How to Connect and Make Friends in Bali as a Solo Traveller

One of the best parts of travelling is forging friendships along the way. 

Bali is the perfect destination to meet like-minded travellers and make friends for life! 

If you're travelling solo for the first time, Bali is one of the most beautiful and welcoming places to start your next adventure.

There are several must-see spots in Bali that every traveler should check out. Ubud, Gili Trawangan (Gili T), Nusa Lembongan, and Canggu are among the most beautiful destinations to add to your itinerary. These places not only offer stunning sights but also provide fantastic opportunities to meet fellow travelers. You can explore the sacred monkey forest, go turtle spotting, or even hike an active volcano together!

Bali.live has curated an exciting list of inspirations for travelers looking to make new connections and meet new friends in Bali.

Trying out new activities is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the amazing culture of this international hub while meeting other travellers. 

You can learn to cook delicious local cuisine, create your own jewellery, or take a local language lesson. Popular activities include yoga and surfing classes, which are great for connecting with like-minded people. Bali's many retreats allow you to stay for a few days and hone your skills in a communal setting. You can also try scuba diving, book a day trip to explore the island, engage in island hopping, go dolphin spotting, or hike up Mt. Batur for an epic sunrise. These experiences not only enrich your visit but also provide wonderful opportunities to build lasting friendships.

Classes: Bali offers a diverse range of classes and activities that are perfect for meeting new friends. You can join yoga and meditation sessions or participate in cooking classes to learn about Balinese cuisine. For the more adventurous, there are surfing and freediving lessons available. Creative folk might enjoy photography workshops or art classes. These activities not only help you pursue your interests but also create opportunities to connect with fellow travellers. To find the latest events and classes, check out Bali Events.

Retreats: There is a diverse range of retreats designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. For instance, Shanti Yoga Retreats provide a serene escape amidst lush paddy fields, featuring intimate yoga and meditation sessions for small groups, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and a deep connection with nature. The Pancha Mahabhuta Healing Retreat at the Five Elements Center focuses on harmonising with Bali's ancient rhythms and traditions, guiding participants through a transformative journey of self-discovery and energy balance. Samadi Yoga & Wellness Center also offers a holistic experience with its extensive wellness programs, combining yoga, meditation, and spa treatments to ensure a comprehensive approach to well-being. These retreats are perfect for anyone seeking to meet like-minded people while immersing themselves in Bali's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Group Sports & Workout Classes: Bali offers an array of gyms and sport classes that not only help you maintain your fitness routine but also create a welcoming environment for building new friendships. For instance, Uluwatu Collective  provides a variety of classes including CrossFit, callisthenics, HIIT, and more, perfect for those looking to join group workouts and connect with others. Bambu Fitness Bali offers group training sessions led by professional trainers, allowing participants to bond over shared fitness goals while ensuring proper exercise techniques. Additionally, facilities like the Gymnasium Bali and Jungle Box Ubud provide comprehensive fitness programs that include both individual and group training options, making them ideal places to meet friends while staying fit. 

Scuba Diving: If you're a SCUBA enthusiast (or wannabe diver), Bali has some of the best dive sites in the world. Whether you want to learn or improve your skills, swim with manta rays for the first time, or go through your own Gili Snorkel Test, dive centres are fun social places. Gili T, Amed, and Nusa Penida are some of the best areas for diving.

Sunrise Hike to Mount Batur: Bond with fellow hikers on this iconic excursion.

Art: Unleash your creativity and connect with new friends on the island renowned for its vibrant art and crafts scene.

Travelling with a group gives you an instant new crew of mates to share meals with, take photos, and dance the night away. 

Bali has a lively café, restaurant and bar scene, especially in areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. Spending time in these social hubs can lead to spontaneous conversations and new friendships.

Here are a few must-visit spots in Bali, thoughtfully designed to help you make new friends and connections:

Check Out Bali's Epic Bar Scene: From pool parties to buzzing nightclubs to dive bars, there are so many social places to go out for a drink and meet new people in Bali. Plenty of epic beach bars and beach clubs provide a great setting to hang out with your new friends. Bali is known for its nightlife, so whatever your style, you're sure to have a great time!

Sa’Mesa Dining Experience: Enjoy a family-style Italian meal at a shared table with strangers, and leave as friends.

Knights Chess Bar: For those who enjoy strategic play, Knights, Bali’s most popular chess bar, is the perfect place to engage in a game of chess and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Bali is a major hub for digital nomads, attracting many who live and work online from this vibrant island. If you're working on the go, Ubud and Canggu are key spots.

Co-working spaces in Bali are great places to network and socialise. Grab your laptop and order a coffee; you might be able to help each other out learning new skills from photography to blogging. These spaces often host events and gatherings that can help you connect with others. Many of the workspaces there include massages, gyms, movie nights, and even organised speed dating. Don't knock it till you try it!

Hostels: Bali is packed with great hostels that have a vibrant social culture and/or chilled-out vibes to make meeting people natural and easy. Many hostels in Bali organise social events, tours, and activities that facilitate connections among guests. These activities provide a relaxed environment to share experiences and make new friends.

When you're looking for a social hostel to stay in, check the reviews! Look for comments about how easy it was to meet people, good common areas, and spaces to hang out in. Is there a bar on-site? Do they organise events? It doesn't have to be a 'party hostel' if that's not your thing. Just look for couches, beanbags, swimming pools, and common sitting areas that indicate it's a social place, and you're guaranteed to find company.

People usually stay in hostels specifically to meet other travellers, so go chat it up and make some new mates!

Co-Living Spaces: Co-living spaces offer a communal living environment that's become a favourite among digital nomads and long-term travellers. They provide an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow explorers and build meaningful relationships with those staying in Bali for an extended period. Through communal dinners, group activities, and shared experiences, co-living spaces facilitate making new friends and creating unforgettable memories. If you’re in Bali for a few weeks or more, co-living could be a great choice—it tends to be more social than staying in a hotel.

Shared Villas: You can find a room in a shared villa by searching on Facebook Marketplace. Keep in mind that finding the right room may take some time, but the effort can lead to a rewarding communal living experience in Bali. 

Balinese people are known for being super warm and friendly. Book a stay in a guest house or homestay, or try doing your grocery shopping at one of the many local markets. Grab a sunset coconut at a beanbag spot on the beach—someone might even invite you for a little paddle-board session or sing-along while they're playing guitar! 

Bahasa Indonesia Language Classes: Learn the local language and make friends with other learners.

Participating in community projects or supporting local organisations is a rewarding way to connect with others while giving back to Bali. Engaging in activities such as beach clean-ups, or playing with cats in need at a shelter can provide a meaningful connection to the local culture and its people. 

Please note that these activities are classified as "visits and experiences" rather than "volunteering" due to Indonesian regulations requiring specific permits for voluntary work. You can find more information about these regulations here. When sharing your experiences on social media, it's important to present them as visits to avoid any complications for the organisations involved.

Keep an eye out for events, workshops, and cultural festivals in Bali. These gatherings offer excellent opportunities to meet new friends.

We are living in a digital world, and we are all digital... nomads! Make use of online platforms to connect with locals and other travellers, making it easier to arrange meetups and activities. Sometimes you can meet best friends through apps.

Join Social Media Groups: There are plenty of decent Facebook groups to join; just type in what destination in Bali you are exploring and tons of options will pop up. Some of these groups are “Canggu Nomad Girls,” "Digital Nomads Bali," "Bali Expat Community,” and “Travelling in Bali Island”.

Use Meetup Apps: Apps like Meetup and Nomeo can help you find social gatherings, meetups, and events in Bali where you can meet new people. These platforms are designed to connect travellers and locals with similar interests.

You can always try dating apps! In addition to romantic connections, many of the apps offer opportunities to meet friends. For example, Bumble has a friend option when you're looking for adventure buddies—there are so many solo travellers out there just like you!

While getting from point A to point B by public transport may seem like the most mundane part of your trip, travel days can actually be one of the best opportunities to meet people. Take out your headphones and strike up a conversation with the person next to you on the bus, shuttle, or ferry. They might be heading to the same place in Bali, or they might have already been there and can share valuable tips and insights!

Be Open and Approachable: It is best to maintain an open and friendly attitude. Being approachable and willing to strike up conversations with people you meet along your journey can go a long way in making new connections.

Safety: While Bali is generally a safe destination for solo travellers, it’s always wise to exercise caution. Trust your instincts and stay safe when meeting new people. Avoid sharing personal details, such as your accommodation location, until you feel comfortable and trust the person.

Alex: “Westerners flock to Bali because of the high quality of life, beautiful nature, spirituality, and friendly culture. You can find a travel buddy or new friend in Bali through meetups, Facebook groups, social hostels, and group tours.”

Donna: “Bali has a large community of expats, and it’s easy to find a community here. Living on the Island of the Gods is amazing, especially if you enjoy beaches, yoga and surfing.”

Andreas: “If you’re on a solo trip to Bali and want to meet new people, you’ve come to the right place. Bali has a fun and supportive community of travellers and digital nomads.”

Guy: “Facebook is a popular way to connect with others in Bali. There are various groups centred around expats where people sometimes post in emergencies or to connect.”

Lola: “I stayed in hostels and took part in the group activities. Met a lot of fellow travellers and locals. Bali's culture of hospitality and the openness of fellow travellers created numerous opportunities for making new friends”.

Sandy: “If your idea of fun leans towards partying, Bali has plenty of that too, especially in Canggu and the Gili Islands. Note that the locals and the government frown upon excessive partying as it disrespects Bali’s Hindu culture. There have been several well-publicised arrests and deportations for public nudity, fighting, and other inappropriate behaviours. Bringing drugs into the country carries the death penalty. While Canggu is known for its lively bar scene, this has led to an increase in crime. It is best to make sure that you are civil when having fun, keep your belongings secure, and do not invite strangers to your accommodation.”

Sasha: “When I think of "fun," it encompasses a variety of activities. For me, fun includes waking up and walking to a café, enjoying breakfast while chatting with locals and fellow travellers, spending time at beautiful beaches, visiting temples and stunning rice fields, and touring other local attractions like the monkey forest or sustainable luwak coffee plantations. There’s an abundance of these experiences in Bali.”

Max: “I spent six months in Bali as a solo traveller, and it quickly became my favourite place. Bali is teeming with solo travellers, probably more than anywhere else I’ve visited.”

Regina: “Solo travel is as enjoyable as you make it. I find solo travel fantastic as a location-independent business owner. It’s not about whether a place is entertaining or welcoming enough; it’s about your comfort with yourself. Solo travel is a great way to discover self-confidence, and Bali is a perfect place for that.”

Meeting people as a solo traveller in Bali can be an exciting part of your journey. By staying in social accommodations, joining group activities, and being open to new experiences, you'll find it easy to connect with others and create lasting memories.

Enjoy your time in Bali and the connections you'll make along the way!

Sources: quоra.com, guideyоurtravel.com, intrоtravel.com