Is Indonesia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Indonesia generally offers a safe environment for solo female travelers. In popular tourist areas such as Bali or Jakarta, safety is similar to major cities globally. However, it's important to keep your wits about you, particularly at night, and avoid less crowded places. Exercise caution in remote areas due to occasional reports of harassment. Ensure to respect the local customs and attire, especially in religious sites. Use reputable transportation and accommodation. Overall, when using common sense and precautions, Indonesia is a rich and beautiful destination to explore.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 70 experiences from female travelers

3.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 19 experiences from local women

Indonesia is currently ranked #46 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Indonesia?

Safety at night:Moderate

Indonesia varies greatly from region to region when it comes to safety. Well-populated areas, such as Bali and Jakarta, are patrolled regularly by police and security, thus they are somewhat safe. In rural areas, however, safety might be a concern. Solo females are advised not to walk alone at night, especially in remote areas or areas that are not well-lit. If it's necessary to be out at night, consider taking a trusted taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi). Also, always inform someone of your whereabouts if you are out late and it's always recommended to remain vigilant.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Indonesia varies greatly, from traditional to modern forms. City buses, trains and taxis are widely available, and the introduction of ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek has increased convenience. However, overcrowding can be an issue especially during peak hours, which can make the journey uncomfortable. Whilst most journeys are made without incident, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur. It is recommended to keep your belongings secured and be alert in crowded places. It's also worth noting that language barriers may pose some challenges.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Indonesia, the level of street harassment is moderately common. While it's unlikely for it to be physical, you might encounter locals calling out or staring, especially in touristy areas. Being a predominantly Muslim country, attire that respects local customs is suggested when navigating public spaces, which can help reduce unwanted attention. Like any country, experiences can vary, so awareness and vigilance are always beneficial approaches.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and cell phone theft are moderately common, especially in crowded places like markets, public transport, and tourist areas in Indonesia. Always remain alert and conscious of your belongings. Carry minimal amounts of money, avoid showing off expensive jewelry or devices, and consider using an anti-theft backpack. Though these crimes are not rampant, these precautions will help you avoid any potential situations.

Is Indonesia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 70 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Indonesia, Solo travel

The locals were really kind and helpful. I had a great time exploring the city and islands. There is always something for everyone. People of all interests have activities to do everywhere. It's a very warm place where I felt at home, even when away from home. I would love to go again.

Posted: October 17, 2024Experienced: January, 2024

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Sulawesi, Solo travel

Traveling from North to South of Sulawesi by yourself is very safe. The local people are really friendly and helpful. The distance are quite big so you spent sometimes between 7 until 9 hours to traveling by bus. You can travel by night in comfortable seat bed and it's not expensive.

Posted: August 26, 2024Experienced: July, 2019

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Bali, Solo travel

Drivers: Generally a positive experience. On time, helpful, polite etc then we got a bad one. Asked us if we wanted to visit a wood carving site. Firmly said no and an hour later we pulled into a wood carving site. Made the mistake of telling this guy we would pay for 6 - 8 hours which meant he drove us through places we didn't want to go. In the end I told him we would pay for 8 hours even if we got back early. Within 10 minutes we were back at the hotel. I checked the villages he had driven through against a map, he was just wasting time. I think these guys should be licensed. Truely appalling: The harressment: Bali's main income is via tourism? well they should look after the tourists a little better. We spent a lot, we tipped well, we bought a lot of stuff that we wanted. We did not need to be constantly hassled or have people attempting to con us. Very quickly I learnt to ignore the hawkers. But it doesn't stop there, taxi drivers, wait staff, it doesn't matter where you go everyone tries it on in some way to try and make an extra dollar. Even an elderly gentleman at a temple gave us a traditional blessing, very nice, then lifts up a cloth on the table indicating a stack of cash. We gave some and he became agitated demanding more, we walked out. End result: If I visit again it will be to a resort and I will spend most time on the beach and away from Bali itself. But with the crap in the water I think there are many other places offering a good beach to relax on without the possible health risk and other associated drawbacks.

Posted: August 19, 2024

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Lombok, Solo travel

I loved being in Lombok. It was safe, respectful and so worldly. Surfing was so fun and everyone was just so friendly and wanting to socialize. It was a great digital nomad community. I felt some amazing friends I will keep for life.

Posted: August 12, 2024

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Indonesia, Solo travel

I was there for two months. Beautiful places and people are so friendly. Never felt unsafe, didn't like the food much but there are international options. I would like to go back and explore new places.

Posted: August 3, 2024

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Gili Trawangan, Solo travel

Overall I felt very safe here. It's a little bit more expensive for alcohol and western food in comparison to other places in SE Asia. But the local restaurants serving Indoensian food are very reasonable (£1.50-2 for a meal). Beaches are very lovely. Lots of places along the harbour to organise snorkel trips and trips to Lombok.

Posted: July 31, 2024Experienced: June, 2024

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Aneta

Germany

Gili Trawangan, Solo travel

I had low expectations about this place since it is quite touristy and I tend to avoid it as a backpacker. I fell in love with this place - the diving school "Compass Divers" made my first diving experience so amazing that my whole vacation became a diving vacation. I stayed on Gili Trawangan for 7 days instead of initially planned 2 days and spent most of the time in the water. The beach is typically touristy with bars and clubs however if you go one street away from the beach - it gets calm and more local. They do not allow scooters there so everyone is either walking or biking what makes the whole island quieter. It is small, has beautiful sunsets and many food options for everyone. If you wanna dive, go there!

Posted: July 28, 2024Experienced: August, 2023

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Bali, Solo travel

I felt very safe in Bali as a female solo traveller. I have never felt mildly worried or unsafe here. Everyone I encountered was friendly and welcoming. There are also lots of solo travelers that you will meet.

Posted: July 23, 2024

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Bali, Solo travel

Bali is such a well travelled island that it feels incredibly safe and hospitable for travellers of all kinds. I had many moments travelling alone throughout Bali and there was never a moment that I felt unsafe. Do you try to steer away from the well-being paths because there are a lot of people in the popular areas and it can get quite overwhelming. Munduk, and around that area are much quieter and no less beautiful than the popular Ubud areas or Uluwatu. You will find unique beauty in all parts of the island. Amed is lovely too! Beautiful for beach stays. You can expect to pay a minimum of around 200k IDR per night for your own room/joglo. Of course, you do get what you pay for. The food is delicious and mostly clean wherever you go these days as the locals have much more awareness about it. Do be careful though as Bali belly is real. Don’t let the tap water get in your mouth at all. All in all Bali is wonderful!

Posted: July 23, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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moni

Germany

Bali, Group travel

We felt safe during our time in Bali. We visited ubud,uluwatu and the gili islands. We had a mix between beach day and city trip. In ubud you could do more activities like yoga or shooing. In refer to the gili islands it depends which island you are planning to visit. Gili meno was quite and small island perfect to relax. Gili T was like the party island.

Posted: July 17, 2024

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Is Indonesia safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 19 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 19 local experiences

yussyafrida

Sidoarjo

It's a small town near Surabaya and safe for Travellers even though there is not much to see in the town. It's near Surabaya so people often go to surabaya for some events, work, etc. the public transport is safe

Posted: October 26, 2024

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Dhea

Jakarta

In Jakarta, you can easily using public transportation with only using one card, but I’m not recommend to walking on pedestrian. For woman, when you walking alone, there’s a lot of people will cat calling.

Posted: October 17, 2024

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