13/05/2016
The-Solo-Female-Travelers-Guide-to-Bali
Although Bali, Indonesia can sometimes have a reputation for being inundated with wild partygoers who run amok, there are plenty of areas where solo female travelers can kick back and enjoy life.
Whether you love to relax by a picturesque beach, enjoy meeting locals and learning the culture, surfing, yoga or meditation, or simply wish to laze around at a five-star resort, Bali has you covered.
There are many areas in this popular holiday destination where you can avoid the crowds and simply enjoy vacationing in a diverse and laid-back part of the world.
Here are the top ways you can experience the best of Bali as a solo traveler!
Chill Out at a Beach Club
A great way to relax in Bali is by spending time at one of the many luxurious beach clubs spread around the region. One of the most iconic venues, with a long-standing reputation for quality, is Ku De Ta in Kuta. This quintessential Balinese bar is situated right by the ocean and provides fantastic sunset views to enjoy while sipping a cocktail.
KU DE TA
Another famous establishment not to miss is the Potato Head Beach Club. Located in quieter Seminyak, this venue gives off a Palm Springs vibe and features a fun swim-up bar, infinity pool, a variety of day beds, and lots of DJs and other musical acts.
Bali Beach Club
Another top Seminyak beach club is La Plancha, the first in the area to introduce beanbags on the beach. La Plancha has quirky decor, a funky “Spanish meets surfer” style, and fantastic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine for those wanting something to nibble on.
On my most recent trip, I visited La Laguna in Canggu, and was blown away by the beautiful beach, amazing sunset, and lively nightlife.
La Laguna Bali
Indulge at World-Class Restaurants
If you’re interested in flying to Bali to sample the fantastic food, you’ll be pleased to know that it is home to an astounding number of top-notch restaurants. Food lovers can head to one of the region’s more recent hotspots, Sundara.
Named after the Sanskrit word for “beautiful,” Sundara is situated in the luxurious Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay, which is very handy if you’re planning to stay at this five-star resort. Patrons can listen to the sound of the ocean lapping on the nearby beach as they dine, as well as take in the spectacular view of Jimbaran Bay. The restaurant has a beach-club vibe and serves up a variety of international dishes, with a special focus on fresh seafood.
Ayana Resort Pool
For incredible seafood and a sunset that you’ll never forget, make reservations at Kisik at the Ayana Resort for a sunset dinner. Arrive early for a pre-dinner drink at the cliff-faced Rock Bar. There are often live music artists and DJs that perform here making a fun atmosphere for meeting fellow travelers.
Sunset at Kisik
For quality Asian meals, make sure you visit the popular Seminyak venue, Ginger Moon. This modern restaurant is spread over two levels and produces dishes that are perfect for sharing between patrons. Those looking to dine on French-inspired cuisine can visit another Seminyak establishment, Petitenget. With a French bistro vibe, the restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike for long lunches, and stylish dinners.
Cafe Bali in Seminyak
One of my favorite spots in Seminyak for a lazy brunch on a budget is Cafe Bali. Shabby chic decor and a delicious breakfast make the perfect setting for a fresh start to the day.
Nurture the Mind and Body
There are many ways to take care of your physical, spiritual, and mental health while in Bali. If you’d like to learn how to cook Balinese fare there are a variety of tours you can participate in where you’ll learn about the local way of cooking and dining. One operator that’s popular is Bali Herbal Walks, located in peaceful Ubud.
Ubud Rice Fields
The tour company teaches participants not only how to cook flavorsome meals, but also how to identify medicinal herbs and plants by their sight, smell, and taste. The three-hour tour combines discussions and demonstrations of using food as medicine, with a cooking class and sit-down meal at a local organic restaurant.
Organic Restaurant in Ubud
Another popular option in Ubud is the annual Bali Spirit Festival, held in late March or early April. The event has been running for a number of years now and brings together musicians, dancers, and yogis from across the globe to celebrate the merging of Eastern and Western cultures. Visitors from over 50 countries come to the festival to take in such events as concerts, workshops, demonstrations, art installations, talks, and more.
Yoga at Four Seasons Sayan
Also highly recommended in Ubud is The Yoga Barn, a place to stretch the body, clear the mind, and take in stunning scenery. The facility provides a large number of yoga classes (many of which are free) in styles such as Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Pranayama, Power, and Yin.
Group Meditation on Beach
Whatever your travel style, Bali has something for every solo female traveler!
