Bali is a very safe destination. Of course, as in any other place in the world, there is no 100% certainty that nothing will happen. However, if you are mindful and not exceptionally naive, you will not expose yourself to any danger in Bali. What you should pay attention to in terms of safety aspects in Bali is explained in more detail below.
Safety in Bali: traffic
Traffic in Bali is tricky and sometimes quite dangerous, at least in larger towns. Compared to the situation in Germany, it often feels as if there are no traffic rules at all in Bali. Everyone drives as they please, making traffic seem totally chaotic. If you want to rent a car or a scooter, you should be prepared for these traffic conditions. As a pedestrian, you only really have to be careful when crossing the road. The south of Bali around the capital Denpasar and the popular tourist destinations such as the famous Ubud are particularly affected by the chaotic traffic.
In small towns, the situation is usually much more relaxed. There is usually little traffic there, so it can even be fun to move around the countryside by scooter or car. Road conditions vary greatly, but are rarely so bad as to be considered dangerous.
Crime in Bali
Wherever there are tourists, there are usually also criminals who try to take advantage of them in illegal ways. This applies to Bali just as much as to the rest of the world. You don’t have to worry too much about falling victim to crime in Bali. Nevertheless, you should keep the following points in mind.
Theft
Like in many other tourist destinations worldwide, there are pickpockets in Bali, too. Tourists traveling to Bali often carry around several average monthly wages of the Balinese. A bulging wallet therefore attracts the highest interest among thieves.
It is rare for thieves to use force. Most of the time, pickpockets in Bali try to steal something without being noticed. Occasionally, thieves also access from a motorcycle and then try to take the bag or wallet while driving. Valuables should therefore be stowed so that they can not be easily snatched, for example in a backpack. As an alternative to a backpack, there are also breast pockets.
In hotels or other accommodation, you do not have to worry about theft. Many small accommodations are family-run and the number of employees is manageable. If someone steals something from the room, it will of course be noticed and the employees risk being fired in the event of theft. Therefore, this happens very rarely. The risk is somewhat greater in the large hotels in the south of Bali. If you want to be on the safe side, you can store your valuables in the room safe or ask at the reception for secure storage.
Scams
More common than theft are certain scams. Among the classics in Bali are fake or dubious taxis. These charge completely excessive costs after arriving at your destination. If you take a taxi, you should make sure that there is a taximeter. Alternatively, you should agree on a fixed fare to your destination.
Another scam that is known from other countries: alleged damage to rented vehicles. When returning a rented scooter or car, the rental company claims that the vehicle has been damaged. Money is then demanded to repair the alleged new damage. To avoid falling into this trap, proceed as follows:
- Ask the accommodation provider for recommendations for scooter or car rental companies. Often, accommodation providers can also provide or at least organize scooters themselves.
- When you pick up the rented vehicle, take photos from all angles and document any existing damage accordingly.
- If you do not rent a vehicle through the accommodation, do not leave any original documents with the rental company. If they ask for an ID or passport, you can leave a (previously made) photocopy.
Safety in Bali for solo travelers
Bali is a popular holiday destination for solo travelers. Accordingly, you will find many like-minded people on the island and you will not be alone for long (unless you really want to be). But even if you are: Bali is so safe that even solo travelers don’t have to worry about being attacked. The probability of a robbery is very low. The Balinese are a very peaceful people.
No solo adventure trips
In certain situations, it is of course better not to be alone. For example, you should not necessarily swim far out to sea on your own without anyone nearby who could help or call for help if necessary. The same applies to trips to the remote mountain regions or to the volcanoes. Depending on the region, there are very few other people out and about, going on excursions or hiking.
Traveling alone to Bali as a woman
Even as a woman traveling alone, you don’t have to worry too much in Bali. You should be prepared for the occasional “come-on”. However, you can take this with humor. Intrusive advances are usually rather rare.
Of course, the nightlife can be a little different. But this is not a Balinese phenomenon, but rather one where alcohol is involved. Groups of drunken men should be avoided if possible. Overall, however, women can discover Bali on their own from a safety perspective.
Conclusion: Bali is a safe destination
Generally speaking, you can travel to Bali with little concern for your safety. Of course, there is some petty crime here too, such as theft, robbery or fraud. However, this problem is present in every travel destination in the world. In general, the crime rate in Bali is very low. It is not for nothing that the Balinese are considered to be very peaceful. You do need to be a little careful in traffic, especially if you are driving a car or scooter yourself. The chaotic driving style in the big cities is a real challenge for many tourists.
In summary, you don’t have to worry about safety before traveling to Bali. If you are careful, informed about the above points and take care of your belongings, you will rarely have any problems.
