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

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Safety index

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.

Tap water:Unsafe

In Indonesia, tap water is generally considered not potable. It's not recommended to drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth. Most locals and tourists prefer to use bottled water for drinking and cooking due to high levels of sediment and microbes that can cause upset stomachs or more serious illnesses.

Is Indonesia safe to travel?

4 /5

Based on 4 experiences

Solo travel experience

I have been to Bali, Gili Trawangan and Lombok. I spent a week in Ubud (I rented scooters and rode them around the southern part of the island and around Ubud), 3 days in the north in Lovina and 3 days in the south of Lombok. If I had more time, I would like to go to Flores Island to dive and see Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park! You can go there on a 4-day cruise or a cheap flight. I also have a friend who went to Sumatra and walked the trail through the jungle to see wild orangutans. It sounded incredible! If you are an adventurer and love trekking and challenges, you must go hiking on Mt. Rinjani on Lombok! I had no concerns about safety.

Posted: August 26, 2022
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Is Indonesia safe for women?

Indonesia is generally safe. People are genuinely nice to strangers and are ready to help when they see you are having trouble finding your way. Like in any country as a female traveller it's always best to be alert but i've always felt safe travelling around Indonesia

Posted: February 28, 2024
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Is Indonesia safe right now?

Before your visit to Indonesia, it's essential to check travel advisories for Indonesia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises to exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Certain areas carry an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 24, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Indonesia, owing to political and social tensions, as well as the prevailing threat of terrorism throughout the country. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 25, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 24, 2024

Is Indonesia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 4 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Group travel experience

It was the second time I landed in Indonesia, Bali. I travel with the same friend every year, and it’s always a pleasure to discover or rediscover places. This year trip was more chill than last year since we visited quite a lot in 2022. Everybody there is so friendly, always down to help people out, there is a good vibes atmosphere and people there a deeply nice. Traveling over there is always a pleasure and no pression at all! Would recommend 100%!

Posted: October 22, 2023Experienced: June, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent two months in Indonesia and just fell in love with it. I really liked Yogyakarta. I highly recommend the Dieng Plateau, although getting there is quite tiring, via local transportation. Borobudur is nice. Mount Bromo is amazing. The Ijen Plateau is incredible. I used to travel to most places by local buses. Boat trips to what was Flores were amazing. The Gili Islands are beautiful. I loved Flores.

Posted: February 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Indonesia

Meet local women in Indonesia who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Sarah

Sarah

About Me

My name is Sarah, i’m Canadian, parents are from Haiti. I speak english and french. Decided to no longer be a Canadian tax resident, so I went ahead and got a Dubai residency. I work remotely as a financial analyst so I get to stay in countries for a longer period of time. I would love to make some cool ass genuine connection with like minded people. So looking forward to this app! I’m currently in Bali until May 31st 2024. Then will go to dubai for 1-2mts. Then…. I don’t know where next. But it won’t be Canada thats for sure! Lol

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fatimah

fatimah

About Me

Hello. I'm ima. I am a part time medical doctor, also a mother of two who wants to travel and feel the different cultures around the world.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Indonesia

Stay with local women in Indonesia who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
fatimah

fatimah

Indonesia

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hello. I'm ima. I am a part time medical doctor, also a mother of two who wants to travel and feel the different cultures around the world.

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Asyana

Asyana

Special Region of Yogyakarta City/Regency

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi!, My name is Asyana and I'm interested in animals, backpacking, business, digital nomad, nightlife, solo travel, van life, writing and technology

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Upcoming visitors to Indonesia

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StellaSue

StellaSue

About Me

Easy going, well travelled, love a good laugh, extroverted!

Speaking

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Yeliz

Yeliz

About Me

"Currently, I'm on a backpacking journey through South Asia. Im in Thailand now. But thinking about going back to Bali 🥲 Learning and meeting with different cultures, ourselves, minimal living, and learning how to live in the moment are some of our motivations on this journey. People say i tend to think positively. I love and sincerely enjoy music, nature, kindness, deep conversations, dancing and sometimes just sitting quietly, listening others, understanding, beautiful views.

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Safety in Indonesia