To all the women out there who have ever dreamed of traveling but hesitated due to fear, age, or uncertainty about traveling alone, this post is for you. Whether you’re single, worried about safety, or think you’re too old to embark on new adventures, I want to share a story that might inspire you to take that first step.
As someone who has been on a journey of self-discovery and holistic health, I’ve learned that sometimes the most transformative experiences come from stepping out of our comfort zones. In my previous posts, The Power of Presence: How Mindful Yoga Can Change Your Life, One and a Half Months Alcohol-Free: The Surprising Benefits, and Finding Happiness: My Journey to Holistic Health, I’ve shared how mindfulness, wellness, and purpose have shaped my life.
Recently, I decided to take my journey to the next level by traveling to Indonesia, a country known for its warm people, delicious food, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. After weeks of research, I chose Lombok, an island less commercialized than Bali, with its untouched beauty and perfect surfing spots.
Why Lombok?
Bali was the obvious choice for many, but I had specific goals in mind: surfing and experiencing a less crowded environment. Lombok offered exactly that, along with the promise of warm weather and fewer rainy days compared to Bali. A recommendation from a well-traveled friend sealed the deal – Lombok was my destination!
Celebrating Life in Paradise
I embarked on this solo journey to celebrate my 45th birthday in paradise. This trip became a powerful experience that did exactly what I hoped: it restored my faith in humanity.
The kindness of tourists and locals alike was overwhelming. For two weeks, the weather was perfect with only a few hours of rain. The food was incredible with so much fresh fruit and vegetables. The surfing lessons were also amazing. The exotic landscapes were breathtaking. Experiencing the wildness of nature made me incredibly grateful for where I am in my life. Traveling alone wasn’t scary anymore; I learned that it allows for deeper connections with the culture and locals.
Here are a few pictures from my trip (I took a dozen):
If you’re a woman who dreams of traveling to Indonesia but are afraid to go alone, please don’t hesitate! It’s one of the safest places I’ve ever visited. The locals will welcome you and appreciate your strength for venturing so far to experience their culture.
My Top Tips for Solo Female Travel in Indonesia (Especially Lombok):
1. Know Your “Why”: What do you want to get out of this trip? Whether it’s yoga, cultural immersion, sunshine, scuba diving, hiking, or surfing, identify your priorities. Research which islands best align with your wishes. I chose Lombok for its fewer tourists, surfing spots, and tranquility. I used Perplexity.ai as my favorite research tool to help me.
2. Embrace Flexibility: Next time, I’ll only book my first two nights in one place and then leave my plans open. This allows for spontaneous travel around the islands and booking accommodations as you go. Many experienced travelers do this, and I learned it’s a fun and flexible way to explore. Accommodations are affordable and easily found on local websites. Ask other travelers for their recommendations – they are always happy to share!
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: Stop being afraid to ask people for advice and experiences. You’ll be amazed by how willing both tourists and locals are to share their insights. I learned so much from the people I met, and their tips greatly enhanced my experience.
4. Embrace the Unexpected: Leave room for spontaneity and embrace everything the country has to offer. You’ll be rewarded with unforgettable experiences.
5. Money Matters: Exchange currency at the airport upon arrival so that you have the local currency available.
6. Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices, and don’t accept the first offer you hear.
7. Get Ready for an Exotic Adventure: Prepare for one of the most delightful and enriching travel experiences of your life!
I’m incredibly grateful for all the amazing people I met on my trip. From Carol, Joel, Erling, and Nadine & and her friends, to Rod & Shayne, Adi (my favorite taxi driver) and his girlfriend Restu, Joko (my surf instructor), Suci (my favorite hotel staff member), Tanisa (my new surfing friend from Thailand) and so many more, thank you for making my trip so special!
Stay healthy and travel happy,
Cris
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