Girls know how to find the hot deals for flights, plan the entire trip on a budget, and have the best holidays ever.
Massages, delicious food, nail art, and an all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch for a fraction of the cost for you and your girls? Easy! It’s Bali, baby! It is the dream destination for girls looking for luxury on a budget, nature, and some relaxation.
To help you have the most amazing time during your Bali Holiday here are the best things to do, places to stay, and areas to visit – all in our ultimate Bali Girls trip guide curated by our female part of the team. And of course, we added an itinerary so you can just pack and go!
Things To Know Before Coming To Bali With Your Girlfriends
- Sort your passports and visas beforehand. It is best to have a biometrical passport and an e-visa to save yourself time during passport check – you can just use the auto-gates.
Double-check the location of the hotel or pick-up point for a tour before paying using Google Maps. Sometimes platforms use confusing language and mapping, and the place may not be exactly as it says.
There is no public transportation in Bali so you need to plan how you will get around. If you have an international driving license covering motorbikes, you will be able to rent a bike. You can also hire a private driver or use taxi apps.
Rice fields and tropics are breathtaking and beautiful, but they are also home to lots of mosquitoes. You need to use bug repellent at all times.
How Much Should You Budget For a Trip To Bali?
- Accommodation options. Expect to pay 300,000 IDR to 550,000 IDR (30 to 55 AUD) for cheap to mid-range hotel rooms, around 1,5 mil IDR (150 AUD) for 3 to 4-star hotels, and 4 mil + IDR (400+ AUD) per night for 5-star beachfront resorts.
Food, cheap eats from 20,000-40,000 IDR (2-4 AUD) for a meal, 150,000-200,000 IDR (15-20 AUD) per person in a coffee shop or cafe, and up to 2 mil IDR (200 AUD) in fancy restaurants or for a fine-dining tasting menu.
Drinks. A cup of latte is usually 35,000 to 45,000 IDR (3.50 to 4.50 AUD). A glass of wine in a restaurant is 100,000-120,000 IDR (10-12 AUD), and fresh whole coconut is around 20,000 IDR (2 AUD) on the street or 50,000 IDR (5 AUD) in a restaurant.
Daily trips and tours will vary greatly depending on the length, transportation, and number of attractions you are going to visit. Anywhere from 450,000 IDR (45 AUD) for a cooking class to 9 mil IDR (900 AUD) for a 30-minute helicopter flight.
Transport. A ride on a taxi bike between the two neighbourhoods will be around 20,000-30,000 IDR (2-3 AUD), and a car from the airport to Canggu around 250,000 IDR (25 AUD).
Beauty. Tampons and sunscreen are very expensive so bring yours. Massages are around 100,000 IDR (10 AUD) in cheap local salons to 1 million IDR (100 AUD) if it is a luxury salon.
Souvenirs. 0 – to sky (and your luggage allowance) is the limit. Magnets can be as cheap as 10,000 IDR (1 AUD) if you know where to look, a sarong from 50,000-200,000 IDR (5 to 20 AUD) depending on the material, and essential oils for 30,000-300,000 IDR (3 to 30 AUD).
Itinerary For Girls’ Bali Trip: Perfect Blend Of Fun And Chill
CANGGU – DAY 1-3
You may need your first full day to decompress after the flight, so it is best to stay close to the accommodation or choose a spot where you can chill the whole day like the #1 of all the best beach clubs in the world – FINNS Beach Club.
Here you can stay from morning till night and enjoy delicious food from 7 different kitchens covering all major international cuisines and Indonesian staples, cocktails, and healing juices, and swim in the pools or relax in the shade on your private sun bed – all of that with a backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
The highlights of Canggu and Seminyak stay will be:
Nightlife & Party Scene
The best nightlife in Bali is in Canggu. Every night there is a party at FINNS, a sporting event broadcast at Bistro C, making new friends at Friends Bar, drinks at speak-easy bar Shady Pig, a comedy show at Deus, and more.
And if you want to add some adrenaline before hitting the bar, the G Swing by Deus can launch you right into the night sky above Canggu!
Tanah Lot Temple
an ancient Hindu temple, precisely complex of multiple temples, and a park on the water. Insider tip: all the souvenirs like magnets, carvings, masks, and decor can be 3 to 5 times cheaper here than in Canggu. Plus, sellers here are rarely aggressive.
For ex., a magnet here will cost around 10,000-15,000 IDR (1-1.5 AUD) while in Canggu you will be asked 80,000 to 100,000 IDR (8-10 AUD).
Spa Treatments
Spots like Body Temple, Goldust, and Bodyworks are great for girls’ self-care parties (they can even organize bubbles or a flower bath!). You will feel like a princess pampered from head to toe!
If your girls’ trip includes a bachelorette party, Goldust packages with gold face masks, sparkling wine, cute pyjamas, and privacy are perfect for that.
Dining and Girls Brunches
The number of coffee shops, cafes, local cheap eats, restaurants, and fine dining venues in these two areas is simply overwhelming, but 90% of the places are really good, so you won’t be missing out.
For the ultimate dining experience with your BFFs in Canggu, we highly recommend Monsoon restaurant – (550,000 IDR) 55 AUD and you get a 5-course menu spanning 8 international cuisines (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)!
Beginner Surfing
Try catching your first waves at Canggu Beach or Seminyak Beach. Plenty of schools, private surf instructors and affordable rentals right on the beach! You can easily split the cost by booking a group class just for you.
Where To Stay In Canggu & Seminyak
Depending on the group size, you can choose between a few accommodation options:
A private villa with your private pool if you travel in a small girls’ group up to 6 girls.
Kos One Hostel Canggu – not your ordinary hostel but a fancy one with a big pool and views!
Hotel Tugu Bali – one of the oldest hotels in the area with so many antiques and details to explore. 2 minutes walk to the beach.
So, to sum it up, play it by the ear or follow our simple plan:
Day 1: arrival, sorting e-sim, money, check-in, spa, and then chilling at FINNS Beach Club.
Day 2: surfing sesh in the morning, then girls’ brunch, shopping, and relaxing time at one of the spas, private saunas (Sundaymood), or wellness centres (Udara). Sunset drinks and party.
Day 3: In the morning, during low tide, visit Tanah Lot Temple, then have some free time before you get in the car to go to another area to stay.
UBUD – DAY 3-4
Ubud is the spiritual and royal capital of Bali. Since the 11th century, artists from all over Indonesia have moved to Ubud. Today, it is a mecca for yogis, spiritual people, vegans, and artists of all sorts.
If you have more days in Ubud (and Bali, in general), and you want a special experience, you can join 7 to 21-day wellness retreats in Ubud. They are focused on different aspects of a balanced lifestyle.
The highlights of the Ubud experience are:
Nature
Hit the iconic walking trails through rice paddies like Campuhan Ridge Walk and Sweet Orange Walk Trail, visit Tegalalang rice terraces, book a day tour to hop between waterfalls, take a picture on Bali swings with rice paddies backdrop, and meet wild monkeys at the Monkey Forest.
Balinese Cooking Class
Ubud is the best spot to have a cooking class and a market tour. You can see the real-life morning market, pick your ingredients, cook using traditional tools, and share the meal together.
Yoga Class
Try yoga at one of the many amazing yoga studios in Ubud. Who knows, maybe you decide to come back and pursue yoga teacher training.
Spiritual Healing
A must-do is a holy water purification ritual called melukat at Tirta Empul temple. A visit to a shaman, tarot or palm readings, different healing modalities and, of course, massages and healers. Ubud is the place to look for answers.
Michelin-Level Fine-Dining
A 5 to 8-course dinner and hand-crafted cocktails with jungle views will be a great final evening at Ubud. For the best experience, we recommend Aperitif Bali.
Where To Stay In Ubud
- Purana Suites Ubud – mid-range hotel with spa, art gallery, yoga space, and a restaurant. Some packages include floating breakfast and other perks.
One of the jungle resorts by the river – they are plentiful in Ubud and reconnect you with nature in no time!
For budget options under 450,000 IDR (45 AUD), there are dozens of homestays like Winsta Homestay. Clean, spacious rooms with top-notch service. Plus, walking distance to Ubud Royal Palace.
AMED – DAY 4-5
Staying a few days in Amed is complete bliss. It is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelling enthusiasts.
First day do some snorkeling from the shore and go diving if you want to see more marine life and WWII shipwrecks. For dinner have some freshly caught seafood at one of the beachside warungs (local cafes), then move to a spot with live music.
The next day explore the Heavens Gate Temple (Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple) to get the iconic pictures, Besakih Great Temple (Mother temple), and the famous Tirta Ganga water palace.
If you have more time, you should explore Karangasem with a private tour. And if you wake up really early, you can join fishermen on their ride out at 4.30 AM and get to see dolphins.
Where To Stay In Amed
- Salt Resort & Spa is perfect for solo girls and girls trips, safe and approved by many female travellers.
Blue Earth Village – an upscale eco-friendly hotel on the cliff with yoga, a healthy food restaurant, and a spa.
Amed Cafe and Hotel Kebun Wayan is a very budget-friendly spot with access to the beach. It is full-on Balinese architecture, they have pools, a restaurant, and a spa.
ISLANDS – DAY 5-6
Bali as an administrative district of Indonesia actually includes 3 little islands 40 minutes sailing from Sanur: Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan.
Another popular island destination for a day trip is Gili islands: ready for party Gili Trawangan (aka Gili T), and chill and secluded Gili Air and Gili Meno.
They are well known for a laid-back atmosphere, stunning white-sand beaches, surfing, nature, lesser crowds, and fantastic snorkelling and diving – some of the most unique diving spots are by Nusa Penida and the most turtles you’ll on Gili islands.
Where To Stay
- Nusa Penida – Deep Roots Dive & Yoga Resort is a modern resort with stunning views, private cottages, a spa, a restaurant, and numerous activities and packages to choose from.
Gili T. Our absolute favourite spot to stay is this beachfront estate with rehabilitated horses – Pondok Santi Estate Luxury Beachside Resort.
Nusa Lembongan – Hai Tide Beach Resort is perfect if you want to be by yourself. They have the cutest bungalows on stilts right on the beach, a restaurant, tours, and movie nights under the open sky.
ULUWATU – DAY 6-8
On your way from the port to Uluwatu stop by Goa Lawah Temple (famous Bat Temple) and Sababay Winery to have a tour and some wine tasting with an amazing lunch. Most people have no idea this great spot is right on the way!
Once in Uluwatu, explore what it has to offer:
Uluwatu Temple
This iconic clifftop Hindu temple has a rich history and breathtaking views. Every night at 6 PM you can also watch the sunset and traditional Balinese kecak dance performance.
Beach Hopping
Bukit peninsula where the Uluwatu area is literally has dozens of pretty beaches, some are still hidden or hard to access yet all are surrounded by spectacular lush greenery and towering limestone cliffs.
Bingin Beach, Nyang Nyang Beach, Melasti, Thomas, secret Suluban Beach, and so many more beaches with white sands, little cafes, and amazing spots for photoshoots.
The restaurants over the cliffs would be best for a farewell dinner and some sunset cocktails too.
Where To Stay In
- Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa is right in the middle of everything in the Bingin area and not far from the Bingin beach. Mid-range.
AYANA resort is a whole beachfront complex with multiple restaurants and bars. Luxury segment.
For a budget option, Gatsby Hotel.
LAST DAY
Returning home may be bittersweet, but you always have the opportunity to come back!
Traffic to Ngurah Rai International Airport can be hectic, especially during holidays, so organize the airport transfer upfront.
If you have ample free time on your last day (accounting for arriving at the airport 2-3 hours before the flight), you can still squeeze in some activities!
Last Balinese massage. Insider tip, pick a spot with a shower to rinse off the massage oil before a long-haul flight.
Before leaving Uluwatu, book the morning session at the clifftop spa complex The Istana. It has saunas, plunge pools, infinity pool with a dramatic view, and no phones are allowed inside.
Get splashy at Asia’s biggest waterpark – Waterbom, which is only 15 minutes from the airport, and has tons of rides, food, showers, and spaces to chill.
Easy Variations For Girls Bali Getaway Itinerary
Dolphin Watching
If you love dolphins, you can visit North Bali, Lovina, for one day after Canggu and before going to Ubud. It is the spot for dolphin watching. Plus, it is a very chill area with some snorkelling and water sports.
For Introverted Girls
If you are not into partying at all, you may skip Canggu (although we recommend at least peak to see what’s going on at FINNS), and venture beyond popular locations.
Serene areas like Tabanan, Sideman, Bedugul, Balian, and Les Village are super cool! They are submerged in tropical gardens and lush landscapes and know no crowds.
For Girls Trip With Toddlers And Young Kids
South of Bali has bigger waves that are not suitable for children to swim.
You can stay in a beachfront hotel in areas likeNusa Dua, Benoa, or Sanur, where the waves are calm, and the waters are shallow.
Plus, some of them have kids’ clubs where your child can have fun with other kids while you’re at the spa or sipping a cocktail in the infinity pool.
For Hiking Lovers
Bali has 2 active volcanoes: Mt Batur and Mt Agung. Mt Batur is the most popular and accessible for hikers, and the best thing you can do is to hike it to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur while having breakfast cooked for you right there.
Is Bali Safe For Female Travelers?
- Yes, the Bali holiday will be safe for solo females or a group of girls.
That being said, you should always exercise common sense, and:
do not wear your expensive jewellery at night.
do not ever drink alcoholic drinks in lesser-known bars or if someone you don’t know offers it. Methanol poisoning or spiked cocktails are very rare but it happens all over Asia.
only drive sober, with your international driver’s license, and always wear a helmet.
only use online taxi apps that have tracking and all the drivers’ data clearly visible. Do not accept rides at night.
While Legian Beach and Kuta areas are historically the OGs of tourism in Bali, today, we don’t really recommend them, especially for younger girls groups. Vendors seem a bit more pushy and there were a few incidents of cat-calling.
Final Thoughts On The Bali Girls’ Trip
Bali is an amazing destination for a girls’ trip! There are just so many things to do, to see, to eat, to splurge on. You can be a fashionista, an influencer, a nature lover, or a yogi – you will find a perfect spot for your personality.
The itinerary we shared is easy to customize to your needs, and if you decide to stay longer, make sure to explore the rest of Indonesia, Bali is not the only pretty island this amazing country has!
