My Crazy Solo Trip to Bali Including Itinerary

Travelling solo to Bali is considered easy and very safe, yet the Hindu paradise may surprise you with challenging situations. Like every place during every solo trip you take! 

What to expect when travelling alone to Bali? Is the island safe for single females? What to do on your solo trip to Bali and where to stay on your holidays on the island of Gods?

NOTE: One month after my solo trip to Bali, I managed to lose my phone. Unfortunately, with this I also lost almost all of my pictures. You can check my stories from the trip here: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18025462730049013/

First time in Bali, First time in Asia

My first time solo travel in Asia: high temperatures, humid air, strong rain, and frizzy hair. Snorkelling with turtles in Gili, fighting the strong currents in Sanur. Alone in a jungle villa, lost debit card in Nusa Lembongan. Cheap food, expensive bananas. Lovely people, cheeky monkeys. Chaotic boat transport before a storm and polluted beaches after the same storm.

And much more, guys. My 21-day solo trip to Bali couldn’t have been more exciting, filled with adventures as well as challenging experiences.

For me, this trip was a whirlwind. I stayed at five different places and slept in six different hotels. Every arrival brought unexpected surprises, yet the final result of my solo travel in Bali turned out to be one of the best and most spectacular journeys of my life.

I learned to relax and stay calm in difficult situations. I also learned to listen to my intuition. Furthermore, I made some great decisions and also some mistakes, from which I learned valuable lessons. Now I am excited to see what Bali taught or will teach you!

Safety in Bali: Is Bali Safe for Solo Travellers, Especially Single Females?

Yes, Bali is completely safe, and it is one of the safest places I have visited. The Balinese people are kind, extremely helpful, and respectful. They honour everyone, including foreigners, and treat all with the highest form of respect. The Hindu religion plays a strong role in shaping these values.

Men treat women with courtesy, but the vibe between genders can be different on the surrounding islands, like Gili. However, no place in the world is a fairytale, and one can encounter mistreatment even on a relaxed island like Bali.

Advice: Buy a phone SIM card with data as one of the very first things after you arrive. Proper connection and mobile signal is part of your safety too.

Respect is Key

Respect is also required from you, the traveller, in any place where you go. You should always follow local traditions and customs. It’s advised to avoid negativity, loud voices, harsh comments, or impulsive behaviour. Of course, you can express dissatisfaction with services if you experience issues, but this should be done with kindness and calmness in your voice.

If you treat the Balinese with respect, they will return that respect. This principle holds true everywhere in the world. However, especially on the Hindu island of Bali, anger and aggression go against their nature and beliefs. With the right attitude, you can easily avoid unpleasant situations and stay safe during your trip.

I felt safe even at night; however, I tried to avoid walking alone after dark, which came early around 7 PM (it gets dark early throughout the year). The reason for this wasn’t due to danger on the streets, but rather the emptiness and lack of lighting in the places where I was staying.

How to Move Around on Your Solo Travel in Bali

The best options are to download the apps Gojek and Grab. I used both, depending on the offers available. I also received some recommendations for drivers in Bali from my friends, who do more than just take you from point A to point B; you can easily negotiate half-day or full-day trips with them. They are usually eager to prepare any itinerary for you, as this is literally their job. Once you meet a driver you like—whether from Grab or Gojek—you can ask if they also offer private trips.

Alternatively, I booked some trips through GetYourGuide or hailed taxis directly on the street—there are many available. Numerous tourist agencies which you find nearly at every corner also offer day trips. If you’re comfortable with the hassle, you can rent a motorbike and explore on your own. But be aware that traffic in Bali can be quite chaotic.

What the Weather Looks Like on a Solo Trip to Bali in March and April

What is the weather like in Bali in March and April? I arrived in Bali on March 21, which is around the time the rainy season is coming to an end. It’s not completely dry yet, and you might encounter surprise rain from time to time. However, the weather is still decent, and the plus side is that there are far fewer tourists everywhere!

The rain mostly came during the night, so after heavy showers, the sun would shine in the morning, and everything would dry out quickly. The air was very humid, and the sun was intense; the UV levels were often very high and extreme.

Be sure to bring plenty of high-quality sunscreen—it can be hard to find and may be overpriced. I recommend the brand Mabyen, which is magnesium-based, coral-safe, and fragrance-free.

The worst rain I experienced was in Gili Trawangan, where I witnessed the serious issue of plastic pollution in the ocean.

Therefore, if you travel alone to Bali in March and April, you can enjoy less crowded places, but be prepared for possible rain, storms, and high humidity.

My Solo Trip to Bali Itinerary

Where to stay in Bali on your solo trip always depends on personal taste and planned activities. Do you want to spend most of your time on the beach, or are you in Bali for a cultural experience? Is your visit spiritual in nature, or do you prefer busy areas filled with restaurants and clubs?

Another important consideration is how long you will be in Bali and whether you plan to stay on the island or explore nearby destinations.

Nevertheless, you can find inspiration in my solo Bali itinerary. Along with the places I stayed during my 21-day visit, I’ll also mention my crazy stories which can not only entertain you but as well make you ready for less expected situations.

1. South-West Bali: Beaches, Sunsets, and City Buzz

During my first week in Bali, I attended a beautiful wedding of a dear friend at a villa in Desa Kelating, Tabana, followed by an after-party in Canggu. I decided to stay in the area for at least a week to acclimate to the island. This turned out to be a great idea, as it was extremely hot and humid, which can be quite draining—especially if you’re experiencing it for the first time.

The south-west is a very popular spot, with many people staying in Canggu, Pererenan, Seminyak, Kuta, or Tanah Lot, where I stayed.

Why should the south-west of the island be part of your Bali solo trip? It’s very close to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, and you have plenty of lovely beaches to choose from. There are also many famous temples to visit, including Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Tirta Empul.

Canggu is known for its surfing scene and is filled with hip cafés, trendy restaurants, and one of the biggest clubs in Bali. It’s a very convenient area with shops, hotels, and hostels, making it an excellent base for your first days in Bali—especially if you’re travelling alone.

However, as lively as it is, the area can get quite busy. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, you might prefer staying in Pererenan or Seminyak. These areas are also close to the popular temple region of Ubud and its stunning rice fields. You can easily make day trips from the south if those locations don’t fit into your itinerary (though they should!).

Staying at Tanah Lot as a Solo Traveller in Bali

Tanah Lot is the area surrounding the famous temple of Tanah Lot, and due to its sacredness, all restaurants, bars, and shops close before 9 PM. It’s a shame I didn’t read about this before selecting my hotel!

The emptiness and quietness were sometimes a bit unsettling, to be honest. However, I stayed at the Natya Hotel Tanah Lot, which consists entirely of bungalows, and I had a fantastic stay! The sunsets at Tanah Lot were the most romantic experience of my solo trip; they were simply marvellous. Only the ones I saw later in Nusa Lembongan might have surpasses them. 

The bungalow itself was gorgeous, with a lovely porch surrounded by bushes and trees, providing complete privacy. It was just me and my geckos, which I initially mistook for ducks because of the sound they make! The breakfast was splendid, the restaurant and pool area were dreamy, and the staff was top-notch.

The Tanah Lot area is quite tranquil—some might say boring—especially during the evening, if you don’t count the amazing sunsets and views. However, you can easily get to busier areas like Canggu and back for just a few euros.

There is a currency exchange office in Tanah Lot, as well as some small and larger stores where you can buy water and snacks. Don’t forget to pay the mandatory fee for staying at the Tanah Lot temple complex, which is IDR 75,000 per person, per stay.

2. East Bali Inland: Jungle, Rice Fields, Waterfalls, and Temples

After a week in the south-west, I was not only filled with beautiful memories but also getting used to the heavy traffic and the hospitality of the locals (which, at times, was overwhelming! As a Slavic person, I tend to be naturally suspicious).

I had also become accustomed to negotiating prices at markets, navigating narrow streets that seemed disconnected, and having fried rice (Nasi Goreng) for breakfast.

It was time to move on. This was the moment I found myself completely alone—during the first week, I had spent a few days with my friends. It was also when my trip turned into a somewhat crazy experience, as I learned to listen to my intuition and stay calm during challenging moments.

My Beginnings of Solo Trip to Bali Were Difficult: Lost in Fields Alone

After my driver left me at the Abian Ayu Villa, I started to feel a bit nervous. To be honest, I had already sensed something was off that morning before leaving Tanah Lot.

The receptionist at Abian Ayu Villa couldn’t find my reservation made through Agoda—it basically didn’t exist. He mentioned they only had one night available, and I would need to move to another place the next morning. He was very nice and apologetic, even promising to help me find new accommodation.

I took the room for one night, and if you’ve ever been to Sidemen, you know it’s a stunning, green jungle-like area. However, it’s much smaller than Ubud or other popular destinations and doesn’t have many hotels. It can be quite tranquil, especially in March, which is off-season.

Internally, I was freaking out. I was on WhatsApp with Agoda, which was sending back nonsensical replies, claiming they had spoken with the owner of Abian Ayu Villa and secured my accommodation—blah, blah, blah.

Seriously, it felt like a nightmare: the hotel accusing Agoda, Agoda blaming the hotel, and me stuck in between, lost somewhere in the jungle and rice fields. Little did I know, things were about to get even scarier.

Staying in the Natural Parts of Bali? Prepare for Wildlife

In between texting Agoda and listening to the receptionist, who didn’t want to lose a potential customer, I began looking for a place. Unfortunately, I didn’t have many options. Many places were fully booked, some didn’t look cozy, and others were too expensive for a solo traveller. So, I randomly selected a bed and breakfast and went there personally.

I chose Bebek Biru, which was about a 10-15 minute walk from Abian. When I arrived at the large property, a friendly Indonesian man was relaxing on his porch. I introduced myself and explained my situation. He replied, “Oh, Abian Ayu Hotel? My wife owns it and my son runs it. ”

His wife arrived just a few minutes later, and as soon as I started recounting my story of being without a place to stay, she responded, “Lenka? Yes, we know about you; we already have a room for you.” It blew my mind! I had chosen a random place and ended up at a family-run business. They were incredibly kind, and I told them I would come the next morning to check in.

My Personal Jungle Villa during my Solo Trip to Bali

The property featured a house with a temple, followed by a little porch, then a wider garden with chickens on the right and some fields on the left. Beyond that was a garden with the villa itself. My room was on the ground floor of the villa, accessible through the garden and down concrete steps that wrapped around the building. Surrounding me were only a small pond, palm trees, bushes, and fields of rice and flowers. Exactly: no way out!

I continued with my plans for the day and returned to my room after dinner. It gets dark very early —between 6 and 7 PM. Nobody was staying in the villa above, which made me a bit uneasy as it grew dark and quiet. There was only one way back up: through the concrete steps, past garden number one, garden number two, and onto the porch.

It was a romantic setting—if I had been there with a boyfriend or a friend, the vibe might have felt different. But I was alone, surrounded by rice fields, palm trees, and lush greenery, which served as a natural habitat for wildlife.

Whatever Can Shit on Your Porch in Sidemen

I couldn’t sleep the first night! I couldn’t even turn off the light in my room because as soon as I did, I heard strange sounds all around. The room was partially open, with a 20 to 30-centimeter gap just below the ceiling, allowing outdoor noises and small animals to flood in.

There were plenty of sounds—huge fish jumping in the pond, frogs croaking, lizards scuttling, and geckos chirping. In the dead of night, I could hear animals walking in front of the door, and by morning, these little mice with curled tails were jumping on the roof, having fun in the palm trees. Something had even left a mess on my porch overnight. I had no idea what it was, but I was terrified in that half-open villa, not having people around.

There was so much happening throughout the night that my inner city girl couldn’t comprehend. It reminded me of my summer holidays at my grandparents’ house in a village called Brodzany, where you could hear all sorts of animals at night. But there were houses nearby, and people staying in the same home as me. Here, I was completely alone—just me, a big villa, countless animals, and fields all around.

Advice: Prepare for wildlife, people. Especially when you travel to Bali alone, you’ll have to face it all: the insects, especially roaches and spiders, geckos, mice, and possibly even some wild cats—whatever can shit on your porch!

Is Sidemen Worth Visiting?

Now let’s get to the good part! Oh man, it is absolutely worth visiting. Sidemen is stunning—lush, natural, and surrounded by jungles and rice fields. Huge palm trees greet you wherever you go, and the food is both delicious and affordable. I recommend trying these restaurants in Sidemen  Warung Ayuz, Warung Deva or Warung arok.

I was seriously stunned by the view from the Abian Ayu Hotel (if I remember correctly, it was raining the first evening I arrived). Sidemen felt surreal.

If you don’t drive yourself, I suggest booking a bike tour with Giri Carik to Gembleng Waterfall, which is incredibly beautiful. We also stopped at the famous Yellow Bridge, explored rice fields, and visited a sarong factory. This quick bike tour gives you a great overview of what Sidemen has to offer.

Giri Carik is a hotel with a little tourist kiosk inside—I forgot the name—but I not only booked this bike trip with them but also a full-day tour.

Advice: If you stay in Sidemen during your solo trip to Bali, you can book a day trip to explore nearby attractions, like Laganhan Sweet (my favorite), Virgin Beach, and temples such as Tirta Ganga or Taman Ujung.

3. Gili Islands: Turtles, Sandy Beaches, and Laid-Back Vibes

After three nights in Sidemen, surrounded by nature, having only cold water, and making friends with insects, it was time to move on to Gili Trawangan—the largest of the Gili Islands, which geographically belongs to Lombok.

I booked a ferry from Padang Bai to Gili T with Eka Jaya, a company recommended by my Indonesian friend. She warned me that some boat companies could be very unreliable and chaotic, so I took her advice, and she was right. Eka Jaya was very organized, and the process of checking in, boarding the boat, and the sail itself went smoothly.

I booked the route with a hotel pickup, and it was easy to communicate about my hotel changes, pickup date, and so on. The driver, like all Balinese, arrived 20 minutes early! This seemed to be a typical practice in Bali—being “on time” means arriving 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

Rain, Rain, Rain and Polluted Beaches

Everyone praised Gili T. Some even called it a paradise, the most beautiful island they had ever visited—this came from experienced travellers. As a result, I had built up very high expectations.

Unfortunately, the island was hit by strong rains when I arrived. With the rain, all the rubbish from the ocean washed ashore. I had only three days and didn’t want to waste my time, so I ventured out even in the rain.

I visited a bar with sunbeds and a restaurant and ordered fish and chips. It was literally the worst meal I’ve ever tasted. The fish was spoiled, the fries were probably fried in ten-year-old oil, and there was trash everywhere. It didn’t feel like a paradise at all!

And the Sun Shone Again on My Solo Trip to Bali

Luckily, everything turned around after that. I booked an amazing snorkelling trip, saw super cute turtles, explored undersea statues, and visited gorgeous Gili Meno.

The rain stopped, the rubbish on the beaches disappeared (though it didn’t evaporate; it just returned to the ocean, which was extremely heartbreaking to witness), and the beaches looked stunning under the blue skies.

One thing I highly recommend is a sunrise paddleboard session. You may have to wake up really early, as it starts at 5:45 AM, but it’s so worth it. The sea was beautifully calm, there were hardly any people around, and I saw turtles everywhere—without even snorkelling! The water was so clear!

Even though my first day was tough, with the island flooded and many people offering me drugs, I fell in love with the place and deeply regretted staying only for three nights.

4. Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida: Surfing, Pristine Sea, Sunsets, and Mantas

With a heavy heart and a packed backpack, I was leaving the little island I already missed dearly. As much luck as I had with my travel to Gili T , I was about to experience complete chaos with Wijaya Perkasa, the company I booked to get from Gili T to Nusa Lembongan.

First, the departure time on my ticket was incorrect. The kiosk lady told me that the information was several months old, and she acted as if it were my fault for trusting their ticket details. It was just hilarious.

Second, we had to disembark at Nusa Penida and switch to a—well, I don’t even know how to describe it—half-broken tiny wooden motorboat. There were about 30 of us, each with at least 20 kg of luggage.

The expressions on everyone’s faces looked like something out of a disaster movie. I couldn’t believe we all managed to squeeze in without sinking during the 30-minute journey!

“This Is Not the Correct Harbour, Honey!”

The last and possibly the biggest surprise for all was the harbour we arrived at! It wasn’t the main Lembongan harbour as promised on the ticket, but Yellow Bridge Port, the industrial harbour on the other side of the island.

We all had to jump into a knee high brownish water and walk to the shore. Once there, since we were all far from our hotels and accommodations, we needed to catch a taxi to the other side of the island.

A large crowd of taxi drivers was already waiting for their passengers. So, once again, I had to pay extra for a cab to get me to my hotel. 

Best Surfing & More Stunning Sunsets

What I loved about this island were the incredible sunsets, which competed fiercely with those at Tanah Lot. The colours were intensely vibrant and spread beautifully across the entire horizon.

Another highlight for me was a fantastic surfing lesson at Lembongan Surf Lesson School. I booked it on a whim while wandering along the beach and exploring the area. The class was excellent, led by an incredibly professional instructor, and the tide was just perfect.

As a beginner, this spot in Nusa Lembongan was ideal for me—low, long waves allowed me to stand up and savour the exhilarating feeling of gliding over the water.

Lost Debit Card: Be Aware of a Few Extra Steps in Bali’s ATMs

Another experience I had was losing my debit card—the only card I had for payments! I believe I accidentally left it behind at one of the ATMs after withdrawing some cash. Accustomed to a quick money withdrawal process, I simply took my cash and left.

Once I realised my mistake, I returned to the ATM, but it was too late; the card was gone, along with my ability to make online payments.

As I currently live in Germany, I only had the so-called EC card, which works perfectly well in Europe, but isn’t really accepted for payments in Bali! Just imagine—I still had around six or seven days left and two accommodations to pay for during my solo trip.

Fortunately, my German EC card worked at least for withdrawals, or I would have been completely stranded with only 1,6 million rupiahs for 2 hotels, every day food and transportation.

Advice: take at least two cards with you on your solo trip to Bali or any other destination, just in case you lose one.

Day Trip to Nusa Penida: More Tourists Than I Wished For

As a lover of dramatic cliffs and natural wonders, Nusa Penida was high on my list. I booked a trip to explore the southern part of the island at my hotel Oka 7 Bungalows, where I btw befriended a huge spider (there are no poisonous spiders in Bali so be kind to these babies).

The initial price for a tour of south-west Nusa Penida, including spots like Angel’s Billabong, Kelingking Beach, and Crystal Bay, was 600,000 rupiahs. However, when I discovered that my fellow travellers had paid much less (300,000 or 350,000), I raised my concerns with the hotel staff.

(I also complained when the receptionist charged me 100,000 rupiahs just to give me a 5 min lifet to the ATM for searching for my lost card!) Luckily, they refunded me 200,000 rupiahs.

The views on Nusa Penida were stunning and breathtaking, but so was the sheer number of tourists. I found Lembongan to be very chilled and calm, while Penida’s must-see locations were overcrowded—mostly with young women in flowy dresses hunting for the perfect Instagram or TikTok shots.

The attractions in Nusa Penida are quite spread out, so we spent more time in the car than out exploring. The girls who booked both a south-west and south-east combo tour were particularly disappointed, as they had little time to stop and saw everything far too quickly.

I managed to enjoy the island’s true beauty mostly from the boat, as I had booked a snorkelling trip the following day to see some marine life and manta rays. The beaches, shores, and natural scenery in Nusa Penida are incredibly astonishing. However, once again, even in this paradise, there was a significant amount of litter to be seen around.

Snorkelling with Lembongan Watersport

Every experience has its pros and cons. Snorkelling around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan was simply gorgeous. The underwater life there is spectacular; I saw an abundance of beautiful, colourful fish, and even encountered turtles.

The highlight, of course, was the majestic manta rays—those alien-like, mysterious creatures. However, what I disliked about this part of my solo trip in Bali was that it felt like a completely mass-produced experience. There were about 40 of us on the boat, and nearly everywhere we arrived, there were another five or six boats just like ours. I saw more bums and bikinis than marine life! To make matters worse, the company charged extra for photographs they took of you, which I found quite outrageous.

Advice: if you’re a slower swimmer, don’t hesitate to wear a life jacket. The waters can be quite bumpy, and the amount of people makes it chaotic and potentially dangerous.

5. Sanur in South-East Bali – Massages, Food, Deadly Sea and Proximity to the Airport

After spending the last week exploring the smaller islands, it was time to return to Bali. I booked my final ferry online (remember, I lost my debit card!) and chose D’Star, which not only had numerous positive reviews but also departed from the main harbour in Lembongan. It was good!

The journey was quite bumpy and full of splashes. I must warn you: if you plan to explore more than just Bali during your solo trip, be prepared for some rocky ferry rides, as the Bali Sea is anything but calm!

Walking the Promenade, Enjoying the Views, and Surf Hunting

With only two days left before my long flight back to Hamburg, I was feeling incredibly weary from the constant movement under the strong sun and high humidity. The last few days had been particularly challenging, with extreme UV levels, rising humidity, and a storm looming overhead.

My goals were simple: relax, indulge in delicious food, enjoy some tasty ice cream, and perhaps—drawing inspiration from the fantastic surfing lesson back in Nusa Lembongan—hit the Indonesian waves once more. I didn’t find many affordable surfing lessons while searching online, so I decided to look for a class while strolling along the promenade.

After savouring a fantastic pasta dish at Coco Bistro—my only Italian meal in Bali—I stumbled upon a small kiosk advertising surfing lessons. It was closed, but a guy selling items nearby informed me that they offered only private lessons, which tended to be pricey.

However, he knew an excellent surfer who could take me the next morning. He made the call, we exchanged details, and I secured a private lesson for 400k rupiahs, while the others were priced around 600-700k rupiahs. Considering I had lost my card and was running low on cash, I thought, “What luck I’ve had!”

The Worst Surfing Experience in Sanur

All evening, I felt a growing sense of anxiety about the surfing lesson ahead. I’ve always opted for certified instructors at accredited schools, as I have a healthy respect for the ocean—especially after drowning twice as a child. My intuition was warning me not to go, but I dislike cancelling plans, so the next morning, I pushed myself to attend.

My instructor was very young—probably no older than 20—and his English skills were limited. We took a boat and sailed about 200 metres from the shore, where the waves were breaking.

From the moment I saw them, I suspected they might be too high for me. He assured me they were small, but I could sense the strong current. There weren’t many people out there, and most seemed to be struggling against the waves, lying flat on their boards.

Are You Ready to Go Underwater?

I had a few attempts, but the water was far too wild for me. I either struggled to stand up on the surfboard or found myself tumbling underwater.

While I was used to the occasional fall, the current soon hit me hard, and I was thrown beneath the waves, tumbling like a sock in a washing machine and unable to break free. Just when I thought I was running out of breath, I managed to surface for a couple of seconds before another set of waves crashed over me. My board floated nearby, but I couldn’t reach it.

This cycle continued all over again, and my instructor seemed not interested at all. After I finally escaped the relentless waves, I started shouting for help and waving at him while he lounged on the side.

Eventually, he came over, placed me on the board, and we attempted to navigate out of the strongest currents. I felt physically sick and told him I wanted to return to the boat; I couldn’t continue.

Let’s try it again!

What would certified, experienced surfing instructors do? Firstly, they wouldn’t take a beginner into such rough waters, and secondly, they would prioritise the safety of their nearly drowned trainee without hesitation. 

What did my ‘instructor’ do instead? He told me to try again and shoved me back into another massive wave! I fell again, and the entire ordeal repeated itself. There I was, once more at the bottom of the ocean, battling the waves. At least this time, I didn’t have to call for help; he eventually came to rescue me. But I was fuming, mentally yelling at him.

When we finally returned, I asked him how much I owed. He confidently replied, “400K, as agreed.” I told him I’d give him 300K and made my way back to my room to process the trauma I had just experienced.

Advice: Do your research before deciding where to surf. Different areas have varying currents and waves. If you’re a beginner or intermediate, ensure you get a certified instructor. Your safety is paramount.

Best Massages are in Sanur!

It was the day I was set to spend 19 hours travelling back to Hamburg after nearly drowning in the Indian Ocean – Bali Sea. My flight was at midnight, so I had the whole day to process everything that had just happened. The best remedy for stress on one’s solo trip to Bali? A massage.

I had been intrigued by Balinese massages in Gili Trawangan, where I experienced my very first Balinese treatment, and it felt like pure bliss! Sanur is renowned for its luxurious spas as well as charming little massage salons. With not much cash left, I opted for a leg massage at a tiny private salon on Jl street, which helped alleviate the tension built up in my body. Afterwards, I enjoyed a delicious jackfruit rendang for lunch at Cafe Akaya.

Unsure how to spend my last few hours—my mind still replaying that terrifying underwater moment—I decided to treat myself to another massage! I walked 20 minutes to find an ATM, withdrew some money, and splurged on a 90-minute full-body massage at Claudia Spa which has a modest rating but offered a decent massage at a fair price. While it didn’t erase my new trauma, it certainly eased my muscle spasms and helped me relax a bit.

At 9:30pm my Grab driver arrived and took me to the airport. The way to the airport from Sanur is very short. It takes around 20 minutes, therefore Sanur is a great ‘before you go’ destination!

And That’s NOT All, Folks!

I could go on about all the quirky and beautiful moments from my solo trip to Bali, but this isn’t a Tolstoy novel, and I’ve covered the essentials.

Travelling solo to Bali is safe, even for single female travellers. Navigating the island and hopping between the surrounding islands is straightforward, with plenty of options and transfer companies available. The locals are incredibly kind and always willing to help, though sometimes their eagerness can be a bit overwhelming.

Just remember to negotiate prices; even the sweetest ladies selling fruit might sneak a bunch of expensive bananas into your hands and toss an extra one in your mouth before you have a chance to question it! Be prepared for insects—and let’s not forget the monkeys! Some can be cheeky and a bit aggressive, while others are surprisingly calm.

The temples are breathtaking, and the food is delicious and affordable.

So go ahead to your solo trip to Bali and embark on your own wild adventure!