Is it Safe To Travel in Bali as a Solo Female Backpacker? (2025)

This post discusses how safe Bali is for tourists and includes useful tips to feel more comfortable as a solo female traveller.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Bali is an ABSOLUTE dream destination for all backpackers.

Bali has grown immensely in popularity over the past few decades, with 1.34 million tourists visiting the island paradise in the first quarter of 2024 alone! However, this is just a fraction of the number of tourists Bali has welcomed. Before Covid, the island hosted over 6 million tourists in both 2019 and 2020.

These impressive statistics are for a good reason- Bali has something for everyone. 

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll have plenty of beautiful beaches, stunning rice fields and unforgettable hiking opportunities.

If you’re a keen surfer, or better yet, want to learn to surf, then Bali has got your back.

Or if you’re looking to shop in the day and party at night, then the vast array of boutiques and beach clubs are waiting for you!

Bali was the first destination I visited as a solo female traveller in 2023 and because of this, it holds a special place in my heart. I had such an incredible time that I returned to Bali for three more weeks at the start of 2024. 

I know how important it is to feel safe when visiting a new country on your own so don’t worry, this Bali travel guide will have everything you need to guarantee an awesome and safe trip!

Topics covered in this post:

🌸 How safe Bali is to travel as a young solo female backpacker

🌸 The Balinese local customs to be aware of

🌸 Bali Travel tips to stay safe

🌸 Great places to visit in Bali and the best things activities to do

🌸 When to visit Bali

🌸 How to make friends as a solo female backpacker

🌸 Tips to avoid the infamous Bali Belly

In my personal opinion… YES, ABSOLUTELY!

Throughout my time exploring Bali as a solo traveller, I do not recall ever feeling overwhelmed or in fear for my safety. However, of course, I did take certain precautions to achieve this (there will be more on this later on).

The Balinese locals are particularly friendly and welcoming. The excellent customer service in the numerous beautiful cafes of Canggu especially stands out from my stay!

The staff of the hostels and homestays that I was lucky enough to have experienced treated all their guests like family, and for that I truly miss them and cannot wait to see them again.

As you can tell, it is easy for Bali to become a home away from home which explains why so many digital nomads move their lives over to this small Indonesian island.

Unfortunately, no matter where you are there are always risks, especially when you’re travelling solo and especially as a woman! 

But when it comes to crime rates, Bali as an island is noticeably less of a concern compared to other popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. 

The most common offences to be cautious about when visiting Indonesia are petty crimes such as theft of belongings. However, the UK Government website warns about reported cases of drink spiking, scams and sexual assault too.

I was fortunate enough to not experience any of these issues when travelling around Bali.

 I admit I felt a lot safer on this island as opposed to other countries I’d previously visited (which is a pretty bold statement from a girl who had their passport pickpocketed in Vietnam!).

However, these warnings should not be taken lightly and therefore I have included a comprehensive section on all the essential ‘tips to stay safe in Bali’.

This shares all my personal advice as well as guidance based upon the UK Government’s website as to how to help prevent the worst from happening.

Before we cover my best tips for staying safe in Bali, let’s take a quick look at the natural disasters which could occur and any tips on how to deal with them in advance.

Bali is home to many active volcanoes. 

Mount Batur is the most active of volcanoes on the island, with small eruptions taking place every few years.

Mount Agung and Bratan Volcano (the two tallest volcanoes in Bali) are also both active meaning there’s always a risk they may erupt during your stay. 

Don’t panic- the Balinese authorities continuously monitor volcanic activity and you can always check the most recent reports for each volcano if you plan to stay near to the area using this site. 

Earthquakes and tsunamis also occur quite often in this area of the world. Therefore it’s best to be up-to-date with evacuation routes should a natural disaster unfold. 

Top tips to follow in case of a natural disaster taking place:

• Check the alert levels of the volcanoes you plan to stay near using this website
• Find out the local natural disaster plan and evacuation routes of where you’re staying
• Take out travel insurance that covers natural disaster incidents in case you cannot fly into or out of Bali

As promised, here are 10 essential tips to stay safe as a solo backpacker in Bali. 

These tips are largely based on my own experience. I’ll be sharing what worked well for me and the mistakes I made so you can avoid them! 

When travelling between destinations make sure you choose a reputable taxi company such as Bluebird Taxi, Grab or Gojek. 

All the taxi drivers will be registered at these companies, making them much more trustworthy. 

The apps for these companies also allow you to share your journey with a friend, adding a little extra security to your journey. 

Bluebird Taxis are not allowed to collect passengers from Denpasar Airport. However, earlier this year I was able to order a Grab to an allocated taxi pick-up point at the airport with no problem. 

Therefore, I’d recommend downloading Grab’s app (which is extremely similar to Uber’s) before arriving. This will mean you’ll be well prepared and can arrive smoothly at your first destination in Bali in no time at all!

Keeping with the theme of transport, using automatic scooters is a very popular way to travel around the island. 

With this, the roads in popular areas have become extremely busy. 

Accidents are not uncommon on the Balinese roads so if you’re using a scooter wear a helmet at all times! 

Gojek/ Grab bike drivers will have a spare helmet for you and if you find yourself on the back of a friend’s bike, make sure they have a second helmet too.

Since the roads are packed with scooters, it’s crucial to take care when walking/ crossing the roads. 

Drivers are always speeding along the roads and weaving in and out of traffic, so keep your wits about you when walking down busy streets to be on the safe side.

To ensure where you’ve chosen to stay is safe and provides an amazing stay in general, check the reviews of the hostel/hotel/homestay you like before booking.

My favourite way to do this is by using trustworthy accommodation booking platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld and looking at the reviews written by genuine guests!

This is an easy way to guarantee a great experience and allow you to sleep soundly during your stay.

This is one of my favourite tips for solo female backpackers who may be uncomfortable sharing a room with the opposite sex. 

When staying in Canggu, I booked a female-only dorm room at Dip & Doze Boutique Hostel and I was so glad that I did!

Not only did I feel more comfortable, but I also made great friends with other like-minded girls that I may not have met if I stayed in a mix-dorm room. 

I have no problem at all with mix-dorm rooms and I often stay in these during my backpacking adventures.

However, I must admit that the dorm felt a lot more peaceful and it is a great way to feel reassured if you’re a nervous solo female backpacker.

In case you may have missed it, I shared that I had my passport pickpocketed when visiting Vietnam in 2022. 

This is a backpacker’s nightmare and I can confirm it is a less than ideal situation to find yourself in!

Please learn from my mistake and ensure that you use a day bag that is difficult to open with one quick swipe. 

I recommend a bag that has a fold-over clasp as well as a zip for extra security.

This may sound like a faff but trust me, obtaining a new passport, bank card, or phone is a lot more hassle!

The UK Government warns about the rise in drink spiking across Bali, the Gili Islands and Lombok. 

To reduce the risk of this happening when ordering a drink at the bar, either choose pre-bottled drinks or closely watch the bartender preparing your drinks.

Additionally, you should avoid leaving your drink unattended or accepting drinks from strangers that you have not watched being prepared before you.

This may seem like common sense but avoid walking alone during the dark. 

If you have no choice but to walk home alone during the evening, make sure you walk along busy roads where lots of tourists can be found. 

For extra safety, call a friend or share your location from your phone so someone knows where you are at all times. 

I could write an entire post on the local customs of Bali! However, to keep this post from becoming too long, I’ll list some of the most important ones below:

• Don’t touch anyone’s head: the head is considered a sacred part of the body and so any contact with the head would greatly upset a local
• Dress modestly for temples: cover your knees and shoulders as a sign of respect for these holy places
• Don’t enter temples when you’re on your period! Temples are extremely sacred places which means in Balinese culture you cannot enter when you’re menstruating (this also includes if you’re bleeding from any wounds)
• Use your right hand: the left hand is considered dirty, so remember to use your right hand when exchanging money or anything else!
• Don’t step on the Balinese offerings (Canang Sari): these little baskets filled with flowers, coins, food and incense are a daily gratitude practice to thank the Gods for peace. These line the streets of Bali every morning so pay close attention to not step on them when you’re out and about as a sign of respect
• Use the traditional Sembah salute: when greeting, showing thanks or saying goodbye use the Sembah salute by putting both palms together in front of your chest (it’s just like the Nameste yoga pose!)

Sorry to sound like your mother but this was another huge mistake that I made. 

Avoid getting those large itchy red bites all around your ankles and legs by applying mosquito repellent regularly throughout the day. 

The sun is also STRONG in Bali. Even if it doesn’t feel particularly hot during the day, make sure you apply sunscreen to all your exposed skin. 

I became so badly sunburned on my legs after surfing one day that I had to spend the next three days paying for special sunburn treatments to help ease the pain. Trust me- it isn’t worth skipping on the sunscreen!

Take the time to find a travel insurance policy that suits your needs. This should cover you for large medical costs, baggage loss, trip cancellation, or emergency evacuation at the very least. 

You should also seek coverage for the loss of any personal belongings, including gadgets.

◼️ If you need help in finding the best travel insurance for you, check out my post: The Best Travel Insurance For UK Backpackers 2025.

The good news about Bali is that there are lots of great places to visit as a solo backpacker. My favourite destinations include Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak.

I have recommended these areas due to their popularity among tourists (including myself), meaning they are relatively busy (keeping you safe) and have a vast range of reputable accommodation options to choose from. In no particular order, we have:

Canggu is one of the most well-known destinations in Bali.’

Located an hour away from Denpasar airport, this is the hub of fitness enthusiasts, surfers and digital nomads alike! 

Easily one of the most ‘instagrammable’ locations on the Island, Canggu has a range of gorgeous little boutiques and aesthetically pleasing cafes where you can spend hours lapping up the Bali lifestyle.

For me, the true highlight of Canggu is the evening when the locals and tourists gather on the beach to watch the sunset over the calming ocean waves. 

◼️ Related: 10 Awesome Activities You Need To Do In Canggu, Bali!

Ubud is another popular tourist destination and is the perfect place for those who love all things yoga and meditation. 

You’ll be swapping the beaches for jungles and waterfalls, demonstrating just how diverse the environment of Bali is. 

Ubud is located in the centre of the Island and has so many awesome activities to do (including the famous Bali Jungle Swing!) that you’ll need at least 3 days to truly appreciate everything that Ubud has to offer.

A must-do activity for visitors of Ubud has to be exploring the Sacred Monkey Forest where you’ll wander around with the free-roaming macaques! 

◼️ Related: 14 Best Things to Do in Ubud Bali 2024

Seminyak is just a short 30-minute drive away from Canggu and is home to incredible beaches and the impressive Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple. 

Uluwatu is the ultimate surfing location in Bali and has been hosting surfing competitions since the 1980s. 

So if you’re eager to watch some extraordinary surfing during your stay in Bali, Uluwatu is the best spot for you!

◼️ Related: 10 Days in Bali: The Bucket List Travel Guide 2024

The best time to visit Bali depends on your budget and your preference. 

Most tourists try to avoid the rainy season which lasts between November and March, with the ‘dry season’ continuing for the remainder of the months between April and October. 

During the dry season, prices of accommodation and flights tend to be higher due to the increased demand from tourists. 

Therefore if you’re sticking to a tight budget, visiting during the rainy or ‘off-peak’ season may be a good option for you.

I think it’s important to mention that both times I visited Bali was during the ‘rainy season’ and I can honestly say that I had no trouble with the weather during this time. 

When it did rain, it would usually last an hour in the morning and would be scorching hot for the rest of the day! 

Therefore, if you can only make it to Bali during the ‘rainy season’ don’t be disheartened! My experience during January 2023 and February 2024 made it hard to believe that I was in Bali during the rainy season.

Of course, this may not be the case for all travellers in years to come. Take this information with a pinch of salt and decide whether you want to risk experiencing lots of rain during your trip. 

I’ve included this information solely to help those on a smaller budget understand that there may not be continuous showers if they visit Bali during this period!

It can be daunting visiting a new place on your own. Many backpackers go off exploring the world with the hopes of making some new friends. 

If this is the case for you, then you definitely won’t be disappointed in Bali.

Most backpackers who visit this island are extremely sociable and friendly. After all, it’s hard to be rude when you’re literally in a tropical paradise! 

Tips for making friends in Bali:

• Stay in hostels rather than hotels to find more like-minded backpackers like yourself!
• Join in with the social events hosted at the hostel (they’ll have fun games that will be great icebreakers!)
• Book a tour or activity to meet other fellow backpackers with the same interests as you
• Look friendly and approachable: no one going to go say hi to someone who looks constantly miserable!
• Make the first move: take a deep breath and introduce yourself first to someone. Most people will be glad you approached them since they’re likely to be solo backpackers too. Besides, if it doesn’t go well, you’ll likely never see them again anyway! (lol)

Staying safe in Bali also means protecting yourself from the renowned Bali Belly.

I’m sure you’ve heard or read about someone’s horrific experience with this illness, and I won’t lie to you, it’s not pretty. 

Bali Belly is caused by a sudden increase in exotic foods and water that contain bacteria the stomach is not used to.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting. 

Don’t worry! Bali Belly symptoms usually begin to clear up in 24 hours so if you find yourself with the infamous illness, it should soon pass you by. 

That being said, you can always go to a doctor who will run a few tests and who can provide medical assistance which may help improve your symptoms. 

To prevent getting Bali Belly you should:

• Avoid drinking tap water and ice made from tap water, opt for bottled water instead
• Avoid raw or rare-cooked meats or buffets that have been left out in the sun for hours
• Keep washing/ sanitising your hands throughout the day especially after visiting the bathroom or touching money
• Eat at popular cafes and restaurants (these are more likely to use filtered water to wash their vegetables making them safer for Western stomachs to consume!)

This post provides crucial information necessary to assess how safe Bali is for solo female backpackers. If you found this useful, I would appreciate you saving or sharing this post!

I would love to hear about your experience with Bali or solo backpacking in the comments below!

Thank you for reading and happy travels❤️

You may also like:

• 10 Days in Bali: The Bucket List Travel Guide 2024
• 9 Best Healthy Cafes and Restaurants In Canggu, Bali 2024
• The BEST Gyms in Bali for Backpackers that Cost £6 or Less!