My (first ever?!?!) solo trip to Bali, Indonesia
- Samantha Emily
- Feb 28, 2020
- 30 min read
Updated: Jan 21, 2022
I have used the travel company EF Ultimate Break for five different trips. This company has allowed me to travel to Greece, Belize, Guatemala, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Thailand, and Costa Rica. Every time I go on one of these trips I always go "alone" but because it is a company focused on group travel, I always meet and travel with so many other awesome people. When I booked my trip to Thailand with EF I thought to myself, "I am already halfway across the world, I might as well go to another country." That thought lead me to Bali, Indonesia.
When I told people I was going to Bali completely solo, without a tour group, they looked at me as if I were absolutely insane. They would say to me, "You are a 21 year old female and you are going to travel to a foreign country ALL ALONE?!" That was when I would smile and say back to them "Heck yeah I am!"
I am glad that I have realized at such a young age that this world is way to big and has way to much to offer to only stay in one place. If I waited for my friends and family to travel with me, I would be waiting forever. I know so many people dream of the places they could go but wait for a companion, a friend, or a family member to travel with them. I am here to tell you that you do not need anyone to travel with besides yourself. All it takes is a little bit of confidence and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. Solo travel has to be the most empowering thing anyone could possible do. I say that because I now know from experience.
"As you travel solo being totally responsible for yourself, it's inevitable that you will discover just how capable you are." - Unknown
Day one - January 10th - Flight to Bali
After saying my goodbyes to all my new friends in Thailand, it was time to leave the land of smiles. Thailand was nothing short of amazing but I had a new adventure awaiting ahead. It was time to head to the airport. Bali, here I come!
My flight from Bangkok to Denpasar was operated by Thai International Airways. The total flight time was about 4 hours and 25 minutes. I left Thailand at 8:50 am and arrived in Bali around 2:15 pm. I was very impressed with Thai International Airways as it was a relatively short flight but I still got served a free meal. The seats were very spacious and I even had an empty chair next to me. The total cost of this flight was 6210 Thai Baht, or about 195 USD, and it included a checked bag, a free meal, and comfortable window seat.
Solo travel tip #1: Download a currency exchange app on your phone because it can get confusing when dealing with foreign money.
Upon arrival in Denpasar, I had to go through customs. The line for customs took approximately 45 minutes but I got a new passport stamp so the wait was worth it. (Who doesn't love a new passport stamp?!)
After going through customs and grabbing my checked bagged, I went strait to the Telkomsel stand. Here is where I purchased an Indonesian sim card for about 20 USD. The sim card that I purchased gave me an Indonesian phone number and 18 GB of data. While I was in Thailand, I did not purchase an international sim card as I just relied on wifi and the help of my EF tour guide and friends. Although, when you are traveling solo I highly recommend buying an international sim card upon arrival because it is important to stay connected as you will be sending a lot of "Yes mom, I am fine." texts. It will also definitely be a lot cheaper then using the data plan your carrier offers.
Solo travel tip #2: Buy an international sim card. It will save you the hassle of searching for wifi when you need directions, want to call for transportation, or when you want to update Instagram with your most recent picture.
Once I was connected and ready to start my journey through Bali, I met up with my personal driver, Dessy. I was recommended Dessy by someone through the Bali Life Facebook page. I was given a lot of great recommendations but I honestly don't think I could have picked a better driver. Dessy was English speaking, had the best rates, and was the absolute sweetest girl ever. While Dessy did all the talking, her husband drove the car. I felt 100% comfortable and confident in both of them. Dessy was waiting for me outside the airport with a sign that had my name on it so she was very easy to find. She greeted me with a smile and a hug. Dessy and her husband drove me from the airport in Denpasar to my hostel in Canggu. It was about a 45 minute car ride with traffic but it only cost me 300 K IDR, or about 22 USD.
Solo travel tip #3: Join Facebook groups for the place(s) you are traveling to. It is a great place to ask questions, get inspiration, schedule meet ups with other travelers, and give/get recommendations.
The hostel I stayed at in Canggu was called Gypsymoon Bali. This hostel was very modern, and had a laid-back, chill, atmosphere. I paid for a 4 bunk, all female room. This room was very clean and had its own private bathroom. I only stayed here for one night and the cost was about 225 K IDR, or 16 USD.
Solo travel tip #4: Stay in hostels to help save money on accommodations. I booked all my hostels through hostel world.
After settling into my hostel and charging my phone for a bit, I called a GoJek to take me to Old Man's. GoJek is like Uber, except you are on the back of a scooter. (More on that later) Old Man's is a famous beach front bar and restaurant. When I got dropped off, I got a water bottle and ordered a margarita pizza. I sat down and took in the atmosphere of this place as it was awesome. There was live music combined with the sound of waves crashing, a view of the ocean which was full of surfers, and people everywhere. While I was sitting at my table for one, enjoying my own company and my pizza, I realized and thought to myself, "Holy crap, I am really in Bali all alone right now?!" It really was/is such a surreal feeling to be so independent that you don't need no man. (kidding but kind of not really)
Before I left for Bali people would ask me religiously, "Aren't you scared to travel solo?" And my answer was always no as I was so beyond excited. I was just a little bit nervous I wouldn't meet anyone. Well, my worries of not meeting anyone went right out the door because while at Old Man's I met two of the nicest girls. (Avery or Hannah - if you are reading this, hi!) They saw me sitting alone and simply invited me to sit at their table with them. After that happened, I knew this trip was going to be amazing and I was going to meet so many new people. I spent my first evening in Bali feeling thankful, watching the sunset, and enjoying the company of two new friends.
Solo travel tip #5: Before you arrive at your destination, look up the main ways of transportation. When I was not using my personal driver, I relied on Uber like apps such as GoJek, Grab, or Blue Bird. My GoJek from my hostel to Old Man's was legit only .60 US cents. Although, throughout Bali there are a lot of places that do not allow any of these apps to be used as they want tourist to support the local taxis. When that is the case...
Solo travel tip #6: Make sure you always have cash incase you need to pay for a taxi. I learned that the hard way.
After a long travel day and staying out past sunset, it was time to hit the hay... or my hostel bunk. Ubud, Bali awaits!
Day two - January 11th - Full Day Tour of Ubud
Ahhh, my first full day in Bali!
I had planned an all day tour of Ubud with my personal driver, Dessy. It was originally supposed to be just me on the tour, but again with the Bali Life Facebook page for the win. I met a girl named Josie who posted on the Bali Life Facebook page about wanting to meet up with other solo travelers. I invited her on my all day tour of Ubud and she agreed. I am so glad she tagged along!
Dessy and her husband first picked me up from my hostel and then we went and got Josie. Because Dessy's husband would be staying in the car the entire time, I felt comfortable leaving my suitcase with him as later in the afternoon I would be dropped off at my new hostel. Dessy made it so easy as we told her where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see. She perfectly planned out everything as well as took us to some things she recommended.
Our first stop of the day was to the Taman Ayu Luwak Coffee and Tea plantation. When we first got to the plantation, we were shown the process of grinding coffee beans. We even got to participate in it ourselves. I was really surprised at how tedious this process is! As we walked around, we saw a cat-like creature in a cage. This is when we were informed that the cat like creature is called a civet cat. In the Indonesian culture, the "best-tasting" coffee comes from civet cat poop. This famous cat poop coffee is called Kopi Luwak. You are probably wondering, "What does this coffee taste like?" Unfortunately, I did not actually try it. I am usually one to always hop on board and try anything, (Like come on, I willingly ate a silk worm and a cricket in Thailand... who am I?!) but I do not like normal, none-poop, coffee to begin with. Now that I think about it, I kind of regret not trying it because who do you know that can say that they have tried Bali's most famous coffee that is made from civet cat poop?!
Solo tip #7: Try ALL the foods and try ALL the drinks... Even if the drinks are poop infused. A big part of traveling is experiencing different cultures and foods and I know that this coffee is big in Indonesia. I really do regret not trying even just a small sip.
After learning all about Kopi Luwak, we sat down for an actual tasting. We were brought six different coffees and six different teas. As I mentioned earlier, I am not keen on coffee but I did try every single sample. I was surprised because I was a really big fan of the coconut coffee. My favorite flavor tea was the lemon grass flavor. If you are ever in Bali, I highly recommend visiting the Taman Ayu Luwak Coffee and Tea plantation as they have some really unique, yet delicious flavors of coffee and tea for everyone to enjoy!
The next stop on our all day tour of Ubud was to the Batubalan temple. Batubalan is known for its stone carvings and this temple did not disappoint. The carvings and the architecture of this temple were stunning. After taking some photos, we went inside the Pemaksan Barong Tegaltamu theatre to watch a barong and kris dance. What I learned was that the barong and kris dance represents an eternal fight between good and evil spirits. Barong, a mythological animal, represents a good spirit while Rangda, a mythological monster, represents an evil spirit. The lesson in the end was that good always wins. Honestly, if it were not for the piece of paper given to me in English telling me what was going on during this show, I would've had no idea. It was a lot of flashy costumes, dancing, shouting, and talking in a foreign language. Although this performance was hard to follow along with, it was a good Balinese experience. The cost of this show was 100 K IDR, or about 7 USD.
After immersing ourselves into some rich culture, it was time to immerse ourselves under some waterfalls. The first waterfall we visited was the Tegenungan Waterfall. To enter the Tegenungan Waterfall there was an entrance fee of 15 K IDR for adult, or about 1.50 USD, and 10 K IDR for child, or about .70 US cents. Upon entrance, we took the opportunity to take some great photos. One of the most famous Instagram photos is taken while sitting in a Bali nest.
To get to the bottom of the actual waterfall we had to walk down just over 100 relatively steep steps. At the bottom of the waterfall, one should expect there to be a decent amount of people as this location is a big tourist spot. If you want to experience this waterfall as a serene escape with no one around, I suggest making a visit as soon as the entrance gate opens at 6:30 am. For me, I arrived around 11:00 am. Despite the other tourist (I can't even get mad because I am one), this waterfall was amazing.
We definitely worked up an appetite after climbing back up the stairs to leave the waterfall but it was perfect timing because we were next headed for lunch. We went to the Bebek d'Ubud Restaurant. This restaurant was so cute as we sat on cushions and ate in an overwater bungalow. I got a chicken club sandwich with french fries and it was delicious.
Solo travel tip #8: Besides working up an appetite, we also worked up a sweat. Bali is very hot and humid all year round. Be prepared to be sweaty at all hours of the day, night time included, wear no makeup, and embrace your natural hair.
After lunch, we headed to our second (and my favorite) waterfall of the day. Kanto Lampo Waterfall was simply stunning. This waterfall was accessible after paying an entrance fee of 10 K IDR, or about .70 US cents. We had to walk down a short amount of steps and then onto some rocks to get down to the actual waterfall. I highly advise everyone to be super careful as these rocks can get extremely slippery. At the bottom of the waterfall there was a guy directing people to pose while he took photos of them under the waterfall. I thought, "Sure why not!" and "#forthegram" so I waited in line to get my photos taken and I think it is safe to say, it was worth it. My photos came out so good and I got to stand directly under the waterfall! The photographer was not charging anybody but I did give him a tip because he was awesome.
Sitting under this waterfall and feeling how powerful it was was amazing. I couldn't stop laughing as the photographer was trying to tell me to pose a certain way when all I was worried about was not losing my strapless top or swallowing too much of the water.
One of my favorite things ever is to experience new waterfalls. There is just something about the magic and excitement that comes along with it that I love. I am so thankful that I got to see and swim under the Kanto Lampo Waterfall. It was very enjoyable and a memory I will never forget.
Solo travel tip #9: Chase. Every. Single. Waterfall!
After the Kanto Lampo Waterfall, we headed to the Tirta Empul Temple. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water. The Tirta Empul Temple is one of Bali's most famous as it is where one can bathe in holy water. A lot of locals and tourist come here to participate in the purification ritual.
As soon as we got out of the car, it started to pour down with rain... and I mean POUR! We did still want to walk around the temple for a little bit and see others participate in the purification but we did not stay long (or take any photos) because of the rain. The entrance fee to this temple was 15 K IDR per adult, or about 1 USD, and 7 K IDR per child, or about .50 US cents.
With a slight break in the clouds, we headed to the
Tegallalang Rice Fields. When I think of Bali, the Tegallalang Rice Fields are what comes to mind. This place needs to be on everyones bucket list as it is beautiful!
To enter the rice fields we had to pay an entrance fee of 15 K IDR, or about 1 USD. Once inside, both Josie and I rented a long blue dress to take the iconic swing/rice field picture. To rent the dress and use the swing it cost 400 K IDR total, or about 28 USD. The money spent was well worth it because this experience was one of my favorites. The swing itself was a lot of fun and it was a great way to see the rice fields from above. It started to pour again while we were there but we made the best of it. We danced and laughed our way around the Tegallalang Rice Fields in our long blue dresses while it poured down with rain.
Solo travel tip #10: When I was looking into coming to Bali I saw that it was rainy season. I almost let that deter me from booking my plane ticket as I didn't want to spend my entire time stuck inside due to weather. Everywhere that I saw advertised Bali as being noting but wet, basically flooded, cloudy, and miserable. I am glad that I just said screw it and booked my trip anyways because this was the only time I ever saw rain the entire time I was in Bali.
The total cost for the all day (10 hour) tour of Ubud was 600 K IDR, or about 43 USD. Because it was me and Josie, we both split the cost each paying 300 K IDR, or about 22 USD.
After dropping off Josie, Dessy and her husband took me to my new hostel. I was staying at what was then known as the Arya Monkey Forest Hostel but they previously changed their name to the Kuna Bali Hostel. This hostel was easily the best place I stayed at. It was so modern, clean, and the beds were queen size. I booked an 8 bunk, mixed dorm, for 2 nights. The total cost was around 500 K IDR, or 35 USD. At the time of my stay, the pool was under renovations so I not only got a discount that took 10% off, but I was also granted access to use the pool at the Puri Garden Hostel.
After checking into my hostel, I made plans to meet up with Josie for dinner on the main strip. Because I was staying next to the Monkey Forest, the quickest way to get to the center of Ubud was to take a shortcut. The shortcut took me past the Monkey Forest. Let me tell you... not once in Bali did I ever feel unsafe or scared for my wellbeing besides this dreadful walk. I had to walk next to the Monkey Forest in the pitch black with nothing or nobody around me. Imagine being in the middle of a jungle full of monkeys that like shiny things and have sharp teeth. Yeah, it was scary. Once I finally made it through to what felt like civilization and met up with Josie, we decided on the Puri Garden Hostel for dinner. We both got bruschetta and pancakes. Weird combination, but when on holiday, right?!
Solo travel tip #11: Yes, Bali is a foreign country but it is very safe for solo travelers, including females. Not once did I ever feel unsafe, or uneasy... besides my walk through the Monkey Forest. Everyone there, locals and tourist, is so nice and ready to help with directions, recommendations, or whatever you may need. Although I grant Bali as safe, it is still important to take normal precautions such as not keeping your phone in your back pocket, not carrying a lot of cash on you, and always trusting your gut instincts.
After a busy day, I fell asleep in my comfortable queen size bed. Thanks for that, Arya Monkey Hostel.
Day three - January 12th - Free day in Ubud
I had already witnessed the Monkey Forest during the night, so I decided to take a walk through during the day.
In the morning, I went to the Monkey Forest with a girl that I had met in my hostel. The entrance fee was 80 K IDR per adult, or about 6 USD, and 60 K IDR per child, or about 4.50 USD. This place was crazy. There were literally monkeys off all different sizes, everywhere. I even had to fight off a monkey that was trying to steal my purse. Thankfully, I won the first and only round.
Solo travel tip #12: Use a fanny pack or a cross-body purse as it makes it harder for people (or monkeys) to steal your personal belongings.
After some time spent exploring the Monkey Forest, I headed to the Sedona Spa. Here is where I indulged in a relaxing Balinese coconut body massage. The massage was followed by a soak in a bath tub that was full of beautiful flowers. Before this, I had never gotten a massage before. I thought Bali would be the perfect place to get my first one. I now know to never get a massage again because to be completely honest, it was a little hard for me to relax and enjoy it because I am so ticklish. Aside from the massage, the flower bath was perfect. The massage lasted for about 60 minutes and I got to soak in the tub for about 30 minutes. The total cost of this spa experience was 210 K IDR, or about 15 USD.
Because the pool at my hostel was under renovations, I decided to take advantage of the access that I was given to the Puri Garden Hostel pool. When I arrived at the pool, I was in for a treat. And by treat I mean a fenced in area full of puppies! The puppies were their curtsy to The Bali Dog Association. I was informed that The Bali Dog Association is a non-profit organization that is aiming to end the suffering of street dogs in Bali. They bring these puppies to the Puri Garden Hostel to give them time to interact with humans and in hopes that they will get adopted. I had a great time hanging out by the pool, meeting new people, and playing with puppies.
In the afternoon, I met up with Josie so we could go to the Campuhan Ridge Walk together. The Campuhan Ridge Walk was a scenic hike that offered beautiful views of the lush forest that surround the area. We walked so far that I am pretty sure we ended up off the main trail. We met a guy named Alex who was from Australia. He joined us on our walk and afterwards we all went into town together to get some vegan ice-cream. After hanging out for a bit, Alex gave me a ride back to my hostel on his scooter. I went to sleep excited for what tomorrow would bring.
Day four - January 13th - Full day tour of Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a small island off the coast of Bali. This island is accessible by a 45 - 60 minute boat ride that leaves from Sanur Port in Bali. Nusa Penida should be on your bucket list if it is not already as it has the most beautiful beaches, cliffs, and views that I have ever seen in my life.
Dessy and her husband picked me up early from the Arya Monkey Hostel and drove me to the Sanur Port. Here was were I caught a fast boat via the company Angel Billabong to the Sampalan Harbor on the island of Nusa Penida. A round trip boat ticket to and from the island was 275 K IDR, or about 20 USD. The situation at the port was a little hectic. There were no docks so the fast boats would simply "dock" on the sand. It is the passengers responsibility to carry their own luggage to the boat. With that being said, I had to carry my 40 lb suitcase down uneven rocks, through sand, and on top of my head while I walked through crashing waves and seaweed infested waters. Talk about a struggle.
Solo travel tip #13: PACK LIGHT! On trips where you are moving around a lot it can be a hassle when your suitcase is heavy and you have so much to worry about. I wish I had followed my own advice and used my new 40L backpacking backpack that I got for Christmas. Instead, I thought I would need a new outfit and bathing suit for everyday. I was totally wrong. Its like I forgot washer and dryers existed.
I had planned for an all day east and west tour of Nusa Penida so once I arrived at the Sampalan Harbor, I had a driver there to pick me up. His name was Sibuk. He was waiting for me with a sign that had my name on it so he was easy to find. The total cost of this tour was 900 K IDR, or about 64 USD. While on this all day tour we went to six different iconic spots. The first stop was to Broken Beach.
Broken Beach is a little cove that gets its name because of its famous archway. This archway is huge and it has an opening that allows water to flow into the cove from the ocean. I spent some time here walking around the cove, admiring the views, and taking some pictures.
The next stop was to Angels Billabong. I had high expectations as I had heard and seen pictures that portrayed Angels Billabong as a rock pool with crystal clear emerald and turquoise water. I saw pictures of people bathing and swimming here. I had a completely different experience. The water looked really brown and the access point to walk down to go swimming was closed.
Solo travel tip #14: Try to go to a new place with no expectations as there is always a possibility that your expectations could be let down. I am sure we all know that social media has a way of not always portraying things the way they really are. My expectations for Angels Billabong were definitely not met, but it was all okay because in the end you live and you learn!
Padong Cliff definitely made up for the lack of excitement that Angels Billabong offered. Padong Cliff overlooked Kelingking Beach and the views were surreal. I even had a "Titanic" moment were I got to hang over the side of the cliff! After exploring the different views offered at Padong Cliff I was super anxious to get to Kelingking Beach itself.
Kelingking Beach is also sometimes referred to as T-Rex Beach as the shape of the cliff legit looks like a T-Rex. The views from the top of the cliff are like nothing I have ever seen before. Have you ever experienced one of those moments in your life that you never want to forget? For me, that moment was when I was looking out at Kelingking Beach. That view was the most amazing view I have ever seen in my life and at that time I was feeling extremely proud of myself. I know that there are so many of us who only dream of seeing all these amazing places, but never actually get to see them in real life. Here I am at 21 years old, slowly but surely making my dreams a reality. I made a mental note in my head to never forget that view and to always remember how I felt in that exact moment.
Kelingking Beach doesn't just offer surreal views, it also offers a challenge. The beach is very secluded as it is only accessible by walking down the side of a very steep cliff. I knew I couldn't justify coming here and not swimming under the T-Rex cliff so I decided to venture down to the beach. When I tell you that the hike down and up the side of this cliff was the hardest thing I have ever done, I 100% mean it. There was not a cloud in the sky so it was almost unbearably hot. The cliff was intensely steep. The "handrails" were made out of thin twigs. The distant between each "step" was no less than a foot. There were times when I had to use a rope and rope climb my way down. Me typing all of this does not do any justice on how tough this down and back cliff trek actually was. It was definitely a challenge but I am so glad I pushed myself as I got to swim in the ocean at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida.
After working up my heart rate, and an appetite, my driver took me to Sebuluh Restaurant and Bar for lunch where I had pancakes with a side of fresh fruit.
Another famous spot on Nusa Penida simply goes by the name The Treehouse. This location offers picturesque views of the soaring cliffs and crashing waves at Atuh Beach. I spent some time here sitting on top of the cliff, listening to the waves, feeling the breeze on my skin, and again, feeling so grateful for this experience. The Treehouse gets its name for, go figure, the treehouse that is located there. It offers a really good photo opportunity. Any local will know exactly what your talking about when you say "The Treehouse."
The last stop of the day was to Diamond Beach. Diamond Beach is another iconic, can't miss spot, on Nusa Penida. Diamond Beach is also a secluded area as the trek down can be difficult at times. It is definitely not as challenging as getting to Kelingking Beach, but I will say it was a little strenuous at times. The steps were very steep, slippery, and there was some rope climbing involved. This beach had glistening white sand, sky-high cliffs, and turquoise colored water. A trip to Nusa Penida is not complete without a swim at Diamond Beach.
Solo travel tip #15: When doing a tour of Nusa Penida, I highly recommend wearing sneakers as you will be doing a lot of walking.
After a long day of hiking, rope climbing, swimming, and being in the sun, my driver dropped me off at my AirBnb. The photos of this place looked amazing so I decided to splurge a little bit and spend 52 USD for two nights. I was really excited to have a room to myself because for the past 3 weeks I was sharing rooms with EF roommates or staying in hostels. I was really ready to wind down for a bit and truly relax. My dreams came crashing down as soon as I walked into my place. I am not one to bash a company online, but the pictures of this place on the AirBnb website were nothing like the actual room. Everything was stained, the bathroom was outdated, the shower did not drain, and there were bugs, dead and alive, everywhere. The only good thing was the view. I quickly and respectfully requested a room change. The new room was pretty much the same but fortunately it didn't have as many bugs. I sucked it up and slept in this room for only one night because I really didn't have any other option. I was supposed to stay on the island of Nusa Penida for two nights but after the AirBnb situation I was a little frustrated. After figuring out some schedule changes and getting a refund from Airbnb, I changed my boat transfer back to Bali for the next afternoon. On top of all of this, my phone was dying and my phone charger broke. Just as my luck normally goes, there was no where to buy a phone charger on the island.
Solo travel tip #16: Always travel with an extra phone charger.
My full day tour of Nusa Penida was seriously amazing. I saw so many great views, swam under cliffs, challenged myself, and checked more places off of my bucket list. I really could not recommend this little island enough. I tried not to let my Airbnb situation have an effect on my experiences from earlier in the day. Nonetheless, I now look back on the accommodation situation and laugh. I am so grateful I got to visit Nusa Penida.
Solo travel tip #17: It is so important to travel with a positive mindset. Throughout my travels I have learned that it is not always going to be pretty and things don't always go your way. (Stay tuned for another great accommodations mishap.) The best way to get through an unpleasant event is to just stay positive. When everything is over and the situation has passed, you will hopefully have learned something. The time will come when you will be able to look back and laugh.
Day five - January 14th - Snorkeling & Transfer back to Sanur Port
I woke up early and got out of my room as soon as possible. Besides the room situation, the Airbnb did offer a free breakfast which I got to enjoy. My boat transportation back to Bali didn't leave the port until 12:30 pm so I had the morning to kill. I was picked up by a local taxi driver and taken to the port early because I signed up to go snorkeling. The snorkeling was from 9:00 am - 11:00 am and it took me to 4 different sights. I snorkeled at Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Gamat, and Wall Toya Pakeh. At some of the spots the waves were very rough but the snorkeling was good as there was a plentiful amount of fish. The cost for the snorkeling excursion was 250 K IDR, or about 18 USD.
After snorkeling, I had to wait at the port in Nusa Penida for about an hour and a half. The boat ride back to Bali took about 50 minutes but Dessy and her husband were waiting for me when I arrived. They drove me to my hostel in Uluwatu. I was staying at the Bali Beats Hostel. The rooms were a little outdated but they did have their own private bathroom. For 2 nights in a 4 bunk, all female door, I paid 300 K IDR, or about 22 USD. I ended up getting back my money for one night... keep reading.
I spent the afternoon hanging out by the pool. The atmosphere was perfect as a backpacker was playing his guitar, someone else was making beats, people were laughing, and there was a slight breeze so the temperature wasn't too hot. I made some new friends and one of them even offered to take me on the back of his bike to a nearby shop to buy a new phone charger. The hostel offers a free dinner every night so everyone that I met all went together. After dinner, we all sat around and played a bunch of different card games. If you know me, you should know how much I love playing cards! It was a perfect, relaxing, much needed, chill day.
Solo travel tip #18: What kind of traveler are you? I am one that likes to go, go, go! But as much as l want to see and do it all, I know it is important to take chill days and have time to relax. These days are especially important when you are traveling for months at a time. Let your body (and wallet) rest.
Day six - January 15th - Free day in Uluwatu
I saw a girl post on the Bali Life Facebook page about wanting to meet up with other travelers so I messaged her. Her name was Katja and we agreed to meet at Nalu Bowls. Here we both got açaí bowls. Mine was full of granola, strawberries, bananas, and coconut shavings. It was delicious.
After filling up on fruits, we headed to Bingin Beach. Bingin Beach is on a cliffside coast and it offers turquoise water that is great for swimming and surfing, and a plentiful amount of restaurants. We hung out, laid under the sun, went swimming, and got lunch together. We ate at the Lucky Fish Lounge where I got waffles. This restaurant was on a second floor open deck so it offered great views of all the surfers. It eventually got to the point where it was so hot out that we decided to go back to her Airbnb and swim in her pool... and have access to air-conditioning.
One thing Bali is known for is its clubs. There are so many to choose from but we settled on Oneeighty. Oneeighty is a clifftop day club that has a famous glass-bottom, infinity pool, that extends out over a cliff that drops 531 feet below. The views from this cliff were insane. We got to drink, eat good food, and watch the sunset. The entrance fee to Oneeighty for general admission was 450 K IDR, or about 32 USD. The price of the entrance fee covered 350 K IDR of food and beverage credit. We hung out here until the sun went down.
When I arrived back to my hostel it was just me and one other girl in the room. Her name was Issa. I was all showered, laying in bed, and about to fall asleep when Issa said to me, "Excuse me, there is a bunch of little animals above me." in her Dutch accent. I shot right up and went over to her bunk. She was correct, there were little animals in the mattress above hers. And yes, those little animals were bed bugs. We quickly packed up all of our stuff and went to reception to request a new room. Reception was (trying to be) helpful as they apologized and took us to a new room right away. The first thing we saw when we looked at the mattresses in the new room was a bed bug. That is when I asked for a refund and booked the first Airbnb I found for 28 USD. It was currently 10:00 pm, I was in my pajamas, and I literally met this girl maybe 20 minutes ago, but we were both leaving and sharing an Airbnb together. In that exact moment, I was so frustrated. I think bed bugs are one of the worst things that could happen while traveling. When I first arrived at the hostel I did check only my bed which was clear. Thankfully, I did not have any bites after the one night that I did stay. I kept all my belongings off of the floor and the beds as it was packed in my suitcase the entire time. I always check my bed for bed bugs when I am traveling as I know they are relatively common but after that experience I have know learned to...
Solo travel tip #19: Always check every single mattress in your hostel or hotel room for bed bugs, not just the mattress you are sleeping on.
Day seven - January 16th - Fly Out
On my last morning in Bali I went to Bukit Cafe with Issa where I got a huge fruit platter and waffles. (I don't know what my obsession with waffles, pancakes, and fruit was this trip...lol) After breakfast, Dessy and her husband picked us up from our Airbnb to do a short tour of Uluwatu. The total cost for the tour of Uluwatu was 600 K IDR, or about 42 USD.
Our first stop was to the Uluwatu Temple. This temple was built on the edge of a 230 foot cliff that projects out into the sea. We walked all around the area and quickly realized that we should take our sunglasses off as monkeys inhabited this entire place. There were signs everywhere warning us that monkeys will steal your belongings. Besides the fear we had from the monkeys, the views of the cliffs dropping down into the Indian Ocean were beautiful. The entrance fee to the Uluwatu Temple was 30 K IDR, or about 2 USD.
After visiting the Uluwatu Temple we stopped at the abandoned plane. After a short hike up a hill we were welcomed by a huge Boeing 737. There is really not much to do besides wonder how the plane got there and take some cool pictures. I was informed that there is word of turning the abandoned plane into a restaurant which would be so cool!
Issa asked to be dropped off after the abandoned plane because she wasn't feeling too well and she thought she might have had Bali belly. Bali belly is common in tourist and it is caused by a bacteria that is found in local foods and drinking water. Some common signs and symptoms of Bali belly include nausea, upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. I heard of Bali belly beforehand so I invested in some activated charcoal pills before I arrived.
Solo travel tip #20: If you ever come to Bali, I highly suggest packing activated charcoal pills. The charcoal will act as a sponge and soak up all the bacteria in your stomach. I took a pill every morning and not once did I feel sick. I have heard horror stories of people with Bali belly so I took every precaution to prevent it.
The last stop of the day was to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. This park is famous for its huge statue that sits at 246 feet high. Because Issa got dropped off, I came here completely alone. I am going to be completely honest. After Dessy dropped me off and I went inside the park, I was feeling really alone and home sick. I went to the amphitheater, sat in a seat away from everyone, and cried. I think part of what was getting to me was the whole bed bug situation and the fact that I didn't get any sleep the night before. It was so disgustingly hot out and all I wanted to do was take a shower and sleep in my own bed. After my own little pity party, I laughed at myself and thought "Sammy, you are in Bali. What more can you ask for?"
Solo travel tip #21: Don't ever feel guilty for feeling homesick. Let yourself cry for a bit, then remember who you are and where you are. AKA Samantha freaking Royston whom was in Bali freaking Indonesia.
I did get to enjoy the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park for a little bit. I walked around and took in all of the amazingly carved statues. While I was walking around by myself, I reminded myself how strong and independent I really am. I did not take any photos here as I really tried to enjoy the moment without the distraction of a camera.
My last meal in Bali was at the Dewata Seafood Bar and Cafe where I had a delicious plate of seafood pasta. This restaurant had a great venue as it was right on Kedonganan Beach.
After my late afternoon lunch, it was time to head to the airport to catch my flight. I said goodbye to Dessy, her husband, and Bali.
My solo trip to Bali was an experience that I am so grateful to have had. This trip taught me so much about myself. I learned that I AM capable. I AM independent. I AM good at making new friends. I AM able to enjoy my own company. I AM able to face my fears. And most importantly, I AM exactly who I want to be... happy, healthy, and chasing my dream of one day being able to say that I have traveled the world.
My final overview of Bali itself:
The weather:
The rainy season in Bali is considered to be from October - April. I went during the second week of January which is known to be the peak rain month. The entire week I was there, I only saw rain once. Every other day it was sunny and hot. The temperatures were in the upper 80's but the humidity was unreal. I am not one to wear makeup or do my hair often, but to the people that are, I suggest to not even bother. You are going to sweat so much while you are here.
The traffic and road conditions:
Bali is known to have heavy traffic, especially during their dry months. While I was there, I didn't think the traffic was too bad but Dessy informed me that during the summer, the traffic can be backed up for hours. A lot of locals and tourist will just whip through traffic jams on their bikes. People in Bali really do not follow any type of driving rules. If you don't feel comfortable driving or riding on the back of the scooter, I suggest leaving yourself some extra time because of the possibility of traffic. One reason I didn't feel comfortable driving my own scooter was because of the road conditions. A lot of the roads were dirt, narrow, and full of pot holes. The worst "road" conditions I saw were on Nusa Penida.
Expenses:
While I was in Bali, I really didn't keep track of how much I was spending but I can say everything was relatively cheap. On average, a meal at a local cafe or restaurant was anywhere between 5 - 12 USD. The price for accommodations varied but I didn't spend anymore then 25 USD for a night. Transportation was probably the cheapest thing that I noticed. Most of the time I was paying between 2 - 10 USD for a GoJek. I did do a lot of tours which were a little pricey but the cost for those can be reduced when splitting it with someone else. I wasn't focused on doing Bali on a budget, but I know it can be done.
Cleanliness:
Bali is an island that thrives on tourism so anywhere that there is not tourist, the area is very underdeveloped and dirty. There would be beautiful resorts and yoga retreat houses next to run down, falling apart, buildings. Indonesia is also known for being one of the highest waste producers in the world and the effects of that can be seen throughout Bali. Bali has so much beautiful among some dirty. I honestly don't see why Bali is listed as a popular honeymoon destination... but thats just my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I saw so many amazing views and beautiful places but a lot of people come to Bali expecting it to be all like that. Travelers need to take into consideration what social media is not showing them.
Would I go back?
I would definitely go back to Bali but I will say I am not in a rush to do so. There was so much I didn't get to do and see. I really wish I had more time to visit the Gili Islands. So the next time I am in Bali, you know where to find me.
Thanks for reading !
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