How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo in Bali

Traveling solo is a powerful way to discover not only the world but also yourself. And when your destination is a vibrant, spiritual, and stunningly beautiful island like Bali, the opportunities for personal growth and adventure multiply. But solo travel doesn’t have to mean being alone. In fact, Bali is one of the best places on Earth to meet people, build genuine connections, and perhaps even make lifelong friends.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, a soul-searcher, or just someone seeking an escape, making friends in Bali is easier than you might think. With its welcoming vibe, rich culture, and community-driven lifestyle, Bali attracts solo travelers from across the globe. Here’s how you can make meaningful connections while exploring the Island of the Gods.

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☀️ 1. Choose Social Accommodation

🏡 Hostels, Guesthouses & Co-living Spaces

One of the simplest and most effective ways to meet people while traveling alone is to stay in hostels or co-living spaces. Bali is famous for its array of affordable and stylish accommodations tailored specifically for solo travelers.

• Hostels in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak often have communal lounges, yoga sessions, shared kitchens, and group outings.
• Co-living spaces like Outpost or Dojo are designed for remote workers but also host events, mixers, and workshops to build community.

Pro Tip: Look for accommodations with a high social rating on booking platforms. Read the reviews to see if past guests mention meeting people easily.

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🧘 2. Join a Yoga or Meditation Class

Bali is a spiritual haven, and Ubud is its heart. From sunrise yoga sessions in the rice fields to deep breathwork classes and silent retreats, the island offers a sacred space to connect — both with yourself and others.

• The Yoga Barn in Ubud is not just a yoga studio — it’s a community.
• After classes, visitors often gather at the on-site café or join group chats to plan excursions.

Even if yoga isn’t your usual vibe, joining a class can be a fantastic way to meet mindful and open-hearted people.

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🍲 3. Take a Cooking Class

Food brings people together — and Balinese cuisine is something worth bonding over.

Cooking classes are a fun, hands-on way to dive into the local culture while interacting with fellow travelers. You’ll learn how to make dishes like nasi goreng, satay, and gado-gado, and by the end of the class, you’ll likely share a delicious meal with your new friends.

Popular places like Paon Bali Cooking Class or Pemulan Bali Farm Cooking School include market tours and group cooking stations, ideal for conversation and connection.

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🏄 4. Try a Group Surf Lesson

If you’ve ever wanted to surf, Bali is the perfect place to start. The beaches of Kuta, Canggu, and Uluwatu are legendary among surfers, and many local surf schools offer group lessons for beginners.

• Mojo Surf, Pro Surf School, or Bali Green Surf all offer group sessions where bonding over wipeouts is inevitable.
• After a shared experience of trying something new, friendships tend to form naturally.

And even if surfing isn’t your thing, simply hanging out at surf bars or beach clubs can be a great way to meet fellow ocean lovers.

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🌅 5. Attend Community Events and Meetups

Bali has a strong expat and digital nomad community that often organizes public events. From business talks to creative workshops and wellness circles, there’s something for everyone.

• Use platforms like Meetup, Facebook Events, or Eventbrite to find gatherings.
• Locations like Dojo Bali in Canggu or Hubud in Ubud often have open events for anyone interested.

Also, beach cleanups, charity events, or even open mic nights can be excellent opportunities to engage with like-minded people while giving back.

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🏍️ 6. Join a Group Tour or Day Trip

If you want to explore Bali while making friends, group tours are a no-brainer. Whether you’re hiking Mount Batur at sunrise, snorkeling in Nusa Penida, or visiting temples like Tanah Lot, doing it with others amplifies the experience.

Choose small group tours over large bus tours — they tend to be more intimate and conducive to conversation.

Look for travel agencies or platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook, where you can read reviews and pick social, highly-rated experiences.

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🥤 7. Hang Out in Cafés with a Social Vibe

Bali’s café scene is as much about community as it is about coffee. Cafés in Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud aren’t just for sipping lattes — they’re social hubs where locals and travelers mingle, especially in areas with lots of co-working.

Some popular spots where you’re likely to meet new people:

• Crate Café (Canggu)
• Zest (Ubud)
• BGS Coffee (Uluwatu)

Try sitting at a communal table, striking up a chat, or even offering to share your table if it’s busy.

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🎭 8. Take a Cultural Class

Balinese culture is rich and diverse, and locals are usually happy to share it. Taking a class in batik painting, Balinese dance, wood carving, or even offering making is a way to learn something new while interacting with both locals and fellow travelers.

These workshops often come with a deeper cultural exchange and naturally create room for social interaction.

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🍻 9. Go Out – But Be Smart About It

Bali’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse. From beach bars to rooftop lounges and jungle parties, there are plenty of places where you can dance and mingle.

• Canggu is ideal for beach parties and hipster bars.
• Seminyak offers a more upscale scene.
• Ubud has live music and laid-back bars with a conscious vibe.

Go easy on the alcohol, keep your belongings safe, and remember — it’s about meeting people, not just partying.

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🌏 10. Volunteer for a Local Cause

Volunteering can be one of the most meaningful ways to connect — with the community and with other travelers. Whether you’re teaching English, helping with turtle conservation, or supporting eco-villages, you’ll meet people who are there for similar reasons.

Look for local NGOs or international platforms like:

• Bali Animal Welfare Association
• Green School Bali
• WWOOF Indonesia

Even short-term volunteering can foster deep, lasting bonds.

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🤝 11. Just Say Hello

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple greeting.

Bali is full of solo travelers just like you — and many are just as eager to connect. Don’t be afraid to smile, start a conversation, or join someone for a drink or a walk.

Here are a few friendly ice-breakers:

• “Where are you from?”
• “Is this your first time in Bali?”
• “What’s the best thing you’ve done here so far?”

You’d be surprised how far a little openness and friendliness can go.

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✈️ Final Thoughts: Travel Alone, Connect Deeply

Traveling solo in Bali is an opportunity to grow, reflect, and connect. Whether you’re hiking volcanoes, meditating in temples, or sharing meals with strangers-turned-friends, the island offers a safe, open, and magical environment for making connections.

Remember: the best friendships often begin with a shared adventure. And on an island as enchanting as Bali, those adventures are around every corner.

So pack light, smile often, and stay open. Bali is waiting — and so are your future friends.