Backpacking Bali: The BEST Guide For First-Timers!
Backpacking Bali had been a dream of mine for years! I mean, how could I not? This island has everything you need for a perfect backpacking adventure.
I visited Bali twice, and I spent almost two months traveling around, enjoying every minute on this vibrant island.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker, traveling as a couple, or exploring with friends, this Indonesian island has something for everyone.
This guide will help you explore the best places, stick to your budget, and make the most of your time in Bali!
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Is Bali a Good Backpacking Destination?
Yes, I’d say Bali is one of the best places to backpack in the world!
While it’s often seen as a honeymoon hotspot, Bali is far from just a couple’s destination.
Bali is an ideal starting point for backpacking Southeast Asia and a great first-time solo travelers destination.
The island is easy to get around, most locals in tourist areas speak English, tours are organized daily, and you could even say it is too easy to be a backpacker in Bali.
PROS:
✅ Beautiful Landscapes – The main reason to visit Bali! From beaches to volcanoes and famous rice terraces, Bali has it all.
✅ Affordable – Budget hostels, cheap street food, and affordable transport make it a backpacker’s paradise.
✅ Easy to Get Around – If you can ride a scooter, you’ll have no issues getting around. Even without one, you can hail a Grab or join a tour.
✅ Backpacker Hub – You’ll have no problem meeting other travelers!
CONS:
❌ Touristy – Some areas, like Canggu and Ubud, get super crowded, especially in peak season.
❌ Traffic – Roads are often congested, and it is almost impossible to walk anywhere.
❌ Taxi Scams & Tourist Prices – There’s no public transport, so you’ll rely on ride apps or taxis. Always use Grab/Gojek to avoid overpaying.
❌ Air Pollution – I really didn’t enjoy the air in Bali; it was hard to breathe most of the time.
Backpackers’ Bucket List
So, why should backpackers visit Bali?
There are not many places like Bali, with such stunning landscapes and cool things to do.
Here are some of the most iconic tourist attractions that should be on your itinerary!
1. Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise
Climbing Mount Batur is one of the best things to do in Bali if you love stunning landscapes.
The hike begins before dawn, with most tours offering early-morning pickups.
At the summit, you’re usually rewarded with breathtaking sunrise views over Bali’s volcanic landscape—though, on cloudy mornings, the view might be less spectacular!
2. Explore the Rice Terraces in Ubud
Long before Bali became a digital nomad hotspot, it was famous for its breathtaking rice terraces.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of the most iconic spots. Wander through the lush green terraces, sip coffee at a local café, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
I really enjoyed Campuhan Ridge Walk, which was basically in Ubud. It’s a great free activity to add to your itinerary if you don’t have a scooter.
3. Watch the Sunset on Bali’s Beaches
It didn’t take long for me to realize that watching the sunset on the beach would become a daily ritual in Bali.
Whether you go to one of Bali’s beach clubs or just chill on the beach, watching a sunset on the beach should be on your Bali bucket list.
4. Discover Waterfalls in Northern Bali
Bali is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
Northern Bali, in particular, is filled with both well-known and hidden gems, making waterfall hopping an incredible adventure for nature lovers.
The most popular waterfalls include Sekumpul, Tegenungan, and Gitgit.
TOP TIP: If you don’t have a scooter, join a Bali waterfall tour with a local guide!
5. Go on a Yoga Retreat
Ever since my first yoga retreat in Cambodia, I’ve been a huge fan of short escapes like that one.
For yoga lovers, Bali is the ultimate retreat destination, offering everything from quick getaways to full wellness immersions.
For example, this 3-day yoga retreat is fantastic for those who are short on time and want a little escape from the noise and crowds.
If you’re interested in both yoga and surfing, this 8-day Surf and Yoga Holiday is the one for you!
BUDGET TIP: Can’t commit to a yoga retreat? You can still book a yoga class! I loved the one I did in Canggu!
6. Try Local Dishes
I love Indonesian cuisine, and I’d go that far as to say that Bali is a culinary destination.
Some of my favorite dishes are Mie Goreng, Nasi Goreng, and Rendang.
The best part? Even as a vegan, I got to enjoy traditional Indonesian dishes, thanks to the abundance of vegan-friendly restaurants in Bali.
Tropical fruit in Bali doesn’t need a special introduction, but I’ve never tried fruit so full of flavor as the one I had in SE Asia.
7. Learn to Surf on Bali’s Beaches
One of my biggest regrets was postponing my surf lessons, as Bali is one of the best places in the world to learn!
With consistent waves and plenty of surf schools, Canggu is perfect for beginners.
If you’re more advanced, Uluwatu and Padang Padang are great too, but the waves are a bit stronger, and there are more rocks in the sea.
🏄♂️ Don’t make the same mistake I did, book a beginner surf lesson here!
8. Experience Bali’s Nightlife in Canggu
Canggu is Bali’s backpacker hub, so you know it’s a fantastic place for nightlife.
The coast is lined with lively beach bars, clubs, and music venues. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed beachside beer or an all-night dance party, Canggu has something for you.
FINNS Beach Club is a popular spot, but personally, I wasn’t a fan. While they advertise free entry, enjoying your time there without spending a lot feels nearly impossible.
Also, I didn’t like Legian in Kuta at all. I much preferred laid-back beach parties and places like Old Man’s in Canggu.
9. Visit Monkey Forest in Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali.
This lush forest sanctuary is home to hundreds of cheeky monkeys you can observe in their natural habitat.
Don’t go too close to the monkeys, and keep your bags closed, they like taking things and running away with them! Also, be aware of the bites as Bali still has rabies.
10. Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance
There is so much to learn about Bali’s rich culture, and one of the ways to get closer to it is through its traditional dance performances.
The most famous ones include the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple and the Legong Dance in Ubud.
The mix of elaborate costumes, rhythmic chanting, and dramatic storytelling makes this a must-see experience.
11. Island Hop to Nusa Penida & Gili Islands
Your Bali trip isn’t complete without visiting the neighboring islands of Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands.
You can visit Nusa Penida on a day trip from Bali, but I suggest spending at least one night there.
You’ll need to sleep over at the Gili Islands, but I’m sure you’ll love it after the crowds in Bali.
Gili T is known as the party island of the region, while Gili Air is a more relaxed, car-free island that you can walk in less than 2 hours.
Backpacking Bali Route
With so many incredible things to do in Bali, you could easily spend a month here and still discover something new every day.
That said, most travelers don’t have that much time. To explore the island at a relaxed pace, I’d recommend at least two weeks.
If you’re in a rush, you could squeeze in the highlights within a week, but that likely means skipping the neighboring Gili Islands.
This 2-week backpacking Bali itinerary covers Bali’s highlights at a relaxed pace, with time to explore nearby islands.
Days 1-3: Canggu (settle in, Tanah Lot Temple, surf lessons)
Days 4-7: Ubud (Campuhan Ridge Walk, Monkey Forest, Waterfalls, Mount Batur)
Day 8: Nusa Penida
Days 9-10: Gili Air (beach, underwater statues, and coral reefs)
Days 11-13: Gili Trawangan (party island)
Days 14: Return to Bali & Departure
Best Hostels in Bali
Picking the right hostels can make or break your Bali backpacking adventure.
Well-rated social hostels are slightly more expensive, but worth it if you’re traveling solo and want to make friends.
Social and party hostels organize events where you can meet other travelers, which is great if you don’t feel comfortable coming up to people and starting conversations.
Bali also has several boutique hostels, which I found have better quality accommodation than many budget hotels.
Here are some of the hostels in Bali you should consider for your trip!
- Canggu: Lushy Hostel Canggu – Great social vibe and comfortable dorms
- Ubud: Arya Wellness– Female-only boutique hostel
- Gili Trawangan: Mad Monkey – Best for backpackers looking to party
- Gili Air: Begadang – Laid-back social hostel on the beach
- Nusa Penida: Lushy Hostel Nusa Penida – Social hostel on the beach
Getting Around Bali
The main reason I postponed my trip to Bali was that I didn’t ride a scooter, and I was worried about how I’d get around the island.
All the guides I read started with “rent a scooter,” and that was not an option for me.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to rent a scooter to enjoy your trip to Bali.
In fact, it might even be cheaper to get around by Grab and Gojek than renting a scooter short-term.
So, how do you get around Bali?
Renting a scooter
I know I just said you don’t need a scooter, but if you can drive one, it is the most comfortable and cheapest way to get around.
You can rent a scooter everywhere, but I suggest reading the reviews before committing to one.
The prices are quite similar everywhere, and it’s cheaper if you rent it for longer.
Ride Apps
If scooters aren’t your thing, ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek make getting around easy.
There’s no Uber in Bali, but these two SE Asian apps work on the same principle.
I suggest downloading both because you might get better fare or promo on one or the other.
If you only want one, I mainly used Gojek during my trip.
You can order both scooters and cars for long distances. I took a car from Canggu to Ubud, and to get to and from the Airport.
A word of caution: local taxi drivers aren’t big fans of ride-sharing apps.
One driver even told me I wasn’t ‘supporting locals’ because I booked a Grab instead of using his taxi, despite his fare being more than twice the price!!
It’s not a comfortable situation, but it only happened once during my time on the island, so you don’t need to worry about it.
BUDGET TIP: Download ride-sharing apps so you don’t need to negotiate prices with taxi drivers.
Shuttle Buses on Bali
If you’re traveling solo, you should also consider getting a shuttle bus between bigger towns.
Perama Shuttle is a company that offers daily shuttle service around the island.
You can book your ticket online or at least check the prices, which allows you to plan your budget better.
Shuttles are good value if you’re traveling solo, but getting a taxi can be cheaper for groups of 3 or more people.
Organized Tours
While not exactly a transportation option from one city to another, organized tours are a fantastic way to explore Bali without a scooter.
Organized tours can take you to virtually every tourist attraction on the island, and companies are willing to craft an itinerary if you’re interested in something they don’t usually offer!
Depending on how much time you have in Bali and when you visit, you can book tours online or negotiate them with street vendors.
I compared the prices, and they were basically the same, but by booking your tour online, you can see the reviews and make sure your tour guide is good.
I booked a private tour on the street, and my tour guide/driver literally just drove from one place to another without even speaking to me.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Like other tropical countries, Bali has a wet and dry season. Naturally, you’ll want to visit during the dry season.
- Dry Season (April-October): Best time to visit, with sunny days and minimal rain.
- Rainy Season (November-March): Fewer tourists and lower prices, but expect daily showers.
I was in Bali during August and September, and the weather was perfect. I didn’t find it too crowded, and the prices were still affordable.
You can still have good weather during the rainy season. A friend of mine visited in mid-November and barely saw any rain, so you might still get lucky with the weather!
Bali Backpacking Budget
One of the reasons Bali is so popular with backpackers is that it’s affordable.
A realistic backpacker budget for Bali is around €25-50 per day, depending on your travel style.
- Hostels: €10-15 per night
- Food: €3-10 per meal
- Transport: €2-10 per day
- Activities: €5-30 per day
I spent about €40 per day during my time in Bali and the Gili Islands, and I didn’t hold back on enjoying my trip.
I treated myself to amazing vegan restaurants, joined tours, stayed in well-rated private rooms, and used Grab to get around.
You can always save money by choosing more affordable hostels, renting a scooter, and eating in local warungs!
Is Bali Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Bali is one of the safer destinations for solo female travelers, and I felt comfortable throughout my trip and didn’t have any significant issues.
Still, it’s important to stay aware.
Firstly, be aware of stray animals and monkeys. They can have rabies and can be unpredictable. You don’t want to get bitten!
Secondly, make sure you know how to drive a scooter before renting one. Yes, it is possible to rent a scooter in Bali without a proper driver’s license, but that doesn’t mean you should do it.
Also, don’t leave before getting your travel insurance!
Finally, don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. Stay vigilant, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t get into unnecessarily dangerous situations.
Also, there will be people offering drugs on the street, but these are totally illegal in Indonesia, and you can get into big trouble.
Final Thoughts: Bali Backpacking Guide
Backpacking in Bali is one of my favorite travel experiences, and I’m sure you’ll love it too.
This Indonesian island has everything you need for a fantastic backpacking trip: great weather, affordable prices, a lively backpacker scene, and stunning nature!
Bali is a great destination for first-time travelers, as you can easily organize tours and transportation.
For a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, make sure to also explore Northern Bali!
Now that you’re ready for your Bali trip, are you visiting any other countries in South East Asia?
