Traveling to Bali solo as a woman? First off—yes, you absolutely can do it. And second, no, you don’t have to spend the entire trip side-eyeing everyone or sleeping with one eye open. Bali is one of the most popular destinations for solo female travelers (and IMO, one of the easiest places to start if you’re new to solo travel). But like anywhere, you need to know a few safety hacks, local tips, and confidence-boosting tricks to really enjoy your trip.
I’ve traveled to Bali a few times, including a solo trip that involved everything from getting blissfully lost in Ubud’s rice terraces to dodging overly “friendly” taxi drivers in Kuta. Along the way, I picked up lessons—some the easy way, others the hard way—that I wish someone had told me before I went.
So let’s get into it: here are the best safety tips for solo female travelers in Bali in 2025—practical, fun, and sprinkled with the kind of real talk you only get from a friend who’s been there.
Why Bali Is a Great Destination for Solo Female Travelers
You’ve probably seen Bali all over Instagram—beaches, yoga retreats, smoothie bowls, infinity pools that look like they belong in a postcard. But is it actually safe for women traveling alone?
Short answer: yes, mostly. Bali is welcoming, spiritual, and relatively safe compared to many places. The Balinese people are kind, and the island thrives on tourism. You’ll meet tons of other solo travelers, so you rarely feel isolated.
But, it’s not paradise 24/7 (shocking, I know). You’ll still deal with scams, traffic that feels like Mario Kart IRL, and the occasional man who thinks “no” is just an opening line.
Key takeaway: Bali is safe for solo female travelers, but staying smart, aware, and prepared will take your experience from “fine” to “amazing.”
Stay Smart with Transportation
Transportation in Bali can be a little… chaotic. The traffic is legendary, and public transportation is basically non-existent.
Safer options for getting around:
- Grab & Gojek (apps): Think Uber, but local. These are your best friends for safe, cheap rides. You’ll avoid haggling with taxi drivers.
- Blue Bird Taxis: The only official taxi service you should trust. Others may try to scam you.
- Private drivers: Perfect for day trips. You can book a reliable one via your hotel, hostel, or apps.
- Scooter rentals: Fun but risky. Traffic is nuts, helmets are a must, and accidents are common. If you’re not experienced, skip it.
Tip: Always double-check the license plate before hopping in. Scammers sometimes fake Grab pickups.
Dress Smart but Stay Comfortable
Let’s be real—Bali is hot, humid, and sticky. But there’s also a cultural side to clothing. While no one expects you to wear a full-on traditional sarong everywhere, respect goes a long way.
- Temples: Cover shoulders and knees. You’ll often need a sarong (usually available at the entrance).
- Beach towns: Shorts and dresses are fine. Just remember that bikinis are for beaches, not grocery stores.
- Ubud/Yoga retreats: Think flowy dresses, leggings, and light tops—comfy and respectful.
Personal hack: I always carry a lightweight scarf. It works as a temple cover-up, beach wrap, or even a shield against overly aggressive air conditioning.
Accommodation Safety
Your hotel or hostel choice can make or break your trip.
What to look for:
- Good reviews from other solo women. Check Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Airbnb.
- Central locations. Avoid sketchy alleys far from main streets.
- Lockers or safes. Keep valuables secure.
- Female-only dorms (if hosteling). Great for meeting like-minded travelers.
I once stayed in a small Ubud guesthouse run by a Balinese family. They checked in on me every morning like I was their daughter—it was sweet but also made me feel safe. That’s the vibe you want.
Keep an Eye on Your Drink
This one applies everywhere, but Bali’s nightlife makes it extra relevant. Sadly, drink spiking happens.
- Always watch your drink being made.
- Don’t accept random shots from strangers.
- If you leave your drink, don’t go back to it.
- Stick to reputable bars like Old Man’s in Canggu or La Favela in Seminyak.
Pro tip: Order bottled beer (Bintang, Bali’s favorite) when in doubt—it’s harder to tamper with.
Solo Doesn’t Mean Lonely
One of the best parts of Bali? You’ll never actually feel alone. The solo travel community is huge.
- Join a yoga class in Ubud. Instant friends who also love green juice.
- Coworking spaces in Canggu. Perfect if you’re working remotely.
- Group tours or cooking classes. Low-pressure ways to meet people.
I met some of my closest travel friends at a Balinese cooking class—bonding over sambal chili paste builds lifelong trust, apparently.
Handling Street Harassment
Street harassment in Bali isn’t as bad as in some countries, but catcalls and over-friendly men exist.
How to handle it:
- Ignore and keep walking. Don’t engage.
- Firm but polite “no.” Works most of the time.
- Trust your gut. If a situation feels wrong, leave.
Reminder: Harassment is not your fault. Ever.
Money Safety
Money management in Bali is an adventure. Between ATMs, cash-only warungs, and sneaky scams, you need a strategy.
- Use ATMs at banks. They’re safer than standalone ones.
- Carry small bills. Taxis, warungs, and markets rarely have change.
- Don’t flash your cash. Keep it subtle.
- Split your stash. Keep some in your wallet, some in your bag, and maybe a bit in your shoe (old-school trick, but it works).
Stay Healthy and Hydrated
Okay, the not-so-fun part: Bali belly. It’s basically traveler’s diarrhea, and yes, it’s as glamorous as it sounds.
How to avoid it:
- Drink bottled water only. No tap water. Ever.
- Be cautious with street food. Choose busy stalls with high turnover.
- Pack probiotics. They help your gut adjust.
- Wash fruit. Even from markets.
Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen. The Balinese sun doesn’t play around.
Connect but Stay Safe Online
Yes, Bali has Wi-Fi almost everywhere, but public networks can be sketchy.
- Use a VPN to protect your info.
- Don’t overshare your live location on Instagram (wait until you’ve left).
- Save offline maps on Google Maps—it’s a lifesaver when your data drops mid-scooter ride.
Cultural Respect Goes a Long Way
Balinese culture is deeply spiritual, and showing respect will make your experience safer and more enriching.
- Don’t step on offerings (those small baskets with flowers and incense).
- Use your right hand for giving and receiving.
- Be mindful during ceremonies—watch, but don’t interrupt.
Trust me, blending in respectfully makes locals more likely to look out for you.
Quick-Access Safety Checklist
Here’s your Bali safety cheat sheet:
- Download Grab & Gojek
- Dress respectfully at temples
- Book central, well-reviewed stays
- Keep your drink in sight
- Join group tours to meet friends
- Ignore harassment, stay firm
- Use bank ATMs only
- Carry small bills
- Drink bottled water
- Respect local customs
Final Thoughts: Confidence Is Your Best Travel Companion
Traveling solo in Bali is not just doable—it’s empowering. You’ll learn to trust yourself, laugh at your mistakes (like the time I thought I could scooter down a rice paddy road… spoiler: I couldn’t), and come back stronger and more confident.
The biggest safety tip? Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away. If a situation feels right, embrace it.
So go on, book that ticket, sip that coconut, and chase that sunset in Seminyak. Bali is waiting—and you’ve totally got this.