Bali has become incredibly popular for solo female travellers to visit after the success of Eat, Pray, Love – Brooke Ferguson gives some practical tips on what to expect on the Island Of the Gods
Brooke at Mount Agung
Ever since I read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, I knew I needed to go to Bali. I had been curious before, but her description of the country led me to believe that it was something to be experienced in real life, not just through a book. So, like droves of others, I took off to explore this distant land and came away with some tips that I’d like to share with you here.
Indonesia Holiday Essentials
- Flights To Indonesia: Find the cheapest seats and flight times to Bali from dozens of airlines, or to the capital Jakarta.
- Indonesia Airport Transfers: Book an airport transfer for hassle-free arrival at your hotel in Bali or Jakarta.
- Things To Do In Indonesia: Check the huge lists of activities and book online for Bali, Jakarta, Komodo, Yogyakarta, and Gili Islands.
- Indonesia Itineraries: Make the most of your trip with our 1-week and 2-week Bali itineraries, and our 1-, 2- and 3-day Ubud itinerary.
- Where To Stay In Indonesia: See our guides for the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Ubud.
- Indonesia Packing List: Don’t forget any of the essentials with our comprehensive Bali Packing List.
Bali Transport
Don’t take the taxis waiting at the Airport – they are a total and absolute rip off! Instead, go just outside of where all of the taxis are lined up, and into the parking lot. Look for the light blue taxis that are “Blue Bird” taxis. They will charge you by the meter, and not take all of your money! You can also call them for reservations, schedule pick ups from the airport, or find general info here: Bluebird Taxis (official site).
Carrying a load, Bali
Making Reservations
Depending on the season, it may be better NOT to book your hotel in advance. Many of the online hotels can be deceiving about their proximity (and quality!!). I found it better to go to the area you want to be, check out what is near by, look at the rooms, check the internet connection, and barter for a price. You can usually get a much better deal in person than you can with online reservations! If you want to check availability and prices for Bali hotels, see Booking.com – read the reviews from previous guests carefully.
For the practicalities of what to bring with you, see Travel Happy’s Bali Packing List.
Money
Barter, Barter, Barter!
Bali is definitely a place where you need to barter. Unlike other countries where the locals seem willing to ask just a bit more than the real price, Balinese are apt to ask you several times the price for clothes and merchandise. Rule of thumb: if you are in a marketplace, you can barter them down. Store prices are more difficult, but can be done. When you’ve offered a fair price, and they say no, Walk Away! Usually, they will come running after you and let you have your offer. It is all part of the game, so go with it, and get your barter on!
Boats on the beach, Bali
Beaches You’ll Love
Bali Beaches near Denpasar Airport are Sanur Beach and Kuta Beach. Sanur seems more for the vacationers, where Kuta has a lively backpacker scene. Further up north there are deserted stretches of black volcanic sand beaches, like Pemuteran. Many people just travel to Bali for the beaches, and if you are feeling adventurous, try checking out the Gili Islands or Komodo island, home of the infamous Komodo Dragons. Those are on my list for my next trip, for sure!
Going Off The Beaten Path
My favorite part about my trip was going off of the beaten path and taking a tour that not many people have had the ability to do. Nyoman has started taking people to the village where he grew up. I got to get close up views of Mt. Agung, learn about the rice fields, visit his family compound, and witness traditional music played by his family.
We went for a tour all around his village and it was fantastic to meet the locals and see how traditional Balinese people really live. If you’d like to learn more about it, go to this link: Digging Deep Into Balinese Culture, A Real Bali Experience
Meeting Ketut And Wayan
Many Westerners yearn to meet the Balanese healers highlighted in Eat Pray Love. While there have been differing opinions of getting your real fortune read by Ketut, many people enjoy the experience of meeting him and seeing how he lives. Wayan has her herbal shop set up and is happy to welcome Western customers for treatments.
Balinese Cuisine
What to Eat
Traditional Balinese foods are similar to most Asian dishes, consisting primarily of rice or noodle dishes. The meat dishes are wonderful marinated barbeques complimented by small salads or portions of pickled vegetables. I did not have any problems eating the traditional food, and found that while it was well flavored, it was not spicy. Be sure to try the sates (marinated bbq meat), lawar (mixed chopped vegtebles and spices), and lampet (snack served wrapped in banana leaves). The soups are also wonderful, so make sure to try them too!
Places to Pray
One of the most exciting parts about Bali is that there are temples literally EVERYWHERE. You can go in to them, take a look, and be a part of the music and festivities. However, it is recommended that you wear proper attire. Women should have on sleeved shirts and covered legs. Men are fine with standard sleeved shirts and shorts are acceptable. Most temples will provide wraps, or there are women selling sarongs outside for you to go in.
Monkey and baby, Bali
Places You’ll Love
If you are staying in or outside of Ubud, you definitely need to check out the Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud Sanctuary. It is full of beautiful sculptures, outdoor temples, and the monkeys are everywhere! Mt. Agung is a must. Get picturesque views from restaurants or visit the mountain up close and personal with a guided tour.
Don’t be Afraid to Go it Alone!
My last advice is if Bali is somewhere you really want to go and you have always dreamed of traveling, buy a ticket, and go it alone. I waited around a long time to coordinate tickets, plans, and eventually just decided to go on my own. Bali is a safe island, with lots to do and explore, so don’t be afraid, all you have to do is buy a ticket and go!!
Brooke has been traveling the world and living abroad for the last two-and-a-half years. She consults others on how to create and run an online business from anywhere in the world.
Bali Itineraries And Travel Tips
- Bali 1 Week Travel Itinerary
Bali is a unique, interesting island with a huge amount of things to do. A Bali 1 week traevl itinerary gives you a chance to see many of Bali’s highlights. - 2 Week Bali Itinerary
A Bali 2 week travel itinerary is so full of rewarding activities that it’s possible to spend two weeks doing something different every day of your trip. - Ubud Itinerary: One To Three Days In Ubud
An Ubud itinerary should be an essential part of any visit to Bali. Make the most of your time in Ubud with these 1, 2 and 3 day Ubud itineraries. - How Much Money Do I Need For Bali
Bali is one the most spectacular and best value places to visit in all of South East Asia. Here’s a rundown by Russ Brooks of what to expect price wise. - Where To Stay In Ubud
Choosing where to stay in Ubud carefully is important to make sure you enjoy your time in Bali’s cultural and historic centre. - Bali Packing List
This packing list for Bali will help you make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials and let you enjoy your trip to the full. - Top Tips For Female Travellers in Bali
Bali has become incredibly popular for solo female travellers to visit after the success of Eat, Pray, Love – Brooke Ferguson gives some practical tips on what to expect on the Island Of the Gods.
