Book A Recommended Driver
Public transport is very thin on the ground in Bali so most people hire a driver who acts as both taxi and tour guide. Many drivers hand out business cards or have their own Facebook pages so speak to someone who has been to Bali before to see if they have a personal recommendation for you. Depending on your bartering skills you can expect to pay between 600k and 800k Indonesian Rupiah (approx. 60 to 80 AUD) for a full day of private hire. Prices are per car so it does work out cheaper if you find a friend looking to go the same way as you. Speak to people in your hotel to see if they are interested in sharing.
The beautiful rice terraces of Tegallalang, Bali by Jayne Gorman
Don’t forget to ask your driver for recommendations on places to see in-between your transfers. Whilst changing from my hotel in Canggu, North Kuta, to Ubud, in Bali’s centre, my driver stopped at temples, coffee plantations, Mount Batur and the famous rice terraces of Tegallalang. The tour was customised to my specific interests and it was a beautiful way to break up the journey.
Food with a view in Bali by Jayne Gorman
Best time to book: Skyscanner data shows that you should book your flights 12 weeks in advance to enjoy a saving of $42 (that’s 6% cheaper than the average price paid over the year).
Find The Right Location For You
Bali is made up of several neighbourhoods, which all offer something different, so it pays to do some research in advance to discover the right location for you. Below are some areas I would recommend for solo female travellers.
Little Flinders, a cool cafe in Canggu by Jayne Gorman
Canggu – A chilled ocean-side neighbourhood popular with surfers and yogis. Canggu has a great range of cool cafes, a sprinkling of shops and spas, and great waves at Echo Beach.
Seminyak – A sophisticated area near to lively Kuta. Seminyak has a wide selection of restaurants and nightlife, as well as the famed beach clubs of Potato Head and Ku De Ta.
Uluwatu – Uluwatu is known for it’s cliff top temple and oceanfront bars with sunset views. The beaches here are small but picture-perfect; Bingin Beach is one of the favourites.
A surfer in Bali by Jayne Gorman
Ubud – A spiritual hub popular with yoga and meditation enthusiasts. Surrounded by rice fields on all sides, stay on the outskirts of Ubud for a jungle retreat.
Nusa Dua – An upmarket area where you’ll find many high-end 5* resorts and restaurants.
Girl meditating by the rice terraces in Ubud by Jayne Gorman
Book A Wellness Retreat
Once you’ve decided which area (or areas!) you’d like to be based, a great way to make friends on your solo trip is to book yourself on a wellness retreat. In Canggu, the popular Chill House offers surf, bike and yoga retreats, whilst Desa Seni offers yoga retreats at their traditional village made of antique wooden houses.
Typical scenery around Canggu by Jayne Gorman
Attend Drop In Classes
Alternatively you can just drop into classes as and when you want the company. Yoga Barn is a much loved yoga centre in Ubud, which hosts daily classes for a drop in fee of 130k Indonesian Rupiah (approx. 14 AUD). They also have a garden café and book store on site so it’s a great place to meet like-minded people.
For a more serious workout, Bali Fit in Canggu holds daily CrossFit training, and if you’d like to learn how to cook your favourite Balinese dishes, look out for restaurants that offer cookery lessons all over the island.
Jayne was invited into a temple in Ubud to try Balinese coffee
A Few Nights Of Indulgence
After all that sight-seeing and activity you’ll deserve some indulgence so why not book yourself into one of Bali’s incredible luxury properties. You can find jaw-dropping infinity pools overlooking the jungle at hotels such as Alila Ubud and The Hanging Gardens Of Bali. Or to watch the sunset over the ocean from the chilled waters of a swimming pool, cocktail in hand, check out the Alila Uluwatu and Ayana Resort and Spa in Jimbaran.
A pool with a jaw-dropping view at Alila Ubud by Jayne Gorman
Compare cheap flights to BaliHave Jayne’s tips inspired you to book a solo trip to Bali? Research Bali holiday packages on Skyscanner Australia. Search with no service fees, for the cheapest flight, and find the best deals on hotels as well as car hire.
About The Author
Jayne Gorman is a sun-loving travel blogger, originally from London but now based in Sydney. Find more of her stylish travel guides on her blog Girl Tweets World.
