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Why Solo Travelers Keep Searching for Bali (and Finding Themselves in Ubud)

November 9, 2023

There’s a quiet kind of courage in booking that solo ticket to Bali. You’re not running away (not exactly). You’re just ready for a little space—to wander, to reflect, to eat banana pancakes without sharing.

And it turns out, you’re in good company.

Right now, Bali ranks among the most searched solo travel destinations in the world. Maybe it’s the promise of jungle mornings and Gili Island detours. Maybe it’s the massages for $10. Maybe it’s that something about solo travel in Bali just works.

So, here’s a gentle, real-talk guide to doing Bali solo—whether you’re flying in on a whim or Googling “can I travel alone in Ubud and not feel weird?”

First: Yes, It’s Safe (Mostly)

Solo travelers—especially women—are asking the right questions. Is Bali safe for solo travelers? Generally, yes. Bali is one of the friendlier, more welcoming destinations in Southeast Asia. Locals are kind, tourism is well-established, and there’s always someone to help if your scooter runs out of gas halfway to a waterfall (ask us how we know)..

That said, common sense goes a long way. Don’t leave your phone on the table by the street. Don’t hike a volcano in flip-flops. And maybe skip the unlicensed tattoo shop in Kuta at 2 a.m.

Where to Stay: Ubud Is a Soft Landing

If you’re not here to party but also not ready for monkhood, Ubud is solo travel gold. It’s Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart—a town where you can wake up to rice fields, spend your day museum-hopping or journaling in cafés, and still be back in time for a sound bath and a solid nasi campur..

And while Ubud may not be entirely walkable (the sidewalks have opinions), it’s worth it.

For a stay that feels both private and grounding, consider Haigha House—a modern 3-bedroom villa quietly tucked in the rice fields just outside the Ubud bustle. Even if you’re traveling solo, you’ll appreciate the space to stretch out, the long balcony for reading or reflecting, and the deep copper tub made for soaking off the day. There’s also a curated tablet full of local recommendations (from one introvert to another), and a daily shuttle to downtown Ubud if you’d rather not scooter..

It’s quiet. It’s design-forward. And it gives you room to just… be.

What to Do (When No One’s Telling You What to Do)

  • Join a batik class, cooking workshop, or cultural immersion trips (at Haigha House, we give you a free Guidebook to make the most of your stay in Ubud when you book with us!)
  • Hike Campuhan Ridge Walk early in the morning. The views are free, and so is the clarity.
  • Try ecstatic dance or breathwork at The Yoga Barn. Worst case: you laugh. Best case: you unlock something.
  • Take yourself to dinner. Ubud is full of beautiful solo-dining spots (we love Locavore’s offshoots, or something low-key with a view).
  • Do nothing. Stay at your gorgeous, private villa all day. No one’s watching. No one’s waiting.

Final Thought: You’re Allowed to Take Up Space

Traveling solo in Bali isn’t about being brave or finding yourself in some Instagrammable moment. It’s about waking up and doing exactly what you want, at your own pace, in a place that whispers back: you can rest now.

And if Ubud’s calling, Haigha House is here—a quiet, modern refuge that feels like your own little world, just far enough from it all.