Flying to Indonesia felt a little unusual in the beginning. The reason? I happened to be the ONLY person travelling alone on my flight! The air hostess herself pointed it out with a smile, telling me that everyone else on board was either part of a honeymoon couple or a group of friends. I had no reason to doubt her. Bali is practically synonymous with romantic getaway, and it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a luxurious vacation without spending recklessly. That explains why groups and couples love it.

But honestly, I never felt out of place being alone. Bali may be a lovers’ paradise, but that doesn’t mean solo travelers can’t enjoy every bit of it. Why should romance have a monopoly on fun?

Bali worked its magic on me instantly. The warmth and kindness of the locals made everything easier. People were genuinely helpful and welcoming, which feels like a blessing when you’re travelling alone. Without doubt, Bali has claimed a special place in my heart. And my story didn’t end there. After soaking in Bali’s beauty, I continued my journey to Jakarta, a city that often gets overshadowed by its island neighbors. But I found myself falling for its charm and rhythm too.

Indonesia, fondly known as the Emerald of the Equator, spans more than 17,000 islands from Southeast Asia to Oceania. You’ll never run out of places to explore; there’s enough beauty to last you several lifetimes.

Best places to visit in Indonesia

Bali Swing

Entry fee: Rp. 350,000.

“Touching the sky” had been sitting on my bucket list for a long time, and Bali Swing gave me the chance to live that dream finally. Swinging high above a river and a lush green valley felt surreal, like hovering between earth and heaven. Bali has numerous swings scattered across the island, but I chose to visit the original one in Ubud, which is considered the most scenic. The photographs alone are worth the effort. Every frame looks dreamy! If you crave a dose of adrenaline, this place is your go-to. Each swing sits at a different height and offers sweeping views of dense tropical greenery and a sparkling river below.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Entry fee: Rp. 80,000.

A few years ago, on my birthday of all days, a monkey bit me, and since that moment, I’ve had a serious fear of them. So when I heard about this forest sanctuary that houses over a thousand long-tailed Balinese macaques, I somehow convinced myself that this might be my chance to face my fear. And guess what? I ended up loving it! I let the monkeys come close, sit on my shoulder, and even pose for a selfie (with the help of the forest staff). I still don’t know how I found that level of courage, but it’s a memory I cherish. Apart from the primates, the sanctuary is full of towering trees. Around 186 species are spread across 12.5 hectares. A true paradise for nature lovers.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Entry fee: Rp. 20,000.

Hidden within a jungle, this waterfall is one of Bali’s loveliest secrets. Surrounded by dense greenery and falling from nearly 25 meters, Tegenungan is a beautiful escape from the busy parts of the island. There’s a large natural pool at the base where you can cool off, swim, or simply sit with your feet in the water. I happened to visit in the evening and was rewarded with a magical sunset, a postcard moment I’ll never forget.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Just when I thought Bali had revealed all its surprises, the Tegallalang Rice Terrace proved me wrong. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this emerald-green valley is one of the most picturesque corners of Ubud. The terraces follow a traditional irrigation system and offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. I started by soaking in the view from the top and then hiked down into the valley, crossing a stream and exploring narrow pathways. Every turn presented another photogenic spot. No wonder Tegallalang is among the most photographed places in Bali.

Scuba diving

Cost for two dives + underwater camera rental: Rp. 2,350,000.

Indonesia’s underwater world is one of the most stunning I’ve seen to date. Scuba diving is something you just cannot skip here. I dived in Padangbai, a small fishing town in eastern Bali, with a PADI 5-star dive center called Scuba Duba Doo.

I went down to 55 feet and stayed underwater for more than an hour. I spotted an entire marine universe: stingrays, tiger fish, clownfish, starfish, oriental sweetlips, trumpetfish, and several more. But what truly mesmerized me were the corals: wildly colorful, so vivid that they looked unreal. I’ve never seen anything that beautiful underwater. No photo or sentence can ever match the feeling of being down there. You must experience it to understand how extraordinary it truly is.

Beachwalk shopping center

Located in Kuta, this stylish, open-air shopping hub has cafés, global brands, and a central garden. While exploring, don’t miss Candylicious—a bright, cheerful store packed with all sorts of candies, stationery, quirky souvenirs, soft toys, magnets, and adorable knick-knacks. It feels like walking into a rainbow!

Kota Tua (Jakarta Old Town)

I dedicated a couple of days to Jakarta and fell instantly for Kota Tua, commonly called Old Town. The neighborhood looks straight out of a European postcard. I spent hours admiring old Dutch-era architecture, cafés with outdoor seating, museums, performers dressed in colorful costumes, children cycling around with flower-covered hats, and, of course, some very sociable cats.

Luck was on my side. The Working Class Festival was happening during my visit, which meant music, outdoor stalls, and an energetic crowd. The entire area felt like a cheerful street fair.

Trip cost breakdown

Accommodation: I stayed at 4-star hotels in Bali and Jakarta. Cost: approximately 25 USD per night. Hotels: AlamKulkul Boutique Resort, Grand Tjokro Jakarta. Flights: 225 USD for three flights in total Scuba Diving: 140 USD. Entry tickets: 30 USD.

After including meals, shopping, local transport, activities, etc., the entire trip cost me around 560 USD, and it felt like a luxury holiday. Not bad for a solo getaway!

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable Indonesia journey of your own.

Happy adventuring!