How Bali Stole My Heart: A Tanzanian Woman’s Guide to the Island of Gods

My favourite movie, and when I say favourite, I mean I can watch it every single Friday movie night, is Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts. Parts of the film were shot in Bali, Indonesia, and that’s where the Bali craze began for me. It became a dream of mine to one day end up in Bali… on a honeymoon, with friends, or with a partner. But, well, God had other plans. I ended up in Bali solo, and I loved every minute of it.

See, the thing about travelling solo to a destination like Bali is that you get to enjoy and explore this beautiful place at your own pace and on your terms. It’s like being in a steakhouse, deciding whether you want your steak rare, medium rare, medium well or well done AND JUST LIKE I LOVE MY STEAK WELL DONE, I wanted to savour Bali with all my five senses: see it, smell it, taste it, feel it, and hear it.

And the mission was accomplished!

There’s so much I could write, but truly and honestly, I just want to share a guide for all you solo travellers, especially my fellow Tanzanians, who are still waiting for friends or a partner to make this trip. If you can, and if you’re brave enough, go alone. You’ll thank me later!

Planning Your Trip

Best time to visit?

January to mid-April is ideal for Tanzanian travellers. You’ll encounter fewer tourists while still enjoying warm weather, with temperatures averaging 26-30°C. The rainy season (November-March) brings afternoon showers but often clears up quickly. Avoid July-August, if possible, as prices surge during this peak season.

Visa requirements for Tanzanians

As a Tanzanian passport holder, you’ll need a Visa on Arrival (VoA). You have two options: apply online before departure through the official Indonesian immigration website (recommended) or pay upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Either way, the process is straightforward. The visa costs $35, is valid for 30 days, and can be extended once for another 30 days if needed. Have your passport (valid for at least 6 months), return ticket, and accommodation details ready.

Arrival in Bali: First Steps

Airport navigation

Ngurah Rai International Airport is modern and well-organised. After clearing immigration,

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport (just enough for your stay).
Purchase a local SIM card (Telkomsel offers the best coverage, approximately $15 for 15GB).
Use the free airport Wi-Fi to ensure your transport apps are working before leaving.

Airport Transfers & Getting Around

Plan your first ride before landing; that airport hustle is not the time to start comparing apps. The airport taxi counter offers fixed rates, but ride-sharing apps offer better value.

Transport apps to download before arrival:

Grab – Most reliable app and user-friendly option.
Gojek – Comprehensive app for food delivery and other services, though the interface can be a bit chaotic.
Maxim – Less popular but sometimes cheaper.
InDrive – New option, less popular.

My Pro Tip:

Download apps and set up accounts before arriving in Bali.
Purchase a local SIM card with ample data (15-20GB minimum).
Airport to Seminyak costs approximately 100,000-150,000 IDR ($7-10 USD) via Grab.
Traffic in Bali is wild. If you’re confident, rent a scooter or hop on a scooter taxi (just don’t expect the driver to speak much English).

Explore Like a Local

My base was Seminyak—a vibrant beach resort town at the southern end of Bali. It’s perfectly placed, with easy access to popular areas like Denpasar, Ubud, Uluwatu, Kuta and Canggu.

Here’s how I found my rhythm:

Seminyak Beach – Walk the whole stretch. It’s the perfect intro to Bali. Big waves, long sands, and plenty of beach lounges to crash in afterwards.
Walk Your Hood – No joke, things are closer than you think. A 10-minute walk could unveil hidden cafés, local spas, temples, and beach gems that won’t show up on Google.
Talk to Locals – Balinese people are incredibly friendly, especially when they see you’re solo. You might just get directions, tips, or even a free ride (true story).

Things I Did (And loved)

There’s a lot to do in Bali, depending on your interests. What I loved:

Catching the sunset:

Ku De Ta Lounge: Elegant atmosphere, excellent cocktails. Minimum spend applies.
La Plancha: Colourful beanbags on the beach, a relaxed vibe, affordable drinks.
Gado Gado: Romantic setting, excellent food. You can walk in, but a reservation is recommended.
Potato Head Beach Club: Iconic infinity pool, sophisticated crowd, arrive early (minimum spend applies).
Finns Beach Club: a lively atmosphere, swimming pool.

Culture Stops:

Uluwatu – Worth the trip. Sample everything. Stunning views.
- Tried Kopi Luwak (a.k.a. pooh coffee). Yep, made from beans pooped out by a civet (mongoose-type animal). Yep, it’s expensive. Yep, it’s “a thing.” Try it once.
- Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance – Absolutely amazing, but watch out for the monkeys. They steal phones like trained pickpockets.
- Cleansing Ceremony – Touristy? Sure. But you’ll feel like a new person afterwards. Highly recommended.
Ubud – From spiritual cleansing to Instagrammable rice terraces.
- Monkey Forest – Full of monkeys, and friendly ones at that.
- Rice field trekking – Beautiful? Yes. Easy? No. It’s actual trekking. Be warned.
Mount Batur – Sunrise Hike
Hiking Mt Batur was a pain. It’s early, it’s cold, it’s dark. But that sunrise? Whew. Worth every single step.

Eat & Work (Seminyak)

t.one_coffeeandkitchen – Cosy, with really good coffee.
Livingstone Café – Great for coworking. Free Wi-Fi, buttery pastries.
Amici – Chef’s kiss. Beautiful vibes, even better food.

Music & Nightlife (Seminyak)

Clubs weren’t on my itinerary per se, but I had to sample the nightlife.

The Iron Fairies – dark, mysterious, vibey.
La Favela – Every night feels like a carnival.

Sounds of Bali
My driver introduced me to his playlist—and yes, I’ve added my favourites on repeat:

DJ Bibi Lung
Sekuat Hatimu (Trap vibes)
Cek Sound Trap – Local beats

Essentials to Pack (and know)

Plugs: Type C & F – Bring an adapter.
Best Season: January to mid-April. Fewer tourists, but still warm.
Wi-Fi: Most cafés and lounges have free, fast internet.
Language hacks: that
- Hello – Om Swastiastu
- Thank you – Suksma

Must-Knows

Don’t trust anyone who says “no lines.” You will queue.
Bargaining is expected, but yes, sometimes you’ll still get ripped off.
Locals will ask where you’re from. Say “Tanzania” and expect confused looks or curious smiles. Great conversation starter!
Apps like GetYourGuide are great for booking group and private tours, it’s cheaper and flexible than Airbnb experiences.

Bali gave me more than I expected: clarity, unforgettable sunsets, new playlists, and a version of myself I hadn’t met yet. The island’s magic lies not just in its Instagram-worthy spots but in unexpected encounters, conversations with locals, and those moments of solitude watching the waves crash against ancient temples.

As a Tanzanian woman travelling solo, I found Bali to be welcoming, navigable, and transformative. The connections between our cultures, the importance of community, spirituality, and hospitality, made me feel at home despite being thousands of miles away.

If you’re dreaming of Bali but waiting for the perfect travel companion, stop waiting. The island has a way of providing exactly what you need, especially when you arrive alone. Pack your curiosity, an open heart, and comfortable walking shoes. The Islands of Gods is ready to steal your heart, too.

Suksma, Bali. You’ve got my heart.

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Still unsure about going solo or overwhelmed by planning? Reach out to Rickshaw Travels, they’ll sort your full itinerary with attention to the details that matter for Tanzanian travellers.