Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. It is an all-in-one package that caters to your needs. Beaches, religious sites, art markets, waterfalls, paddies – you name it, the island destination has it! And I’m not even kidding! What’s even better is exploring these places won’t even burn a hole in your pocket because most things are so budget-friendly!
But with too many things to explore, there is always that fear that you will miss out on some things. Because let’s be honest, it’s not possible for a female solo traveller to explore everything that this beautiful island has to offer in about five to seven days. So, here I am with a very exciting 7-day Bali itinerary for every female solo traveller out there!
Now, if you are planning on a 5-day stay in Bali, you can still follow this itinerary. What you can do is remove a few things here and there from the itinerary that do not excite you much. Or, if your itinerary is more than seven days long, you can squeeze in a day or two to spend a day just relaxing in your gorgeous hotel with a pool facing a jungle! Yeah, that’s right, Bali has some amazing hotels and homestays with spectacular views!
Best time to visit Bali
I would say the best time to visit Bali is between the months of May and September. The weather is pleasant, and some of the tourist places are not that crowded either.
However, the winter season (October to January) is a great time to visit Bali too. My first ever solo trip was to Bali, and I visited the island in the month of November. The weather was a little chilly, but I guess this is one of the many things that made my solo trip memorable.
Day 1: Reaching Bali
Since it will be your first day in Bali, you can take it easy and relax a bit. You can check in to your hotel and take a nap. Then, you can freshen up and, if time permits, explore one or two places.
Visiting Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the unique places to visit in Bali (and also one of my personal favourites). Although it may not sound interesting or exciting to some of you, this monkey forest is like a breath of fresh air. Housing over 700 monkeys, the forest has beautifully carved pathways where you can go for strolls too. Apart from watching the monkeys, you can also explore the Hindu temples located in the forest.
After exploring Ubud Monkey Forest, you can head back to your hotel, have a good night’s sleep and prepare yourself to spend an entire day exploring this beautiful island.
Day 2: Exploring the stunning Bali beaches
Your solo trip to Bali will be incomplete without visiting the beautiful beaches. Now, one reason behind this is that you do not need to pay an entry fee to visit the beaches. This can turn out to be pretty comfortable in your pocket if you are on a tight budget too.
Nyang Nyang Beach
Nyang Nyang Beach is my favourite beach in Bali, hands down! Since the beach is located in an isolated area, the crowd is comparatively lesser. You can either sunbathe on the beach or wear your cute little floral dress and have a mini photoshoot against the backdrop of the sunset and sea! Either way, it is a beautiful beach to have a relaxed time at.
Gunung Payung Beach
This gorgeous beach in Bali is nestled amidst the hills! If you are someone who does not like the scorching heat and warm atmosphere at the beaches, then Gunung Payung Beach will be the perfect place for you. Because of the hills around, the atmosphere at the beach is comparatively calmer. Again, this beach is located in a secluded area too. So, pack all the snacks and drinks before planning a visit to Gunung Payung Beach!
Tanjung Benoa Beach
This beach is the perfect place for all the water sports junkies. Many tourists visit this beach to try their hand at its adrenaline-pumping water adventures such as jet-skiing, skyboarding, and parasailing. Apart from the water sports, the beach has some amazing restaurants that serve delicious food too.
You can read my blog on the top beaches to visit in Bali to explore other beach options. Depending on your interests and convenience, you can select the beaches that you would want to explore.
Day 3: Exploring the art markets in Bali
After a day at the beach(s), you can take day 3 of your itinerary a little easier. You can have your breakfast at the hotel or a nearby eatery and then spend the rest of your day exploring the beautiful art markets of Bali.
Sukawati Art Market
Locally known as Pasar Seni Sukawati, this art market is the most differentiated long-standing art market in Bali. The market offers its visitors a bunch of beautiful Balinese stuff like handicrafts, clothes, paintings, traditional woven textiles, aromatherapy items, and much more.
Ubud Art Market
My favourite art market is Ubud Art Market. The reason behind this is that the products sold at this art market are of much better quality than compared to others. When I had visited this art market, I purchased a beautiful bohemian skirt and a shirt with elegant Balinese prints on it. Although I don’t wear a lot of colourful clothes, I was happy with the purchase I made because of the quality. You can also purchase handicrafts, woodcarvings, Moroccan style oil lamps, or brass Buddha statues.
The distance between these two art markets is approximately 12 kilometres. You can easily take a cab or taxi to travel between the art markets.
Once done with the shopping, you can have a delicious dinner meal at the restaurants near Ubud Art Market. Some of the best restaurants in the area are Hippie Fish, Acai Queen, Sinduk Warung, and Milk and Madu.
Day 4: A day exploring Ubud
Ubud is undoubtedly one of the most popular places in Bali. There is so much to explore here that even one day may not be enough. But I have a few of my favourites that you can check out while you spend a day here.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Waterfalls are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bali. There are so many waterfalls on this beautiful island that you will be spoiled for choices. And Tegenungan waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Ubud! It has a small pool underneath, which is perfect for relaxing after spending time exploring the waterfall. And while you are at it, you can get some gorgeous pictures as well.
The entry fee to this waterfall is 15,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Tegallalang Rice Terraces is one of the famous rice terraces in Bali. This place is nothing short of magical. You can click beautiful pictures of the landscapes or visit the nearby village to learn a bit about the local culture. Also, the rice terraces have many souvenir shops nearby to take back home a piece of Bali with you.
The entry fee to the Tegallalang Rice Terrace is 15,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
Yoga Barn
Yoga Barn is one of the most famous meditation centres in Bali. Located in an isolated area, the meditation centre consists of five different studios. You can select from their wide range of meditation packages. They also have a variety of cleansing and detox programmes that help unwind your mind and body!
The starting price of a class at Yoga Barn starts from 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
Day 5: Exploring some hidden gems in Bali
Everyone visits popular or touristy places. But I believe no solo trip is ever complete without exploring a few of the hidden gems that a particular travel destination has. And luckily, Bali has so many beautiful hidden places on the island.
Kintamani Valley
Kintamani Valley is a gorgeous place in Northern Bali. It is mostly surrounded by green vegetation, but you can still see a spot or two of black bruises from the volcanic eruptions that took place near the region in the past. The valley is famous for its breathtaking scenic views. You can also carry your camera along with you to capture this beauty!
Here is a tip for when you visit the Kintamani Valley. To avoid getting tired walking around, I would suggest you wear shoes instead of sandals. It does not have to be your sports or hiking shoes. Any pair of casual shoes that’s comfortable would do! To make sure your outfit does not look out of place because of the shoes, you can wear shorts or jeans with a loose t-shirt of your favourite colour. And don’t forget a sturdy little backpack to carry all your essentials!
Check out my guide on what to wear on your solo trip to Bali.
Angseri Natural Hot Springs
Another of my favourite place that I got to explore on my solo trip to Bali, Angseri Natural Hot Springs, is definitely worth a visit. Located deep within a forest near Angseri Village, the hot springs consist of two large natural pools lined with bamboo pipes. The water in the pools is naturally warm, thanks to the island being a volcanic landscape. Next to the water pools, you will find beautiful huts that contain small pools of water. These are made especially for visitors who would like to enjoy having a therapeutic bath in privacy!
Day 6: Exploring the adventurous activities
After a not-so-tiring day at Kintamani Valley and Angseri Natural Hot Springs, you can have an entire day dedicated to trying out the adventure activities in Bali.
Bali Swing
Without exploring the island from a different perspective (read: from up above the sky), your solo trip might not be complete. Getting on the swing is definitely one of the most beautiful things to do in Bali. The height of the swing ranges from 10 metres to 78 metres which allows you to select the height that works the best for you. You can also get very candid and aesthetic clicks here for your next Instagram post!
White Water Rafting
White water rafting is one of my favourite activities in Bali. While it is not something you can do alone, it can turn out to be a great way for you to make some new friends in a foreign land. As you raft your way into the river, you will see the beautiful waterfalls, rice fields, and rainforests on the way. In my opinion, the best place to go white water rafting is the Ayung River.
Stand Up Paddling
If you love surfing, then you will definitely enjoy trying out stand-up paddling too. It is very similar to surfing, the mild difference being the paddle you get for support and to navigate your way in the water. With a little bit of practice, you can easily master this unique adventure activity.
Canyon Tubing
This fun adventure activity is super simple to do. All you need is a life vest and a helmet, and you are good to go! As you ride through the water stream in a small tube, you will see the breathtaking views of the rainforests in the region. I had tried out canyon tubing in Payangan, and the view was simply amazing!
You will also be accompanied by a professional on the ride, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Even better, you can interact with the professional and get to know more about the adventure activity or just Payangan in general.
Day 7: Balinese Spa
After a thrilling day trying out the adventure activities, it only makes sense you take this day easy. And considering that it will be your last day in Bali, what better way to end it than indulging in a Balinese spa?
Balinese spa is truly one of its kind. You may have come across different types of spas in different countries, but trust me, this spa massage is unique in its own way. The massage therapists use the Indian and Chinese methods to apply pressure on the tired muscles and stimulate your nerve endings. The duration of a spa session will typically last about 60 to 90 minutes, and it depends on the package too.
Time to head back home…
Now you may not feel like going back home, but every good thing does come to an end! Bali has plenty of assets, so a single visit may not be enough, but hey, you can always have a second trip!
Let me know in the comments section below if the itinerary helped you. Cheers and happy travelling ladies!
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