Traveling to a new country can be a little daunting. I get it. I was nervous before I traveled too. But exploring somewhere new brings a whole fresh glow to your life.
Traveling to Bali is a popular choice for millions of tourists every year, and honestly, it makes sense. When I visited, I got the jungles, the culture, the food, and the beaches that make you feel like you accidentally walked into someone’s perfectly edited travel reel, except you’re sweaty and wearing sunscreen like war paint.
This guide is for you if you’re thinking twice about “Is Bali safe?”, “Is Bali safe for travelers?”, or if you’re the kind of person who can’t relax until you’ve mentally mapped out every possible “what if” scenario. From one solo traveler to another, I’ll cover the real stuff that matters: petty theft, scams, transport safety, ocean risks, natural disasters, and the random monkey chaos people forget to warn you about.
Bookmark it. Save it. Screenshot the important bits for later.
Is Bali Safe to Visit?
Yes. For most travelers, Bali is considered safe, and violent crime involving tourists is uncommon.
The bigger risks are the unsexy ones: scooter accidents, drink spiking, “helpful” strangers with sketchy offers, ATM or card scams, rough seas, and the occasional “this volcano is having a moment” situation.
And a small but important note: official advice changes. Canada and the U.S. currently advise a higher level of caution for Indonesia overall (including Bali) mainly due to terrorism risk and natural disasters, even though most trips are trouble-free.
Bali is spread out over 95 miles, with 141 million people living in it. Calling Bali a dreamy destination wouldn’t be a lie, but the province has its own share of safety issues you should watch out for, such as robbers and scammers.
Naturally, crime tends to occur more in tourist areas. Yet, this risk is low in comparison to other regions across Southeast Asia.
Is Bali safe right now?
Still yes, with the same asterisk you’d apply to any place that’s busy, touristy, and full of moving parts.
Think of Bali like this: it’s not “dangerous” in the way people imagine when they haven’t traveled much. It’s more “you can have a perfect day and then have a mildly annoying problem if you get sloppy for 30 seconds.”
If you’re the anxious planner type (hi, welcome), there’s actually good news here: the best antidote to travel anxiety is not doomscrolling TikTok. It’s planning the basics so your brain can stop running simulations at 3 a.m.
What should you know about Bali’s safety and crime rate?
Bali’s day-to-day tourist crime is mostly petty. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, phone theft, and opportunistic scams tend to happen in crowded areas and nightlife zones. Canadian travel advice specifically flags petty crime as a risk in Bali, especially in tourist areas and on public transport.
Also, quick accuracy fix from older drafts of this topic floating around online: Bali does not have 141 million residents. That’s closer to “Indonesia is huge” territory. Bali’s population is around the low single-digit millions (Indonesia’s statistics agency recorded Bali at about 4.32 million in the 2020 census).
So yes, it’s busy, but it’s not a megacity island where everyone is out to get you. It’s more like… a popular theme park of beaches, temples, cafés, and scooters, with normal big-tourist-place problems.
Pro Tip: Make sure you exchange cash before you travel to Bali. Store your money in a secure bag in your hostel locker to keep it safe.
If you need more cash, use a reputable bank's ATM. ATMs can be found in many popular tourist areas.
Top Scams in Bali to Watch Out For
Crime in Bali is mainly petty and rarely becomes violent. So I wanted to run you through the top scams to avoid in Bali.
Taxi Scams
From traveling in Athens to vacationing in Mexico, taxi scams are among the biggest ones to watch out for. And these are designed to target unsuspecting tourists like you and me!
And yes, I fell for it myself, so please learn from my mistakes.
Taxi scams happen everywhere, and Bali is no exception. The classic moves:
- “Meter is broken”
- “Fixed price only”
- Taking the scenic route when you did not ask for the scenic route
If you want the low-drama solution: use reputable ride-hailing or pre-booked transfers, especially from the airport. Even when it costs a bit more, it buys peace of mind, which is kind of the whole point.
Hot tip: Download an app like Jayride or Grab to make safe transport an accessible feature on your travels to Bali
Drink Spiking
This one is unfortunately real in a lot of nightlife destinations, and Bali is a nightlife destination. If you’re out late, especially in party-heavy areas, watch your drink. If you’re solo, I’m not saying “don’t go out”, I’m saying “be boringly smart about it.”
But if you’re a girlie solo traveler like me, don’t lose hope!
What I found extremely helpful for avoiding these situations is getting a drink-spiking cover scrunchie. This sneaky cover can be a scrunchie you wear on your wrist or tie up your hair when the weather is windy.
But when you’re out drinking and have to look away from your drink, cap your glass with this!
Might I add that this isn’t just a Bali trick? It can be used everywhere.
Fake Tour Guides
If someone is aggressively inserting themselves into your day with a service you didn’t ask for, treat it like spam email but in human form. Book tours through reputable platforms and reviews, and be politely firm.
If you really want a well-executed tour of Bali, here are some official platforms:
Gambling Rings
Gambling and drug possession are highly illegal in Bali, and some laws can land you in troubling waters. Some locals will invite you to gamble a small amount of money in this scam.
But as the gambling continues, the amount will soon become considerable...
You won’t realize that these are underground gambling rings and the scammers are turning you into authorities. So you’ll either wound up in jail or pay a hefty penalty for breaking the law.
Oh, and you’ll also never get that gambled money back!
ATM and money exchanges
Use ATMs attached to banks when possible. Cover your PIN. Don’t accept “help” at the machine. If an exchange rate feels magically amazing, it’s usually amazing for them, not for you.
Natural disasters in Bali
This is the part most “Is Bali safe?” blogs awkwardly bury, even though it’s one of the more legitimate risks.
Bali and Indonesia sit in a region where earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis are part of reality, plus seasonal heavy rains that can cause localized flooding.
You do not need to panic. You do need a basic plan:
- Know your hotel’s emergency procedures
- Keep an eye on local alerts if you’re traveling during heavy rain periods
- Don’t ignore evacuation signage just because you’re on vacation and vibes are good
Australia’s and other governments’ Indonesia advisories routinely emphasize natural disaster risk as a reason to stay cautious.
Hot tip: Find the best times to go to Bali and catch the area during its peak beauty! Or simply avoid the months when disasters are likely to occur. Remember, check official government websites for travel advisories!
Other safety concerns people don’t mention enough
Drugs
Indonesia’s drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties that can include very long prison sentences and, in some cases, the death penalty. This is not one of those “cute vacation rules.” Avoid drugs, avoid being near drugs, avoid “my friend’s friend has something” conversations entirely.
Bali monkeys
If you go to monkey-heavy areas (like sanctuaries), assume they will try to steal from you because they are tiny furry pickpockets with better hand-eye coordination than most humans. Also, bites and scratches can carry health risks (rabies exists in parts of Indonesia), so don’t touch them, don’t feed them, and don’t try to outsmart them.
Ocean safety
Rough seas and rip currents are a bigger risk than people expect, especially if you’re not used to surfing beaches. If there are flags, believe the flags. If locals are not swimming, that is also a flag.
What should you avoid in Bali?
You already hit a bunch of these in the raw draft, and the list is solid. Here’s the cleaner version, without removing the intent or the vibe:
- Avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled or properly filtered water.
- Avoid renting a scooter unless you’re genuinely experienced and properly licensed. Accidents are common, and roads can be chaotic.
- Avoid leaving your card out of sight when paying. If you can, pay cash in smaller spots.
- Avoid overly pushy “free” offers, especially in tourist hotspots.
- Avoid feeding or petting monkeys and stray animals.
- Avoid public displays of affection in more traditional areas and dress modestly at temples.
- Always wear mosquito spray or long clothing on hikes. Avoid those mosquitos at all costs, as they aren't as friendly as the locals.
Is Bali safe for female solo travelers?
Yes, and Bali is genuinely one of the most popular “first big solo trip” destinations for women for a reason.
But it’s still travel. You can be safe and still be smart:
- Don’t walk poorly lit roads alone late at night in party zones
- Watch your drink
- Trust your gut if someone feels off
- Share your location with a friend on nights out
That last one sounds small, but it calms your nervous system in a very real way.
Safe places to stay in Bali
Main tourist areas tend to be easiest for first-timers because they’re well-trodden and you won’t feel isolated:
- Ubud
- Seminyak
- Uluwatu
- Canggu
Wherever you stay, prioritize places with good reviews, secure entry, and a front desk or staff presence, especially if you’re solo.
What to do if something goes wrong
First: breathe. You’re not the first person this has happened to, and you won’t be the last.
If you’re robbed or scammed:
- Freeze your cards immediately via your banking app or call your bank.
- If your passport is stolen, contact your embassy/consulate.
- File a police report if you need it for insurance.
- If you need urgent help, Indonesia’s emergency numbers include 112 (general emergency) and 110 (police).
What’s the Safest Mode of Transport?
Bali’s economy relies on tourism, and the province hosts over 14 million residents. Do you know what that equals? A whole lot of headache-inducing traffic!
But wait… let me tell you some safe ways to get around Bali easily!
Taxis
You can hop in a local taxi without much risk. Just make sure the taxi is a registered one. Look for a sky-blue exterior with a white light on the roof.
P.S. Remember my scam tip from earlier. Always agree on a fixed price with the taxi driver or ask for the meter to be set in front of you. Also, don’t leave your belongings unattended for more than a second!
Local Tours
Not everyone wants to navigate the busy roads in Bali. The traffic can be overwhelming!
If you’re unsure, I recommend a local beach tour to help you explore. Not only do you get an expert guide, but you also get the chance to meet like-minded travelers.
Local tours offer a little extra safety and, in true Bali fashion, are great value for money.
A Note on Motorbikes
If you're a very confident driver who understands the hectic conditions of Asian roads, go ahead and enjoy renting a motorbike. But I would say this is a more risky mode of transport!
If you do rent, make sure that you check over your motorbike, grab it from a reputable company, and get a helmet, too!
You'll also need to ensure that you have an international driver's license as a foreigner who wants to drive in Bali.
Tl;dr: Safety Tips in Bali
Make the best of your trips with these top safety tips for Bali:
- Keep your phone and other valuables in a secure pocket or bag. Don’t hold it in your hand or put it in your back pocket.
- If you’re carrying a sling bag, hold the sling bag with one hand to prevent a thief from cutting the strap and stealing it.
- Avoid going to less popular destinations at night, especially female travelers.
- Learn basic Indonesian and Balinese phrases to communicate with locals who don’t know English.
- Dress modestly in temples and less touristy areas.
- Book a tour guide or transport service ahead of time online.
- Carry an umbrella with you just in case the weather gets gloomy.
- Always watch out for your drinks and cover them with your hand or any object when it’s unattended.
- Keep your personal belongings and cash safe with a money belt to hide your cash.
- Know basic disaster drills, like what to do in an earthquake or volcanic eruption!
- Get travel insurance!
- Don't swim in rough seas or where there are red flags! The tides and currents in Bali can be powerful.
The part most people skip: planning is safety
Here’s the honest truth: a lot of “is Bali safe?” anxiety is actually “I don’t want to feel out of control in a new place” anxiety.
So give yourself control, in small ways that matter:
- Save your accommodation address in two places (phone + written note)
- Pin your hotel, the nearest hospital, and a couple backup cafés in your map
- Screenshot your passport, insurance, and flight details
- Write down what you’ll do if you lose your phone (because that’s when people spiral)
This is also where a planner actually earns its keep. Not in the romantic “look at my aesthetic itinerary” way, but in the “my brain can chill because I have receipts and a plan” way.
Plan (and calm down) with Pilot
If you’re using Pilot, build a simple “Safety” section in your trip:
- Emergency numbers
- Address of your stay
- Insurance info
- Embassy link/notes
- A shared itinerary with a friend or partner, so someone else can see where you’re supposed to be
It’s not dramatic. It’s just… reassuring. And that’s kind of the point.
So, is travel to Bali safe?
Yep. Bali is a safe destination for most travelers, including solo travelers, as long as you take basic precautions and stay aware of the common tourist risks. Keep your valuables secure, be smart about transport, respect local laws, and don’t treat the ocean or scooters like they’re theme park rides.
And when you’re ready to stop reading safety blogs at midnight and actually start getting excited, plan your trip in Pilot and turn the “what ifs” into a simple checklist you can live with.
