Overview
The itinerary at a glance
6 stages, two unmissable excursions and a return to Denpasar. Click each marker to discover the stage.
Before You Go
Essential preparation
Once you've made the decision, there are a few essentials to tick off before landing in Denpasar. I wrote a full article with all my preparation tips and my complete checklist if you want to dig deeper, but here's the gist:
- → Choose and pack your backpack (see my essentials list)
- → Vaccines, essential before heading to Asia
- → Paperwork: visa, Ariane registration, travel insurance
- → Flight ticket, take advantage of layovers for a bonus city!
- → Book your first 3 nights to arrive stress-free, sort the rest last minute
My tip: don't overload your schedule. In Asia, everything gets sorted on the spot, often at the last minute, and always with a nice surprise along the way. Stay flexible, you never know who you'll meet.
Itinerary, part 1
Start with the must-sees
Here's my ideal itinerary for a first trip to Bali, built on my own experience and favourites. It'll obviously depend on how long your stay is and what you're after, sea or mountains, parties or nature, but this route covers the best of the island in my opinion. And if you need help planning your trip, drop me a message!
Canggu
Ideal starting point · 40 min from the airport
For me, it's the perfect place to start the adventure. Close to the airport, very touristy, and ideal for first encounters, many solo travellers begin here. Time to adjust to the jet lag, heat, cultural differences… Canggu welcomes you gently.
Beaches
- Canggu beach
- Berawa (sunset ++)
Nightlife
- Old Man's
- Mexicola
- Sandbar
- Luigi's (Mondays)
- La Mesa (French crowd)
- Finns
Beach clubs
- Atlas (book ahead!)
- Finns (free)
- Amalfi (quiet, free)
- Brisa (upscale)
Activities
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Brisa Market (Sun.)
- Surf lessons
- Big Tree Jewelry
- Pilates, Padel…
Brunch
- Copenhagen (Berawa)
- Milk & Madu
Where to stay
- The Farm (hostel, parties & meeting people)
Uluwatu
1h30 from Canggu · Cliffs, beaches & nightlife
Better beaches than Canggu, spectacular cliffs, unique open-air nights and some unmissable temples. Uluwatu is the wilder, more luminous version of south Bali. Watch out for accommodation too far out, scooter distances add up fast. I recommend staying on the west side, around The Hatch.
Beaches
- Dreamland (⚠️ huge waves)
- Bingin (so cute)
- Padang Padang
- Thomas beach
- Blue Point (hidden)
- Pandawa (lagoon at the far end on the right)
Nightlife
- Single Finn
- By the Cliff
- Ulu Cliff House
- Tabu / Corazon / Hatch
- Savaya (free tickets online)
Beach club
- Oneeighty (The Edge Hotel), glass-bottom infinity pool on the cliff, breathtaking
Activities
- Uluwatu Temple + Kecak fire dance at sunset
- Hatch Market (Sun. morning)
Brunch
- Suka
- Nourish Café
- The Loft
- The Bakery
Where to stay
- Pandawa Beach Homestay (peaceful, lovely family)
Ubud
2h–2h30 from Uluwatu · Nature, spirituality & culture
Ubud is one of my favourite places in Bali. Yes, it's getting more and more touristy, but if you look a bit beyond the ultra-famous spots, the nature and spirituality side stays authentic and truly rejuvenating. I'd recommend staying longer here than in Canggu and Uluwatu. I actually wrote a full article on Ubud and its surroundings!
Tip for the Uluwatu → Ubud route: stop in Kuta to visit the sea turtle sanctuary. Check their Instagram to see if they're doing a release that day, it's a magical, free moment (donation-based). One of the best memories of my trip.
Activities
- Climbing Mount Batur
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- Swimming with dolphins at Lovina
- Purification at a temple
- Local warungs
Where to stay
- Ubud Tropical (hostel, right in the centre, gorgeous pool, organised Mount Batur excursion)
Itinerary, part 2
Off-the-beaten-track Bali
After the buzz of Canggu, Uluwatu and Ubud, these are the villages that moved me most. Less known, slower, more local, this is where Bali takes on a whole new dimension.
Sidemen
1h30 from Ubud · Local village, rice fields as far as the eye can see
A small village in the heart of Bali, very local, with rice fields stretching to the horizon. One or two nights is enough, but it's an essential break after the south's hustle. No Grab here, you'll need a scooter or arrange transport through your accommodation. Think about sharing rides with fellow travellers!
Activities
- Besakih Temple (the largest in Bali)
- Gembleng Waterfall
- Sidemen Rice Terrace hike
Where to stay
- Ming Homestay, room with a local family, generous and lovely hosts
Secret spot: we discovered an abandoned pool in the hills above Sidemen, hidden away in the jungle... Message me if you want the address!
Amed
1h30 from Sidemen · Black sand beaches & snorkelling
A small fishing village by the sea, exotic with its black sand beaches and the silhouette of Mount Agung in the background. Perfect for a few days of authenticity, snorkelling, temples, sunsets over the volcano.
Activities
- Snorkelling (underwater temple!)
- Lahangan Sweet (gates + Mount Agung view), far better than Lempuyang
- Sunset Point (pool + sunset over Mount Agung)
- Seaside warungs
Where to stay
- PT. Putra Momongan, bungalow surrounded by flowers, pool, breakfast with a view. Note: check-in at the Aroma de la Mer restaurant next door
Skip this: Lempuyang Temple and its famous "gates of heaven". A 3-hour wait for a staged photo, really not worth it. Go instead to Lahangan Sweet right nearby: same gate, Mount Agung in the background, without the crowds.
Munduk
3h from Amed · Mountains, jungle & waterfalls
My absolute must in off-the-beaten-track Bali. In the mountains, in the heart of the Balinese jungle, with a cooler climate (pack a layer). Munduk is waterfall country, they're everywhere, walkable from the centre or a short scooter ride away.
Waterfalls
- Melanting, Red Coral, Belong, Labuhan (hike from the accommodation)
- Banyu Wana (my favourite!!)
- Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Activities
- Green Kopi (hotel-restaurant, gorgeous pool)
- Lake tour, roadside temples
- Small local warungs
Where to stay
- Puri Alam Bali Bungalow (ideal for the 5-waterfall hike, rice fields in the background)
- Puri Sunny Camp (breathtaking views, bungalows in the rice fields, hard to access, scooter essential)
On the way back to Denpasar: stop at Ulun Danu Beratan temple on the lake, then at Jatiluwih : UNESCO-listed rice terraces. One of my best memories of Bali. You can even stay a night to go hiking!
After Bali…
The surrounding islands
Depending on how much time you have, I highly recommend visiting the small islands departing from Sanur Port: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the three Gili islands. On the agenda: swimming with manta rays, turquoise waters, sea turtles, nights out in Gili T… I wrote a full article on these islands with all the practical details!
Practical info
Everything you need to know
Getting around
Download Grab (the Indonesian Uber), essential. At the airport, book your ride directly and head to the waiting lounge. Grab scooter for short trips in town, Grab car for journeys between stages. In remote villages, rent a scooter or share a taxi via Facebook groups.
Meeting people
Bali is a haven for solo travel! The Facebook groups Les Français à Bali and Les Françaises à Bali are very active. Hostels, surf lessons, yoga and group excursions are perfect for making friends. And stay flexible with your schedule, you might want to tag along with new faces!
Budget
- Flights: ~600 € round trip minimum
- Accommodation: 10–15 €/night with pool
- Warung: 3–5 €/meal
- Western restaurant: 8–12 €
Safety
I never felt unsafe in Bali. Balinese people are lovely, always ready to help. Use your usual common sense: avoid areas that don't feel right, be wary of overly insistent taxi drivers, and prefer Grab for fixed prices.
Quick essential tips
- Local Telkomsel SIM or eSIM (Holafly, Saily…)
- Always carry cash (warungs don't take card)
- Mosquito repellent + small first-aid kit
- Bottled water only
- Laundry at 2€ per bag, say if you don't want the dryer!
Why Bali solo?
Affordable, safe, full of beautiful encounters and with an incredible energy. This trip gave me so much confidence, taught me to step out of my comfort zone and proved that travelling alone can be the greatest adventure. So if you're still hesitating… just go.
Planning your trip to Bali?
I'm here to help you plan your itinerary according to your wishes and budget.
