Find out how Bali’s spiritual retreats, yoga havens, and warm locals make it a solo travel paradise — especially for wellness seekers
Bali has long been known as a paradise for travellers, but it holds a special place in the hearts of solo adventurers. Whether you’re seeking spiritual healing, vibrant cultural experiences, or simply a place to unwind, Bali has an incredible way of making you feel both comfortably alone and beautifully connected. This Indonesian island is more than beaches and sunsets — it’s a solo journey that can transform you.
A Safe and Welcoming Island
One of Bali’s most appealing aspects for solo travellers is how safe and friendly it feels. The Balinese people are famously warm, kind, and deeply rooted in their cultural and spiritual traditions. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with locals, whether you’re browsing a market, attending a temple ceremony, or learning to cook traditional Balinese dishes.
The island’s infrastructure is also well-suited for independent travellers. Affordable guesthouses, scooter rentals, and countless day tours make getting around solo simple and comfortable.
Ubud: The Heart of Solo Travel in Bali
If you’re travelling alone, Ubud is often the first stop. Nestled among lush rice terraces and jungle hills, Ubud is the island’s cultural and spiritual centre. It’s the perfect base for solo travellers interested in yoga, meditation, and wellness.
Ubud’s yoga studios, like the famous Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive, offer daily classes where you’ll find yourself surrounded by other solo wanderers on similar paths of self-discovery. Many studios also host community events and workshops, providing easy ways to meet people organically.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Ubud Monkey Forest, the vibrant Ubud Market, and nearby rice terraces like Tegallalang — all of which are easily enjoyed at your own pace.
Finding Balance in Bali’s Beaches
Beyond Ubud, Bali’s coastal towns each offer their own vibe. Canggu is ideal if you’re looking for a social atmosphere, with trendy cafes, beach clubs, and beginner-friendly surf breaks. Solo travellers will feel right at home here, especially in the thriving digital nomad scene where co-working spaces and social gatherings are common.
For a more peaceful beach experience, Amed on the east coast offers black sand beaches, excellent snorkelling, and quiet sunsets without the crowds.
The laid-back Gili Islands (technically part of Lombok, but easily reached from Bali) are also a popular add-on for solo travellers seeking car-free islands, stunning coral reefs, and a simple, carefree lifestyle.
Embrace Bali’s Spiritual Side
Bali is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself. Solo travellers often find their way to healing centres, silent retreats, or water purification temples like Tirta Empul, where locals and visitors alike participate in sacred cleansing rituals.
You can also attend Balinese Hindu ceremonies, often open to respectful visitors, where you’ll see offerings, traditional dress, and the rhythmic sounds of gamelan music.
Many solo travellers come to Bali for wellness retreats that combine yoga, meditation, plant-based eating, and even guided breathwork or sound healing sessions. Travelling alone here allows you to fully immerse yourself in these practices without distraction.
Easy Friendships on the Road
One of the most surprising joys of travelling solo in Bali is how effortlessly you can meet new people. Hostels, guesthouses, yoga classes, and beach cafes naturally draw other solo travellers, and it’s easy to find someone to join you for a temple visit, a volcano hike, or a sunrise surf session.
If you’re looking for community, join a local cooking class, hop on a day tour, or simply chat with fellow travellers over fresh smoothie bowls or a sunset beer on the beach.
Tips for Solo Travel in Bali
- Scooter Safety: Renting a scooter is popular and affordable, but be sure you’re confident riding one, and always wear a helmet.
- Respect Local Customs: Modest dress is appreciated when visiting temples, and a sarong is often required (usually provided at the entrance).
- Stay Hydrated: Bali’s tropical heat can sneak up on you, especially when exploring on foot or riding scooters.
Final Thoughts
Bali is more than a tropical escape — it’s a place where solo travellers can find peace, purpose, and connection. Whether you’re meditating in a jungle retreat, riding waves at sunrise, or simply enjoying a quiet coffee while watching the world go by, Bali gives you the freedom to travel at your own rhythm.
Here, you’re never truly alone — the island, its people, and fellow travellers become part of your story, often in ways you never expected.
