The Country That Made Me a Solo Traveller and Why Indonesia is the Perfect First Solo Trip (for Women)
I need to be nostalgic here.
In 2018, I boarded a flight with a backpack and no real plan.
Indonesia was my first true solo trip abroad. I was scared. A solo female backpacker with zero experience. The people at home had strong opinions against it. Probably reflecting their own fears onto me. It felt like nobody trusted me.
So what do you do then?
You trust yourself.
You find that courage somewhere deep within you and you go. Without looking back. Without overthinking about the what-ifs.
A one-way ticket to
long-lasting freedom
Indonesia quietly changed the direction of my life. That first trip led to over fifty more countries in the seven years that followed. Outside of short vacation trips to the USA, Cuba, or Dominican Republic, this was my first real international solo experience.
And it rewired me.
It’s where I met friends I still hold dear today. People who later hosted me all around the world. It’s where travel stopped being a vacation and became a lifestyle.
Why Indonesia Is Not Just One Destination
Indonesia is not one destination. It is over 17,000 islands stitched together by volcanoes, temples, coral reefs, and chaotic beauty. I crossed Flores Island by motorbike all the way to Maumere. A real-life experience: scars, lessons, and friends for life.
Temples, culture, volcanoes, friendships, reality check… you will find it all here.
I remember leaving Canada with three travel books, stories I thought would be perfect to read as I tried to disconnect from my “previous life.” The first one I read on that journey was an international classic: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Overall Tips for Indonesia
Here’s how I experienced it, where I’ve been, and where I wish I had gone.
Where To Go In Indonesia?
- Bali: Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s still magical. Skip Kuta if you’re not into heavy partying. Explore Ubud for culture and jungle vibes, and head north or east. Amed was my favourite: quiet, authentic, perfect for diving.
- Lombok: Bali’s sister island. Often considered “the new Bali,” but less crowded.
- Gili Islands: there are three: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Gili T is the party island. Gili Air is more balanced. Gili Meno is quiet and romantic. Yes, the contrast between strict national drug laws and the open mushroom scene on Gili T is… surprising.
- Java: for culture and volcanoes. Mount Ijen is famous for its blue fire phenomenon.
- Sumatra: best for wildlife, especially orangutans
- Komodo Island: A 3 to 4-day boat trip from Lombok or Flores is unforgettable. Diving, pink beaches, manta rays, dragons.
- Flores: My favourite. Always will be. Find out why below in my related post!
Practical Tips for First Time Solo Travellers in Indonesia
SIM Cards & Internet
Buy a local SIM at the airport or in town. Data is cheap and reliable in most tourist areas. eSIM options like Holafly make it easy before arrival.
Budget
Indonesia is affordable. Accommodation, food, and transport allow you to travel longer without burning your savings. Outside of Bali or tourist hubs, it’s one of the cheapest places to go in Southeast Asia.
Community
There is a strong backpacker trail, especially in Bali and the Gilis. It’s easy to meet other solo travellers.
Is Indonesia Safe for a First Solo Female Trip?
Honestly? Yes.
I couldn’t have chosen a better place to start.
Places like Thailand or the Philippines might be even more developed tourism-wise, but Bali is very accessible. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. There’s infrastructure. There are other solo women everywhere.
I felt safe.
I also felt disoriented and out of place. Which is exactly the point.
You’re not travelling to the other side of the world to feel comfortable. You’re travelling to stretch. To see different ways of living. To meet versions of yourself, you didn’t know existed.
At least, I was.
If You’re Hesitating About Your First Solo Trip
Here’s what I learned:
- Trust your gut
- Believe in yourself even when nobody does
- A one-way ticket can cost less than the fear of never trying.
- Enjoy the ride while it lasts!
That first feeling. That electric, terrifying, intoxicating freedom. There’s nothing quite like it. I’ve been chasing that first-trip high ever since.
Sometimes we forget how brave we once were.
If you’re standing at that edge right now, scared and excited, maybe this is your sign.
Drop me a comment if you feel it too. Or if you have questions. Or if Indonesia changed you the way it changed me. Or just for fun.
Is It A Dog-Friendly Destination?
Karma was here: NO
Dog-friendly? Hard to say. I met a lot of sick stray dogs. They clearly needed more care. I fell in love so many times with sick puppies in this country. It was emotionally difficult. Wanting to save them all, you know? Animal care standards are very different from what we’re used to in Western countries. If you are sensitive to this, be prepared. Always check out the requirements for Indonesia on Pet Travel or the official government website.
Fun fact: it’s also where I became vegetarian!
Don't be shy!