10 best activities for solo travellers in bali.
Why Bali Is the Perfect Solo Travel Destination
So, you’re thinking about heading to Bali solo? I get it — that mix of excitement and nerves is totally normal. But here’s the truth: Bali is made for solo travellers.
It’s safe, social, and full of experiences that make it easy to meet people without ever feeling like you’re forcing it. From sunrise hikes to beach days, creative workshops to quiet yoga mornings — there’s something about Bali that brings solo travellers together effortlessly.
Whether it’s your first solo adventure or your tenth, this island has a way of grounding you, opening you up, and reminding you that solo doesn’t mean alone.
Before you get ready to jet off, make sure you’ve packed smart — I shared some tips recently on avoiding the most common packing mistakes, and it’s a quick read that’ll save you a lot of stress (and suitcase space).
In this guide, I’ll share 10 of the best things to do in Bali for solo travellers — the kind of experiences that blend connection, culture, and adventure.
What Makes Bali Great for Solo Travellers
Bali isn’t just beautiful — it’s built for solo travel. Everything about this island makes it easy, safe, and genuinely enjoyable to explore on your own.
Here’s why I always say it’s one of the best places in the world for solo female travellers:
Friendly locals: The Balinese people are some of the warmest you’ll ever meet. Whether you’re chatting with a market vendor or joining a surf lesson, there’s always someone ready with a smile and a story.
Easy to get around: Reliable drivers, affordable tours, and walkable areas like Canggu and Ubud mean you can explore stress-free. Even if it’s your first time travelling solo, you’ll never feel lost here.
A built-in community: From yoga studios to cafés and beach clubs, Bali is full of spaces designed for connection. It’s one of those places where friendships just happen — often over a smoothie bowl or a shared sunrise.
Balance of energy and calm: You can go from waterfall hikes to temple visits to oceanfront yoga, all in one day. It’s that mix of adventure and mindfulness that keeps people coming back.
Safe and welcoming: With a thriving solo travel scene and a culture rooted in kindness and respect, Bali gives you the freedom to be independent without feeling isolated.
Whether you’re craving connection, peace, or a little bit of both, Bali has the perfect rhythm for solo travellers — and that’s what makes it so special.
10 Best Activities for Solo Travellers in Bali
1. Join a Balinese Cooking Class
Learning to cook like a local — good food, good company, and even better laughs.
If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food — and Bali’s cooking classes are perfect for that.
You’ll start the day exploring a local market, learning about fresh herbs, spices, and traditional ingredients before heading to the kitchen to cook alongside locals and other travellers. It’s relaxed, social, and a great way to meet people while doing something fun.
The best part? You’ll actually want to eat what you make (and you’ll have the stories to go with it). Whether you’re in Ubud, Canggu, or Seminyak, most classes include lunch, plenty of laughs, and new friends by the end of it.
A little tip from me: Go hungry and go curious — Balinese food is full of bold flavours and surprising combinations.
2. Watch the Sunrise from Mount Batur
Sunrise at Mount Batur — cold hands, warm hearts, and that can’t-believe-I’m-here feeling.
This one’s a rite of passage for anyone visiting Bali — especially solo travellers.
You’ll start hiking in the early hours (around 2 a.m.) with a small guided group, following torchlight up the volcanic trail. It’s not too tough — just the right mix of challenge and reward — and once you reach the top, you’ll watch the sky shift from soft purple to gold as the sun rises over Lake Batur.
It’s one of those moments that reminds you why you travel. You’ll find yourself surrounded by other adventurers, everyone quietly taking in the view — a shared experience that feels both peaceful and powerful.
Pack a light jumper — it’s chilly at the top before sunrise, but the view (and that first coffee up there) is worth every step.
3. Explore Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces
You can’t come to Bali and not do the swing — it’s the ultimate “Instagram shot or it didn’t happen” moment.
Ubud is the soul of Bali — lush, calm, and full of culture. It’s also one of the easiest places to explore solo.
Start with a walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where cheeky macaques swing through the trees and ancient temples peek out from the jungle. It’s lively, fun, and a great icebreaker (especially when a monkey decides to photobomb your selfie).
Then, slow the pace and wander through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces — one of the most iconic views on the island. You can take a short guided walk, grab a coconut from a nearby stall, and just soak it all in.
4. Take a Group Surfing Lesson in Kuta or Uluwatu
How you think it’s going to look… let’s just say I personally didn’t manage to stand up once.
You don’t have to be a pro to surf in Bali — it’s one of the most beginner-friendly surf spots in the world.
Join a group lesson in Kuta for relaxed, easy waves or Uluwatu if you want something a little more adventurous. Surf schools here are incredibly welcoming, and most people show up solo, so you’ll fit right in.
It’s one of those experiences where everyone cheers each other on — whether you’re catching your first wave or just wiping out with style. And when you’re done, there’s nothing better than a smoothie bowl (or a Bintang) on the beach with your new surf buddies.
An extra tip: Don’t stress about the learning curve — surfing in Bali is more about having fun and connecting with the moment than getting it perfect.
5. Join a Yoga Class or Retreat in Canggu or Ubud
A little snapshot from a yoga retreat in Bali — the energy here? Immaculate.
If there’s one thing Bali does better than anywhere else, it’s helping you slow down.
You’ll find yoga classes on every corner — from sunrise sessions in Canggu to serene jungle studios in Ubud. Most are drop-in friendly, so you can flow in and out of classes as you travel.
And if you want to go deeper, book a short retreat. It’s the perfect reset — daily yoga, nourishing meals, and time to reconnect with yourself (and a bunch of other women doing the same).
You don’t need to be “good” at yoga to join in — just open.
6. Go Chasing Waterfalls Around Ubud
Chasing waterfalls and main character moments — this place is pure magic.
If you want to see Bali’s wild beauty up close, spend a day chasing waterfalls — it’s one of the best adventures for solo travellers.
Join a small group tour or hire a local driver to visit spots like Tegenungan, Tibumana, or Tukad Cepung. Each one feels completely different — from hidden jungle pools to open cascades you can swim under.
It’s easy to meet other travellers on the trails or while taking turns snapping photos (you’ll never run out of people offering to get your “waterfall moment” shot).
7. Island Hop to Nusa Penida & The Gili Islands
Clear water, soft sand, zero worries — Gili Island days just hit different.
If you have time to venture off the mainland, don’t miss Bali’s nearby islands — they’re absolute paradise for solo travellers.
Take a day trip to Nusa Penida to see the famous Kelingking Beach (yes, the one shaped like a T-Rex), or hop over to the Gili Islands for snorkelling, beach bars, and laid-back island energy.
You’ll meet tons of other travellers doing the same, especially solo women who are exploring at their own pace. Most tours include transport, guides, and even underwater photos, so you can focus on living your best island life.
my tip: Pack a lightweight scarf or sarong — it doubles as a cover-up, beach towel, or even a makeshift picnic blanket.
8. Get Creative with a Jewellery-Making Class in Ubud
Silver, stories, and a whole lot of creativity — the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Ubud.
If you love hands-on, meaningful experiences, you’ll love this one.
Join a silver jewellery-making workshop in Ubud and design a piece that’s completely your own — from melting and shaping the metal to stamping your initials or a tiny symbol that reminds you of your trip.
It’s such a fun, creative way to spend an afternoon, especially if you’re travelling solo. The classes are small, relaxed, and full of other travellers, so you’ll find yourself chatting and laughing as you work.
And the best part? You’ll leave with a beautiful handmade piece to remember Bali by — something way more personal than anything you could buy in a shop
9. Relax at Bali’s Beach Clubs & Cafés
Golden hour turned into one too many cocktails — but honestly, no regrets.
There’s no shortage of beach clubs and beautiful cafés in Bali — and they’re actually really solo-friendly.
Grab a daybed at Finns Beach Club or Potato Head in Seminyak, or head to Canggu for relaxed cafés where everyone’s chatting, journalling, or working on their laptops between dips in the pool.
Whether you’re sipping coffee, watching the sunset, or joining a sunset DJ set, you’ll find an easygoing social vibe everywhere you go.
It’s the perfect way to unwind after a few days of exploring — and you’ll probably meet a few new travel friends along the way.
Cheeky tip: Go for golden hour — the sunsets are unreal, and it’s when the whole island seems to slow down for a drink and a chat.
10. Cycle or ATV Through Bali’s Rice Fields & Villages
Views, vibes, and a little bit of adventure — exploring Bali the fun way.
If you want to see the real Bali — beyond the beaches and resorts — a cycling or ATV tour is the way to do it.
You’ll ride through rice paddies, small villages, and quiet countryside roads while local guides share stories about daily life in Bali. It’s an amazing way to slow down, take in the views, and connect with the culture (and the people who call it home).
Most tours are small groups, so you’ll have that perfect mix of freedom and friendly faces — ideal for solo travellers who like a bit of adventure without the hassle of going it alone.
Safety & Connection Tips for Solo Travellers in Bali
Before you set off on your adventure, a few friendly reminders to help you feel confident and connected along the way:
Book trusted tours and drivers. Apps like GetYourGuide or Klook make it easy to find verified local experiences.
Stay social but smart. Join group classes, hostels, or cafés where travellers gather — just trust your instincts and set your own comfort level.
Keep essentials secure. A small crossbody bag or money belt goes a long way when you’re exploring alone.
Take time for yourself. Don’t feel like you have to be “on” all the time. Solo travel is as much about slowing down as it is about discovery.
This is exactly why I started Females Flying Solo — so you can explore, connect, and feel supported while travelling the world with other incredible women.
Adventure, Connection & Confidence in Bali
Whether you’re watching the sunrise from Mount Batur, meditating in Ubud, or laughing your way through a surf lesson, Bali has a way of bringing you back to yourself.
It’s not just about ticking off sights — it’s about the feeling of being there. The peace, the people, the sense of freedom that comes from doing it your way.
And if you’d love to experience it all with an amazing group of like-minded women, check out our Bali group trip — 12 days of sunshine, sea turtles, and sisterhood in paradise.
So pack your curiosity, trust your instincts, and say yes to the trip you’ve been dreaming of.
Wherever you go, remember — solo doesn’t mean alone.
A Few FAQS..
-
Absolutely. Bali is one of the most welcoming and easy places in the world for solo female travellers. Locals are kind, tourism is well established, and there’s a huge community of other women travelling solo here. Like anywhere, just use common sense — trust your instincts, keep an eye on your belongings, and book trusted drivers or tours.
-
It depends on your vibe!
Canggu for beach clubs, cafés, and a social scene.
Ubud for yoga, nature, and calm.
Uluwatu for surf, sunsets, and cliffside views.
If you want to join a ready-made community, our Bali group trip brings together solo female travellers in handpicked spots across all three
-
You’ll meet people everywhere — in hostels, yoga studios, cooking classes, or even at cafés and beach clubs. Joining a few group tours or activities (like our sunrise hike or jewellery-making workshop) is a natural way to connect with others while keeping things safe and relaxed.
-
Light, breathable clothes, swimwear, and a few layers for cooler evenings or hikes (trust me, Mount Batur gets chilly at 4 a.m.). And if you haven’t read it yet, check out my post on packing mistakes solo travellers always make — it’ll save you time, space, and stress before you even leave.
-
Easy! Head to the Bali group trip page for all the details — dates, what’s included, and how to book. It’s 12 days of adventure, connection, and confidence-building experiences designed especially for solo female travellers who want to explore the world, but not alone.