostels organize group activities, tours, and social events, which can be a great way to explore the island safely while making new friends.
The help from the staff is also something you will love about hostels. They often provide valuable local advice, assist with arranging transportation, and offer recommendations for safe activities and places to visit. This level of support can be particularly reassuring for solo travelers, making them feel cared for and secure during their stay.
You’re a Last Minute Traveler like I Am?
Having many options also provides flexibility, allowing you to easily change your plans if needed. If you arrive at a location and don’t feel entirely comfortable, it’s relatively simple to find alternative accommodations nearby. This flexibility gives peace of mind, knowing that you’re never stuck in one place and can always move to a safer or more suitable environment if necessary.
Rating Systems on the Accommodations Apps
Online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Hostelworld offer a vast selection of lodgings with detailed reviews and ratings from previous guests. This transparency helps you make informed decisions depending on your priorities and wishes. You can read comments from travelers just like you. There is nothing more relatable than that.
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What to Look Out For in Bali
While Bali is generally a safe and welcoming destination for solo travelers, like any travel experience, it’s important to be aware of certain aspects to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Traffic and Road Safety
Bali’s roads can be chaotic! Traffic rules are often loosely followed, and the streets are crowded with motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians. The wear of helmets is not obligatory, but you should still always wear one. If you’re planning to rent a motorbike, be cautious, again wear a helmet, and drive defensively. If you’re not comfortable driving, it’s safer to rely on taxis, Gojek, or Grab for transportation.
Since you can rent a scooter with no experience, know that others can do the same. That means there are more than one inexperienced driver on those streets.
Insurance
If you plan to rent a scooter, make sure your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents, as even experienced riders can encounter difficulties on Bali’s busy roads.
Scams and Tourist Traps
As with any popular tourist destination, there are some scams to be aware of in Bali. Common scams include overcharging for services, inflated prices in markets, and unlicensed tour guides offering overpriced excursions. To avoid these, inform yourself in advance on what the prices should be.
- For tours : Either book with well known tour companies like GetYourGuide and Viator, or be careful and negotiate prices when booking in person.
- For markets : Always compare prices in different little shops before making a purchase. Since negotiating is very common, they will start with a crazy amount expecting you to try to lower it.
Currency Exchange and Rates
When exchanging currency, always use official exchange counters or banks. What I highly suggest you do, is either exchange the money before your trip at your local bank, or, get money out of an ATM that has your card logo on it, and refuse the currency rate. That means your local bank will take care of modifying the currency and high chances are you will get a better rate.
Methanol Poisoning
When I visited Bali, I wasn’t aware of this danger. Please read carefully.
One of the most serious risks in Bali is methanol poisoning. Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol that is sometimes found in counterfeit or illegally produced spirits. Consuming even small amounts of methanol can lead to serious health issues, including blindness, organ failure, or death.
How to Avoid It:
- Stick to reputable establishments: Always buy your drinks from reputable bars, restaurants, or hotels. Avoid extremely cheap alcohol or drinks from unknown or questionable sources.
- Choose sealed, branded drinks: Opt for well-known, sealed, and branded spirits or beers to ensure the alcohol is genuine.
- Be cautious with local spirits: Be particularly wary of locally-produced spirits like arak unless you are certain of their source.
7
Leo’s Bad Experience
Léonie speaking: I absolutely loved my time in Bali. To this day, it’s still one of the countries with the nicest people I’ve ever visited. However, I did have a bad experience at the beginning of my trip. Since we’re committed to telling the whole truth, I’m sharing this with you as a precaution. What happened to me is quite uncommon, so don’t let it discourage you from taking your trip.
While walking alone in Kuta during the day, a local man approached me on his scooter and started talking to me. Unfortunately, he didn’t speak English, so he began making hand gestures. I told him I wasn’t interested, but he continued to follow me. Initially, I felt uncomfortable because I didn’t understand his intentions. Despite my repeated refusals, he persisted in staying with me. The longer this went on, the more I realized that he was offering me a room for the night in exchange for sexual favors, which I obviously refused. At that point, I began to feel very uneasy because I was being followed in broad daylight. He trailed me all the way to my hostel—about two kilometers. Fortunately, once I was inside, he left me alone, and I never saw him again.
Bad incidents can happen anywhere, at any time. I didn’t let that one hour of my trip determine how safe I felt in Bali because it wasn’t representative of my entire experience. The same thing could have happened in Canada. That’s why I still consider Bali to be one of the safest destinations for solo travelers.
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Safety Tips
- Use Taxi Apps: Stick to apps like Grab or Gojek to ensure a fair price and added safety through driver identification.
- Bring a Padlock: If staying in hostels, carry a sturdy padlock for securing your belongings in provided lockers.
- Carry a Personal Alarm: A small, loud personal alarm can deter attackers and attract attention in emergencies.
- Stay Connected: Regularly update loved ones on your whereabouts and share your location via smartphone apps.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, leave immediately. Your safety is paramount.
- Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly and follow local customs to blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
- Avoid Flashing Valuables: Keep expensive items out of sight to reduce the risk of theft.
- Secure Your Valuables: Use a crossbody bag with a zipper, worn in front, to keep your essentials safe.
- Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Save local emergency numbers in your phone and write them down as a backup.
- Keep Your Phone Charged: Carry a power bank to ensure your phone is always charged.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Know essential phrases in the local language for emergencies and basic communication.
- Get Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
For more detailed advice, check out our comprehensive article: Top Safety Tips for Solo Travelers: Stay Safe & Confident.
9
Make Friends Before and During Your Trip
Meeting Ina, my Norwegian friend, at the beginning of my trip to Bali had a huge, positive impact on the course of my journey. Solo traveling doesn’t mean you have to be alone the entire time—unless, of course, that’s what you prefer, which is perfectly okay too. Thanks to the power of social media, it’s now easier than ever to make friends while traveling. Here’s, in my opinion, the best and easiest way to do so:
Facebook Groups
I met Ina through a Facebook group called “The Female Solo Traveler Network.” Don’t hesitate to post in these groups, ask for advice, or even suggest meeting up with others. You might find someone to join you for part of your trip, or even plan an entire journey together! However, be cautious of potential scams—always ask for a video call to verify the person’s identity before making any plans.
What’s Next?
Now that you know about the safety in Bali, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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