🇮🇩Indonesia Solo Travel Guide

Plan your Indonesia trip

Is Bali safe for solo travellers?

Bali is generally safe and welcoming for solo travellers, including solo women, and violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The everyday risks are practical: motorbike accidents are by far the most common way visitors get hurt, so only ride a scooter if you already know how, always wear a helmet, and check your travel insurance first — many policies exclude riders who don't hold a valid motorcycle licence. Be cautious with cheap local spirits and cocktails: methanol-tainted drinks have caused serious poisonings in Indonesia, so drink at reputable venues and stick to sealed bottles. Use authorised money changers (and count your cash), don't drink tap water, keep your belongings away from monkeys in Ubud and Uluwatu, and watch for drivers who overcharge.

How much does Bali cost?

Bali is one of the best-value tropical destinations, but costs vary widely by area. Backpackers can manage on roughly US$30–50 a day (guesthouse or hostel, local 'warung' meals, scooter or driver hire for short trips). A comfortable mid-range budget is around US$60–120 a day, and trendier areas such as Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu are noticeably more expensive than Ubud or the north and east of the island. Eating at local warungs for a few dollars a meal is by far the cheapest and often the most delicious option.

Best time to visit

The dry season, roughly April to October, brings sunny days and the best conditions for beaches and hiking, with peak crowds and prices in July–August and around Christmas–New Year. The wetter season (November to March) is greener, quieter and cheaper, with heavy but often short downpours rather than constant rain. Note Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence (usually in March): the whole island shuts down for 24 hours, including the airport, and you must stay in your accommodation. It's a memorable experience if you plan for it, and a nasty surprise if you don't.

Getting around

Public transport is limited, so most visitors either hire a scooter, use ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek, or hire a private driver for the day, which is often good value and safer than riding yourself. Some areas restrict app-based pickups, so you may need to walk to the edge of a zone. If you rent a scooter, you'll need to comply with local licence rules, as police do check and insurers may refuse claims otherwise. Traffic is heavy in the south — allow much more time than distance suggests. Domestic flights and fast boats connect Bali to Lombok, the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida.

Culture & etiquette

Bali is mostly Hindu, and religion is woven into daily life. Small offerings (canang sari) are left on the ground and outside doorways — step around them. Wear a sarong and sash at temples (usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance), cover your shoulders and knees, and don't touch anyone's head. Use your right hand to give and receive items, and dress modestly away from beaches. All international visitors must also pay the Bali tourist levy (currently IDR 150,000) through the official Love Bali site, and complete the All Indonesia digital arrival form before you travel, so allow a little time for both before you fly.

Where to go in Indonesia