What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Bali

Let your imagination wander with me...

Envision a place with rolling green terraces as far as your eyes can see; infinite coastlines with waves crashing along the shore; streets lined with tiny woven baskets teeming with colorful offerings; chatty monkeys swinging effortlessly through swaying palm trees.

Bali truly feels like stepping into another world – a trendy tropical destination, attracting visitors near and far. But is the photographic paradise really as good as it looks on Instagram? What is it really like visiting the influential island? Is it really worth the hype?

Keep reading as I share exactly what I wish I knew before visiting Bali as a Black solo female traveler.

 

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What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Bali: The Good Stuff That'll Make You Fall in Love

The Nature

Bali's natural beauty is undoubtedly its biggest draw. From impeccable beaches and flourishing jungles to cascading waterfalls and majestic mountains – this island truly has it all. While the Instagram photos are eye catching, they pale in comparison to experiencing Bali's beauty in person.

 

 Being a tourist on tour of the Bali swing, waterfalls, temples, and Monkey Forest.

 

Before visiting Bali, I wish I knew how gorgeous it is IRL. Seriously - no filters needed! It’s the type of place that forces the desire to disconnect from technology and tap in with nature. So yes, while it is important to do it for the ‘gram this is truly a destination where it’s just as important to simply be present.

 

The People

If you’re like me you’re curious as to know how Black women are received in Indonesia. The Balinese people proved to be some of the warmest people I've encountered in my travels. During my three-week stay on the island, I stayed in homestays – accommodations on family-owned properties that are both budget-friendly and a precious opportunity to live alongside local residents. No matter what part of the island I was on, I felt welcomed. A display of genuine hospitality that didn’t discriminate.

 

The Food

Some unexpected circumstances converted me to vegetarianism by day three of my trip. I'd never traveled with food restrictions before and worried about finding suitable options. What could have been a dietary challenge turned into a delightful surprise. Bali is a plant-based heaven! The array of vegan and vegetarian spots blew my mind and the plethora of options made eating in Bali not only easy but extremely tasty. The Balinese know what they’re doing when it comes to cooking vegetables and offering variety. If there’s any place I’d recommend giving the plant-based lifestyle a try, Bali is it!

 

The Beaches

As an island, Bali offers countless beaches to explore, both on the mainland and surrounding islands. You could literally discover a new stretch of sand every day for weeks! One thing I wish I knew before visiting Bali: beach hopping and beach clubs offer two completely different experiences, both worth trying. While casual beach days provide simple, natural pleasures, beach clubs deliver curated experiences ranging from vibrant entertainment to sophisticated relaxation. Whether you're traveling on a budget or seeking luxury, I highly recommend trying them both.

 

The Vibes

Fair warning: the island’s laid-back vibes are contagious! As a solo Black female traveler, I felt safe and unbothered. Everyone basically minds their own business, which is why it’s such a great destination. You can travel there and solely focus on what really matters—living your best life.

 

 The sun popped out at all the right times during my solo trip to Bali in April.

 

 

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Bali: The Not-So-Great Side of Paradise

We all know there’s two sides to every story. I’d be remiss to tell you all the things I loved about the tropical utopia without telling you the unpleasantries that also took me by surprise. These are some of the things I didn’t care for as much and what I wish I knew before visiting Bali.

 

The Nature…And Its Creatures

Yep, you read that right. Bali’s beautiful nature turned out to be as much of a “con” as it was a “pro”. Rich foliage and flowing rivers also come with creepy crawlies. And I don’t just mean the usual big-booty beetles and long-legged spider daddies. I'm talking critters that look like they could bench press your luggage and geckos that think they're your new roommates. The creatures I encountered in Bali defied classification. I’ll never forget waking up to an indescribable shriek of a creature being swallowed alive by another creature I can only describe as a scorpion-spider beast. They say travel changes you and I’m pretty sure that moment will leave me forever scarred.

The reality is that creatures rule Bali—and they don’t care much for human boundaries. While it is all part of the tropical experience, knowing this before visiting Bali helps solo travelers mentally prepare. If you know you’re squeamish, you may want to think twice about renting a secluded villa in the middle of the jungle for your solo adventure.

 

The Water

“Dry” and “water” were never two words I thought I’d ever use together…until Bali. The water there is so hard it’s almost unbelievable that it qualifies as a liquid. My curls fought a losing battle against dehydration – switching to bottled water and moisturizing daily couldn't even save them. Eventually, my skin also joined the rebellion. Looking back, a portable shower filter would have been a game-changer in reducing the harsh mineral content.

 

An impromptu flower bath and massage as a last ditch effort to revitalize my skin and hair. Be sure to book your appointments well in advance for the popular spas.

 

Learn from my mistakes, sis. Buy a filter and pack every travel-size deep conditioner you own. Also, plan to protect your hair if you want to do a sacred water ritual. All that water runs through the same ancient piping system.

 

Food Safety

First, let me be clear - the food in Bali is amazing! However, the sanitization standards can be…concerning. I became a vegetarian during my stay because of my run in with "Bali belly". After consuming some questionable chicken, I found myself in a clinic hooked up to an IV drip - the only solution to combatting the vomit-inducing parasite that had overtaken my body.

 

The last view of my Pho dinner before spewing it in the streets and rushing to a Bali Belly clinic.

 

I've heard countless Bali belly horror stories from both travelers and locals alike. The scariest part? No one can ever identify exactly what made them ill because the potential sources are numerous: contaminated ice cubes, warung (local restaurant) dishes, street food, plain bad luck, you name it. Looking back, I wish someone had advised me not only to be selective about where I eat but also what I eat. Even seemingly safe options like fresh fruit and iced drinks should be approached with caution, as you can't be certain about the water used to prepare them.

 

Dining Costs

While Bali caters to a range of budgets, restaurant dining still might surprise your wallet. The prices listed on the menu are not the final price. There's usually a 10% tax for dining in, plus a service charge of 5-10%. Then, of course, there's the option to tip on top of that. Things can really add up quick, making eating out pricier than you’d expect. When trying to stick to a budget, ordering on apps like Gojek or Grab can save some serious coins. It’s certainly something I wish I knew at the beginning of my three week stay.

 

 

 

 

Navigating the Island

Lastly, there’s getting around. Bali might seem small on a map, but don't let that fool you. The traffic is wildly unpredictable, easily turning what should be a quick trip into an hour-long adventure. As for walking, the island’s infrastructure is hit or miss when it comes to being pedestrian-friendly, especially outside the main tourist areas. Plus there’s also the beaming hot sun which can make even the shortest of walks feel like miles. When planning your trip to visit Bali, factoring in at least 45 minutes to an hour when commuting for tours and time-sensitive activities.

 

 

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Bali: What The Different Areas Offer

So that’s the good, the bad, and the buggy. Now let's talk logistics - where to stay on the island. As someone who’s seen firsthand how much accommodations can make or break a solo trip, I did extensive research on all the different neighborhoods. These are the things I wish I knew about each area before visiting Bali.

 

Seminyak - The Trendy Hub

Perfect for first-time visitors, Seminyak blends convenience with style. This vibrant area features upscale cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches – all within walking distance. During my first week here, I appreciated its central location, which allowed easy access to other parts of the island without battling excessive traffic. Ideal for solo travelers seeking a comfortable introduction to Bali.

 

Canggu - A Poppin’ Paradise

Canggu is the hangout spot! It’s pulsating with energy, from its lively beach clubs to buzzing nightlife. By day, you'll spot digital nomads typing away in trendy cafes, yogis with their mats, and surfers running towards the waves. This area also caters to the health-conscious crowd, so you can expect abundant smoothie bowls and protein shakes. Since Canggu is the scene for nightlife, keep in mind that this vibrant atmosphere comes with more noise and traffic than other areas.

 

Kuta - The Tourist Hub

In full honestly, Kuta wouldn’t be my first choice when it comes to where to stay in Bali. While it does offer unique charm through street (read: haggle) shopping and spirited energy, the beaches aren't the cleanest. It’s almost like the Times Square of Bali—very touristy, for sure, but there's a reason people flock to it. If you like being in the heart of the energy, Kuta could be an ideal neighborhood for you.

 

Ubud - The Cultural Heart

Ubud is perfect for the yogis and culture lovers. Nestled in central Bali, it provides perfect access to iconic spots like the Monkey Forest, Yoga Barn, and IG-famous rice terraces. Though traffic can be heavy and walking isn't always easy, it's your ideal base for exploring temples and traditional sites.

 

The monkeys at the Monkey Forest sharing my sentiments after an eventful day touring Bali.

 

Sanur - The Local Escape

For something more authentic and chill, check out places in Sanur. It's got some of the prettiest beaches on the island and a handful of popular yoga retreats nearby. Picture a sleepy beach town with bike-friendly lanes and charming local shops. While it attracts fewer solo travelers and more families, you're still just an hour from bustling areas like Ubud and Canggu. Perfect for those seeking peaceful mornings and yoga getaways.

 

Nusa Dua - The Luxury Haven

For luxury travel, I recommend Nusa Dua. This area is most ideal if you’re looking to relax and be pampered. It’s quiet, the beaches are pristine, and the options are endless when it comes to fancy resorts. While it is somewhat isolated, it's perfect for the self-care guru. Consider hiring a personal driver for day trips, as ride-shares can be scarce depending on the time of day.

 

North Bali

If you're really trying to get off the beaten path, look into North Bali. This remote region offers a genuine escape from tourist crowds, perfect for those wanting to experience a more untouched side of the island.

 

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Bali: Finding Tribe

Bali earns its spot on my list of best solo travel destinations, and for good reason. The island offers the perfect blend of accessibility and adventure: easy transportation, general safety, warm locals, widespread English, and budget-friendly options. Bali is a balance between cultural immersion and tourist comfort – you can step outside your comfort zone while still feeling secure traveling there. As an added bonus for solo Black female travelers, there's a special element that elevates the experience: community.

Solo travel brings incredible freedom, but sometimes it's comforting to see familiar faces when you're miles from home. Bali delivers on this front with its vibrant expat community – a diverse mix of vacationers and digital nomads who fell in love with the island and never left. At the heart of this community is Black in Bali, an active social group connecting travelers from across the diaspora. I discovered the group just before my arrival, and it proved invaluable. Beyond the social connections, they kept me informed on local events and celebrations, including the unforgettable Nyepi festival, celebrating the Balinese New Year. Having access to this type of community added an unexpected richness to my solo adventure.

 

Making monster faces with the Black in Bali crew at the Nyepi parade.

 

So there you have it—the full scoop on everything I wish I knew before visiting Bali. Now that you know what to expect, there’s no reason not to book that flight! For more ideas on what to do and how to get the most out of your solo vacation, be sure to get your copy of The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide.

 

Bali awaits…