Uluwatu is one of Bali's easiest places to travel alone. It is slower than Canggu, more beautiful than almost anywhere on the island, and full of cafes, yoga studios and beaches where nobody looks twice at a woman on her own. Here is what we tell our solo guests before they arrive.

Is Uluwatu safe for women travelling alone?

In our experience, yes. Uluwatu is relaxed and friendly, and solo women are a normal part of its cafe and surf scene. Most of the stress solo travellers describe in Bali has little to do with people and a lot to do with logistics: dark roads, long scooter rides, and accommodation that is beautiful on Instagram but isolated in real life.

So the two decisions that matter most are where you sleep and how you get home in the evening. Get those right and the rest of the trip takes care of itself.

Since we opened, the comment we hear most from women travelling alone is that they feel safe at Nema. Discreet 24/7 security and a 24-hour front desk are part of it. The other part is simple: you never need to scoot. Kynd Community is about 200m away, YUKI about 400m, and the beach and dozens of restaurants are on foot, so you are never on a scooter after dark.

“As we were two girls travelling we felt safe in the villa as there was overnight security and reception staff every day.”

Nina, Australia · Booking.com

Where to stay

Uluwatu is spread out across the Bukit Peninsula, and many villas sit down long, unlit lanes. For a solo trip we suggest a checklist like this:

  • 24-hour security and staff on site. Someone awake at the front desk at 2am is worth more than any amenity.
  • A walkable location. Being able to walk to dinner and back changes how free you feel in the evening.
  • A small property. Fewer rooms mean staff know who belongs there, and other guests become familiar faces.
  • Somewhere sociable, but private. A shared pool for easy conversation; a room that is entirely yours when you want quiet.

That is exactly why Nema works so well for solo guests. It has 12 private studios around a 16m pool in central Uluwatu, tucked down a short lane off the main Uluwatu road. There is discreet 24-hour on-site security and a 24-hour front desk, and Suka Espresso is a three-minute walk away.

Villa or small hotel?

A private villa looks like the dream on Instagram. Travelling alone, it can be strangely isolating: a big, quiet space, nobody to ask which beach is best today, and no one to call a driver at midnight. A small boutique property gives you the same privacy behind your own door, with people around when you want them.

At Nema we call it alone, together. With only twelve studios, you start recognising faces within a day. A nod over coffee, a quiet chat on the sunbeds, and never any pressure to make conversation. Some guests end up swapping dinner tips or heading to sunset together; others never say more than good morning, and that is fine too.

And because our rates follow the seasons, a boutique stay here often costs less than a standalone villa nearby. Show your Nema keyring at partner venues like YUKI, Kynd and Tabu for 10–20% off, too.

Getting around without stress

Many visitors assume they need a scooter in Uluwatu. If you are not an experienced rider, we would gently suggest you don't: the roads are steep, busy and unlit in places, and Indonesia requires a valid licence that covers motorbikes. Instead:

  • Walk wherever you can. From central Uluwatu, Thomas Beach, cafes, spas and restaurants are all on foot. Our guide to Uluwatu without a scooter covers it in detail.
  • Use Grab or Gojek, the main ride-hailing apps in Bali, for longer trips. You see the driver, the plate and the route before you get in.
  • Ask the front desk to help arrange a trusted driver for airport runs or day trips.

Days and nights on your own

Uluwatu is made for the kind of solo day that never feels lonely: an early swim at Thomas Beach, a reformer class, a long brunch, an afternoon by the pool, and sunset on the cliffs.

  • Mornings: Thomas Beach is a short walk away and quiet early in the day.
  • Move: reformer Pilates is a big part of life here. Bluvana Studio, close by, keeps classes small, and Reform Pilates and Studio Fondue are popular with regulars.
  • Brunch: Suka Espresso is three minutes on foot and an easy place to sit alone for hours; Kynd Community is known for its photogenic smoothie bowls.
  • Afternoons: book a sunbed at a cliffside day club like OneEighty or Ulu Cliffhouse, where plenty of people come solo.
  • Sunset: Single Fin at Blue Point, around four minutes by ride, has live music and a crowd that is easy to be part of on your own.
  • Culture: the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset is unforgettable, and a short ride from Nema.

Small habits that help

  • Keep your phone charged and offline maps downloaded.
  • Share your plans with someone at home, or with the front desk, if you are heading out late.
  • Book a ride home before the end of the night rather than looking for one on the street.
  • Keep an eye on your drink, as you would anywhere.
  • Carry a little cash; some warungs and smaller shops prefer it.

Most of all, enjoy it. Travelling alone in Uluwatu is one of the great slow pleasures of Bali.