How to backpack Bali on a budget: A solo female travel guide
I went to Bali very early on in my travels. It was the second country on my first backpacking trip, and my first impression was complete chaos. The traffic is wild, the nightlife is buzzing, and there are motorbikes absolutely everywhere. It’s one of those places that immediately hits you with its energy.
Bali is such a special place. The people, the culture, the food, the scenery, it’s all incredible to explore and learn about. I still think to this day that the locals are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. But tourism has massively taken over. You’ll often see the Instagram version of Bali sitting right next to the messy reality. Because it’s such a touristy island, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re supporting ethical businesses. There are plenty of money traps and scams in Bali, but also so much beauty to discover beyond the beach clubs and smoothie bowls. If you take the time to go beyond the typical tourist route, you’ll see the Bali that everyone falls in love with.
Why Bali is perfect for solo backpackers
Bali is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia for solo female travellers. It’s easy to navigate, full of backpacker-friendly hostels and has a real community vibe. You can find digital nomads working from cafés, surf lessons running all day long, and travellers always looking for a new adventure buddy.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful yoga retreat, a surf camp, or a big night out, you’ll find it all here. The island’s size makes it easy to get around, and the Grab and GoJek apps are lifesavers for short trips. If you’re confident on a scooter, renting one is the cheapest and most flexible way to explore.
In Bali, I was travelling with my best friend, but we still met loads of people, mostly in hostels. Even if you’re travelling solo, you won’t stay alone for long. Bali makes it so easy to make friends while backpacking. You’ll meet people over hostel dinners, beach clean-ups, yoga classes, and even just waiting for sunset on the beach.
It’s also very safe compared to many other destinations. Of course, you should always stay aware and follow common-sense safety tips, but generally, Bali’s locals are welcoming and kind. For solo female travellers, it’s a brilliant introduction to backpacking.
Must-visit places in Bali
Ubud
Ubud is a must for any Bali backpacking itinerary. It’s known as the spiritual heart of the island and is full of yoga studios, lush rice terraces and peaceful waterfalls. You should 100% visit here. While it’s touristy, it feels more authentic than the beach towns. Visit the famous Cretya Ubud for incredible views (just be aware it’s a bit pricey). Don’t miss the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and local experiences like cooking classes and jewellery making.
Canggu
Canggu is where the surf, cafés and co-working spaces meet. It’s great for solo travellers who love the social scene and want a good balance of work and play. It’s a bit of a digital nomad hub with endless brunch spots and beach bars. From here, you can do day trips to nearby temples like Pura Lempuyang, though it’s quite remote. Canggu can feel very Westernised, but it’s also one of the easiest places to meet people.
Seminyak
Next to Canggu, Seminyak has more villas and luxury vibes, but it’s still very touristy. It’s home to the iconic Finns Beach Club, which is definitely worth a visit, even if it’s a little expensive. The sunsets here are stunning and there’s a great mix of boutique shops and restaurants.
Lovina
Lovina is one of my favourite places in Bali and offers a more local experience away from the crowds. It’s known for dolphin watching and beautiful waterfalls. When I visited, it was a bit harder to get to, so I ended up sharing a taxi with some other backpackers to keep the cost down. It’s quite a long drive, but on the way back, our driver stopped at some incredible spots, including the Twin Lakes and a Luwak coffee plantation. It turned into one of those unplanned travel moments that became a real highlight. There are also several temples and natural hot springs nearby, which make it an even more special stop.
Uluwatu
Down south, Uluwatu is famous for its dramatic cliffs, world-class surf, and golden sunsets. Everything is quite spread out, but Grab and GoJek make it easy to get around. Just keep in mind that it can take a while, so don’t overplan your days. Don’t miss Sunday’s Beach Club, where you can take a lift down to the beach, though it’s quite expensive. The Uluwatu Temple fire dance at sunset is one of the most magical experiences I’ve had in Bali. It’s not ideal for beginner surfers, but perfect if you just want to relax and take in the view.
Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are just a short boat ride away and are perfect for adventure seekers. Nusa Penida has that famous cliff viewpoint you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. It’s a great day trip from places like Canggu and Seminyak, but I’ll be honest, there’s a bit of a strange vibe on the island. Locals even believe parts of it are cursed, which adds to its mystery.
Gili Islands
Not technically Bali, but absolutely worth visiting. There are three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Gili T is the ultimate party island and a great place to meet people. Gili Air has a more chilled-out vibe, and Gili Meno is quieter, ideal for couples. Between Gili T and Gili Air, you can snorkel to the famous underwater statues, an absolute must. When planning your ferry over, get your transport included, especially on your way back. Getting back to mainland Bali is crazy; there are so many taxis trying to overcharge you. A planned transfer to your next destination will end up saving you a lot of money.
Kuta
Kuta is close to the airport and handy for short stays or when you need to run errands like shopping or sorting your visa. It’s not the most relaxing area, but it’s convenient and budget-friendly. There’s actually a pretty good shopping scene here, shops like Bershka and H&M. A good place to replace your basics if you need. Also the water park looked pretty good too.
Budget and logistics
Backpacking Bali on a budget is very doable. You can easily live on £25-£35 a day if you stick to local spots. Hostels are super affordable, and I found great deals using Booking.com and Hostelworld. If you’re travelling in a group, renting a villa can be surprisingly cheap too.
I mostly used Grab to get around Bali, even between destinations, and it ended up being really affordable. There’s also a local taxi company called BlueBird that’s reliable and you can book through their website. Be cautious though, as there are a lot of taxi scams, especially at the airport and ports. Always double-check prices and try to use official apps where possible.
For food, eat at local warungs. They’re authentic, delicious, and much cheaper than the tourist cafés. SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport or local shops.
A few packing tips for solo backpackers:
- Bring a sarong for temples
- A reusable water bottle, as tap water isn’t drinkable
- A power adapter and portable charger
- Light clothes for the heat and something modest for cultural sites
Do your research on entry requirements before you fly. Bali’s visa rules vary between nationalities and can change. There’s also a new tourist tax, so check the latest details before you go.
Staying safe and sane while solo
Overall, Bali is safe, but it’s still important to use common sense. Avoid isolated roads at night, be careful with your drinks, and always trust your gut. Keep your valuables close and don’t leave bags unattended on scooters.
My biggest tip is to do your research, talk with other backpackers, hostel workers etc, when it comes to booking excursions. Especially if they involve animals. There are a lot of unethical companies and it’s important not to fund them.
Respect the local culture by dressing modestly in temples and learning a few Bahasa Indonesia phrases like terima kasih (thank you). Small gestures go a long way.
If you ever feel lonely, join a yoga class, take a surf lesson, or hang out in a hostel common area. Solo travel can have its ups and downs, but Bali’s friendly atmosphere makes it so much easier to connect.
