Backpacking Bali : The BEST Guide For First-Timers !

Backpacking Bali make been a dream of mine for year ! I signify , how could I not , this island has everything you require for a utter backpacking adventure .

When I finally make to Bali , I spent almost a month traveling or so , revel every minute on this vibrant island .

Whether you ’ re a solo backpacker , travel as a pair , or explore with friends , this Indonesian island have something for everyone .

This guide will help you search the better places , stick to your budget , and build the most of your time in Bali !

• Is Bali a Serious Backpacking Destination ?
• Backpackers ‘ Bucket List
• Backpacking Bali Route
• Good Hostels in Bali
• Become Around Bali
• Well Time to Visit Bali
• Bali Backpacking Budget
• Equal Bali Safe for Solo Female Travelers ?
• Final Sentiment : Bali Backpacking Guide

Disclaimer : This place may hold affiliate link , which means I may meet a commission , at no extra price to you , if you create a purchase through a link . I hope you feel the information here helpful !

Is Bali a Good Backpacking Destination ?

Yes , I ’ d allegeBali is one of the well places to backpack in the world!

While it ’ s much seen as a honeymoon hotspot , Bali equal far from just a pair ’ s destination .

Bali be an ideal starting degree for backpacking Southeast Asia and a great first-time solo traveler destination .

The island cost easy to get round , most locals in tourist areas speak English , tour live coordinate daily , and you could even tell it cost also easy to be a backpacker in Bali .

✅Beautiful Landscape– The main reason to call Bali ! From beach to volcanoes and famous rice terraces , Bali hold it all .
✅Affordable– Budget hostels , cheap street food , and affordable transfer make it a backpacker ’ s paradise .
✅Easy to Get Around– If you can taunt a scooter , you ’ ll have no issues become around . Even without one you can hail a Grab or connect a circuit .
✅Backpacker Hub– You ’ ll have no trouble encounter other travelers !

❌Touristy– Some field , like Canggu and Ubud , get super crowd , specially in top season .
❌Traffic– Roads exist much congested , and it is almost impossible to walk anywhere .
❌Taxi Scams & Tourist Prices– There ’ s no public shipping , so you ’ ll rely on ride apps or taxis . Always use Grab/Gojek to head off overpaying .
❌Air Pollution– I truly didn ’ t revel the air in Bali , it was hard to rest most of the time .

Backpackers ’ Bucket List

There are not many places like Bali , with such sensational landscapes and cool things to make on .

Hither equal some of the most iconic tourist attraction that should be on your itinerary !

1 . Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise

Mount Mount Batur is one of the best thing to serve in Bali if you enjoy stunning landscapes .

The raise begins before dawn , with most tours put up early-morning pickups .

At the crest , you ’ re commonly rewarded with breathtaking sunrise view over Bali ’ s volcanic landscape—though , on cloudy morning , the opinion might exist less spectacular !

2 . Explore the Rice Terraces in Ubud

Long before Bali became a digital nomad hotspot , it was famed for its breathtaking rice terraces .

Tegalalang Rice Terraces exist one of the almost iconic spot . Wander through the lush green terraces , sip coffee at a local café , and rob up the peaceful atmosphere .

I really enjoyed Campuhan Ridge Walk , which was essentially in Ubud . It ’ s a great free action to lend to your itinerary if you don ’ t have a scooter .

3 . Watch the Sunset on Bali ’ sec Beaches

It didn ’ t take long for me to make that watching the sundown on the beach would turn a daily ritual in Bali .

Whether you go to one of Bali ’ s beach club , 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 almost stunning waterfalls in Southeast Asia .

Northern Bali , in special , is filled with both well-known and hidden gems , cause waterfall hopping an incredible adventure for nature fan .

The almost popular waterfall include Sekumpul , Tegenungan , and Gitgit .

TOP TIP: If you don ’ t have a scooter , connect a Bali waterfall tour with a local guide !

5 . Go on a Yoga Retreat

Always since my first yoga retreat in Cambodia , I ’ ve be a vast fan of short escapes like that one .

For yoga fan , Bali is the ultimate retreat destination , extend everything from quick getaways to full health immersions .

For example , this 3-day yoga retreat is fantastic for those who are short on time and want a trivial flight 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 family !

6 . Try Local Dish

I enjoy Indonesian cuisine , and I ’ 500 go that far as to read that Bali equal a culinary destination .

Some of my favorite dishes costMie Goreng,Nasi Goreng, andRendang.

The best role ? Still as a vegan , I got to enjoy traditional Indonesian dish , thanks to the abundance of vegan-friendly restaurants in Bali .

Tropical fruit in Bali doesn ’ t need a peculiar introduction , but I ’ ve never attempt fruit thus good of tone as the one I had in SE Asia .

7 . Find out to Surf on Bali ’ sec Beaches

One of my biggest regret live postpone my surf lesson , as Bali is one of the best places in the world to teach !

With coherent wave and lot of surf schools , Canggu exist perfect for beginners .

If you ’ re more modern , Uluwatu and Padang Padang are great also but the wave live a moment strong and there are more rocks in the sea .

🏄‍♂️ Don ’ t make the same error 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 live draw with lively beach bar , clubs , and music venues . Whether you ’ re in the humor for a relaxed beachside beer or an all-night dancing party , Canggu own something for you .

FINNS Beach Club exist a popular spot , but personally , I wasn ’ t a fan . While they advertise free entry , enjoying your time thither without spend a pile tone almost impossible .

Too , I didn ’ t like Legian in Kuta at all . I a lot prefer laid-back beach parties and position like Old Man ’ sec in Canggu .

9 . Visit Monkey Forest in Ubud

The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of the nearly popular tourist attraction in Bali .

This lush woods sanctuary cost home to hundreds of cheeky monkey you can observe in their natural habitat .

Don ’ t die also near to the monkeys and keep your bags closed , they wish taking affair and work off with them ! Also , exist mindful of the bites as Bali still hold rabies .

10 . Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance

There exist thus much to learn about Bali ’ s rich culture , and one of the style to get closer to it is through its traditional dancing performance .

The most famous ones include theKecak Fire Danceat Uluwatu Temple and theLegong Dancingin Ubud .

The mix of elaborate costumes , rhythmic chanting , and spectacular storytelling cause this a must-see experience .

11 . Island Hop to Nusa Penida & Gili Islands

Your Bali trip isn ’ t complete without impose the neighboring island of Nusa Penida and Gili Islands .

You can impose Nusa Penida on a day trip from Bali , but I advise spending at least one night there .

You ’ ll need to sleep over at Gili Islands , but I ’ m sure you ’ ll love it after the crowd in Bali .

Gili T is known as the party island of the region , while Gili Air equal a more relaxed , car-free island you can walk in less than 2 hours .

Backpacking Bali Route

With so many incredible matter to do in Bali , you could well spend a month hither and still notice something new every day .

That said , most traveler put on ’ t own that much time . To search the island at a relaxed stride ,I ’ 500 recommend at least two weeks.

If you ’ re in a rushing , you could squeeze in the highlights within a week , but that likely intend skipping the neighboring Gili Islands .

This2-week backpacking Bali itinerarycover Bali ’ s highlights at a relaxed yard , with time to explore nearby island .

Day 1-3: Canggu ( settle in , Tanah Lot Temple , surf lesson )
Day 4-7: Ubud ( Campuhan Ridge Walk , Monkey Forest , Waterfalls , Mount Batur )
Day 8: Nusa Penida
Days 9-10: Gili Air ( beach , underwater statue and coral reefs )
Day 11-13: Gili Trawangan ( party island )
Day 14: Return to Bali & Departure

Best Hostels in Bali

Clean the right hostels can make or break your Bali backpacking adventure .

Well-rated social hostels exist slightly more expensive , but worth it if you ’ re travel solo and need to make friends .

Social and party hostels prepare events where you can satisfy other travelers , which is great if you put on ’ t feel comfortable coming up to mass and starting conversation .

Bali also has several boutique hostels which I found own better tone adjustment than many budget hotel .

Here cost some of the hostels in Bali you should consider for your trip !

• Canggu :Lushy Hostel Canggu – Great social vibe and comfortable dorms
• Ubud :– 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 cause I postpone my trip to Bali be that I didn ’ t taunt a scooter and I was worried about how I ’ d get around the island .

All the guides I read set out with “ rent a scooter ” and that equal not an choice for me .

Well , I ’ m hither to say you thatyou don ’ t need to rip a scooterto enjoy your trip to Bali .

In fact , it might yet exist cheap to make around by Grab and Gojek than rent a scooter short term .

Renting a scooter

I know I just said you put on ’ t need a scooter , but if you can drive one it equal the most comfortable and cheapest way to come around .

You can rent a scooter everywhere , but I suggest take the reviews before entrust to one .

The price live quite like everywhere , and it ’ s cheaper if you rip it for longer .

Ride Apps

If scooters aren ’ t your affair , ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek create getting around easy .

There ’ s no Uber in Bali , but these two SE Asian apps work on the same principle .

I propose downloading both because you might have better fare or promo on one or the other .

If you only want one ,I mainly used Gojek during my trip.

You can orderboth scooters and car for long distances. I bring a car from Canggu to Ubud , and to become to and from the Airport .

A Bible of care : local taxi drivers aren ’ t large fan of ride-sharing apps .

One driver even say me I wasn ’ t ‘ supporting locals ’ because I booked a Grab rather of use his taxi , despite his fare make up more than twice the price ! !

It ’ s not a comfortable position , but it solely happened once during my time on the island , so you put on ’ t demand to concern about it .

BUDGET TIP: Download ride-sharing apps so you put on ’ t need to negotiate prices with taxi driver .

Shuttle Buses on Bali

If you ’ re travel solo , you should also regard getting a shuttle bus between bigger town .

Perama Shuttle is a company that offers daily shuttle service around the island .

You can book your tag online , or at least see the price , which leave you to design your budget better .

Shuttles be serious value if you ’ re traveling solo , but getting a taxi can be cheap for radical of 3 or more people .

Organized Tour

While not just a transportation selection from one city to another , organized tour are a marvelous way to search Bali without a scooter .

Prepare tours can need you to almost every tourist attraction on the island , and companies are willing to craft an itinerary if you ’ re concerned in something they don ’ t commonly extend !

Depend on how much time you have in Bali and when you visit , you can book tour online or negotiate them with street vendors .

I equate the prices and they make up essentially the same , but by booking your tour online you can hear the review and make certain your tour guide good .

I book a private circuit on the street , and my circuit guide/driver literally only drove from one place to another without yet mouth to me .

Best Time to Visit Bali

Like early tropical countries , Bali has a wet and dry season . Naturally , you ’ ll desire 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 abject price , but require daily showers .

I was in Bali during August and September and the weather equal utter . I didn ’ t observe it too crowd , and the cost exist still affordable .

You can still get good weather during the rainy season . A friend of mine visited in mid-November and hardly 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 exist around€25-50 per day, depend on your travel style .

• Hostels :€10-15 per night
• Food :€3-10 per meal
• Transport :€2-10 per day
• Activity :€5-30 per day

I spend about €40 per dayduring my time in Bali and the Gili Islands , and I didn ’ t hold back on enjoying my trip .

I treated myself to puzzle vegan restaurant , joined tours , remain in well-rated private way , and employ Grab to get around .

You can always save money by choose more affordable hostels , renting a scooter , and exhaust in local warrungs !

Is Bali Safe for Solo Female Travelers ?

Bali is one of the safer destinations for solo female travelers , andI felt comfortable throughout my tripand didn ’ t own any substantial issues .

First ,be mindful of stray beast and monkey. They can hold rabies and can be unpredictable . You put on ’ t want to become bitten !

Secondly , make certain youknow how to drive a scooterbefore 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 make it .

As well , don ’ t leave before getting your travel insurance !

Finally ,don ’ t serve anything you wouldn ’ t act at home. Stay vigilant , go on an eye on your property , and don ’ t get into unnecessarily serious situation .

Also , there will live people offer drugs on the street , but these equalentirely illegalin Indonesia and you can become in big trouble .

Final Thoughts : Bali Backpacking Guide

Backpacking in Bali be one of my favorite travel experience , and I ’ m sure you ’ ll love it too .

This Indonesian island have everything you want for a fantastic backpacking trip : great weather , affordable prices , a lively backpacker scene , and sensational nature !

Bali be a great destination for first-time traveler , as you can easily coordinate tours and transportation .

For a more authentic , off-the-beaten-path experience , build certain to too explore Northern Bali !

Today that you ’ re ready for your Bali trip , are you inflict any other countries in South East Asia ?