Visiting Bali alone and worried whether it is safe or any fun? Your solo adventure to this Indonesian paradise will get you to the beautiful beaches and endless rice fields, as well as introduce you to the vibrant culture of this Hindu island and you won’t ever regret going by yourself!
Here are a few areas for singles and solo travellers in Bali depending on your age and budget to choose if you are travelling or staying indefinitely.
Best Areas for Singles in Bali For Short Or Long Stay
Let’s make one thing clear: Bali is a diverse island and it is the ultimate destination for beach lovers, surfers, adventure seekers, and digital nomads.
Ultimately, you will enjoy your stay and will be able to get around no matter what area you choose – there is always an option to get a taxi or a private driver to explore and every area has its own charm.
Canggu – Best For Singles Ready To Mingle And Solo Digital Nomads
If you’re single and between 18 and 30 years old and in the phase of having indefinite fun and meeting people, yet still trying to work and stay productive, Canggu would be your best bet.
It has amazing infrastructure for younger solo travellers or digital nomads, vibrant nightlife, beginner-friendly surfing, plenty of single men and women on dating apps from all over the world, as well as lots of expats to start a friendship.
Canggu also has the most co-living and co-working spaces as well as upscale hostels, private villas, and luxurious hotels for singles to stay. It is a central area for staying and for day trips, so settling here for a while can be a strategic decision. Also, wherever you stay, plenty of cafes and spa facilities will be a short walking distance from you.
FINNS Beach Club is one of the best places to spend a day and meet other travellers to enjoy sunset cocktails and parties. Who knows, maybe you can share your upcoming day trips or join the fitness centre together?
In terms of budget, Canggu is more expensive than less touristy areas, but if you stay a bit outside of the centre, you will still be able to find a good value-for-money option.
If one day you’re tired of the Canggu buzz, there are plenty of options on the island with a more serene atmosphere. If you’re not ready to move far yet, you may consider Pererenan – it is just a 10-minute ride from Canggu but is a calmer, more sophisticated area.
Fair note, many guides recommend Seminyak as the best area for singles in Bali, but as long-term Bali residents, we believe Canggu is way more modern, diverse and “fresh” than Seminyak. And you can always make a quick trip to Seminyak beach from Canggu to check it out.
Ubud – Best For Those Connecting To Themselves
If you’re in the chapter of your life when re-connecting with yourself is a priority, Ubud jungles with its overflowing spirituality will be the perfect peaceful retreat for you. You can join yoga and meditation retreats to meet like-minded people or start a new career path.
There are still plenty of opportunities to socialize, especially if your circle of interest overlaps with vegans, yogis, and nature lovers. Events, meet-ups, yoga classes and workshops are plentiful.
At the same time if you wish to stay semi-isolated and yet have access to amazing coffee shops, food (from cheap eats to Michelin-level fine dining), gym facilities, art and crafts markets, Ubud monkey forest visits, and some walking trails – you can do it in Ubud too.
The only downside of Ubud is that there is no beach in direct proximity, so if being next to the ocean is important to you, you may consider Amed or at least choose accommodation with a private pool to have an option.
Interestingly enough, many female solo travellers choose Ubud and return year after year!
Sanur – Best For Singles Not Looking To Party
Retired singles and European families often choose this peaceful fishing village for quite a few reasons.
First of all, the long white-sand Sanur beach stretching along the ocean with mellow waves and shallow waters is perfect for swimming unlike anywhere in South Bali.
Second, proximity to big malls, amazing grocery stores (Grand Lucky), and Padang Bai port for island hopping makes it a good option for long-term residents.
At the same time, it is not that far from Canggu, and if you miss the vibe, or want to party, you can always ride there.
Nusa Dua – For Solo Travelers With Bigger Budget
If you like the Sanur style but want an upper-class option (and can afford it), consider neighbouring Nusa Dua.
It is practically a stretch of world-class 5-star beachfront resorts with luxe spas and restaurants that offer an almost all-inclusive experience for vacationers. Lots of walkable paths, luxury spas to pamper yourself and fine-dining restaurants.
However, if you’re a single person looking for a long-term area to live, Nusa Dua may feel too transient and touristy for you.
Amed – For Single Divers
If you’re currently single but have a strong passion for marine life and planning on getting your scuba diving certificate while in Bali, Amed village on the Eastern coast would be ideal.
It is a quiet, green area, with amazing beaches and plenty of opportunities to dive and snorkel all day long. It is a nice tranquil escape for those who prefer to get lost underwater and spend time with turtles rather than in a traffic jam somewhere in Seminyak.
At the same time, the centre of Amed is rather small and stretches along the beach, which creates a tight and friendly expat community to make friends with like-minded divers and fellow travellers.
There are still a few bars for late-night drinks, live music or a little party (until 11 pm max), as well as some yoga classes and the very first gym where you can socialize when feel like it.
The area is quickly developing and there are coffee shops and eco stores popping up here and there. Food and accommodation are still affordable which is perfect when you’re the one carrying all the financial weight.
If at some point even Amed will seem too much for you, but you love East Bali, you can move a bit outside the area – to Candidasa. It has even fewer crowds, and here you can live in a luxe hotel like a king (or queen).
Uluwatu – For Single Surfers
Love surfing and are always hunting for epic waves? If you want no distraction from the wave, Uluwatu is an ideal spot for your stay.
It has an amazing and friendly community to meet new people and surfing buddies, and world-class breaks (think Uluwatu beach or Pandawa beach) that put Bali on surfing maps years ago, as well as stunning beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush bushes.
Your free time can be a mix of yoga, chilling on the beach, visiting Uluwatu temple, playing golf, eating fresh seafood at the Jimbaran market, testing a new café as the area development is booming, or enjoying the sunset at clifftop bars or wellness centres, like Istana.
Insider tip. Make sure to book accommodation with a private balcony on the cliffs or beachfront somewhere around Bingin pr Uluwatu beach, at least for a few nights. The sound of the waves and visiting monkeys add a lot to the experience!
Lovina (North Bali) – For Singles Looking To Isolate
Escaping the world is always nice if you’re surrounded by green mountains and ocean.
North Bali is a tranquil area where it is easier to live a simple, local-style life, with fewer attachments and events. It is more for middle-aged people and older as there is less nightlife and things going on, although the expat community is still very friendly and tight!
You can find an affordable house, even beachfront, there and start your own vegetable garden as the weather allows it, and enjoy your peaceful routine.
The infrastructure and modern amenities are not comparable to Canggu or even Sanur, except for maybe Singaraja town where you can find useful shops and supermarkets, but other than that, you are completely on your own.
It is best to have a car if you choose to move there as you will be far from everywhere, especially from the Ngurah Rai International Airport in case you love travelling.
Short-term solo travellers rarely stay in these areas, so you won’t find any chic beach clubs or big hotels on this side of the island. It is also less of a Balinese Hindu area, in case you love seeing ancient temples around.
Gili Islands – For Singles Looking For Tropical Paradise
Three little islands a short boat ride from Bali: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – are the true hidden gem of the archipelago with incredible beaches, amazing marine life, and a very chilled lifestyle.
Gili T being the biggest (yet you can walk around the whole island in a few hours) has a vibrant party scene and plenty of nice hotels and cafes yet no cars, bikes or dogs. Clean air, breathtaking sunsets, and endless Indian ocean around you.
You still will be not too far from Bali, so if you miss the authentic Balinese culture or lush rice paddies views, you can always come back for a weekend.
If you’re a single expat living in Bali, Gili islands can make a thrilling getaway every once in a while to switch off and be in vacation mode.
The downside of being by yourself in Gili or similar small islands is that there are no big hospitals or easy transportation available, like in Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, or even Sanur.
Best Hotels For Singles & Solo Travelers To Stay In Bali
Bali has a wide range of hotels, private pool villas, homestays, and co-living spaces for a solo traveller to stay. If you want to meet fellow travellers, shared accommodations would be ideal, but if you prefer more privacy, there are plenty of hotel rooms or individual one-bedroom villas or lofts to choose from.
Istana, Uluwatu
An upscale hotel, meditation and wellness centre. Why it is good for a solo traveller? Because they have a large shared space with (almost) an infinity pool, sauna, ice bath, and a restaurant on top of the cliff where you can meet people with shared interests.
Sammy’s Canggu
Located within walking distance to Batu Bolong Beach this accommodation has loft rooms with kitchenettes that are perfect for people travelling solo! Downstairs there is a shared pool where you can do short laps and a cafe area where you can work, play board games with other guests and chill.
Udara Bali Yoga Detox & Spa, Canggu
For yoga lovers, this unique and a bit remote hotel with a yoga and wellness centre will be perfect. You can start your morning with a yoga session with an ocean view, have a slow breakfast in the onsite cafe, dip your toes in the pool, relax in the sauna or jacuzzi, or simply stroll down the Seseh beach.
Tribal Coliving & Coworking, Pererenan
This upscale modern hostel has amazing rooms, a cafe and an open-air coworking space with a pool. They often organize dinners for guests to meet each other while tasting some of the best Indonesian food and discussing travel plans and life.
Outpost Coliving & Coworking, Ubud
A similar concept but in Ubud – one of the top coworking spaces that focuses on bringing the community together is Outpost. They may have a bit higher prices, but the facilities are amazing and you’re guaranteed to meet interesting people.
Melia, Nusa Dua
If your Bali trip is a treat or a birthday gift for yourself, stay in one of the 5-star hotels in Nusa Dua. Melia offers a few packages, an amazing buffet and fine-dining style food, access to the beach, spa treatments, and world-class service, and yet, the price is not as high as in many other resorts in the area.
FAQS
Is Bali A Good Place For Singles?
Bali is a safe, affordable, and fun destination for solo travellers and single people. Bali offers plenty of options to socialize, and explore the islands by yourself or with groups, and will not have any issues being alone on this tropical island as there are so many things to do and see!
Bali is also the world’s leading destination for solo trips for people looking to reconnect with their inner selves and find their purpose or follow their dreams.
Where Is The Best Place To Go In Bali For Solo Travellers?
Solo travellers should start their Bali itinerary in Canggu – it has a strategic central location, the best variety of accommodation, coworking spaces, laid laid-back atmosphere, and the best local tour guides that can take you on a day tour around the island.
Yoga and meditation enthusiasts travelling solo will be the happiest in Ubud – the cultural and spiritual capital of Bali.
At the same time, Kuta and Legian are no longer the best spots for solo travellers. They were an ultimate destination maybe 10 years ago but other areas have developed into better infrastructure, accommodations and experiences. The crowds in Kuta are also hit or miss, the spots are less modern and the vibe and nightlife quality is just too different from Canggu.
Where Do Singles Meet In Bali?
Join local Facebook groups, group day trips, FINNS beach club parties, fitness classes or language exchange events, and dinner events at Samesa or Timeleft, to meet like-minded people who also travel alone. If you stay in a co-living or join a coworking space, they will have networking events and dinners for guests where you can also meet people from all over the world.
Of course, if you’re looking for a date, you can use any of the popular dating apps, they all work in Bali too. There are sometimes speed dating nights happening too.
Friendly reminder: meeting new people in Bali, exercise the same caution you would in any other country.
Which Area Has The Best Nightlife In Bali?
Without a doubt, Canggu has the best nightlife in Bali with the world’s best beach clubs like FINNS, partying 7 days a week and inviting local and international DJs to guarantee you the best time.
Other than parties, Canggu has bars, pubs, sports bars, karaoke places, night clubs and events playing techno or afro beats, comedy nights, and just so much more than any other area in Bali!
Final Thoughts On Best Area For Singles, Bali
Bali, a small island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, offers so much more for your solo travel than blending into tourist crowds on Kuta Beach or Seminyak Beach.
There are a few different areas to explore based on your personality and travel style where you certainly will meet cool people and have the best time even if traveling alone.
