Are you a solo female traveler planning a trip to Bali but unsure where to begin? From booking your flight and navigating the bustling airport to crafting the perfect itinerary and making new friends, this guide covers all the essentials to help make your Bali solo trip unforgettable! 🌴🤙🏼
Chapters
4. Itinerary - Stay Flexible!
Pre-Planning: Flights, Visas, Custom Declaration Forms, Health Form
A bit of preparation goes a long way to enjoy a stress-free trip to Bali as a solo female traveler. Here's everything you need to know before you land:
Flights
Booking your flight early (around 6-8 weeks in advance) can help you snag a better deal. Flights from Europe to Bali typically range from €800 to €1,000. I've found some of the best deals on Skyscanner.
Visa Application
Once you've booked your flight, you can apply for your visa online at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id. You can also get a 30-day visa (B213 Visa) upon arrival. However, if you prefer to skip the lines at the airport and head straight to baggage claim, I recommend applying online. It's a game-changer.
When you apply online, the visa does not have a fixed start date but instead offers a three-month window during which you can enter Bali. After passing through the electronic visa scanner at the airport, you'll receive an email within a few hours with your visa's start and expiration dates.
The online application process is straightforward. You'll need your personal information, a PDF of your passport, a passport-sized photo (see the website for specifications), a screenshot of your return flight ticket, and proof of at least $2,000 in your bank account.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, I recommend applying for the 60-day visa (211A Visa). Some people have reported issues with the website, such as crashing or visas not being approved in time, but my applications have always been approved within a few days. If you're unsure, you can always get the 30-day visa on arrival and extend it while in Bali.
Visa Extensions
You have two options for extending your visa in Bali: you can either handle it yourself at the immigration office or use a visa agency, which is a much more convenient option and saves you from making multiple trips to the immigration office.
The process is simple if you choose to go with an agency, such as Moana Visa Bali. Drop off your passport with them, and they'll handle everything, including arranging your immigration appointment. You'll only need to visit the immigration office once for fingerprinting—a quick 5-minute process. Within a day or two, Moana Agency delivers the passport with the extended visa to you. Although using an agency costs a bit more, it frees up your time for more enjoyable activities, like surfing or exploring Bali. Plus, agencies update you on the progress via WhatsApp, and they deliver your passport straight to your accommodation once it's ready.
Note: If your visa is about to expire in just a couple of days and you want to extend your stay, don’t worry. Visa agencies are usually very efficient and can get your extension processed in time.
Entry QR-Code: Customs Declaration & SATUSEHAT Health Pass
When entering Bali, you'll need to complete a Customs Declaration Form. While you can fill it out upon arrival at the airport, I recommend taking care of it in advance to save time and avoid standing in line. You can quickly complete the form online up to three days before your trip and save the QR code on your phone. This way, you can show the QR code at the airport and breeze through the process. Additionally, don’t forget to fill out the SATUSEHAT Health Pass online before arriving in Bali. Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, so handling both ahead of time will spare you any last-minute hassles.
2. Navigating the Airport and Transportation in Bali as a Solo Female Traveler
When you land at Denpasar airport, things can get a little chaotic, with taxi drivers swarming to offer rides. This can be overwhelming if it's your first time traveling to Asia.
To avoid frustrations with price haggling, I recommend two options:
Homestay/Hotel Pick Up
If this is your first time in Bali, as a solo female traveler, consider arranging an airport pick-up through your accommodation. Many hotels and homestays offer this service, and it's a hassle-free way to start your trip. Though it may cost around $35-45, it saves you the stress of dealing with pushy taxi drivers and ensures you won't be overcharged.
Book Your Own Ride with Gojek/Grab
Alternatively, you can book a Gojek ride through their app. There's a designated Gojek Pick-Up Spot (Instant Point) at the airport where you can comfortably wait for your ride. The staff at the Gojek Waiting Area will notify you when your driver arrives, making this option far smoother than navigating through aggressive taxi drivers.
To book a Gojek ride, you'll need an Indonesian phone number, which you can get by purchasing a SIM card at one of the many Telekomsel (SIM card brand) stands inside the airport. Do this before you leave the airport to book your ride immediately.
3. Budget - How Much Money Do I Need as a Solo Female Traveler?
Let's talk about budgeting for your Bali adventure! If you're planning your first trip, you might be wondering how much money you'll need. The good news is that Bali remains an affordable destination, especially compared to Western countries, although prices have increased in recent years.
Your budget will largely depend on your travel style. In popular areas like Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu, you can expect to spend more on accommodation, food, and activities compared to more remote areas in the north or east of the island.
In this guide, I'll share my own Bali travel experiences, covering everything from budget-friendly accommodations to splurging at popular spots like Uluwatu, Ubud, and the Gili Islands. Whether you're enjoying $2 meals at local warungs or treating yourself to a $10 breakfast at a trendy café, this guide will help you plan a trip that balances affordability with a touch of indulgence.
Two-Week Budget Breakdown
Let's say you're planning a two-week solo female trip to Bali, exploring Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, and the Gili Islands, with a mix of activities, shopping, and dining. Here's an average budget based on my experience:
Visa (30 days): $35
Accommodations: $500
Food: $330 (including both local meals and Western-style breakfasts)
Transportation: $120 (airport transfers, ferry rides, and local transport)
Scooter Rental: $40 (or Gojek/Grab rides)
Shopping: $250 (souvenirs, boutique shopping, etc.)
Activities: $250 (surf lessons, yoga classes, workshops, and more)
Miscellaneous: $200 (nights out, beach sarong, souvenirs, etc.)
Total: approx. $1,725 for a balanced mix of affordable options and a few splurges.
Accommodation Costs
Ubud (6 nights):
Private Room Homestay: $80-$150
Hostels: $30-$60
Uluwatu (6 nights):
Private Room Bungalows: $130-$300
Hostels: $50-$100
Transportation Costs
Transportation is essential in Bali. Here's a quick overview:
Airport Ride: $25-$45
Scooter Rental: $40 per week
Ferry to Gilis: $25 one way
Car Rides: $25-$35 between Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu
Food Costs
Bali offers plenty of affordable dining options. Western-style breakfasts can cost around $10, but you can save money by staying at a homestay with breakfast included. For lunch, local warungs offer meals for as little as $2.50.
Indonesian Warungs:
Ubud: Shanti Warung ($2.50 per plate)
Canggu: Warung Sika ($3 per plate)
Uluwatu: Yeye's ($3 per plate)
Western Style Restaurants:
Ubud: Zest Vegan Restaurant ($15)
Canggu: Milk & Madu Beach Road ($10-$15)
Uluwatu: Nourish ($10-$15)
Activity Costs
Bali has a wide range of activities that fit various budgets:
Yoga Class: $10
Surf Lessons: $22 in Canggu, $45 in Uluwatu
Snorkeling Tour in Gilis: $15
Workshops (Cooking, Wood Carving, Silver Ring Making, etc.): $30-$40
By mixing budget-friendly options with occasional splurges, you can enjoy an unforgettable Bali experience without breaking the bank. Whether you're staying in charming guesthouses or indulging in a few luxuries, this guide has you covered for a well-balanced Bali adventure!
4. Itinerary - Stay Flexible!
When planning your Bali itinerary, it's important to stay flexible. Start by mapping out your general route—beginning in Ubud or Canggu and ending in Uluwatu is a smart choice, as Uluwatu is less than an hour from the airport, making it a convenient spot to wrap up your trip. Be sure to book your first few nights in advance, but leave the rest to book once you are in Bali. For example, if you plan to visit the Gili Islands, you can arrange accommodations a few days ahead, and your guesthouse or hotel can help you book ferry ride tickets.
Flexibility is key because your plans may change once you're in Bali. You might meet fellow travelers with similar itineraries and decide to explore new places together, stay in the same hostels, or share experiences.
Fortunately, accommodations and transportation can be quickly booked at the last minute in Bali. The only exception is Uluwatu, where popular accommodations tend to fill up quickly, and prices are generally higher. It's wise to book in advance, but if you book a day ahead, you can still get a place to stay.
5. How to Meet People as a Solo Female Traveler in Bali
Meeting people in Bali is surprisingly easy. The island attracts travelers from all over the world, making it a social hub where connecting with others feels effortless. While staying in hostels is a guaranteed way to meet other travelers, you'll find it just as easy to start conversations during surf lessons, workshops, yoga classes, or even at cafes and restaurants.
Bali draws a diverse age range, typically from early twenties to mid-thirties, but you'll find adventurers of all ages. I once met a sixty-year-old solo traveler from South Africa who had left her adult daughters at home to explore Bali solo. She was confidently riding a scooter while I still relied on Gojek rides—such an inspiring woman!
For me, making connections in Bali has always felt natural. Even when I booked a private guesthouse to focus on journaling and yoga, I still ended up meeting people. I met a girl at my guesthouse, and what started as a casual conversation turned into a three-hour chat. Later that evening, she invited me out to dinner with some friends who lived in Bali. In the following days, I met other travelers while working at cafes. So even if hostels aren't your thing, you'll still find plenty of opportunities to meet others just by being out and about.
That being said, one key factor in meeting people is your own approachability. I speak from experience here. Ten years ago, I wasn't very approachable—I enjoyed my solitude, and people picked up on that energy, so I rarely had anyone talk to me. In the last three years, though, as I've grown more confident and shed my insecurities, I've opened up a lot more, especially during solo travels. Now, I don't hesitate to chat with strangers, ask for help, or strike up a conversation when I feel someone might want to talk. The difference is noticeable. Smiling, saying hello, and being open to interaction goes a long way. And by making the first move, you might just be doing someone else a favor, too!
One of the best parts of the traveler community is how relaxed and open everyone is. If you meet a group in a hostel or anywhere, they'll often invite you to join their plans or events without any pressure. And if you can't make it, no one gets upset—it's all very laid-back.
One of my favorite travel experiences happened in Gili T, where I spent a week by myself. After a few days at my guesthouse, I met another solo female traveler from the UK, and we hit it off instantly. From that day on, we spent every day exploring the island together or lounging by the pool. We even had the same plan to go to Gili Air, so we decided to travel there together. But whenever one of us needed to do something else, like work or take a break, there was never any pressure. We enjoyed the freedom of doing our own thing while still being travel buddies.
That's the beauty of traveling in Bali—friendships form naturally, and everyone respects each other's space and pace.
6. General Safety Tips & Helpful Emergency Info
Bali is one of the safest places I've traveled to as a solo female. I've taken rides at 3 a.m., and my Gojek driver made sure I got home safely, even going out of his way to find my bungalow. The people in Bali are some of the kindest I've ever met, always willing to help in any way they can.
While taking gojek rides alone at night is generally safe, I recommend not walking home alone. Always book a ride or walk with someone you know. When I went out with friends, we headed back together. Even when I went out with locals, they ensured my Gojek driver picked me up before they left and followed up with a text to ensure I got home safely.
In emergencies, like fracturing a rib or dealing with "the Bali belly," plenty of local clinics in every city, and the hospitals in Denpasar offer excellent service.
One thing I appreciated about medical services in Bali is their use of WhatsApp for easy communication—they send follow-ups or appointment reminders via the app. So, even if you encounter a health issue during your trip, don't worry; medical help is easily accessible.
It's also wise to bring a small medical kit from home with essentials like cold and flu medication, diarrhea medicine, motion sickness pills, and rehydration powder.
Summary
I hope this guide has been helpful in planning your Bali adventure! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or message me on Instagram at @Elliellen or comment below!
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