My Semi-Solo Bali Adventure
- Denise Lim
- Jun 17, 2024
- 6 min read
Recently, I had the most beautiful semi-solo trip to Bali, Indonesia. Although I usually prefer to have at least one travel companion, it's not always easy to find someone available. Fortunately, a friend was able to join me for a few days. I decided to arrive a few days earlier before she joined since I had never been to Bali before. Here are my itineraries and experiences from the trip.
Why Choose Bali?
Bali Has Something For Everyone
Bali is renowned as a travel paradise, offering something to suit everyone's tastes. Whether you're into city life and nightlife, nature and a rural vibe, a relaxing staycation, or adventurous outdoor activities, Bali has it all. For vibrant city life, Denpasar and Kuta are the places to be. If you prefer tranquility and nature, Ubud is perfect with its beautiful rice fields and waterfalls. Beach lovers can head to Kuta, Nusa Dua, or Nusa Penida, while hiking enthusiasts can explore Mount Batur. Whether you're looking to chill and relax or seek out adventure, Bali has you covered.
Bali is Generally Safe for Solo Travelers
Safety is a top priority when traveling, especially for female travelers. I researched online and consulted my friends from Indonesia before my visit. Bali is generally a safe place for solo travelers with low crime rates. However, be mindful of your personal belongings and watch out for pickpockets. Dress appropriately and try to avoid staying out too late.
Getting Around Bali is Easy
I recommend planning your trip ahead and hiring a taxi driver for the whole day. You can either pre-book through travel agencies like KKDAY or negotiate with a driver upon arrival. In addition to taxis (eg. Bluebird Group), Grab and Gojek services are available, and some people opt to rent motorbikes to get around Bali.
Bali Is Affordable
Is Bali cheap? In my opinion, it's not exactly cheap, but it is reasonable and affordable.
Currency in Bali
In Bali, the local currency is the Rupiah (IDR). While many restaurants and shops accept credit cards, be aware that some may charge an additional 3% fee for credit card transactions. Therefore, it's advisable to carry some cash with you.
Although there are numerous money changers available, it's crucial to use legitimate ones to avoid scams. For added convenience, consider exchanging your money before arriving in Bali.
Prices in Bali
Food Prices
Typically, dining at a restaurant in tourist spots starts around 50K Rupiah (approximately USD 3) for dishes like Nasi Goreng (fried rice), though prices vary based on what you order. If you opt for local "warungs," prices can be as low as 5K Rupiah. It's important to ensure both restaurants and warungs are clean to avoid any health issues.
Accommodation Prices
Accommodation prices in Bali vary widely depending on your preferences. Luxury 5-star hotels like Amandari and Amankila can cost thousands of dollars per night, making them bucket list destinations. Mid-range hotels typically range from USD 30 to 50 per night, according to Google searches. Personally, I've stayed at Firefly Eco Lodge, a private house priced at approximately USD 40 per night, which included a bedroom, bathroom, backyard, and complimentary coffee and tea. Another hotel I stayed was Evitel Resort Ubud, priced at around USD 50 per night, strategically located around Ubud center area and it includes buffet breakfast. My next dream resort is Kenran Resort Ubud, which costs approximately USD 170 per night during promotional periods.
Day Tour Prices
Bali is a large island, and traveling between destinations like Ubud and Lempuyang Temple can take 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. For convenience, we booked day tours through platforms like KKDAY and KLOOK. For example, I booked the Tanah Lot & UNESCO Heritage Full Day Tour on KKDAY for USD 40, which included full-day transport and entrance tickets. The NUSA PENIDA Day Tour was priced at USD 50 per person on KLOOK, including lunch but requiring us to purchase entrance tickets on-site.
Spas and Massages in Bali
Bali is renowned for its spas and massages, offering a wide range of experiences depending on the location. Here's a guide to some popular options:
Price: IDR 1,750,000 (Approx. USD 107) for a 60-minute session
Price: IDR 1,000,000 (Approx. USD 60) for a 60-minute session
Price: IDR 250,000 (Approx. USD 16) for a 90-minute session
I booked an excellent three-hour session that included various treatments for approximately USD 60–70. The environment was absolutely relaxing and beautiful; it was blissful.
Additionally, there are numerous casual massage shops along the streets offering a variety of massages, as well as manicure and pedicure services. The options are endless and very affordable.
Shopping in Bali
Shopping and bargaining are among the enjoyable experiences in Bali, whether at market stalls or shopping malls (where you can find specialty items like coffee at reasonable prices). Shop owners are enthusiastic about offering deals and discounts, though their initial prices can be high. Once, I spotted a charming rattan bag that caught my eye. I had a price in mind that I was willing to pay, and anything above that, I simply walked away (as negotiating seemed too much effort at the time).
Me: "How much is that bag?"
Owner: "250K Rupiah, we have other colors..."
Me: "Alright, thanks." (I start to walk away)
Owner: "Okay, 150K Rupiah."
My friend: "Denise, the owner is offering you 150K Rupiah."
Me: "Okay."
Owner: "Miss, 100K Rupiah... Alright, Miss, I'll give it to you for 70K Rupiah."
Deal. I happily walked away with the cute bag after paying 70K Rupiah.
We've also had instances where we may have paid a bit more for other items, but sometimes we've scored great bargains. At the end of the day, what matters most is that we are satisfied and happy with our purchases.
My Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Fly To Bali Via Garuda Airline
Check In Firefly Eco Lodge
Day 2
1st Stop - Pura Taman Ayun
2nd Stop - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
3rd Stop - Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Final Stop - Sunset View at Tanah Lot
Extra – Coffee Tasting Session At The Hidden Garden
After Day Tour – Balinese Traditional Dance Performance
Day 3
Check Out Firefly Eco Lodge
3 Hours Spa and Massage Session at Putri Bali Spa (Balinese Massage, Citrus Bath, and Aloe-vera Facial)
Check In Evitel Resort Ubud
Visit Taman Safari Bali (Day and Night Safari)
Meet my friend at the airport and back to hotel
Day 4
Breakfast at hotel
1st Stop - The Jungle Swing
2nd Stop - Tirta Empul Water Temple
Stopped for lunch at a local warung
3rd Stop - Lempuyang Temple
Final Stop – Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Next we go for a foot massage and do some shopping at Coco Supermarket
Day 5
Nusa Penida Day Trip
1st Stop – Teletubbies Hill
2nd Stop - Visit treehouse
3rd Stop - Diamond beach
4th Stop - Angel billabong
Day 6
Floating Breakfast at Kenran Resort
Shopping at Krisna Oleh Oleh Bali Bypass
Head To Airport
Goodbye Beautiful Bali
Final Thoughts
I'm incredibly grateful for my trip to Bali. Starting solo for the first few days and then having my friend join me later on was truly the best of both worlds.
Initially, I was worried about the solo trip. The idea of being alone in unfamiliar surroundings was a bit daunting, prompting me to plan my schedule ahead, including tours and transportation, to avoid any unexpected surprises.
However, upon arriving in Bali, I was pleasantly amazed at how liberating and refreshing it felt to be on my own. There was a sense of freedom in deciding my own itinerary, choosing where to go, what to do, and what to eat.
I vividly recall strolling through paths that led to the city center, passing by lush rice fields, coconut trees, and patches of green jungle, which created a luxuriously relaxing atmosphere that filled me with joy. Sitting alone in a restaurant, facing the bustling street, marked my first experience of leisurely "people watching" while dining. On another spontaneous day, I decided to watch a Balinese Dance Performance. To my surprise, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the entire performance until the very end.
Traveling with friends adds so much to the experience. It's nice to have someone to talk to, help take beautiful pictures, and even style my hair. We enjoyed doing spontaneous things together like getting foot massages, exploring supermarkets, and indulging in an exotic floating breakfast by the resort pool. For the floating breakfast, we took plenty of photos and had a blast exploring the resort. It wouldn't have been as enjoyable alone.
Fingers crossed for my next adventure!
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