One of the most interesting travel destinations in the entire Indonesian archipelago is Bali. The island is rich in natural splendor and has attractions for every type of traveler. An excursion to this wonderful destination awakens the senses. The thick tropical air is permeated with the enticing scent of clove oil and frankincense. Petal-strewn offerings burn on crowded streets, roasted nuts at roadside stands, and local game music blares over the rumble of motorbikes. Surfers travel here for popular rivers, hikers can climb high volcanic peaks to mesmerizing misty waterfalls, and cyclists can ride through verdant regions dotted with ancient cities and rice terraces. Another big draw of the island is its vibrant cultural scene, and if relaxation is the traveler’s first concern, Bali’s spa services and shopping are superb. The island’s appeal is further enhanced by its spirituality, and some of the best things to do in Bali include visiting its magnificent temples and participating in sacred Hindu rituals. Boredom does not exist in the Indonesian vocabulary, even when traveling alone. Here are some tips and advice to follow when visiting Bali as a solo traveler.
Tips and advice for a solo traveler
Plan your route
It is important to plan a travel plan in advance. Any pleasant trip is always preceded by good planning and well-organized. Solo travelers should consider the locations they want to visit; otherwise, they risk arriving in Bali unsure of where to go. There are several tours and reviews of Bali tourist attractions that can help them make a list of the places they want to see in Bali, their locations and how to get there; by doing this, they can be sure that their trip will be worth the money they invest.
Book your hotel in advance
Before you leave, you should make arrangements for accommodation. The important thing to keep in mind is that they should choose a hotel or guesthouse as close to their destination as possible. If the accommodation offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, it is advisable to take it.
Buy your own bottled water and take a few other precautions
The most important reminder is not to drink water. It is recommended to use bottled water for everything, even brushing your teeth, as it is so cheap in Bali. It is also advisable to take a digestive aid designed to line the stomach and prevent travelers’ diarrhea before each meal. It is also best to always have stomach ache medicine in your first aid kit for Bali. In addition, it is necessary to always have travel insurance when visiting the island. Better to be safe than sorry.
Negotiation is the key to a smart purchase
Bargaining is a way of life in Bali. Buyers usually have a price in mind that they expect to pay before they trade. They will pay a lower price to get what they want. Having the right currency helps too. Sellers are more likely to agree to a suggested price if the exact amount is given. Sometimes, sellers do not accept the price offered; tourists will not worry in Bali; there are hundreds of kiosks selling the same goods. They will try their luck elsewhere or simply visit a store with set prices, the only place where people will not shop.
Safety tips for solo travelers
Bali is one of the safest travel destinations in Asia. However, solo travelers should just take the standard travel safety precautions: it’s best to stay away from abandoned places at night, keep a close eye on your luggage on boats and buses, keep your bags away from the road rather than next to it curb, because motorcycle hijacking is a widespread crime, and keep an eye out for monkeys, they are the most common thieves.
Things to do in Bali as a solo traveler
Bali is one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists. There is a reason that this small island in Indonesia, out of thousands of Indonesian islands, is one of the most visited islands. It is a tropical paradise with beautiful rice terraces and green sand fields, a volcano and surfing beaches. Bali covers everything from beachside drinks to spa wellness retreats to easy group adventures.
Visit Ulun Danu Temple
The Ulun Danu Temple is located on the shores of Lake Beratan in one of the quietest and most peaceful areas of the island, known for its charming structure and attributed to the goddess of the lake. Each shrine is dedicated to a different deity, and tourists can keep an eye out for intricate architectural details such as intricately carved gateways.
Explore diving in the underwater world at Padang Bai
Diving at Padang Bai, which lies east of Bali, is its main attraction. There are seven different dive sites that are easily accessible from the shore after a short boat ride and they are suitable for everyone, regardless of the level of diving expertise. Moreover, there is a high probability of witnessing coral gardens, waving fans and turtles.
Interact with the monkeys
One of Ubud’s main attractions is the collection of Hindu temples known as the Monkey Forest. The three temples still standing at the site date back to the 14th century and are surrounded by around 500 monkeys. Travelers can go around and take in the surroundings as well as photograph the monkeys in this region, which is a nature reserve.
- Other attractions and activities: visiting the rice fields and Ubud Palace, surfing, climbing Mount Batur, cooking class and try some traditional food, yoga, bathing in the holy waters of Tirta Empuli, spending a day on safari or at a spa, etc.