A Perfect Base for Travelling Solo in Bali
Most guides to travelling solo in Bali focus on detailed itineraries: three nights in the south, two in the centre, another by a waterfall, with a car ready each morning. That approach works well for groups, where planning is shared. When you travel alone, a simpler plan gives you more space for memorable moments.
There’s another way to see the island that can be even more rewarding than a busy schedule. Choose one place to stay, get comfortable, and let your days revolve around what you truly enjoy.
Bali Ranks Second in Asia for Solo Travel
Tripadvisor placed Bali ninth in the world and second in Asia for solo travel in its Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026, behind Hanoi and ahead of every other destination on the continent. Dublin took the top place globally. The results were reported in late September.
The awards also placed Viceroy Bali among the top 10% of hotels worldwide this year. Eight years ago, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards named it the No. 1 Resort in the World for 2018, and in 2025, it was ranked eighth in Indonesia. Both awards are based on reader votes. While awards alone aren’t a reason to book, they do show that solo travellers who stay here are usually happy with their choice.
The Coast and the Valley Ask for Different Things
The south of Bali is home to many social spots. There are beach clubs, surf schools, shared tables, and bars that are more fun with friends. If that’s what you’re looking for, visit early in your trip while you have the energy for it.
Central Bali is different. Ubud’s name comes from ‘obat,’ meaning herb or medicine, and here, art, ceremonies, and food are just part of daily life, not special events. You don’t need a group to enjoy your day. You can spend a morning in art studios, have a slow afternoon, or enjoy a long dinner at your own pace. These experiences are just as good, if not better, on your own.
Many solo travellers in Bali try to split their time evenly between the coast and the centre, but often don’t get the best of either. It’s worth spending more time in the valley.
Travelling Solo in Bali Gets Easier Once You Stop Moving
Staying in one place gives you more of what matters most on a solo trip: time. You only need one transfer instead of several, and you can spend the hours you’d lose travelling just enjoying the valley. It also helps your budget, since you’re covering all costs yourself.
It also changes your experience as a guest. At this boutique retreat, there are five staff members for every guest. By your second morning, the staff will know your name, remember your breakfast order, and even suggest dinner spots based on what you like. This kind of personal attention only happens if you stay long enough.
Staying for at least four nights gives you time to settle in, while a week allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace. After a few days, the place starts to feel less like a hotel and more like your own retreat.
Getting Around Costs More Time Than You Expect
Most travellers hire a driver for the day, which is easier and often cheaper than you might expect when travelling alone. Ride-hailing apps work in some areas but not everywhere, so don’t count on them as your only option. Scooters are common, but the roads are narrow, so only use one if you’re experienced and have the right licence.
Mornings are the best time to get out. The light is beautiful, temples are peaceful, and it’s still cool. Cooking, batik, silverwork, and yoga classes usually run early and are a great way to meet other solo travellers. Afternoons are perfect for relaxing by the pool or visiting the spa. Evenings start early, as most restaurants close before ten.
It’s helpful to know temple etiquette before you visit. Cover your shoulders and knees, use the sash and sarong provided at the entrance, and wait instead of walking through a procession. These are real traditions, not just tourist sights, so respecting them makes all the difference.
Many people worry about eating alone, but Bali makes it easy. Warungs are casual and affordable, and even high-end restaurants are used to solo diners. Sometimes it’s even easier to get a table for one. If the restaurant is small, it’s a good idea to book ahead.
If you choose Viceroy Bali as your base, you’ll find forty private pool villas overlooking the Valley of the Kings, each with a heated pool. Breakfast is made to order, served in your villa or at the bale. For dinner, Apéritif Restaurant offers a menu with a philosophy of “European Technique. Indonesian Soul.”. CasCades Restaurant & Bar is a more relaxed option, featuring the nine-course Royal Balinese Rijsttafel. Afternoons are perfect for the Akoya Spa. There are nine types of villas to choose from.
Arriving Is the Part Worth Arranging in Advance
The drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport takes between 1,5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic in the south. It’s best to arrange your transfer before you arrive. The retreat uses a Denza D9 electric car for transfers, making the final part of the journey quiet and peaceful. After a long solo flight, that calm can make a real difference.
At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive at a boutique retreat that was certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in June 2026, making it one of the first in Ubud to earn this recognition. The water comes from an 80-metre-deep mountain spring and is purified, so you can drink it straight from the tap in every villa, as there are no plastic bottles here. Wastewater is treated in eighteen stages before returning clean to the Petanu River. Food is sourced locally to reduce carbon emissions and support nearby farming communities. Viceroy Bali has followed these sustainable practices since 2005, and they are now independently verified.
One Place Is Enough for a Fortnight
The ranking is a clear recommendation for Bali, but it also highlights something more specific: the best places for solo travellers are those where being on your own doesn’t change how you’re treated. You could spend two weeks moving between six hotels to discover this, or you could stay in one place and truly enjoy your time.
