solo female travel kuching

Solo Female Travel in Kuching

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Safety: Very safe

Transport: Easy

Things to do: Interesting

Food: Above average

Budget: Affordable

Is kuching worth visiting, meet locals in kuching.

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Malaysia

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Cultural GatG, Foodie GatG, Wildlife GatG

If you're considering   solo travel in Asia , Malaysia is a wonderful country to explore. Malaysian cities are vibrant, cultural and historic and solo travel in Malaysia is easy with the tourism infrastructure. Below is my travel guide on how to travel solo in Malaysia including the best place to stay in Malaysia, best things to do in Malaysia, where to visit in Malaysia as a solo, which tour company to use, and how to get around Malaysia.

Find the best place to travel alone in Malaysia, how to get from the airports, an itinerary of Malaysia, and what to see in Malaysia. All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article to find the best of Malaysia for you. 

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

Places To Visit in Malaysia

Tours in malaysia, where to stay in malaysia, things to do in malaysia solo, how to travel in malaysia, malaysia itinerary, best time to go to malaysia, travel insurance for malaysia.

• Airports in Malaysia
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Solo travel Kuala Lumpur to see this stunning skyline

As a woman travelling solo in Malaysia you shouldn't have any problems travelling to Malaysia. That's why we've given the country 4 out of 5 stars. There is begging in the country so expect people to come onto buses or approach you outside the restaurants.

Is Malaysia safe for solo female travellers? Yes, but as with anywhere be careful at night and also with your belongings in the capital as bag snatching on motorbikes has been known. Being a country with three religions and races it is very cosmopolitan and although you may still be in the minority, the race difference isn’t so obvious so you can mingle in and not feel like an outsider.

Mainland Malaysia is on the backpacker route from Thailand to Singapore. If you want to avoid the travelling route, then the places to go in Malaysia is to head for the hills or the jungle to avoid the other travellers. But you may prefer the comfort of the Malaysia cities and villages rather than remote places like Borneo when travelling solo in Malaysia.

Do I recommend solo female travel Malaysia? Yes! The locals in Kuching even stop you in the street to say “Hello.”  Malaysia is a wonderful country to explore independently but if you don't have much time and you want to travel with others, you may feel more comfortable in a group tour to Malaysia instead.

Travel alone Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is a land of sweeping coastlines and coral-fringed islands where mountains meet dense rainforests and unspoiled wilderness. It may not have the exhilarating nightlife of Thailand or be as cheap but it is more laid-back and less crowded and is bursting with heritage, culture, islands, beaches and Highlands.

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Malaysia .

Photo @ Bernie Waite

Kuala Lumpur

Start your trip with Kuala Lumpur solo travel,  a top Malaysia holiday destination and one of the top places to visit in Malaysia. It is a beautiful city with a mix of architecture from the Victorian old train station to a mini Opera House. Spending time in the capital is a must, if not just for the sparkling Petronas Towers, one of the popular Kuala Lumpur tourist attractions and a Malaysia must see. At 452 metres high, they were once the tallest towers in the world.

Places to visit in Kuala Lumpur include China Town where the atmosphere is electric, especially at the night markets. The restaurants are some of the cheapest places to eat rice and noodles but you may want to escape the heat and head to one of the shopping centres. Pavilion is an award-winning shopping centre in Bukit Bintang, with plenty of indoor entertainment and its newest addition, the Crystal Fountain at its entrance.

KL also has the largest indoor theme park which you'll find inside the Berjaya Times Square Hotel, but if you prefer something a bit more refined, one of the non touristy things to do in Malaysia is to watch a show at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. 

TIP – If you are planning Kuala Lumpur solo travel for a few nights, consider purchasing the Kuala Lumpur City Pass. See the highlights of Kuala Lumpur with just one pass and receive exclusive discounts at restaurants and retail outlets. *  Buy the Kuala Lumpur City Pass here

Kuala Lumpur's skyline

Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur

If you're wondering where to go in Malaysia for the best view of Kuala Lumpur? The tower observation deck at the Kuala Lumpur Tower has a better view than the Petronas Towers. As well as the city you can also see the Klang Valley and the Genting Highlands. If you need an activity for the evening you may prefer to see the skyline from one of the city's rooftop bars instead: Marini's On 57, or Skybar in the Trader's Hotel are two of our favourites.

If you love temples, other things to see in Kuala Lumpur are Thean How Temple, southwest of the city. Known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven it has six tiers and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia. The Sez Ya Temple is the oldest Taoist temple in the city and is reachable by the LRT, the Malay rail which runs frequently throughout the city.

Arty and Museum GatGs may like the House Gallery Museum of Ethnic Arts which is located in Central Market. It's a private museum with ethnic artwork and artefacts from Borneo and beyond. The Central Market is designed in a 1930's Art Deco style and is a great place to buy any arty souvenirs with prices usually cheaper than Downtown. The National Museum isn't that big but it does give you a good insight into the country's history.

If you're looking for some nature in Kuala Lumpur, Perdana Botanical Garden is situated on a hill in the city and is a must see in Malaysia to escape the bustle of the city. There are lakefront trails, an orchid garden, fountains and the country's national flower in the hibiscus garden. You could easily spend a couple of hours exploring here. 

The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur (photo @ Ruth Vahle)

Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur

From Kuala Lumpur you can take various day trips to Malaysia to places such as the Batu Caves ,  an important place of worship for Hindus. The limestone cave temples and tallest statue of a Hindu god in Malaysia is only a short train ride away. 

If you’re a wildlife GatG, Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is the perfect place to see Asian elephants and learn how rangers rehabilitate and relocate wild elephants. This shelter raises mainly orphaned elephants and you can watch them being fed and bathed whilst learning more about their survival.

A short train ride from KL is the city of Putrajaya known for its 20th century architecture and mosque. The Putra Mosque is a stunning pink mosque as it's made from rose-coloured granite with a pink dome.

The pink Putra Mosque in Putrajaya

Visit the East and you’ll see that Malaysia is no stranger to eco-tourism. The country has been practicing the principles for over two decades and the rugged region of Sarawak in Borneo is one of the world’s most bio-diverse areas. Sarawak has more than 600 species of trees including the beautiful orchids known to Asia. Head to Mulu National Park for the largest limestone caves in the world.

Solo female travel Borneo for the world's third largest island, known for jungle experiences and rugged wilderness. This is the also the destination for wildlife and orangutan lovers. Sarawak has nearly 30 species of large mammals including the proboscis monkey which you can see at Bako National Park or Tunjung Puting National Park (on the Indonesian side of Borneo).

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is the largest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak. Here you can see orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat. For amphibians, the frog pond at Kubah National Park is famed as “the most beautiful sound in the world.”

For active GatGs,  Gunung Mulu National Park is ideal for hiking and caving. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the places to visit in East Malaysia, known for its limestone cliffs and dramatic peaks. Located in the jungle there are various day or multi-day hikes you can do here.

Walk along the Canopy Skywalk or step inside Deer Cave, a huge cave full of bats which dramatically fly from the cave at sunset. 

Orangutans in Sabah

Visit the capital Kuching for colourful cultural performances, stroll along the esplanade or haggle for crafts and souvenirs from the main bazaar. Sarawak Culture Village provides an insight into the Sarawak tribal life or if you prefer to stay overnight with the locals, try a cultural homestay with the local longhouse tribe – known for their welcoming hospitality.

Sabah is home to Mount Kinabalu , the highest point in Southeast Asia at 4000 metres above sea level. Sabah Malaysia is situated in north Borneo. I f you're feeling really adventurous you could climb Mount Kinabalu, or just watch the sunset over the Kota Kinabalu waterfront instead. 

Sunset in Borneo

Islands in Malaysia

The islands are the places to travel alone in Malaysia if you are after sun, sea and plenty of sand and turquoise waters. The coral reefs of the coast of  Kota Kinabalu  are a magnet for snorkelers. Turtle Island is a breeding ground where you can accompany rangers on their daily turtle routine and swim with the turtles.

The Perhentian islands are some of the best solo travel destinations in Malaysia. For female solo travel Malaysia, these idyllic tropical islands are known for their fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving where you can spot reef sharks, angelfish and other marine life. They are also a solo backpacker Malaysia destination for those combining Malaysia with a Thailand itinerary.

Reachable from Kota Bahru, there are two main islands named Kecil and Besar. Kecil is where you can meet others and enjoy beach parties at night, and Besar is more for people who are looking for a relaxing destination.

Swim with reef sharks off the  Perhentian  Islands , or just relax on the paradise island of Pankor Laut .  Redang is a secret island ideal for divers and snorkelers which is reachable by boat from  Kuala Terengganu .

Head North to the  Cameron Highlands , five hours North of KL for a cooler climate and tours around tea plantations, honey and strawberry farms and drop in on the giant insects at the Butterfly farm. Tanah Rata is the biggest town here where you can find hiking trails and the night market. If you suffer from travel sickness, beware as half of the journey is uphill with many windy turns.

A tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands

The Northern region is more developed than other places in the country.  Penang is an island linked to the mainland with a China Town, Little India, temples and a water village all within walking distance. Georgetown is the capital of Penang. It is one of the safest cities in Malaysia and safest place in Malaysia. This is the city to come to admire street art and soak up the hipster scene. Its other Malaysia attractions are its temples. There's even a snake temple outside of the city. 

Penang has some of the best street food in Malaysia but one of the best things to do in Penang is to dine with a 360 degree view. Book a table at the Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar to get the full experience. Chulia Street is one of the liveliest streets in Penang where you will find budget accommodation and Malay cuisine. If you are here on a Sunday, pay a visit to the Hin Bus Depot market, one of the things to see in Malaysia for handicrafts, and free things to do in Malaysia too.

For the beach, head to Batu Ferringhi, a beach resort where you can find water sports and plenty of seafood, as well as traditional batik clothing in the local shops. For nature, spend time in Penang National Park, where you may be lucky enough to spot a lemur or monkey. 

North Malaysia

If you prefer somewhere with a little more history for your solo trip Malaysia, try Perlis , the northern gateway to Malaysia with history dating back to 1800.  Kedah is the most ancient state in Malaysia with history that dates back even further to the 5th century AD.

A Langkawi solo trip is the ideal place to vacation alone in Malaysia if you just want to lay on an island beach. This tropical gem of coconut trees and powder-fine sand is the perfect setting to relax and chill. The busiest place here is Pantai Cenang where you'll find water sports, luxury hotels and plenty of international and Malay restaurants. You can easily reach Langkawi by boat from Perlis or Penang.

The beach in Langkawi (photo @ Ruth Vahle)

East Malaysia

On the east coast you’ll find an atmosphere that is so laidback it’s practically horizontal. It's an oasis of serenity where time virtually stands still.

Taman Negara National Park is the world's oldest tropical rainforest at 130 million years old. This national park is home to a 510 meters long suspension bridge and has plenty of Malaysia activities such as night walks, fishing and river trips. If you don't make it to Borneo on your solo trip in Malaysia, then this national park on the peninsula is one of the best places to go in Malaysia for a jungle experience with both budget and luxury accommodation.

If you prefer somewhere a little more lively, Cherating Beach is Asia’s first Club Med and is lined with hotels and resorts catering for every budget.  Terengganu  has a sweeping coastline and many homestay villages to sample rural life in Malaysia.  Kelantan  is more rustic and is known as the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture,’ for its quaint villages and houses on stilts.

Malacca at night (photo @ Ruth Vahle)

South Malaysia

The southern region is more for heritage and history lovers.  Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage City with 600 years of history. Take a river cruise, or visit the museum. One of the things to do in Malaysia at night is to watch the light and sound show. You may find it a bit touristy and overpriced so avoid it if you're looking for things to do in Malaysia on a budget and spend the night at Jonker Street night market, sampling the cuisine and watching the free entertainment instead.

Visit  Negeri Sembilan  for unique unswept roof designs synonymous with the Minangkabau culture, or Johor Bahru for historical architecture which is linked by expressway to Singapore. If you love tribes, one of the best places in Malaysia is   Orang Asli where you can visit the indigenous inhabitants who still with a traditional blow tube. Just seeing this old tradition is one of the unique things to do in Malaysia. 

These are just some of our favourite places for Malaysia solo travel, but there are other places to visit in the country too. To add to your solo trip to Malaysia you could visit: Lata Iskandar  for waterfalls,  Kuala Kangsar   for natural rubber trees,  Sam Poh Tong  for Buddhist and Chinese cave temples, or  Kuantan  the capital of Pahang with a bustling township with interesting sites.

From gentle walks and snorkelling to the hair-raising thrills of roller-coaster rides, Malaysia has no shortage of adventures. Solo travel Malaysia for whitewater rafting, fishing, sailing or birdwatching, or choose a four-wheel drive expedition to see why Malaysia is truly Asia.

G Adventures Malaysia

If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your Malaysia trip or for your entire trip to Malaysia  G Adventures  is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most small group tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

Gadventures Malaysia tours start from 5 days and include activities such as trekking Mount Kinabalu up to an epic 41 day trip from Bangkok to Kuta. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend   them as a solo female friendly company. * Check rates and availability for G Adventures Malaysia tours

Intrepid Travel Malaysia

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures. They organise trips in Malaysia such as a 9 day Borneo hike, bike and kayak, or a 21 day journey through the best of Borneo. Read our  Intrepid Travel Reviews

For all their tours to Malaysia, you generally share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room.

Stray Travel

More for the adventurous GatG, Stray is a hop on hop off bus tour offering bus passes around Asia. They also offer trips to Borneo where you can explore the world’s oldest rainforest, get up close and personal to orang-utans, and dive in some of the world’s top dive sites.

If you’re planning on travelling Southeast Asia in two or more months and want the flexibility to go with the flow and meet lots of other travellers, Stray is an ideal choice. If you visit during the peak season you may need to pre-book all sections of your trip before you go. Check the review here.

If you are looking for local Malaysia tours, the following tour companies have been recommended by solo females:

• Borneo Eco Tours – A responsible travel company with community based tourism and tours.
• Picnic With The Penan – An authentic jungle experience venturing into the Penan jungle and villages.

There are plenty of types of accommodation in Malaysia including home stays, cheap Malaysia hotels and luxury Malaysia accommodation. If you are backpacking Malaysia there are hostels throughout the country for the more budget-conscious solo. But as accommodation is such great value here you could treat yourself to a 5-star luxury resort in Langkawi, for example.

If you prefer to stay with locals when you travel to Malaysia, you'll find plenty of local places to stay with Airbnb.  All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. * Check rates and availability for all accommodation in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur – Traders Hotel -$$

The Traders Hotel is just fabulous. It offers views of the Petronas Towers (one of the best places to visit in Malaysia) and has plenty to keep you entertained during your stay. You can relax in the open-air Sky Bar, take a steam bath or chill out in the hot tub in the Spa area, or enjoy a variety of Western, Asian and grilled cuisine.

There is a gym with a city view for those wanting to keep their fitness levels up or you can enjoy a walk or morning run in the hotel surroundings. Choose from a deluxe room, a Traders Club room, a suite or deluxe garden view room. You can upgrade to a view of the Twin Towers. * Check rates and availability: Traders Hotel

Langkawi – Boxpackers Langkawi – $

This simple but friendly hostel is the perfect place for those who want to meet others in Langkawi. They have a communal lounge and darts room and the hostel seems to attract sociable travellers.

The beach is only a 5 minute walk and the town takes approximately 20 minutes or you can rent one of the hostel bikes. It is quirky but it’s great value for money. Choose from a bed in a 4 bed mixed dorm or a double or twin room with shared bathroom. *   Check rates and availability: Boxpackers Langkawi

Langkawi – Langkawi Chantique – $$

Friendly, quiet and clean, this hotel has a garden and a salt water pool to lounge around at during the day or you can take the free shuttle to the beach or mall. The rooms are clean and quiet and have their own little pation. Inside is a satellite TV to keep you occupied at night, a fridge and a kettle. There is also free drinking water.

The beach is easily walkable and only a 15 minute walk away. It’s a great property to be away from the hustle and bustle if you need some alone time. A good breakfast is included in your room rate. Choose from a superior queen road or a standard or deluxe room. *  C heck rates and availability: Langkawi Chantique

Penang – Dou Houz Guest House – $

This friendly Malaysia guest house in Penang is located in the centre of Georgetown. The staff are really helpful and there is a girls-only room for those of us who prefer to share a room with the same gender. There is a restaurant onsite so you don’t have to go far to enjoy some local cuisine. The beach is only a few minutes away too.

The 24 hour front desk is ideal if you are arriving at night. All rooms have their own private bathrooms and come with mini toiletries. Choose from a 4 bedroom female-only dorm, a 6 bed mixed dorm or a double room. * C heck rates and availability: Dou Houz Guest House

Penang, Noordin Mews – $$

If you love shopping, this boutique hotel is only 5 minutes from the shopping area of Penang. It’s near to the bus station if you are arriving to or from Penang by bus. Cafes are also nearby so you can enjoy local food on your doorstop or just have a drink at the hotel bar.

This historical building is a peaceful haven from the city of George Town.  It has a nice ambience and is the perfect place to unwind with an outdoor swimming pool to cool off from the heat. The rooms have nice decor and come with a TV and a fan or air con.

There is also luggage storage if you decide to take a trip outside of Penang. Choose from a double room or a suite. * Ch eck rates and availability: Noordin Mews

If you are wondering what to do in Malaysia alone, below are my top experiences that you shouldn't miss on your tour of Malaysia:

1. Petronas Towers – The Petronas Towers are the most popular tourist attraction in the city. See the skyline of Kuala Lumpur from the Petronas Towers which offer a breathtaking view of the capital city. *  BOOK Petronas Towers tour

2. Private tour to the Batu Caves – One of the other places to see in Malaysia is the Batu Caves. Leave Kuala Lumpur and head north to follow in the footsteps of Hindu pilgrims on a 3.5-hour tour to the Batu Caves. Don’t forget to say hello to the monkeys too. * BOOK  Batu Caves tour

3. Snorkeling day trip to Sapi & Manukan Island –  Spend a day snorkelling around two of the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Get picked up from your accommodation and taken back at the end of the day. There’s also the optional extra to parasail, jet ski or scuba dive. * BOOK Sapi & Manukan Island day trip

4. Langkawi: Geopark eco zipline adventure – For fun things to do in Malaysia, if you love adventure, the Geopark is one of the Malaysia tourist attractions for getting the heart pumping. This is such a unique way to see the oldest rainforest in the world. Zip line your way above the treetops past the waterfall on a Malay adrenalin rush. * BOOK Geopark zip line adventure

Public Transport Malaysia – Malaysian public transportation is good enough to get around the country. Buses are cheap and operate all over Malaysia but even though they do operate on a more relaxed ‘Asia time,’ they are comfortable enough for travelling around Malaysia. Be prepared that some bus journeys can take hours so you may prefer to take one of the night buses to save time. Book your ticket at one of the many local tour companies or download the redBus app . 

Getting around Kuala Lumpur – If you enjoy walking you can walk but it will take time as the city isn't small. It's easier to jump on the bus but if you're planning to travel during the peak hours, take the light rail instead as the roads get really busy and the traffic is slow. 

How to get around in Penang – If you plan to solo travel Penang by bus and are staying for a week in Penang,  you can buy a Rapid Penang Tourist Passport which gives you unlimited travel and costs approximately RM20.

Ferries operate between Langkawi and Penang but avoid using them in the rainy season if you can as the journey can be rough. Air Asia has cheap internal flights and are ideal if want to visit the Malaysia major cities but don’t have much time.  Click here for domestic airlines. You could also try the Malaysian railway system such as the express trains that operate from Kuala Lumpur to various destinations in Malaysia and even onto Thailand. Find out more here

If you choose to drive, the West coast is accessible by the north-south Expressway which links the coast roads and all signs are in English. To hire a car we recommend pre-booking car hire with Avis so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.

For some authentic transport around Malaysia, climb aboard the North Borneo Railway. Running between Kota kinabalu and Sabah, this old steam train is one of the best ways of getting around Borneo and experiencing the countryside and landscape on vintage transportation in Malaysia. 

If you are travelling Malaysia solo at night in a taxi be prepared to pay 50% on top of the meter price to the drivers. Yellow or blue taxis are more expensive but will save you having to barter for your fare during the day. You may prefer to download an app such as Uber or Grab than take a cab from the street.

There are so many areas of Malaysia that it could take a month to see every single destination in one Malaysia trip. If you only have two or three weeks for your Malaysia solo trip you can still see the highlights of the country. Here are suggestions for an itinerary for Malaysia from a week in Malaysia, to 3 weeks in Malaysia.

Malaysia Itinerary 7 Days:

• Kuala Lumpur (3 nights), Cameron Highlands (2 nights), Ipoh (2 nights)
• Kuala Lumpur (3 nights), Penang (4 nights)

Malaysia Itinerary 10 Days:

• Kuala Lumpur (4 nights), Cameron Highlands (3 nights), Ipoh (3 nights)
• Kuala Lumpur (3 nights), Penang (3 nights), Langkawi (4 nights)
• Kuala Lumpur (3 nights), Penang (3 nights), Cameron Highlands (2 nights), Melaka (2 nights). Travel onto Singapore from Melaka.

Malaysia Itinerary 2 Weeks:

• Kuala Lumpur (3 nights), Ipoh (2 night), Cameron Highlands (2 nights), Penang (3 nights), Langkawi (4 nights).

Malaysia Itinerary 3 Weeks:

• Borneo – Sabah or Sarawak (7 nights), Fly to Kuala Lumpur to begin the two itinerary as above.

The Malaysia climate can get really hot and humid so you may prefer to travel Malaysia in the driest season which is January and February. These are also some of the busiest months due to the Chinese New Year.  Visit Turtle Islands park between March to September for turtle hatchings.

Rainy season is between September to November which can make any ferry crossings not that enjoyable as the seas can be rougher. If you are travelling to the east coast of the peninsula avoid the monsoon season from November to February for the beaches.

The best time to go to Malaysia are March to June. There is less rain during this time and you avoid the crowds.

This chart shows the average temperature in Malaysia. Below are the maximum temperatures for Kuala Lumpur from January to December.

Malaysia is a great destination to visit but it is always recommended to take out travel insurance when you travel solo Malaysia, especially if you are planning to trek or dive.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Malaysia. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover.

* Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

8 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Malaysia ”

Fantastic guide – wish I had read this before my Borneo trip. I LOVED exploring all of the wildlife in Borneo, both on land and underwater. My 3 Borneo highlights were 1-SCUBA diving – best I’ve done in my lifetime! Did you dive?

2 – Orangutans – If interested, here’s my up close encounter with orangutans! http://www.visit50.com/orangutans-in-the-borneo-wild/

3 -Bako island for Probiscus monkeys. So interesting!

I only had a short trip to Kuala Lumpur because I spent more time in Penang and also visited Johor Bahru. The nearby Genting Highlands and Batu Caves were a sure treat for both cultural and entertainment aspect. I would love to be back. Thanks for this guide. I will look into the details again when I make my itinerary.

Thanks for commenting. Kuala Lumpur is definitely a city where you need to go back isn’t it x

Hey Lisa, Greetings from Sri Lanka. This is a great read as I’m planning to travel solo for the first time. Still having doubts but this is a sure encouragement. Thanks!

I’ve been told I’ll need to wear long trousers and T-shirt’s mainly when not at hotel is this true? Thankyou

Hi Alex, I kept my shoulders and knees covered when walking around but I don’t think that you need to, only when you are at temples. I would look at what the locals are wearing and wear something similar.

First of all thank you for all the information. I really enjoy reading it all and the tips are so useful. Only thing I would like to mention is that get your guide is indeed a handy page, but not for solo travellers. Because to book a tour there you need to be at least with 2 people.

Thanks 🙂 I usually pick out the tours for solo travellers from Get Your Guide as there are a few you can book on alone but you’re absolutely right as some of them require a minimum of 2 people, unfortunately. Have a look through them as there are some you can do alone. I’ve taken some alone too x

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The Solo Traveller’s Guide to Borneo

Borneo means tremendous opportunities for solo adventurers and fresh-air fiends, whether it’s the scaling of mountains, world-class scuba-diving or wildlife encounters. Travellers seeking indigenous culture can combine hiking the highlands with a stay in a longhouse. Kuching and Kota Kinabalu – the vibrant respective capitals of Malaysian Borneo’s Sarawak and Sabah provinces – are gateways to adventure.

What’s the vibe for solo travellers.

Very accommodating. Join a group tour to hike up Mt Kinabalu, do a diving trip or stay in a jungle lodge – it’s easy to find an itinerary in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu. There is plenty of inexpensive accommodation in the main cities and towns – but if you’re staying in a jungle lodge or diving lodge by yourself, expect to pay the cost of a double room.

A Borneo trip overview

You need at least a week. If short on days, stick to Sarawak or Sabah. On a week in Sarawak, mix a couple of days in vibrant Kuching with a day of orangutan-spotting at Semmenggoh Wildlife Centre, another day spotting proboscis monkeys from a boat in Bako National Park, an overnighter in a Dayak longhouse in Annah Rais and two days in Gunung Mulu National Park, visiting some of the world’s biggest caves and witnessing a “bat exodus” at sunset.

In Sabah? Set off from Kota Kinabalu, do an overnight ascent of Mt Kinabalu – Borneo’s highest peak – and spend a couple of days in a jungle lodge, spotting wildlife along the Kinabatangan River. Scuba more your thing? Spend a week diving off the island of Mabul – try to secure a permit to the world-class dive site of Sipadan. The best time to visit is between March and October, during Borneo’s dry season.

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Where to stay in Borneo as a solo traveller

Accommodation encompasses international-standard hotels, boutique lodgings and youth hostels in the biggest cities – and beach resorts, from basic to luxurious, near Kota Kinabalu as well as on the islands of the Semporna Archipelago. Traditionally, many indigenous people have resided in wooden longhouses on stilts, with a family per room – and travellers could just turn up to get floor space to sleep on. That’s less the case these days – but it’s still possible to arrange a stay through reputable tour companies and guides in Kuching. Other niche accommodation? Lodges on Sipadan Island cater to scuba divers, with package stays including an air-conditioned or fan-cooled room, all meals, two diving outings per day and a speedboat to/from Semporna. Jungle lodges along Sabah’s Kinabatangan River and in the Danum Valley Conservation Area offer all-in packages: rooms from spartan to fairly luxurious, guided jungle walks and/or wildlife-spotting boat trips.

What to see and do in Borneo

For us, the three highlights are Mt Kinabalu, the Kinabatangan River and Sandakan/Sepilok. An overnight ascent of Borneo’s highest peak (4,095m/13,435ft) ends with sunrise over Borneo. A day trip from Sabah’s second city, Sandakan, to the Sepilok animal sanctuaries reveals two of Borneo’s iconic species: the orangutan and the sun bear. Prefer to look for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles and orangutans from the comfort of a boat? Fix a couple of nights in a jungle lodge along the Kinabatangan River. You can do it as part of Culture Trip’s Borneo adventure .

Eating and drinking in Borneo

Dining out is exciting, at hawker centres attached to wet markets, at night markets ( pasar malam ), at no-frills cafes ( kopitiam ) specialising in one or two dishes and at regular restaurants. The kopitiam open at breakfast time; hawker centres and night markets fire up later in the day. Don’t miss out on Dayak (indigenous) cuisine, made using ferns, leaves, vines, fish and other rainforest bounty you won’t find elsewhere in Asia. Delicacies include hinava (a jungle version of mackerel ceviche). Tuak (rice wine) is typically enjoyed during Dayak celebrations. Malay cuisine is widespread: try rendang (spicy beef or chicken stew) and Sarawak laksa (spicy, tangy broth with noodles, chicken and bean sprouts); Chinese dishes include kampua mee (thin noodles served with roast pork). At hawker centres (in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in particular), you’ll find seafood dishes – grilled prawns, razor clams in a sweet and punchy sauce, and much more.

Getting around in Borneo

Renting a car is inexpensive, but petrol stations in remote areas are few and far between. Borneo’s only train line (from Tanjung Aru to Tenom via Beauford) is dirt-cheap and super-scenic and makes a fun day trip from Kota Kinabalu. A network of inexpensive flights with Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines covers main cities and towns, connecting Kota Kinabalu and Kuching with Sandakan, Tawau, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu. All-terrain cycling and mountain-bike treks are becoming popular around Kuching and in parts of Sabah. Private boats connect Semporna and Sandakan to various islands in their respective satellite archipelagos, and if you want to venture into the less-trodden interior, say, along Sarawak’s Rajang River, motorised wooden longboats and/or “flying coffins” (covered express boats) are your only option. The coastal towns of Sabah and Sarawak are well-connected by inexpensive, comfortable long-distance buses, and the roads connecting them are sealed and in good condition.

Stay safe, stay happy in Borneo

Fancy a dip? Avoid river mouths and muddy estuaries, since crocodiles are a danger. DEET-heavy insect repellent and mosquito nets are a must to prevent dengue fever, Zika virus and malaria – all mosquito-borne diseases. Annoyances include heavy traffic and parking issues in the larger cities (particularly Kota Kinabalu and Kuching), pickpockets in busy areas such as markets and bus stations, and leeches in the jungle (they are harmless but unsavoury-looking).

Cultural need-to-knows

Borneo is a kaleidoscope of faiths and nationalities, and people are friendly and welcoming. Yet, society is more conservative than in Western countries, with many parts of Sabah and Sarawak adhering to the Muslim faith. Dress modestly (covering knees and shoulders). Handshakes tend to be very light – barely a touch of palms – and many local women don’t shake hands with men. Don’t point at things with your feet or your index finger; use your thumb instead. Eating with the left (toilet) hand is a big no-no.

Fancy exploring Borneo with a small group of like-minded travellers? Join Culture Trip’s 10-day adventure Into the Jungle: Wildlife Adventures in Borneo – you’ll enjoy highlights including visiting a sun bear conservation centre, tasting Sabah tea at an organic tea farm and snorkelling among coral reefs off Kota Kinabalu.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Things to do in Kuching, Sarawak (Malasian Borneo)

Kuching is an often overlooked as an adventure or budget destination in Southeast Asia. Located in Sarawak, the Malaysian Borneo, Kuching is a safe, clean and tranquil city and a perfect hub for slurping Kolo Mee, and burning it off with wildlife adventures and night safaris where you might spot orangutans and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat.  A mixture of Malaysian-Chinese modernity and Borneon traditions, you’ll find a rich ethnic history to the area, interesting flavors of Sarawakian foods and a surprising wealth of interesting things to do in Kuching. Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling as a family, this Kuching travel guide will share the delightful possibilities that make Kuching a unique, eco and budget-friendly destination.

Table of Contents: Things to do in Kuching, Sarawak (Malasian Borneo)

• 0.1 Kuching Travel Guide
• 1.0.1 1. Bako National Park
• 1.0.2 2. Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
• 1.0.3 3. Kuching Waterfront
• 1.0.4 4. Shopping at Plaza Merdeka
• 1.0.5 5. Visit Kuching markets
• 1.0.6 6. Historical Kuching (aka Chinatown)
• 1.0.7 7. Chinese Temples
• 1.0.8 8. Kubah National Park
• 1.0.9 9. Take a Sarawakian cooking class
• 1.0.10 10. Fort Margherita
• 1.0.11 11. Jalan Padungan Street
• 1.0.12 12. Counting Cat Statues
• 1.0.13 12. Cat Museum
• 1.0.14 13. Kuching City Mosque
• 1.0.15 14. Sarawak History Museum
• 1.0.17 15. Islam Museum
• 1.0.19 16. Matang Wildlife Centre
• 1.0.20 17. Borneo Wetlands National Park
• 1.0.21 18. Night Safaris
• 2.0.1 Sarawak Laksa
• 2.0.2 Kuching ABC
• 2.0.3 Kolo Mee
• 3 Vegetarian Restaurants in Kuching
• 4 Getting Around Kuching
• 5 Where to Stay in Kuching
• 6.1 Travel Essentials to Shop for Kuching, Sarawak

Kuching Travel Guide

Best things to do in Kuching What to Eat in Kuching Getting Around in Kuching Where to Stay in Kuching Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Best things to do in Kuching  Sarawak

At first I didn’t know what one could do in a small and quiet town as Kuching. But after five days, I quickly extended my stay longer. There’s many things to do in Kuching, from exploring Malay Chinese city life to Borneo traditions and of course, experiencing wildlife. Attractions in Kuching can be reached on taxi, foot or local bus. The natural settings imbued with wildlife costs surprisingly and substantially less than an admission ticket to Disneyland.

Note: A handful of attractions listed here are real wildlife reserves and rehabilitation centers. While it is exciting to see wildlife in their natural habitat, be careful with photography. I always advise using a long or zoom lens (see my camera gear here ) to get the close shots as getting close or interacting is not advised. For travelres who feel like they might want to get too close, I advise to have your rabies shots and travel insurance. Even an accidental scratch can be life threatenin

1. Bako National Park

If you love wildlife and seeing them roaming free in nature, then 37km from Kuching is Bako National Park  , a wildlife sanctuary that’s a bit like The Jungle Book adventure .  Take a 30 minute boat ride to the island, and you will see free-roaming wildlife from macaques to the bearded pig, endangered proboscus monkeys and more. The island has 16 clearly marked trails, ranging from easy to challenging.   Most trails take you along wonderful and diverse vegetation or unique and jaw-dropping landscape, beaches or streams.  While some travelers try to experience this in a day trip, an overnight stay at one of the lodges is a inexpensive and worthwhile adventure. Wildlife roams at night too, and the park offers a wonderful night safari, perfect for children of all ages. Bring a flashlight! Read my review and watch my video for more reasons to visit!

Admission:  National Park entrance fee of RM10 . The park has dorms and cabins. All accom in Bako is managed by the national parks office. Accommodation ranges from very basic (15 RM per night dorm room bed) to a 2 person private chalet (RM157.50).  Book reservations ahead.

2. Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Want to observe orangutans in the wild ?  Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a 750 hectare sanctuary committed to the rehabilitation of rescued and orphaned orangutans.  Many orangutans have been rescued from captivity and/or human abuse.   This is a legitimate governmental rehabilitation center. They house 26 semi-wild orangutans and the ongoing goal is to re-orient the orangs with their home in the wild with the goal to release them back into the jungle.

Feeding times are at 9am and 3pm (about one hour).   Seeing orangutans is not guaranteed. Check in advance if it is fruiting season.   If they don’t make an appearance, this is actually a good thing as it means the center has done its job in reintroducing them back to their   jungle life.

Travel Tip: If an orangutan cross your path (as the centre offers warnings of the possibility), stop, remain still and wait until they complete their path. Do not try to get close to them to get photos. They are all still in rehabilitation and some of them have suffered the abuse of man and might feel aggressive.

Admission: 20 Ringgit. A 30 minute bus ride from Kuching (2 ringgit, Bus No 6, 6A, 6B, or 6C) or you can take a taxi.

3. Kuching Waterfront

For a pleasant or scenic stroll day or night, Kuching Waterfront running aside Jalan Main Bazaar and the Sarawak River and  is sprinkled with occasional snack vendors, musicians and locals. Sign up for a guided boat tour to see the city’s lifestyles from the river. At night, the waterfront is lively with live music performers and street snack vendors; it’s a chill place to hang out.

4. Shopping at Plaza Merdeka

If you’re wondering  where to shop in Kuching , you need look no further. There are a few good malls in central Kuching, but Plaza Merdeka seems to be the largest and most chic.   Although the other malls – tucked into hotels off Jalan Padugan- are decent, Plaza Merdeka is your best bet for mainstream items.   It houses a Pizza Hut, Burger King, a food court on the top floor and and a Lawsons and  Everrise supermarket   in the basement. Everrise is a locally-owned chain of grocery/department stores in Sarawak, which will sell anything from household supplies, toiletries, food and more. Getting There: 88 Jalan Pearl .

5. Visit Kuching markets

Primarily a local outdoor market, the Sunday Market sells produce from local farmers.   On Sundays, it’s staged in a large open-air lot around back from the Medan Niaga Satok Market   and Kubah Ria Wet market , which houses both, a produce market, food court and wet market.   The market is a little rougher and hotter than the Medan Niaga Satok Market, which is open daily and is a must visit if you’re into fresh markets and local fruits of Sarawak. 

Try the Sarawak Laksa at the food court. Saturday to Sunday. Getting there: Take Bus K5, 7,15.   On the way back you can wait for the bus or take one of the minivans that stop at the bus stop.   Minivans cost around 1MYR

6. Historical Kuching (aka Chinatown)

Historical Kuching is the neighborhood surrounding the Chinatown district, where you’ll see old business building with old Chinese signs that remind you of days past. You’ll find restaurants, a few bars and temples.  The main street is Carpenter Street parallel to the Kuching Waterfront.

7. Chinese Temples

There are many Chinese temples in Kuching, but Tua Pek Kong Temple is the most beautiful temple on the corner near the junction of Wayang Street and the Kuching Waterfront. You can’t miss it. One-ish blocks away and much smaller, is Hong San Si (   5, Wayang St ) , a Hokkien temple  both, architecturally striking and spiritually intriguing.   Go inside and look around by its dried fountains. I’m not sure why they have turtles in them, but they do.

8. Kubah National Park

If hiking and escaping into nature, crystal clear streams, waterfalls and bathing pools is your thing, then you want to visit Kubah National Park.  There are six jungle trails, and a hiking path to   Gunung Serapi  (5-6 hours round trip hike).  See more trails here .

Getting There: Bus departs from Saujana bus stop (located nearby Merdeka Shopping Mall, Kuching).Take bus K21 to  Polytechnik . Tell the bus driver you are going to Kubah National Park.   One-way taxi fare is 60RM.

9. Take a Sarawakian cooking class

What is Sarawakian cooking? For foodies who want to understand Borneo through their stomach, a cooking class will be a hit. At Bumbu Cooking Class , Chef Joseph shows you the ideas and flavors behind authentic Sarawakian and jungle cooking.   A descendant of the Bidayuh tribe, you’ll go shopping for ingredients at the popular Ria Kuba Market ,  shoot back into the kitchen to cook up the flavors and then dine on it to your heart’s content. There are vegetarian substitutes for meat dishes.  The Sarawakian foods I learned to make from Chef Joseph were incredible, it’s  a must for foodies.

10. Fort Margherita

“ Built by Rajah of Sarawak in 1879 If you’re wondering what’s up with that yellow building (it looks like a circus tent) along the Sarawak river , the landmark is Fort Margherita. An important aspect of Kuching’s history,  Fort Margherita was built to safe guard the city from pirates who invaded via river. Today you can either visit it or enjoy it as a riverside landmark of the city.

11. Jalan Padungan Street

Jalan Padungan Street is a long and bustling street of restaurants, cafes, hardware stores, a grocery store, bars and bakeries. There are many hotels in the area and it’s part of the tourist mecca for those staying in Kuching.  The entrances of the street are marked with Kuching cat monuments and punctuated in the middle by a square tower.

12. Counting Cat Statues

Kuching means “ cat” a nd that is because this furry feline is the town mascot. Here, cats roam the streets… not literally, but there are many lovely monuments dedicated to them .   A little cute and kitschy. Most of these are on Jalan Padungan Street (at entrances and one in the middle of the street) and Jalan Main Bazaar, towards the Textile Museum.

12. Cat Museum

A cat city wouldn’t be complete without a Cat Museum.  This quirky Kuching museum is the first museum in the world dedicated to felines, with exhibitions, photos and cat art. Located in Petra Jaya in Kuching’s North City Hall, the museum is free to the public. Hours: 9 AM to 5PM.   Getting There:  Take CityLink Bus no. K15 from Saujana Food Court Bus stand or take a taxi. See map .

13. Kuching City Mosque

One of the most exquisite spiritual buildings sitting alongside Kuching waterfront, is the Kuching Mosque. It’s architecture inspires the idea of Arabian Nights.  With Malay culture being a mixture of both, Chinese and Muslim, it’s not too out of place either. Getting there: Just follow the waterfront to 332, Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol, Kampung No3

14. Sarawak History Museum

Opened in 1891, the Sarawak History Museum is a network of several free public museums from a history (aka ethnological museum), art museum (currently just a shop selling souvenir crafts), Islam Museum, Chinese Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, an aquarium (it’s depressingly, ill-kept fishtanks in one large open-air room). The museums are spread out through central Kuching but within fair walking distance from each other. Some are hits and some are misses.

The Natural History Museum has a quirky and odd collection of Borneo taxidermy, birds, scary sea life. A lot of the models look more like artistic replicas but one can never tell.

There is a longhouse  exhibition shedding historical facts that its original villagers use to be headhunters. This article sheds some of their quirks.

Check out their website . Location: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya (past the Merdeka Shopping Mall and the large park lawn).

15. Islam Museum

Islam is the second largest religion in Sarawak and 32.02% of Sarawak population are Muslim by religion, so the Islam Museum may be of interesting to you  There are seven galleries centered around a courtyard. Each gallery has a different theme.

Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am – 4.45 pm; Sat/Sun 10 am – 4 pm. Getting There: The museum is about 15-minute walk from the Kuching Waterfront. It can be a little confusing getting there as there’s not much to see around it. You may need to ask questions.

16. Matang Wildlife Centre

Unlike Semanggoh Wildlife Centre, animal lovers will have mixed feelings about non-profit, Matang Wildlife Centre , which is said to house orangutan rehabilitation efforts, as well.  Despite their efforts to cull finances through introducing volun-tourism projects, tours, a Monkeebar bar, a lounge, a beer garden, a resort and an adoption campaign for additional funding, it still hasn’t changed the fact its facilities appear a sad, neglected and depressing zoo ! The orangutan enclosure looks spacious (but there’s little shade and no trees to climb in). Cages for other animals from birds, leopards, crocodiles, etc.. look small and lack the integration of natural surroundings. Countless Tripadvisor reviewers feel the animals are distressed and a little stir crazy; I agree. Something doesn’t feel right with that centre and it was hard to stomach a visit without a few tears.

Getting there: Although part of Kubah National Park, there are no buses to Matang.   The closest bus is to Kubah and it’s roughly a 3 hour hike to Matang.   An alternate option is to take a taxi , 120RM round trip.

17. Borneo Wetlands National Park

Kuching Wetlands National Park was a 30 minute drive outside of Kuching city center. At 6,610 hectares of wetlands it was a habitat for locals and wildlife native to Sarawak.  It’s an ecosystem of mangroves and waterways, with a wide variety of wildlife. Taking a trekking tour of the park is a fun adventure to add on your bucket list as you learn how villagers can survive.

My highlight was taking a trekking tour with a night riverboat safari, where we used flashlights to hunt river wildlife such as Kingfisher birds, Irawaddy dolphins, fireflies and crocodiles.

I took my tour through eOasia and Joseph at Bumbu Cooking Class .

18. Night Safaris

At night there’s a new set of nocturnal creatures which awaken from their sleep and you can spot them with flashlights and headlamps on a night safari tour. Spiders, special birds, flying lemurs, croaking frogs, crocodiles… some may not be as big as animals in the daytime but they can be pretty scary enough. But not to worry~  night safaris are fun and often, family friendly.   In Kuching, I experienced to night safaris~ at Bako National Park and on a Borneo trekking tour at Kuching Wetlands National Park .

What to Eat in Kuching

While there are many things to do in Kuching, as a vegetarian, I initially did not think Kuching would be an easy city to dine in. I was wrong. Kuching has a handful of vegetarian restaurants! For travelers who are skeptical of trying new food, Kuching has McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut and KFC ( they were advertising a wasabi chicken wrap when I was there!).

There are also neat seafood joints where a stand houses an assortment of things from seafood to veggies and you can pick what you want and they fry or grill it up for you.  I call them Pick n Choose stands but I’m sure there’s a local term for it. They add up how much you owe by the piece.  It also has some must try foods symbolic of its culture. Read 10 Top Sarawakian foods in Kuching .

Sarawak Laksa

Spicy with thin vermicelli noodles, the broth is like a watery curry. You’ll lick your lips twice.

Kuching ABC

Right off the Main Bazaar and Kuching Waterfront is Ah Yong ABC, a popular street hawker that’s known for his   ABC.   He sells a few varieties of ABC at his stand. ABC is a Malay abbreviation for mixed ice. His ABC costs around the 2 RM. The ABC I had was a bowl of shaved ice, milk, syrup, corn, sweet beans and cendol. It’s a favorite local dessert that refreshes and helps combat the humid heat.

Kolo Mee is a must try comfort food of Kuching.  It’s said to be the signature dish of Kuching and locals are wild about it. It’s boiled noodles with a  bit of a spring, tossed in light oil, soy sauce, garlic and MSG.  It’s yellowish colored noodle has a flavor that will keep you wanting more than one bowl. – 4 myr bowl

Vegetarian Restaurants in Kuching

Zhun San Yen Vegetarian Food ,  Jalan Chan Chin Ann  |  Bukit Mata Kuching. Buffet style, priced by weight, I loved this place.  Map here .

Zhen Xiang Zhai Vegetarian Cafe , Jalan Padungan Lot 139, Kuching. Map here .

My Little Kitchen , 38 Jalan Padungan, Kuching

Getting Around Kuching

Much of Kuching’s spotlight features can be reached on foot or by bus.

Saujana bus stop is near Kuching Waterfront and India Street, three bus companies have created a convenient station for travelers to get around the city, to short distance locations like Bako National Park or Semenggoh. Some buses are marked with the highlight destination so that you can recognize them. Some will make stops on Jalan Padugan street.

Getting from the airport into Kuching

The easiest and most convenient way is to get a 20 minute taxi ride to Kuching Waterfront. The airport has a Taxi coupon counter in the main hall (right side of doors) . A coupon costs 26RM.

Uber or Grab

Download an Uber or Grab app and use the airport free WiFi to call a care. A ride to or from the airport costs between RM9-RM23

Sarawak Transport Company (STC) operates a number of buses which run from the new Kuching Sentral bus station ( 1 km from Kuching Airport). To get there, turn left as you exit the Kuching airport and walk to the main T intersection, turn left again and walk until you reach the bus station. Bus numbers 3A, 6, 8G and 9 gp into town.

Kuching Sentral

Kuching Sentral is the main bus station for long distance buses from Kuching to places like Miri, Sibu, Bintalu.  Take Bus #3 from Kuching Central to the Kuching Sentral Station. Rm 2.  See timetable charts here .

Where to Stay in Kuching

Most travelers opt to stay at a hotel by Kuching waterfront, where you can walk to Chinatown, stroll along the waterfront and catch the bus to onward adventures and destinations.

The Radioman Heritage Hostel ,   No. 1, Wayang Street, Kuching, Malaysia   $5/dorm.

In the heart of Kuching, across from the Kuching waterfront and Kuching’s historical quarter (aka Chinatown/Carpenter Street), Radioman Heritage Hostel offers cozy and affordable accommodation, clean beds with your own reading lights and wall outlets. Location is convenient to the waterfront, Chinatown, bus station and mall. Staff is friendly and kind and it has its own tour shop. Biking tours can also be booked through their tour shop: Paradesa Borneo (or One Wayang Tours) . Operating hours:  7:30 am – 7:00 pm. For check-In after 7p, you must notify them as you need the door Access Code to get in.

Singgahsana Lodge  Hostel,  No. 1 Temple Street, A boutique hostel with an air above the rest. Offers mixed and single sex dorms and private rooms.

Batik Boutique Hotel is a boutique hotel, which caters to the needs of today’s business and leisure traveller. It’s been collecting TripAdvisor travel awards to its name.

Gran Margherita , A four star hotel with a statue of Kuching cats outside.Rooms are modern, spacious and there’s a pool

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Malaysia always feels like a clean, safe and well-maintained country and Kuching comes across as that also. As a traveler who appreciates a little grit, in Kuching, there are times the roads, buildings and culture, almost feels so maintained and well-heeled, it’s borderline bland (I mean that almost in a Malaysian Stepford Wives kinda way).  You can’t imagine many bad things happening here.  However, as a solo traveler, one should practice street smarts anywhere you go, as travel and danger are always unpredictable.

Travel Essentials to Shop for Kuching, Sarawak

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10 tips for women travelling to kuching, sarawak, malaysia.

Zafigo’s Quick Guide to Kuching for Women Travelling Alone or with Family and Friends

As the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak has plenty to offer to its visitors . From the expansive stretches of thick jungle to the various towns that are made up of a heady mix of different cultures, there’s something to be explored and discovered no matter which part of the state you head to. But Sarawak’s capital, Kuching, is a special blend of colonial charm, stunning architecture, an attractive waterfront, and of course, its charismatic culture. Suffice to say, there are numerous reasons to visit the city too.  

Whether you subscribe to the theory that the capital city of Sarawak was named after the feline animal (‘ kucing’ being the Malay word for ‘cat’) or was derived from the Indian trading port of Cochin on the Malabar Coast, the diverse and fascinating region attracts a fair share of visitors — feline lovers and otherwise. With nature reserves, galleries, and luscious flora and fauna, here’s the cheat sheet for your travel plans.

1. Getting there and around

As the gateway to most of Sarawak, Kuching is well-connected domestically and internationally. Just an hour and a half flight from Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Kota Kinabalu , Kuching International Airport is also accessible via direct international flights from Indonesia, Brunei, and Macau. Regular buses also arrive and depart via Kuching Sentral, the bus station located about 2 kilometres from the airport.

Once there, Kuching’s city centre is pretty compact and it’s possible to walk everywhere, although you’ll probably want to take a bus if you’re heading to the national parks. If you plan to have a packed schedule of activities in the city, it’s best if you rented a scooter. Locals recommend Tek Hua Motor on Jalan Tabuan where a scooter costs around RM40 a day to rent.

Busses with regular routes are also available to help you get around, and you can grab the bus timetable over at the central bus station. The tourism office also has one that lists routes to the popular tourist destinations, however, don’t be expecting strict adherence to the timetable as we do run on the famed ‘Malaysian timing’ even in the east.  

Zafigo Tip: Should you get a little lost in your wandering, look out for shuttle vans with a yellow roof. These are shared taxi vans with their destinations written on the side of the vehicle.  

2. Where to stay

With a healthy mix of backpackers, mid-range travellers, and those looking to live it up large, Sarawak’s City of Cats offers plenty of accommodation choices. Here’s a list of hotels and lodges to suit every need and budget:

The Marian Boutique Lodging House

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Half a kilometre from the Sarawak River and its surrounding attractions, this 40-room guest house is pure tranquillity at the heart of Kuching. With vaulted ceilings, dark beams, and whitewashed walls, the Marian exudes colonial-style charm. Numerous family rooms mean large parties are well catered for, and the garden pool is a crowd favourite.

Address: 25, Wayang St, 93000 Kuching Contact: +6082-252 777

The Ranee Boutique Suites

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From the outside, it’s little more than a shophouse. But on the inside, it’s a stylish boutique hotel with some of the most comfortable accommodation in the city. Just within a stone’s throw from the Waterfront, Ranee Boutique Suites is right where you need to be.

Address: 7, Jalan Main Bazaar, Main Bazaar, 93000 Kuching Contact: +6082-258 833

The Culvert Hotel Resort

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Made from refurbished concrete culverts (hence the name of the hotel), the snug rooms here are surprisingly comfortable. Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages and body treatments. You’re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include two outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, and a fitness centre. If you’re not big on amenities, you’ll also be by the sea, and the hotel offers access to a private beach and sunset deck where you can watch the sky turn shades of violet and red over the South China Sea.

Address: Lot 285, Off Jalan Sultan Tengah Block 2 Salak Land District Santubong Damai, 93050 Kuching Contact: +6019-889 9925

The Waterfront Hotel

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Occupying Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre’s top floor, the Waterfront Hotel offers both a central location and incredible views of the city. Its relaxing infinity pool that overlooks the architectural masterpiece that’s the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building is just one of the many ways to unwind after a day full of sightseeing.

Address: 68, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak Contact: +6082-227 227

3. Bask in the culture

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“See Sarawak in Half a Day” is the claim made by Sarawak Cultural Village. And see it you will, with the award-winning living museum. One of Malaysia’s best-known and most iconic attractions, Sarawak Cultural Village offers an excellent introduction to local cultures and lifestyles with its nine authentic replica buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak (Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu longhouses; a Penan jungle settlement; a Melanau tall-house; a Malay townhouse; a Chinese farmhouse; and pagoda).

With each building staffed with members of their respective ethnic groups in traditional costume and carrying out traditional activities, you can immerse yourself fully with the in-house ‘storyteller’ who’s an expert in their respective houses.

After the tour, enjoy a multi-cultural dance performance in the village’s own theatre, where visitors can even take dance, music, and craft lessons. Other attractions and amenities include an in-house ethnic restaurant, handicrafts shop, Sculpture Garden, Rainforest Music House with traditional instruments and interactive music workshops, and the Hall of Legends.

4. Admire the architecture

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Enjoying the blend of Kuching’s colonial, traditional Chinese-style and contemporary styles is one of the best things to do in the city. You wouldn’t know it, but the city actually boasts an impressive series of colonial buildings dating back to the White Rajahs of Sarawak who ruled from 1841 to 1946. Charles Brookes, the second White Rajah, contributed to the layout and colonial heart that remains today.  

Sitting on the northern banks of the Sarawak River, Kuching’s Astana (or palace) has a rich history. Acting as the residence for the White Rajahs and now the Governor of Sarawak, the building is among the capital’s most majestic.  

Another stop to put on your list? Kuching’s State Legislative Assembly Building . Sitting on the northern side of the Sarawak River near Astana, featuring a nine-pointed star as the roof and a combination of various cultural elements, it’s hailed as one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in Borneo. Within the same vicinity, you can also check out Fort Margherita , the Old Court House , and the General Post Office.  

Spiritually, there are also a few architectural wonders to behold. Like the Kuching City Mosque or ‘Masjid Lama’ as it’s affectionately called. The present structure was built in 1968 to replace an original wooden one built in 1852. Combining elements of Western, Italian, and contemporary Islamic styles with shiny golden domes, the Kuching City Mosque makes for a not-to-be-missed photograph to commemorate your time in the city.  

Zafigo Tip: Non-Muslims are welcome to enter outside of prayer times, but if you’d rather not, you can just enjoy the glorious view of the mosque from the river at sunset.

For the history buffs, the Tua Pek Kong Temple is well worth a visit. Dating back to 1843, this building in the heart of the city holds the title as Kuching’s oldest Chinese temple. Sitting on a foothill and commanding the view over the river, the ornate temple is hard to miss. One of the few buildings that survived the 1884 Great Fire of Kuching, Tua Pek Kong Temple is said to have the best feng shui location in the city. So show up and soak in the good vibes!

5. Feast on these essential eats

If you’re a believer that the true way to experience any culture is through its food , then Kuching will be a full treat and a half. Visit the Choon Hui Cafe where the late Anthony Bourdain fell in love with Sarawak laksa and made his iconic “Breakfast of Gods” quip. If you’re looking for Kuching’s go-to spot, you’ll be glad to know that the establishment hasn’t changed hands since Bourdain’s trip and neither has the recipe. So head over to Jalan Ban Hock early and see for yourself if this hearty local delicacy feels as otherworldly as it’s been described. Spoiler alert: it totally is!

Another noodle dish? Why yes, ma’am! There are a number of dishes that Kuching is famous for, but kolo mee has to take on one of the top spots. Your trip to Kuching isn’t complete without at least trying a plate of kolo mee . Similar to dry-tossed wonton noodles that Peninsular folks are used to, Kuching’s interpretation is served with red-rimmed char siew (barbecued pork) and minced beef in clear sauce. Noodle Descendants in Jalan Pandungan does the dish perfect justice and with a name that implies generations worth of business, so they warrant a mention here. Zafigo Tip: Looking for a halal version? Head over to Pak Amit Cafe along Jalan Rubber!

Should you prefer a greener diet, you’ll find that Kuching serves up a delicacy called lui cha over at the small restaurant that is Hainan Village in the Sin Sin Park neighbourhood. Notoriously known to be healthy food, lui cha is a mixture of stir-fried greens, preserved radish, bean curd, and nuts served on top of rice. On the side, you’ll be served with an aromatic green broth made from herbs, tea leaves, toasted seeds, and nuts. Mix it all together and it’s a bowl of goodness that’ll sway even the heartiest meat eater.

Sneak in more local delights over at Lepau , which roughly translates as ‘rice barn’ in the Kenyah/Kayan language. The restaurant’s signature dish – ayam pansuh – is a must-try, consisting of chicken cooked with tapioca leaves, stuffed in a bamboo shoot, and cooked in a pot of soup. Another must-try in this restaurant at the heart of Kuching is the umai – a traditional dish from the Melanau community where sliced raw fish is mixed with onions, chillies, vinegar, salt, and lime juice.  

As for other noteworthy eats, consider indulging in some Dayak cuisine. Hunt for dishes such as tempoyak (fermented durian, an intensely pungent fruit) with anchovies, and the manok gulai upa kelapa ( braised chicken and coconut palm in a rich creamy broth). And to wash it all down, have a tipple of tuak , the local rice wine.  

6. Dive into the surprisingly rich coffee scene

So you’ve loaded up on the kolo mees and the Sarawak laksas for breakfast. You’ve walked around the city centre, and you’re looking to switch things up before dinner time. Perhaps a cafe scene in the middle of town so you don’t have to stray too far? The City of Cats has got you covered with more than a few options.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Coffee Clinic (@thecoffeeclinicbyseventhyard)

The Coffee Clinic , as the name suggests, serves some of the best coffee in Kuching. A team of skilled baristas work their magic to create a variety of flavours for even the most discerning coffee drinker. Add in the wooden décor and it almost feels like you’re sat inside a European cottage. Expect a selection of cakes and strong Wi-Fi with regular live music.

Address: Jalan Song, Tun Jugah Kuching Contact: +6082 451514

Craving an iced cappuccino on a hot (and often humid) Sarawakian afternoon? Head to Black Bean Coffee on Carpenter Street. Apart from serving a selection of freshly-roasted beans from Java, Sumatra, and Sarawak, Black Bean also provides a cosy environment for a drink. Throw in a plate of homemade cookies, which they serve by the way, and it’s the perfect tea-time stop.  

Address: No.87 Jalan Ewe Hai, 93000 Kuching Contact: +6082 751276

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Indulge in your sweet tooth over at COMMONS . Located in the Kuching Old Court House, COMMONS is housed in a well-maintained historical building serving a wide variety of cakes all neatly displayed in glass domes on a long counter. Some crowd favourites include the Lemon Meringue Pie, Tiramisu, and Basque Burnt Cheesecake.

Address: The Old Court House, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching, 93000 Kuching Contact:   +6082 417601

James Brooke Bistro & Cafe attempts to recreate an air of Sarawak’s colonial era. With a casual garden atmosphere and views of the river, it makes a nice spot to unwind at after all that sightseeing. With coffee, tea, and cold beer on the menu, we can say that it’s an every (wo)man kind of spot.

Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching Contact: +6082 412210

7. Get closer to the flora

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Known for having the largest amount of rainforest than any state in Malaysia, you’ll want to squeeze some green into your visit to Kuching. For enthusiastic hikers, Mount Santubong is one of the highest mountains in the area, at 810m above sea level. The mountain itself lies within a national park, but can be easily reached from Kuching in about 30 minutes. The hike will take around four hours, leading you through a thick jungle up to one of the best panoramic views of Sarawak anywhere in the region. For the less experienced hiker, there’s a slightly easier two-hour hike that’ll take you to a nearby waterfall.

Now, for the uninitiated, Sarawak actually holds the bragging right for having the world’s largest flower – the Rafflesia. It grows up to one metre in diameter and gives off an unpleasant smell to attract flies and insects when it blooms. Yes, the world’s largest flower is carnivorous. And if you’d like to see it in action, be sure to book a hiking trip up Gunung Gading to catch a glimpse!  

Zafigo Tip: The Rafflesia has a short bloom period, and we’re talking days here. So you might want to call Gunung Gading’s park HQ or the National Parks and Wildlife Booking Office in Kuching to see if you’re in luck.

Not much of an outdoorsy kind of gal? Well, the 15-acre Orchid Gardens in the city houses more than 75,000 plants, flowers, and a whopping 82 species of orchid. The park itself splits into a nursery and display area. Sitting on the northern bank of the river near The Astana and Fort Margherita, guests can also take the penambang (wooden boat) across the Sarawak River from the waterfront.

Approximately six kilometres south of the waterfront, there’s the Friendship Garden in Tabuan Heights for those looking for another green lung within the city. The garden, which symbolises the friendship between Malaysia and China, features manicured lawns, ponds filled with koi fish, two wishing wells, as well as ancient Chinese-inspired structures for a two-for-one garden and history attraction.  

8. And don’t forget the fauna

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As the capital city of Sarawak’s name translates to ‘cat’ in English, there’s naturally a Cat Museum for the feline lovers to scratch that itch. The world’s first cat museum actually covers four galleries inside the City Hall buildings. With over 4,000 items covering everything related to felines, this is a must-visit attraction in Kuching, even if you’re not particularly into these furbabies. Expect to find figurines, photographs, posters, and a rare Egyptian mummified cat.

If you’d like to get really up close and personal with the animals, you’ll want to take a trip to Sarawak’s oldest and one of the state’s smallest national parks, Bako National Park. Situated approximately an hour to the northeast of Kuching, you’ll have to take a boat to the entrance where visitors can hike along colour-coded trails to visit beaches and go wildlife-spotting in the many habitats. Among its resident population are monkeys, slow lorises, and pangolins, along with 190 species of birds, lizards, and mammals.  

And if you’d like to venture even further, approximately 21 kilometres (13 miles) south of Kuching sits the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre . This orangutan rehabilitation centre has been taking care of baby and orphaned orangutans since opening its doors in 1975. Orange-haired primates roam inside the protected area and you get to see these primates in action during either the morning feeding time between 9am and 10am or in the afternoon at 3pm.

9. Bask in the beach life

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As the majority length of Sarawak is by the ocean, you wouldn’t be wrong to assume there are sandy attractions for you to soak up some sun. Two local favourites are Pasir Pandak and Pasir Panjang which are beach-side kampungs (villages) surrounded by small rolling hills, coconut groves, and durian orchards.  

Zafigo Tip: Pack a picnic to experience the slower pace of village life and let the sound of the waves crashing against the shore melt your worries away. (Remember to also pack a trash bag to clean up after yourself).

Venture out a little further, a n hour from Kuching city centre to be exact, and there lies Damai Beach – a stretch of sand that has some of the most impressive views in Borneo. The idyllic beach that overlooks the South China Sea against the backdrop of dense jungle and Mount Santubong is one with unparalleled views. And if you’re looking to splurge, Damai Beach Resort maintains the space in excellent condition, providing a romantic spot for a sunset soak or two.

If you have the time, locals recommend you take a day trip just outside of Kuching to the Talang Satang National Park. The park encompasses the coastline and waters surrounding four islands: Pulau Talang-Talang Besar, Pulau Talang-Talang Kecil, Pulau Satang Besar, and Pulau Satang Kecil, also known as the Turtle Islands. Here, you’ll be given the opportunity to see a turtle conservation centre and hatchery where baby turtles are released into the sea in order to boost the local population. The beach itself also serves as a great snorkelling spot. You can book your trip over at the official website here .

10. Shop for arts and crafts

Spend enough time along the Waterfront , and you’ll probably notice the row of old shophouses facing the promenade. These shops, officially named Main Bazaar , are chock-full of handicrafts shops — some of which resemble galleries, while others exude more of a flea market vibe.  

You’ll find plenty of kitschy cat souvenirs here, as well as many handmade items ranging from hand-woven textiles and baskets, masks, drums, brass gongs, statues, and many more! Feel free to ask away if you encounter anything that looks foreign to you, as the staff will be more than happy to explain the origin and use of each item.

An other spot to check out while you’re in town is the Tanoti House on Jalan Tabuan, where a group of women practise a distinct Sarawakian form of songket weaving, creating unique embroidered fabrics. Visitors are welcome to visit the workshop and see the weaving for themselves, but be sure to call ahead to make arrangements. There’s usually a small number of pieces for sale in the gallery shop, but don’t be too disappointed if you don’t find any as the women mostly work commissioned pieces.

Whiskey drinker. Whimsy finder. Word writer. Sue May is a fan of big words and arcane definitions. Fascinated with stories, this honorary Geordie enjoys stumbling down well-trodden paths, roads less travelled by, and meeting new people. (Sometimes she writes about them.)

Kuching is perfect for your solo travel destination – Why?

A report by Agoda recently named Kuching as a popular choice for solo travel destination. The report said that solo travel bookings had increased by 53% in 2017, putting Kuching as the top destination for solo travelers in Malaysia.

WHY DO PEOPLE TRAVEL SOLO?

People travel solo generally to save cost and avoid the fuss of travelling in groups. Although it may seem like a lonely affair, solo travelling can become amazing if you choose the right city to go to, hence making Kuching a perfect fit for your solo travel destination.

WHY IS KUCHING PERFECT FOR SOLO TRAVEL DESTINATION?

The charm of Kuching has always been its people, and this may be the main reason why Kuching should be your top pick for a solo travel destination. People in Kuching are generally hospitable and nice, and spotting a smile among the locals isn’t hard. In fact, most tourist go home making a tonne of friends from Kuching.

Cheap accommodation

Over the years, the number of hostels, lodges, homestays and bed and breakfast in Kuching has increased dramatically. This sort of accommodation is a favorite among solo travelers as they are not only cheap, but strategically located.

In fact, these sort of accommodation can be is easily found in the city center of Kuching with Singgahsana Lodge being one of the most well known as it owns its very own building, and is located at Kuching’s prime location.

Others like the Loft Waterfront and Always Growing 79 Guesthouse are also growing in prominence due to their hospitality and also strategic location.

But accomodation options don’t just en there. Reliable and good established hotels like Riverside Majestic , Grand Margherita Hotel and Padungan Hotel are also not too expensive despite their established stature.

Fast and free internet connection

The internet connectivity in Kuching is fast growing with speeds up to 100Mbps in Kuching City area with Maxis. Mobile connectivity is also good with Celcom providing the widest coverage. Also, there’s free WiFi at selected zones in Kuching, while local bistros and eateries usually providing free WiFi as well. If you need more details on sim cards and internet in Kuching, this link will help.

Availability of innovation centers

Some solo travelers are also digital nomads, and innovation centers are growing in the city with no less than three of such centers located scattered around the city. Innovation centers in Kuching charge a minimal fee to users, in which they enjoy a whole lot of facilities in the center. This allows digital nomads to do their work from Kuching without worry.

Ease of getting around

While there’s not much to talk about when it comes to bus service in Kuching, the entry of Grab, a ride sharing service, has improved connectivity in Kuching. According to what I know, there’s currently over 2,000 active Grab drivers, so moving around alone isn’t a problem. Kuching car rental services are also available at cheap rates for those interested to have freedom of movement.  If you want cheaper options, bicycle and motorcycle rentals are also available at low prices in Kuching as I listed here .

Tonnes of activities to do

There’s no point staying cooked up in bed if you travel alone to Kuching. This is because Kuching has many great things you could explore and enjoy. There’s plenty of shopping malls , trekking trails , lively markets like the Satok weekend market , and forest reserves to explore. All these activities, and a lot more, can be done solo in Kuching without burning a hole in your wallet, and are still doable even if you are flying solo.

Kuching is safe

Kuching is one of the safest city in Malaysia, and probably South East Asia. Crime rate in Kuching is low, and major crime is largely isolated. Cases of tourist abduction is almost unheard of in Kuching as locals and foreigners are free to go out at night as they please. On top of that, police stations and policemen are easy to locate just in case you need them.

Food is cheap

Like I said, solo travelers usually want to save, and the prices of food in Kuching would definately not burn anyone’s pocket. In Kuching, food is cheap, delicious and plentiful with major fast food outlets like KFC, McDonalds, Burger King also available around the city.  Dayak food  is popular locally, but there’s a lot of other street food like Sarawak Laksa also available.  If you are sticking to the local coffee shops, RM40 (USD10) is more than enough to get you through breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper!

I’m very sure there’s more reasons why Kuching would fit nicely as the preferred solo travel destination, but as for now, this is all I could come up with. Til the next post, enjoy!

Cyril Dason

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Good morning all,

Obviously if anyone is coming on the same date as me (from 21st of April in Kuching..) feel free to letting me know :)

How many days will you be there and are you going other places or just Kuching ?

For Mulu Caves, check their website(make sure the correct one) and book your accommodation and tours(upon arrival) direct with them, don't go through travel agents.

Bako national park and Semenggoh orangutan sanctuary can be done by bus.

Hi Worldtravel,

A part the city itself, my idea was to have the opportunity to join a tour of 2D1N from Kuching to Batang Ai lake where I have seen around several positive feedbacks related to the special way to reach this place + things to see and to do also in contact with local family Iban...and for such kind of tour probably it will not be easy to organize on my own.

Then, I was thinking about spending more then half day in Bako National Park and of course I will add also the Semenggoh Centre.

Thanks for the tips regarding the Mulu caves eventhough I am not sure to arrive there (which probably would imply to move myself in Miri).

Ciao latiff,

Thanks for your suggestions, for sure I will check better the way to visit on my own these two places by bus :) .

If you have any other points or tips feel free to share them :) .

Forget Batangi Ai - Hilton Hotels run the area.

Bako - worth staying overnight and having two days to explore and see wild life.

Semenggoh plus the Wind and/or Fairy caves are worth visiting.

Also, try posting in the Sarawak Forum as you will get more replies: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g298308-i9317-Sarawak.html

Ciao TN007,

Thanks for the useful info.

Regarding Bako, if I would spend one night there, I think I will have the same problem: that is at 90% I will find just tour operators which provid such kind of tours only for couples or up...do you have any suggestions to arrange such kind of 2D1N in Bako with locals tour operators?..or any of them that eventually can let me join some groups made for that tour.

Ciao esorlegin,

Ok clear, so It seems better to have such kind of experience in Bako for one night. I will check also the Wind & Fairy caves and your link.

Sure, I will try to have also some more days but do you think or do you have any ideas about how to arrange the tour just for a single traveler as well before arriving in Kuching?

Thanks a lot,

It depends on what you wish to do and where you want to go.

1. Bako - go to the Sarawak forum and search - lots of info about getting there, boats and booking accommodation. NO GUIDE NEEDED.

Other trips - if local, you can get a bus or minii van.

Also, you might post of here for a 'travel buddy' someone who is in Kuching at the same time and is prepared to share travel costs with you.

Sure I started checking the Sarawak forum and It seems to be really helpful; moreover I will follow also your suggestion regarding the fact that a guide is not needed for the different trials I guess.

For sure I will contact James for the reasons you have mentioned.

Thanks again for your availability :)

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It's also important to have a similar budget in mind. If your travel companion wants to do more activities and eat at expensive restaurants but you can’t afford it, it can lead to an unpleasant trip for the both of you.

When browsing trips on GAFFL, make sure to read through the trip details to learn more about the trip and determine if the activities are something you want to do and can afford.

If you like a trip on GAFFL, simply click 'Connect,' and you'll be able to chat with your travel buddy right away. If you have your own travel plans, you can start your own trip and others can request to connect with you!

Finding the right travel companion online can be difficult for solo travelers. GAFFL, on the other hand, makes it very simple. Use our world-class real-time messaging system to get to know your potential travel partner. Chat with them to see if they'd be a good travel companion for you, and then plan together, meet up with your travel buddy, and start exploring together.

GAFFL is the best website/app for solo female travelers looking for female travel companions online because we prioritize our travelers' trust and safety. Our multi-step verification process includes social media, phone number, and a valid government ID, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. With adventurers from over 190 countries, you can connect, chat, and find the perfect female travel buddy to meet up with on GAFFL.

Solo travel is great. But there are some times that I do not recommend someone travel solo and where I personally try my hardest not to travel solo. Some examples of this relate to safety, like hiking a trail that doesn’t have many people walking it each day, or being in certain destinations where I’ve heard from others that it’s difficult as a solo female.

Other examples relate to expenses, like taking a road trip and renting a car. Situations like these are where I think something like GAFFL is a great idea. With GAFFL, you can find a group to go on that hike with or split that car rental with!

We truly believe that the best memories and experiences are the ones that are shared with others. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known someone for an hour or your whole life, when you do something badass together it’s sure to be a time you won’t forget.

Making connections and becoming friends with people all over the world is such a powerful tool to have when traveling. One day maybe you’ll visit your new friend in their homeland. Some of the best trips happen when you have a friend playing tour guide in their country.

GAFFL is a really cool opportunity to enrich your travels with like-minded people who will push you to get out of your comfort zone. No matter what type of personality you have, making new friends on the road is easier than ever.

One of the things that hold people back is that they don’t have a partner or a best friend to travel with and they feel scared and uncertain to travel alone, especially long-term. GAFFL helps with that!

Another thing that holds people back is the perceived cost of travel. While travel doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s always more affordable when you can share the cost of accommodation and groceries with someone else. Again, GAFFL provides a solution for that!

I think GAFFL plays a role by allowing solo travelers to find travel buddies when needed. Though solo travel is a great way to travel, there are some experiences that are better enjoyed with more people (some don’t even allow for solo).

Friends and families are not always available to travel with, and sometimes the interests do not align for travel. Or sometimes you just want to socialize while still being solo most of the time. I think GAFFL helps solve these problems.

I think this is a fabulous idea because the things that can get expensive while solo traveling can usually also be easily split between people. If you aren’t a hostel fan, it would be awesome to have people to split hotels and Airbnb with.

If car rental is the cheapest way to get around a destination, it would be ideal to have others to split the costs with. But most importantly it always makes the experience that much more memorable when you have new friends to share it with.

Rachel Meets China

The Ultimate Solo Female Traveler’s Guide To China: Tips For Traveling Solo in China

Since I moved from the U.S. to China in 2015, I’ve traveled solo on many, many trips around China. These experiences have been some of the most exciting, surprising, and incredible trips of my life.

From trapezing around megacities like Guangzhou and Chongqing , hiking the famous Avatar Mountains , exploring the Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Guizhou , and trekking into Shangri-La: The Mystical Paradise in China , among many other trips, my solo expeditions have shaped my time in China and given me some incredible memories here, as well as helped me nurture my independence and self-reliance.

But traveling in China, while wondrous and full of awe, can also be overwhelming and challenging. There is a huge language barrier if you don’t speak Chinese, and you will encounter so many cultural traditions and customs that are different than your home country.

And then there is also the safety concern. One of the top questions I get from other travelers coming to China: Is China safe? And is China safe for female travelers? For anyone traveling to a new country, this is understandably a big question.

I want to reassure you that China isn’t dangerous at all, and that, armed with knowledge and preparation, you can have a fantastic trip traveling solo here! Here are some things to know before traveling solo to China, as well as tips for along the way.

Preconceived Ideas and Stereotypes About China

China has low crime rates, chinese people are friendly and curious, taxi scams in china, tea scams in china, copy / screenshot your hotel address in chinese & english, chinglish signs, give yourself time to adjust to culture shock, chinese dining style, popular dishes to order in china, food and water safety in china, understand china’s public transportation, bar and clubs, chinese ktv (karaoke), dating in china & china dating apps, read more of my travel experiences in china:.

Yes, China Is Safe for Female Travelers

As a solo traveler, especially a solo female traveler, safety is of the utmost importance. We have to be extra cautious and vigilant when on our own, as no friends or partner is around to be an extra set of eyes.

But from my experience, China is very safe. As mentioned before, I’ve traveled solo on many trips around China, taking buses, trains, and taxis alone, staying in hotels by myself, and hiking and going to scenic destinations by myself.

And besides traveling, I’ve also lived by myself in my own apartment in 3 different cities: a small city in Hunan province, in Guangzhou, and in Beijing. I’ve walked home alone at various hours of the day, even at 3am coming home from a bar or KTV. I even feel safer here than I do in some cities of the US I’ve been to.

And it’s not just me. I’ve had many other foreign women and friends tell me they share these experiences of feeling safe traveling here. Of course, there are things to be aware of first before you come to China – let’s dive into why we think it might be unsafe, and how we can be prepared for traveling in China.

Some of my family and friends back home have expressed concerns about me traveling in China alone, and even wondered if they would enjoy visiting here. We often have a very rigid and communistic view of China in the West, imagining soldiers marching everywhere, polluted cities, limited development, really weird food, and people wearing matching uniforms.

But in reality, China boasts some of the most technologically-advanced and transportation-friendly cities, and people in China live their daily lives the same as people anywhere do. They take buses, taxis, metro, and bicycles to school and work, go to malls and grocery stories, and get coffee at Starbucks or beer from a local bar. China has WIFI, movie theaters, bowling alleys, bars, coffee shops, and international brands and restaurants like McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, and outlets like H&M, NIKE, Adidas, and WAY more. In smaller cities and rural areas, of course, life will be less international. But I’ve had WIFI even on top of mountains when traveling – China really loves to be connected with their friends.

So China doesn’t quite look like the picture that Western media sometimes paints of China. It’s one of those classic Instagram vs Reality posts, where you have one idea but it’s actually quite different. This video, “What I Was Told China Would Be Like” was made by one of my friends Aleese, which I feel describes this well:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by International TEFL Academy (@intteflacademy)

One of the best ways to learn more about China is to actually find expats living in China or individuals who have traveled here that share their personal stories. People will, of course, have different experiences, but it’s much more telling than a report written by someone not in China or who has never been here.

Another key point to mention is that China has low crime rates. While there are some petty crimes that can happen in tourist spots, it’s very safe overall for travelers. People aren’t allowed to carry guns. And unless you’re in embassy areas or high security scenic sites (like the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square) you’re not likely to encounter soldiers. Local police (bao’an), of course, are strolling around, but these guys are usually very chill and not concerned with travelers. In fact, whenever I need directions when traveling often times the bao’an are the first people I ask, as they know the local region well.

And in a weirdly reassuring way, there are CCTV cameras, lights, and people everywhere. I’ve had friends who forgot their phones somewhere or had their bag stolen, and because of the footage police were able to get the phone and bag back. One friend couldn’t find where her motorbike was (after she parked it, someone moved it to a new parking area without her knowing) so she called the police and they helped her track it down.

But of course, be sensible, and don’t be the loud, crazy drunk foreigner starting fights at bars or parties.

To add to another safety point: I haven’t been harassed with catcalls or seen suspicious people following me either. If anything, people are really curious when they see a foreigner. They may call out “Waiguoren” or “Laowai” (which means foreigner) when they see you. They might point or stare. But they also might greet you with big smiles and waves and ask to take a photo with you. You also may even be asked to hold a baby! (If you aren’t comfortable with any of this, it’s okay to say no).

Use Common Sense and Be Aware of Tourist Scams in China

Whether you’re in a big city like Shanghai or Beijing, or you’re traveling in a small city, it’s important to take usual safety precautions you would take when traveling anywhere solo. Keep careful watch over your belongings and passport. Be aware of scams, and use your common sense and keep your wits about you.

Like other travel destinations, unfortunately you might be targeted for tourist scams or petty crimes, especially in bigger cities and tourist hotspots in China.

Beware of the taxi scams – always go to official taxi lines in airports or train stations to avoid being extremely overcharged or taken advantage of. Make sure they run the meter inside their taxi so you know what you’re being charged (if you don’t speak Chinese just tap on it – they know what they are supposed to do)

When you’re around tourist destinations like the Forbidden City in Beijing or Nanjing Road in Shanghai, certain “guides” may approach you, follow you around and offer helpful advice. While they seem friendly at first, they may urge you to visit a special tea house or local shop afterwards. Most times it belongs to their friend, and they’ve arranged beforehand to bring customers there for a commission. They may offer you things that seem free, but then slap an expensive bill in front of you and stop you from leaving until you pay. I haven’t seen these in awhile (or maybe I just avoid them subconsciously now) but it’s still good to be aware of these kinds of scams.  

Do Your Research and Make A Plan

China is a HUGE country with so many diverse places to see, so really do your research about where you would like to go and prepare in advance. There are so many resources and guides now for traveling around China. I’m a huge fan of going off the beaten track and exploring China’s lesser seen villages and mountains, but search online for detailed instructions to understand the trains, buses, and general travel processes. If you’re dipping your toe into China for the first time, check out 10 Tips For Your First Trip to China .

Also, make a plan of your itinerary and destinations! This will help you map out how much time is needed for traveling and getting around – China is so big, and sometimes tourist sites are far out of city centers so you will need to set aside more time than you think.

Here are a few of my guides and itineraries for traveling to certain places:

• 3 Day Chongqing Itinerary: Best Things To See in 72 Hours
• A Guide to Visiting Lijiang in the Yunnan Province
• 8 Day Hunan Itinerary: Zhangjiajie, Furong Ancient Town, & Fenghuang Phoenix Village
• A Guide To Visiting the Forbidden City

One of the best tips I could ever pass along: Have a copy or screenshot of all your hotel names and address, tourist destinations you’re looking for, and other useful information in English and in Chinese. If you’re at a hotel or hostel, grab a business card from the front desk with Chinese on it. This is useful for showing taxi drivers or people on the street if you are trying to get back home or you’re looking for something. Download metro apps, city maps, and other apps that will help you navigate the cities you’re going to (small cities may not have these on your English app store, but big cities definitely will).

Check out my blog post for tips for first time travelers to China: 10 Tips For Your First Trip to China .

Prepare for Language Barrier Challenges:

Traveling solo in China is safe, but no lie it can be challenging. Firstly, because of the language barrier. Chinese is a difficult language. Some people in bigger cities will speak English, but in smaller cities this is not very common at all. But hey, you’re in their country and chose to travel there, so be respectful! Arm yourself with a guide book, and download translation apps, metro apps, and bus apps. People are usually very friendly and helpful. I’ve stopped so many people on the street or inside shops to get help asking about directions, bus times, local sites, and more.

Hint: If you are in a small city looking for someone who can speak English, I usually approach a college-aged student. Many students in China have had to take English classes in high school.

China has great infrastructure and has made strides to have all tourist sites labeled in English (or at least pinyin you can read), but sometimes the signs don’t make sense or have hilarious mistranslations. It can be a fun game to spot the Chinglish signs you see!

Chinese culture is so different. It’s loud and noisy, you will be bumped into a lot, and you might get easily frustrated with the communication barriers. Give yourself time to adjust, and take it slow to enjoy the experience more. I don’t recommend jam packing too much into one day – it may take time to buy tickets, try to communicate with people, and get from Place A to Place B.

Traveling in China is not at all like a relaxing holiday on a beach or a European getaway – you will use so much mental and social energy trying to navigate China. I don’t say this to frighten you away from traveling here, just to prepare you as much as you can be prepared in advance!

Learn About Chinese Food and How To Order Food in China

Chinese food is INCREDIBLE…if you know what and how to order. It can be difficult to walk into a restaurant with no English or photos on the menu and know what to order. And different regions in China have different types of cuisines, so even if you’re familiar with some dishes in one province, it doesn’t mean it will be the same in others. You have spicy Sichuan and Hunan foods, sweeter Shanghainese and Cantonese dishes, and more hearty foods in Northeast Dongbei and Beijing. I’ll share some of the most popular dishes to order below.

In China, many restaurants serve food “family style” around a round table. You order 1 dish per person + 1 extra dish as a rule (sometimes more depending on your host and how hungry you are!) There are also some etiquette rules about eating in China, such as never stick your chopsticks up in your rice, and the host or eldest person or guest of honor will be seating across from the door of the room. There are lots of rules to learn, but usually when people know you’re a foreigner they aren’t so particular about you following them.

But when you’re traveling solo, you won’t have to worry about these dining rules much. You’ll have no problem finding restaurants to eat in solo!

Here are some of my favorite dishes with photos and translations that restaurants all over China will have (or have some variations of them). Read my full article here: 12 Popular Chinese Dishes & How To Order Them in China .

Of course, it’s important to be really mindful of food and water safety when you are traveling. China tap water is usually NOT safe to drink, unless someone has put a filter on it (usually not). That’s why most Chinese people own kettles and will drink hot water (It’s also a running joke that hot water will cure every ailment). Here are a few things to note for food and water:

• Buy bottled water or drink hot water when you’re traveling in China. Most airports and train stations will actually have a hot water dispenser if you prefer to bring your own bottle everywhere (but unfortunately in summer this is quite a difficult thing to do! I don’t know how Chinese people drink hot water in summer).
• Street food is usually safe to eat – I’ve never been food poisoned in China. But double check items like meat to make sure they’ve been cooked all the way through, and don’t go to vendors where you see meat has been sitting outside for awhile.
• Fake alcohol in China: Some bars and clubs will have promotions or offer “foreigners drink free.” In Beijing we often see this around Gongti (Worker’s Stadium) in the clubs. Usually it is fake alcohol that will make you sick, so be careful!

I absolutely love transportation in China. There are so many cheap and available options, from subways in big cities, to bike share apps, taxis and Didis, and the high speed train. But to navigate these in the best way, you need to know the right apps to use.

• Train: Ctrip: English app that helps you book train tickets in China
• Subways: Subway stations will have kiosks to buy tickets, and they will usually have English service options. Download a metro app for the city you are going to.
• Bike: Unfortunately, most bike apps require having a Chinese bank card linked through an app like WeChat or Alipay to unlock and use the bikes.

Read some more of the top apps used in China: 13 Top Apps and Sites You Need in China 2022

Note: Some apps may be difficult to sign up for and use if you don’t have a Chinese bank card. I recommend doing research to verify and see the most updated information.

My first year in China I didn’t use any apps for paying, and at most tourist sites (like here in Yangshuo ) we could rent bikes with cash.

Nightlife & Dating Apps in China

If you’re traveling solo, you probably enjoy your own company and are used to it, but it’s nice to meet people along the way. People you meet on your travels will definitely enrich your experience!

As a woman, I am usually careful when going by myself to places with alcohol involved, but I have actually had some of my favorite days and nights with people I’ve met who invited me to eat and drink with them. I’ve also met other travelers through hostels and group travel trips that have been a blast as well. If you’re a solo traveler looking to explore the nightlife of China and meet new people, you have many options!

Like anywhere in the world, China has a huge bar and club industry. Whether you’re in a big or small city, people are looking to let loose and relax. Bigger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have huge international options, featuring craft beer breweries, wineries, and giant clubs that headline huge names. Smaller cities may also have these – have a look online to find city specific recommendations.

But I must say, nothing beats a chill beer in a small town at an outdoor BBQ joint where the Chinese guys roll up their shirts in a ‘Beijing Bikini’ style. (This has been banned in some places, but the locals still do this!)

KTV, or Chinese karaoke, is one of China’s ultimate night’s out. Unlike Western karaoke, it doesn’t take place in a public bar. Imagine a group of friends in a private room, giant TV, loud sound system, and a table covered in beer and fruit platters (they love fruit platters when drinking for some reason) and you’re ready to kick off. People will spend hours singing songs with their friends. It was fun to sing English songs my Chinese friends knew (they like pop hits like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, as well as classics such as “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion and Michael Jackson).

Below is a blurry KTV night with friends I made in Inner Mongolia and a KTV Halloween party when I was a teacher in Hengyang.

Here are 10 Popular Chinese Songs You Should Listen To if you want to impress your Chinese friends – some of these songs are a bit old now, but they are some of my favorites!

WHEW! To really encompass dating in China would take more than one small part of one blog post to dive into. China is such a diverse landscape, with not only local Chinese people, but also so many international people living and dating here. I’ve had some great experiences dating here, using apps or just meeting someone at a bar or activity. Like dating anywhere, use your discernment and don’t let anyone push your boundaries for what you’re not comfortable with. But it can be an eye opening experience or fun way to meet new people while traveling. Who doesn’t love a romantic travel story?

Dating Apps: International apps like Tinder and Bumble are used in China, mostly in bigger city with more international populations. If you want to dip your toe into local China dating, download Tantan.

Just note: most people don’t speak English on Tantan, and I’ve been very directly approached by Chinese men on these apps who assume I’m very “open” (basically, sexually open) because of stereotypes about Western, especially American, women. One guy told me he thought American girls were all like Gossip Girl : very rich, driving fancy cars, and having lots of sex. But it just goes to show stereotypes go both ways. We also have stereotypes about Chinese people from media. Read another woman’s story here .

But that’s not to say that it’s all bad, and not all guys are like that. Dating culture is also different in China, and follows more traditional rules and courting this doesn’t include hook-ups though, which happen here just like anywhere in the world). Traditional Chinese men also are expected to provide for their families and parents, so their family might be hesitant about them dating a foreign woman.

If you want to hear more about dating in China, I co-founded an organization called Date Night China , where we host a podcast, videos, and host events to share stories about dating and relationships in China. We bring on diverse guests to have in-depth and hilarious convos about the mishaps of dating in China, as well good tips and successful and positive experiences.

• WeChat: Search ‘datenightchina’

Again, just be mindful of your surroundings, and don’t say yes to anything you’re not comfortable with!

Why You Should Travel Solo in China

While there are some barriers and challenges when traveling in China, don’t let them scare you! If you’re up for an adventure, curious, and ready to say yes to new experiences, China is perfect for a solo traveler. While it can be confusing or difficult at times, it will be an enriching experience, and you’ll have some great stories to tell! Just make sure you do your own research to find out more about the giant and diverse country of China.

Also, there are so many aspects about life in China to know about, and everyone has their own personal experience. What else are you curious to know about China? Let me know in the comments below!

• Where To Travel In China: China Travel Quiz and Best Destinations To See
• Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Travel Guide
• 5 Years of Living in China as an American Expat

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Malaysia Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide (From A Local)

By Aisha Preece. This post on planning a solo trip to Malaysia contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to experience  Malaysia solo travel  for yourself, but need help with the planning?

Then you’re in the right place!

Whether it’s your first or 100th time going abroad on your own, traveling solo in Malaysia is an incredible experience for many reasons.

Along with friendly locals who can often converse in English, this beautiful country is safe, affordable, and a perfect location as your second tropical home.

In all honesty, Malaysia is a seriously underrated country with plenty of things to explore — whether it’s unique flavors, cultural heritage, shopping, or historical attractions. 

You’ll also fall in love with the budget-friendly and delicious street food. Imagine a plethora of dishes: from fluffy coconut rice to delicious slow-cooked meat packed with flavors, all for the price of $3! 

And that is just the beginning of what to look forward to.

In this article, I share some of the best attractions to fit into your Malaysia solo travel itinerary.

As a local, I’m excited to share some of the many special experiences you can have here as well as insider tips that can help make female solo travel in Malaysia safe, fun, and truly unforgettable.

Quick tip: While Malaysia is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is Clever Travel Companion pickpocket-proof garments, which can help keep your valuables safe from pretty theft incidents.

Table of Contents

Confidently Enjoy Solo Travel In Malaysia [Free Course]

Before we dive into our solo travel Malaysia guide, here is an invite to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re going to travel solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to travel alone and take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to dive into our  solo travel guide on visiting Malaysia and having a great trip.

Is Malaysia Safe To Travel Alone?

Yes, Malaysia is a very safe country to travel alone. If you are concerned about female solo travel safety, you’ll be happy to know that the country has a low violent crime rate. 

Additionally, according to the most recent Global Peace Index report from Vision of Humanity , Malaysia has a high state of peace and ranks #18 in the entire list of 163 countries.

This being said, in bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur you should be cautious at night as some thieves on motorbikes may roam around. To really protect yourself, consider investing in a few travel safety essentials like pickpocket-proof garments or a personal safety alarm .

Where Is Malaysia?

If you are unsure where Malaysia is on the map, the easiest way to find it is to look for Thailand and Singapore, and then identify the land in between them.  

The real answer is: Malaysia is located in the South East part of Asia , consisting of two regions. 

One region is called West Malaysia and it is located on the Malay Peninsula, below Thailand. A few popular tourist destinations in West Malaysia include Kuala Lumpur, Penang Island, and the Cameron Highlands.

The other, separated by the South China Sea, occupies a part of the Borneo island bordering Brunei and Indonesia and is known as East Malaysia. It’s sometimes referred to as “the Borneo States” or “Malaysian Borneo” and includes the State of Sabah, the State of Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

Getting To Malaysia

There are a few transportation options for a solo traveler in Malaysia:

Flying to Malaysia: 

Traveling by plane is the fastest and most popular way to reach Malaysia. 

There are six international airports in total, with two international airports within Kuala Lumpur:

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA1) and KLIA2
• KLIA1 is the main international airport for travelers

Arriving to Malaysia by train: 

There are two locations to enter Malaysia by train, either from Bangkok or Singapore. Both stop at Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral), the nation’s largest transit hub.

To travel from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur (22 hours):

There are two trains you will need to take. 

The first train is a sleeper train that will take 17 hours from Bangkok to Padang Besar. 

The second train will take 5 hours from Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur. 

It is a pretty comfortable ride as you pass the lush greenery.

To travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (7 hours) :

There are three trains you will need to take to reach Kuala Lumpur. 

You will first take a train from the Singapore Woodlands Train Checkpoint to head to Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral) for a 5-min train ride.

Next, you will take the train from JB Sentral to Gemas in Negeri Sembilan for a 4-hour ride. 

Finally, purchase a train ticket from Gemas station to KL Sentral for another 3-hour journey.

Arriving to Malaysia by bus:

This is the cheapest option if you are planning to do Malaysia solo female travel on a budget ! 

I recommend taking the bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur as the duration is much shorter (6 hours), with over 100 bus routes from Singapore during peak days such as Friday and Saturday.

Getting Around Malaysia As A Solo Traveler 

You can get around in Malaysia either via train, bus, and plane — or by e-hailing a car from the Grab app . 

Getting around Malaysia by train

The Klang Valley area (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Putrajaya) has the most integrated railway system, with MRTs, LRTs, and monorails to get around the city. 

In addition, Malaysia has two main railway lines that stretch from north to south (Padang Besar, Perlis to Singapore) and east to west (Gemas, Negeri Sembilan to Tumpat, Kelantan).

The bus is the cheapest way to get around Malaysia

Taking the bus is your cheapest transport option, although the frequent traffic congestion within populated cities may cause delays and disrupt your travel plans.

 It is much wiser to take the bus for long-distance travel out of state.

There used to be a Rapid Penang Tourist Passport that allowed unlimited traveling for one week at an affordable price of RM 20 ($4), but it was sadly terminated.

Flying around Malaysia

Currently, there are four Malaysia flight operators with domestic flights, including:

• Malaysia Airlines

AirAsia has the cheapest flights if you are flying to Pulau Pinang and to major cities in East Malaysia. 

Traveling around Malaysia by car

The easiest way to navigate around Malaysia is by car.

I don’t recommend driving yourself as local drivers can be ruthless on the road — especially in Penang!

It is better to hail a ride from the Grab app for your safety and sanity. 

Malaysia Solo Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land for exploring this wonderful country, here is a map:

It has some of the main points of interest mentioned in this Malaysia solo female travel guide pre-plotted to make it easy for you to transfer to your phone and start exploring.

Best Solo Travel Destinations In Malaysia

Now let’s discuss where to actually go during solo travel in Malaysia. While there are many options for great destinations, a few of my top picks include:

Kuala Lumpur

You can’t visit Malaysia without visiting Kuala Lumpur, aka KL City!

This bustling capital city offers solo travelers plenty of unique food, local culture, tourist attractions appealing to locals and foreigners alike, and a vibrant nightlife like no other. There are also many different tours and experiences in KL that will easily become the highlight of your Malaysia itinerary.

Kuala Lumpur is the most developed city in the country and has an efficient public transportation system for easily getting around. As such, it is one of the best places to travel alone in Malaysia.

It is no surprise that Kuala Lumpur was just awarded Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel . With that, here are some fun things to do for solo travel in Kuala Lumpur: 

The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world and are iconic landmarks that stand out in the KL skyline. Certain levels — including its double-decker Skybridge — within its 88 floors are open to the public with an entrance fee. 

That being said, Petronas Twin Towers isn’t the only iconic tower in KL you can check out. 

The Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is only 1.4 miles away from the twin towers and also has an observatory deck where you can get a 360-degree glimpse of city. It looks particularly majestic at sunset. 

If the height does not make you dizzy, try dining in its revolving restaurant — located 925 feet above ground level. This experience includes spectacular views, live entertainment, and a delicious Malaysian food buffet.

And if you would like to dive into numerous local delicacies in one location, then Jalan Alor — one of the most famous food streets in Kuala Lumpur — is the place to be. Give the fried durian a try! You can also choose to book a guided street food tour to have a local show you the best things to sample.

If you want to explore most of the city quickly, hop off at every train stop from Bank Rakyat Bangsar to KLCC on the Kelana Jaya LRT line . You may stumble upon some fancy speakeasy bars or local delicacies for less than $2!

Kuala Lumpur Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kuala Lumpur . Kuala Lumpur Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kuala Lumpur .

Step out of Kuala Lumpur and you will arrive in Selangor. That’s because Selangor is the surrounding state outside of the capital city.

Selangor is the country’s most developed state, with a solid infrastructure and a decent public transportation system. Because of this, you can solo travel in Selangor with ease.

In terms of tourist attractions, the beaches in Selangor are a highlight as are the many local nature experiences. These stretches of sand are perfect for a fun beach trip alone .

For example, Kuala Selangor is known for its firefly sightings , as it’s home to one of the biggest firefly colonies in the world. Seeing the fireflies lighting up the sky after dark feels magical, and the best way to view them is on a guided boat ride as the fireflies dance in the sky and through the mangroves.

Another highlight of traveling or backpacking Malaysia is experiencing the “ Sky Mirror ” at Kuala Selangor Beach . The Sky Mirror appears at low tide when a sand bar — which is touted as Malaysia’s own “Salar de Uyuni” — appears, and you get a reflective mirror effect on the ground.

If you’re looking to take some interesting travel photos , you won’t want to miss it.

Do note that the Sky Mirror does not occur every day, as weather conditions need to be just right where the tide is low enough to reflect the sky. It is best to visit either on the day of the full moon or the new moon. 

Another sight worth adding to your Malaysia itinerary is Batu Caves just minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. Batu Caves is a limestone mogote that hosts several Hindu temples and the famous Lord Murugan golden statue. 

There are also rock climbing activities around this large hill that you can participate in, with routes suitable for beginners and advanced climbers.

If you do not have gear with you, it’s recommended to visit Gua Damai Xtreme Park , which offers gear rentals and showcases 100 routes to try out in the Batu Caves area.

Selangor Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Selangor . Selangor Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Selangor .

Genting Highlands

Many tourists believe that Malaysia is all about hot summer weather; but, in Genting Highlands, you can get sweater weather as cold as 12 °C (54 °F)!

Sitting on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali at 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), this hill resort in Pahang is one of the best solo travel destinations in Malaysia. It features exciting indoor and outdoor theme parks and retail shopping malls — and is home to the country’s only two casinos.

There are bus tickets to Genting Highlands, however, I recommend going by car as the roads are winding and steep.

If you would like a quicker way up the hill, you can ride the Awana SkyWay Gondola Cable Car up to Genting Resort. These cable cars are efficient, fun, and allow you to see near Kuala Lumpur from a panoramic angle.

Genting Highlands Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Genting Highlands . Genting Highlands Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Genting Highlands .

Cameron Highlands

Further up north from Genting Highlands is Cameron Highlands, the land of tea plantations. In fact, it is where Malaysia’s most popular tea brand, BOH Tea, originated from. 

The weather is quite chilly up here as temperatures can drop as low as 12 °C (54 °F) — which is one of the reasons why it is a popular place for Malaysia solo travel.

There are buses to Cameron Highlands; however, similar to Genting Highlands, these narrow roads are winding and steep, especially in poorer weather conditions. Because of this, it’s wise to opt for a private transfer instead.

Where most locals will flock to Genting Highlands for entertainment, those who prefer a quiet and serene atmosphere will head to Cameron Highlands. 

You can visit bee and strawberry farms here as well as hike beautiful trails while enjoying a cool breeze. During your hikes, try to spot the world’s largest (and smelliest) flower, the Rafflesia.

Cameron Highlands Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Cameron Highlands . Cameron Highlands Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Cameron Highlands .

Penang Island

Solo travel in Penang should definitely be on your itinerary. Luckily, this island state is only a 5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Many tourists choose to fly as the plane tickets are quite affordable — typically between $30-$80 for a return trip. Plus, flying saves time as it’s a quick 60-minute flight each way.

It’s important to understand that Penang is split into two locations: one is located on Peninsular Malaysia (or the Malaysian Peninsula) while the other is known as Penang Island and is where George Town is located. 

George Town is also one of two colonial cities (along with Melaka) on the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia classified as a UNESCO World Heritage City . This is thanks to a still-visible multi-cultural heritage dating back to when these cities functioned as trading ports linking East and West.

George Town has also grown in popularity as a photo spot with unique street art and murals showcased in the hidden alleys.

Penang Island is one of the safest destinations in Malaysia, with extremely low crime rates in comparison to Kuala Lumpur. The best way to get around the island is either by foot, bicycle, or via e-hailing rides. You can find many bike rental locations in George Town to rent from about RM 20 ($4) a day.

The Ethnic Chinese makes up the majority of the population in Penang. As such, English and Hokkien are the two most widely spoken languages here, so it is easy to converse with locals or ask for directions if you’re lost.

While you visit Penang, be sure to check out the largest Chinese temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple . Located on a hill, this temple went through a major fire recently but continues to maintain a majestic outlook with its beautiful pagoda overlooking the city. 

To enter the pagoda, you will need to pay a small fee of RM 2 ($0.45). You can take their mini cable car that goes to the highest parts of the temple for RM 16 ($3).

Another unforgettable experience:

Reconnect with nature through the multiple forest trails of Penang National Park . Featuring 2,997 acres (1,213 hectares), there are a number of intermediate hiking trails that you can take to visit the beautiful Monkey Beach — which yes, has monkeys!

To enter Penang National Park, you’ll need to pay a conservation fee of RM 50 ($11) for foreigners and RM 10 ($2) for locals. You can also take a boat ride back to the entrance for RM 100 ($22) to get a glimpse of the different Penang bays.

Penang Island Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Penang . Penang Island Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Penang .

Kinabalu Park

If West Malaysia has cultural cities as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, East Malaysia has national parks.

Kinabalu Park near Kota Kinabalu is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site and is where Mount Kinabalu , the highest mountain in Malaysia, resides. 

The only way to get to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur is by flight. From Kota Kinabalu, you can take either a taxi, bus, or rental car to enter Kinabalu Park. 

Mount Kinabalu is on many locals’ bucket lists as hiking to the top of the mountain is a huge achievement. I know friends who trained daily to be able to do the arduous hike to the peak, which takes two days and one night.

Even if you are not planning to hike, you can still visit Kinabalu Park and take a trail walk around the Botanical Gardens for a relaxing Malaysia solo travel experience.

There are other places to visit, too, such as the Upside Down House and Desa Dairy Farm at Kundasang Valley. Here you can bottle-feed baby calves and taste fresh milk from the farm.

To wrap up your stay here, take a soothing warm soak at Poring Hot Springs . These sulfur baths will help you sleep well on your flight back!

The entrance fee to Kinabalu Park, including their local guide, is RM 23 ($5). There is also a conservation and entrance fee if you are visiting certain attractions, such as the Canopy Bridge and Butterfly Farm within Kinabalu Park.

Kinabalu Park Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kinabalu Park . Kinabalu Park Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kinabalu Park .

Mulu National Park

Become one with nature at Mulu National Park, a highlight of any Malaysia itinerary. Located in Sarawak, you can experience tranquility within the Borneo rainforest and the largest cave passages in the world. This protected forest reserve is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The only way to enter Mulu National Park is by plane on a 64-seater aircraft, with direct flights from Miri, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe — although it may feel like a mini roller-coaster in the air due to the area’s unpredictable weather! 

Be prepared to have intermittent access to your emails as there is limited connectivity here. 

You will also be jungle trekking constantly so make sure to bring your best walking shoes and proper hiking attire .

You can visit show caves — such as the Deer Cave , the world’s largest cave passage, via a 1.8-mile plank walk. Additionally, it’s interesting to explore Clearwater Cave , the 8th longest cave in the world, via a 200-step climb, and Wind Cave via a river boat. 

Trekking the caves is intriguing as you must trust your senses while navigating with a head lamp. Some parts of the caves may require you to swim to the next section, too; but even if you are not a swimmer, guides will be there to assist you to shore.

Deer Cave also has a Bat Observatory section. It’s one of the top places to visit at sunset, when you can witness an exodus of millions of bats leaving the cave to hunt for their next meal.

If you have time to spare, hike up a steep 1.5-mile trail to the iconic peaks of Gunung Api (Mount Api) for a jaw-dropping view of the Pinnacles , a striking karst formation.

Note that to visit Mulu National Park you will need to purchase a 5-day pass for RM 30 ($7) even if you stay for a shorter duration.

Mulu National Park Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Mulu National Park . Mulu National Park Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Mulu National Park .

Bako National Park

If you enjoy hiking and want to explore more of the Borneo rainforest’s fauna and flora, then Bako National Park is worth the visit. It is only accessible via boat.

Situated 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Kuching, Bako National Park is possibly the best place to travel alone in Malaysia if you love wildlife. In fact, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, bearded pigs, and silver-leaf monkeys. 

You can spot the proboscis monkey by its large nose and reddish-brown fur near the park’s headquarters and around Telok Paku (Paku Bay) , Telok Delima (Delima Bay) , and Telok Assam (Assam Bay) . These spots are accessible by foot through their many jungle trails. 

The Lintang Loop Trail is for hikers who do not mind a 3.26-mile path that typically takes about 4 hours. You will also pass the famous Sea Stacks rock formation — which resembles a hooded cobra coming up from the water — when you are returning by boat or on a tour of the national park .

If you are staying in Kuching City, you can also take a private tour with a hotel pick-up to Bako National Park where you can go on an 8-hour long tour that includes cruising along the South China Sea.

The park entrance fee is RM 20 ($4).

Bako National Park Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Bako National Park . Bako National Park Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Bako National Park .

Tips For A Fun & Safe Solo Trip To Malaysia

Solo traveling in Malaysia can be a fun and safe experience for female travelers; however, it is good to remember a few important tips when visiting any foreign country: 

Be cautious of pickpockets. While pickpocketing and bag-snatching are not as common as they were back in the day, it is still smart to keep your valuables locked in your hotel safe.

If you are carrying a bag, always have these items in front of you and away from the road to minimize such occurrences. You might also ditch the bag and opt for pickpocket-proof garments instead so that thieves don’t even know you’re carrying cash.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Typically locals carry a maximum of RM 200 ($44). Most vendors are going cashless and accept payments via credit card and e-wallet.

Stay safe when exploring Malaysia at night. It is perfectly okay to walk around at night in Malaysia; however, be sure to use your judgment — especially on less-crowded and dimmer streets during late nights.

Travel safely using e-hailing ride apps such as Grab or public transportation to get around town.

What Does A Solo Trip In Malaysia Cost?

Here is the daily cost if you are taking a Malaysia solo trip for two weeks: 

Entrance fees for most tourist attractions are free. Attractions that require guided tours can cost up to $100 USD.

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Malaysia?

When traveling to Malaysia — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get insurance to help ensure a great trip.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Final Thoughts On Malaysia Solo Travel

With that, I hope you found this comprehensive solo female travel Malaysia guide helpful. The country is one of the best places for traveling solo, with plenty of sights and sounds to explore without breaking the bank.

You will quickly realize that one trip isn’t enough to cover it all. With every visit, there will be something new to see, try, and eat.

Plus, if you’ve ever wondered, “Is Malaysia safe for solo female travelers?” you will realize it is once you experience this gorgeous country for yourself.

What tips would you add to this Malaysia solo travel guide?

About The Author

Aisha Preece is the founder and owner of Women Wandering Beyond . Learning how to adventure and explore the world transformed her life and helped her become a happier person. She wants to help you do the same. Her female adventure travel site is dedicated to helping women travel more, step outside their comfort zone and experience wonders of the world beyond their wildest dreams! You can follow her adventures on Instagram and Pinterest , too.

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Solo travel

Solo female travel – the ultimate guide.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Hi, friends! Today I’ve decided to put together the MOTHER of solo female travel guides covering every aspect of the topic from WHY you should travel solo to practical tips for before, during and after. I’ll also cover how to meet people and hopefully prepare you for the challenges.

So, let’s dive right in!

But first, I just want to say it’s so exciting that you’re even considering this! Solo female travel has undoubtedly changed my life for the better. It seems scary and daunting at first, and not everyone in your life will always be on board. But it’s so worth it!

In case you’re wondering, who am I and why you should trust me for solo female travel advice, here’s my story:

• I have 8 years of solo travel experience under my belt
• I quit my job in 2015 to go travelling for a year. Friends joined for parts but during the sections alone, I fell in love with my own company and never looked back
• I have tackled difficult destinations like South Africa and India
• I’ve navigated hard situations like being sick alone (on a drip!) and always come out fine..ish 😉
• I started this blog to share tips garnered during my travels and inspire other women to live life on their own terms, too. I had no idea back then that this would become my full-time job!
• In 2022, I travelled to Mexico City solo where I now live and constantly gorge myself on tacos.

Why should women travel solo?

Let’s start at the very beginning: why consider this lifestyle at all? In my eyes, there are many benefits of travel solo for example:

• Getting to know yourself and your capabilities better
• Improving your skills such as organisation and endurance
• Becoming more confident and independent!
• No chance of clashing with a bad travel companion
• Seeing this wonderful world without waiting for anyone!

Where to travel solo for women

The big question! Although it depends on your motivation for travelling. My first trip was based on wanting to visit Southeast Asia so the solo travel element was secondary (little did I know it would become a massive part of my life!). But perhaps you’re planning to travel solo for the experience itself and the missing piece of the puzzle is WHERE.

Read next: where to travel solo for women – world edition!

Narrow it down by continent. Due to its decent safety rating (and beautiful destinations, of course) solo travel in Europe is a popular option. Some of my favourite countries for solo travel are Portugal , Italy and Croatia (click for solo travel guides to those places), and my top cities include Prague, Budapest, and Berlin. For budget travel, the Balkans are great if you don’t mind the infrastructure not being quite so advanced. I particularly loved solo travelling in Albania !

Australia, New Zealand and Canada are also safe and beautiful options but, similar to Europe, they’re expensive, plus (in my personal opinion) not so culturally interesting if you’re coming from a Western country. But, depending on your motivation for travel, this may not be a problem.

Read next: tips for Europe solo female travel

My suggestion for first-timers is solo travel in Southeast Asia , for example, Thailand , Vietnam , Laos, Cambodia, Bali , Malaysia and the Philippines (click for solo travel guides). This region is safe, beautiful and friendly with great backpacker infrastructure and opportunities to meet others. Plus, it’s culturally fascinating. East Asian countries like Taiwan , Japan and South Korea are also safe options although, in my opinion, slightly less social than Southeast Asia. I’ve also had rewarding solo travels in India , South Africa , Mexico and Cuba but the first two locations aren’t suited to beginners and the second two may challenge non-Spanish speakers. I’d describe Central America as a ‘medium difficulty’ region: countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica are safe with great infrastructure, while Belize has English as a first language.

Taking the plunge

Taking the plunge and committing to a trip can be the hardest bit. I’ve heard people talk about solo female travel for years and never actually DO IT. I certainly talked about it for a while back in 2015, umming and ahhing and running it by people who couldn’t make the decision for me.

• Consider what’s stopping you – is it the reactions of others? Wondering if you’ll hate it? Safety concerns? Put your finger on it then consider what you would do in that situation. For example, if you get there and don’t enjoy it, you could book on a group tour, or just come home!
• Do a mini solo trip first to build yourself up. Start with lunch or coffee alone, then try an overnight trip to a new city in your home country
• Book something. Anything! But preferably something expensive (like a flight) that feels like an investment you can’t back out of. I find when your flights are booked and you’ve told people, it starts to feel ‘real’… and exciting!

Prep: before travelling solo

Planning your route: once your first flight is booked, start to research your destination. Decide what cities or regions you’d like to visit, then Google some itineraries (see if I have one on your destination ) to get a rough idea how long you’ll stay in each place. Once you’ve got an itinerary, start booking accommodation and transport.

Start buying useful items and Google packing lists for your upcoming destinations. Research the challenges of solo travel for women (or keep reading) to prep for the issues you might face and how to overcome them. Don’t bum yourself out, of course, it’s mainly positive! Research your destination using blogs, social media, and YouTube so you aren’t hit with any major surprises. Knowledge is power! Also, it’s a great way to get excited. 

Consider what type of trip this will be – would you prefer to backpack or travel more luxuriously? Is this trip for partying or cultural immersion? Perhaps you want to see lots of places and move every couple of days. If that sounds exhausting, why not slow travel or even spend longer in a destination volunteering or housesitting ? Think about your budget. Start by googling spending guides for your destination. Or maybe you want to divide your savings by the amount of time you’re away to determine a weekly/monthly limit. Start your own travel blog or social media account so your friends and fam can follow along.  Create an empowered echo chamber – join Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel, read solo female travel blogs (mine, please!) and follow other solo women travellers on social media.

To plan or not to plan, that is the question. It’s tempting to over-plan to feel secure especially if it’s your first time travelling alone as a woman. This is a mistake I made before! If your plans are set in stone, you can’t be flexible if you love or hate a place and want to stay longer or leave sooner. You can’t adapt to travel with people you meet along the way. I would highly recommend booking your first few hostels, flights or buses, then keeping things flexible. (The exception would be if travelling in Western Europe in peak summer and need to reserve things ahead).

Solo female travel packing list

Of course, this is very destination specific. I’ll leave you to decide what clothes to bring based on the climate and how conservative your destination is. However, this is a good start:

• Clothes to last around 1 week – then I usually do laundry
• A warm layer even for hot countries – you ever know when the aircon will be turned up high in a dorm room, plane or bus
• A sarong – so useful for the beach, to cover your legs at temples, as a cover on night buses etc
• A combination padlock for hostel lockers (I prefer these to padlocks with keys that I can easily lose). Some places include these but not always
• Ear plugs and an eye mask. These will be your best friends for night buses and hostels!
• Microfibre quick-drying towel – these are so lightweight compared to regular towels
• Sustainability item – stainless steel reusable water bottle (most hostels offer fill-ups from big filtered units) or a filtering water bottle that makes any water safe to drink
• Sustainability item – shampoo and conditioner bars, along with body soap to avoid plastic usage
• A   portable power bank to keep your phone alive when you’re on the go
• Kindle – this is so useful when travelling somewhere without English language bookshops!
• Camera? I put a question mark because many people just use their phones these days. But I like having a camera for the zoom, especially if I’m travelling somewhere with wildlife. Also, a GoPro is great for action and underwater photography.

Bags for solo female travel – I recommend a large backpack for example the Osprey 70L, my bag of choice. I also recommend a small backpack (my Osprey came with one attached) for transit days and hiking. I use a tote bag for my non-valuables during casual days of sightseeing. For valuables, I recommend a small cross-body bag that couldn’t be easily stolen from your person. Use this during days and evenings out for your phone, money etc. I’d recommend leaving your passport and backup bank cards at your accommodation. You may also want to invest in an e xtra secure bum bag that goes around your waist or chest for overnight journeys or times you’re in transit with everything.

Tips for solo female travel (during your trip)

Here are a few miscellaneous ways to maximise your solo female trip.

Read next: 101 tips for solo female travel

• Get immersed culturally by meeting locals . For this, I recommend Couchsurfing (or the Host A Sister Facebook group if you’d prefer to stay with a woman), staying in a room within a local’s home on Airbnb, volunteering, or simply taking the chance to chat with locals when the opportunity arrises
• Download apps for navigation like Maps.me (works offline), local transport apps like Citymapper and Mooivit, and taxi apps (Grab is handy in Asia)
• Stay in hostels to save money and meet other travellers
• Try housesitting to save money and stay in places longer, giving yourself some downtime in a cosy home. I wrote this guide to how TrustedHousesitters works and whether it’s worth using.
• Keep a diary so you remember this trip later. It can be easy to forget details with no one reminding you years later.

How to get around? Since hiring a car alone can be expensive and internal flights are unsustainable (although sometimes necessary), I usually opt for train or bus. In Europe, I use Flixbus – apart from in Eastern Europe where it doesn’t run but you can take local buses, instead. In Asia, I compare journey prices and durations on the 12go website which is an absolute godsend! If you visit Mexico, ADO buses are great.

What are the challenges of solo female travel?

There are many pros and cons of travelling solo . A quick summary is:

• CON: can’t split costs
• PRO: manage your own budget
• CON: getting lonely
• PRO: meeting more people
• CON: doing all the planning and admin
• PRO: complete control over your plans
• CON: not sharing the moment
• PRO: not waiting for people
• CON: no help during the bad times.

I find the hardest thing is being alone during bad times for example being sick or homesick. I also find, even though you’re always meeting great new people, it can be exhausting to be constantly introducing yourself and doing small talk. Sometimes, I crave chatting with someone who knows me well and doesn’t need any explanations or backstories. Those are just my personal takeaways; you might find your likes and dislikes about solo female travel are entirely different!

To deal with the specific challenges mentioned above, read my guide to overcoming the disadvantages of solo female travel

Safety during solo female travel

‘Safety’ is so inherent to the topic of solo travel for women that it’s hard to find an article, status, post or tweet that doesn’t mention it. And sadly, yes, there are people and publications who place the responsibility on us, suggesting the tiny fraction of women who have bad experiences were inviting that risk by travelling alone. So, how dangerous is solo travel, really? I would say there are 3 main factors : how you act, where you go, and luck. You simply can’t ensure nothing bad will ever happen, but the vast majority of women travellers have trouble-free trips. Also, as I always say, most of the crimes against women happen in their homes at the hands of someone they know, not while travelling solo! So, with all that said, what can you do to travel safely as a woman ? Here are my top tips:

• Arrive during the day . If not possible, make a plan like having data to call an Uber, or asking your accommodation to send a taxi
• Share your plans (for example your itinerary or accommodation booking) with family or friends
• Check your accommodation is in a safe neighbourhood before booking
• Enjoy nightlife responsibly by knowing your limits and how to get home safely
• Have the country’s emergency numbers saved, just in case
• Pack a quality safety lock to stash your valuables in hostel lockers
• Wear a secure bag for your valuables, especially when in transit between destinations
• Get a local SIM card – or download an e-SIM before you arrive with Airalo . They have packages for every country I’ve ever looked up! Purchase on the website or app, follow the instructions and connect as soon as you land. Browse their packages .
• Have a portable power bank so in an emergency you can use your phone
• Have travel insurance and keep a copy on you. I suggest True Traveller for European residents (inc UK), Hey Mundo for other nationalities and Safety Wing for long-term/digital nomad travel.

Reassuring family and friends

One of the common reasons I hear cited when people tell me ‘I could never do what you do!’ is that their families would never let them travel alone as a woman. Luckily, my family have always been pretty chilled although, of course, they had their concerns at first. Now, they’re used to me always being in some far-flung place! Many families will be worried about their children (whatever age) taking a solo trip. If yours are in this camp, here are some tips to reassure your family about your trip :

• Show them blogs or social media accounts of solo female travellers LIKE YOU who are doing it and having a great time
• Sit down with them and let them ask questions . For example, if they’re worried about you financing the trip, show them your savings/budget plan, or make one. Maybe their questions will even help you plan!
• Promise you’ll be in regular contact and share your plans with them for safety reasons
• Explain to them why it’s important to you. Maybe they think you’re only going to drink and party when really this trip is an important step on your path of self-development.

How to meet people during solo female travel

This may seem daunting before taking off on your first adventure but, I can assure you, it becomes second nature, especially in backpack-friendly destinations like Southeast Asia. I have a whole blog post on how to meet people travelling solo so I’ll just run through a couple of top ones here…

• Stay in hostels but be sure to pick the right ones. Don’t pick a small, family-run one if you want to party and, likewise, don’t pick a party hostel if you like to sleep. I find the Hostelworld photos and reviews make it pretty clear which is which
• Take free walking tours! I do them in every new city I visit
• Try activities that align with your hobbies (surf lessons, cooking classes etc) to meet people who are like-minded rather than just in the same place at the same time
• Signup for meetups on the Couchsurfing or Meetup websites
• Actually do couchsurfing or, for a safer option for solo female travellers, try the Facebook group, Host a Sister
• Join Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel or ones about the region you’re going to
• Volunteer using Worldpackers or Workaway . You’re bound to meet locals and other travellers by staying longer and helping with a cause you’re passionate about (if you decide to sign up, I can offer you a discount on both Workaway and Worldpackers memberships).

Getting in your own photos

I actually wrote a whole blog post on how to get photos of yourself when travelling . I had to learn all the ways to do it because I got so frustrated with never being in my own photos! The methods I use include:

• Travel with some kit – a tripod if you’re really serious; a Gorillapod if you have a proper camera; and a phone tripod/selfie stick for mobile photography
• Take photos early in the morning – not only is the light right but places are less crowded
• Take group tours and activities. Guides take great photos because they have lots of practice, or you can ask someone else in the group
• Book a photoshoot on Airbnb Experiences
• Ask the right stranger , by which I mean a teenage/20-something girl! They know.

Money and budgeting for solo female travel

There are instances when travelling solo is more expensive than travelling with a companion, for example staying in private rooms (rather than hostels where you pay per bed) and getting taxis. So you don’t spend more money than you need to, here are a few of my tips:

• Get a travel-friendly bank account that won’t incur extra fees when withdrawing money. UK travellers can opt for Monzo and Starling while other nationalities can get a Revolut or Wise card
• Don’t exchange money in airports – it’s usually more expensive
• If you have a small amount leftover leaving a country, don’t waste money on exchange fees. Use your change to buy items you’ll use later like shampoo and toothpaste
• Save money on accommodation by housesitting with Trusted Housesitters or volunteering for food and board
• Use Skyscanner ‘s search-by-month feature (and the ‘everywhere’ feature) to find the cheapest flights
• Utilise hostel/Airbnb kitchens and supermarkets where possible. I say where possible because hostels in Asia don’t usually have kitchens plus it’s often more expensive to shop for supermarket groceries than eat street food (you can try local markets for better prices on vegetables etc)
• Travel off-season if possible and visit second cities; they’re usually cheaper than capitals (for example Porto rather than Lisbon)
• Embrace public transport and walk a lot. For cross-country journies, look into ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar . I’ve done it solo in several locations
• Use Skype when you need to make phone calls (rather than WhatsApp/Facetime calls). The credit is dirt cheap compared to international phone calls.

Staying physically healthy

This isn’t specifically to do with solo female travel because I’m sure anyone will suffer from being unhealthy during travel. I’m not exactly a healthy goddess (I live for finding amazing food when travelling) but I get frustrated, bloated and lethargic sometimes I can’t find healthy food or easily exercise, for example in countries where it’s too hot outdoors. Tip for staying healthy:

• Cook your own heathly meals if you have access to cooking facilities
• Find a gym that offers a day pass or, better yet, a free trial you can easily cancel!
• Stay in a hostel with a gym for a few days
• Google healthy restaurants (or vegan/veggie restaurants) in your location
• Do YouTube workouts if you have your own room. If you’re in a dorm, do some situps etc on your bunk. Desperate times!
• Embrace it , enjoy the delish food and pledge to have a health kick when you get home!

Getting sick when travelling – most travellers have been hit by a bout of food poisoning, especially myself. I recommend having electrolyte sachets and diarrhoea tablets to hand. Eat bland, beige foods like white bread and bananas ’til you’re feeling better, and stay hydrated! Don’t be shy: ask the staff at your accommodation if you need advice or a ride to the doctors. If you have dormmates, they’ll hopefully bring you anything you need from the shops.

How to avoid getting sick in the first place:

• The golden rule – eat where it’s busy and there’s a fast turnover of food. I can’t stress this enough!
• Santitise your hands before you eat with them
• Don’t drink tap water
• Know it can be totally random – you can do everything right and get sick or take all the risks and be fine. Often a meal will hit two people differently. So don’t blame a vendor or dish. Just focus on resting and getting well!

Emotional well-being and mental health

You only have to Google solo travel to be hit with a bazillion safety tips. Of course, staying safe when travelling alone as a woman is important but, in reality, it’s going to be a small part of your day-to-day. These days we know that staying happy and emotionally healthy is a lifelong journey so why not apply this to solo travel?

Some tips for emotional well-being during solo female travel include:

• Stay in touch with friends and family . Sure, those new hostel pals are great but when you’re having a down day, it’s probably an old friend you’ll want to call. Keeping your relationships strong is extra important when you’re travelling long-term and don’t want to lose touch with people back home
• When you’re feeling lonely (which may never happen by the way), change it up: book a group tour rather than travelling solo for a bit, take a fun activity, phone a friend, check into a social hostel with group dinners or organised trips
• Treat yourself when you’re feeling exhausted or homesick. Don’t worry about judgment or productivity: skip the sightseeing in favour of a Netflix binge in bed, a day in a coffee shop, or eating pizza, McDonalds or cake (or all 3?). Travel can restart when you’re feeling better
• Add a bit of self-care to your itinerary whether it’s a massage, spa day or yoga sesh. This could even be cultural if it’s a Thai massage in Thailand or yoga in India, for example!
• Travel slowly to avoid exhaustion
• Try and work some healthy eating and exercise into your routine, even if it’s just lots of walking during a city day or taking a swim in the hotel pool.

Final thoughts on solo female travel

There are going to be hard times, I can tell you that now. But there are also going to be AMAZING times, I can tell you that, too. SO, are you going to sit at home looking at your phone for the rest of your life? I know you know what to do, gal. BOOK THAT DAMN TRIP. See ya there 😉 Blogs that might be useful for destination planning:

• Southeast Asia travel itinerary
• 101 backpacking tips for Asia travel
• The ultimate Asia bucket list
• Asia itineraries for Malaysia / Vietnam / South Korea / Taiwan / Bali
• Asia city itineraries for Hoi An / Saigon / Hanoi / Ubud / Chiang Mai / Seoul / Busan / Kuala Lumpur / Taipei / Bangkok / Singapore
• 2-8 week Balkans travel itinerary
• Europe itineraries for Croatia / Montenegro / Slovenia / Northern Italy / Romania / Albania
• Europe city itineraries for Budapest / Copenhagen / Milan / Venice / Porto / Lisbon / Barcelona / Hamburg / Vienna / Sofia

Thanks for reading!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Is it a safe place? I am planning on staying 3 nights there.

Any must sees or don't dos there?

Is the diving worth it in this area?

Thanks for any information you can tell me!

Hi, if you meant by staying overnight in Semenggoh, im not sure if thats possible. you may only go half day trip there to see the orangutans during their feeding time which is 9AM and 3PM. other than that time, visitors are needed to leave that place or can't allowed to be in the centre..

diving spots would be around Satang islands.. Satang Islands are located just outside the coastal area of Santubong, and comprises four islands (i.e. Satang Besar, Satang Kecil, Pulau Talang-Talang Besar, and Pulau Talang-Talang Kecil). Most diving activities are done around Satang Besar where coral reef fringes two third of the island’s edge and submerged boulders lay on the other. A variety of corals and marine life can be found on the reef around the island. Blue Ringed Anglefish, Grouper, Snapper, Mangrove Jack, Copper Banded Butterflyfish, Parrotfish and Pufferfish are commonly-sighted here. Another point of interest for Satang Besar is the turtle hatchery managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation on the beaches of Satang Besar. From April to September, sea turtles will come up to shore at night between the months of April to September every year to nest, laying average of 100 eggs each time.

there's a shipwreck dive too nearby Kuching! to have a better experience, i suggest you fly out from kcuhing to kota kinabalu, to lahad datu/semporna area. very unique and beautiful dive spots there!

http://www.kuchingscubacentre.com/diving-trips/

http://www.aquabase-kuching.com/Top.index.html

Thanks for your response.

I am just looking for a trip to see the orangutans (no overnight).

Are the Satang islands a trip I can do from Kuching? Sounds amazing. I would love to see the turtle hatchery!

Thanks so much for this information! Very helpful.

yes, however you need tour agency to arrange that for you. or hit me up a message, there's also 1 person (local) i know doing this trip many times :) Well, the orangutans centre you can do it for half day.. :)

For Satang you can use the boatman from either Telaga Air Fishing Village or from Kampung Santubong. The latter has snorkeling equipment. The former has some very basic huts for overnighters. I have found the gentleman at Kampung Santubong much more dependable when it comes to communication for bookings.

Since you are travelling solo I suggest you contact him/them beforehand to enquire if others are heading the same way on your dates to save you the costs of a whole boat which they usually ask for a minimum of 2 or 4 persons.

Hi please would you let me know how to contact someone in kampung santubong to book a boat to Satang island. I am also a solo traveler and would like to speak to someone before turning up at the jetty.

0148868059 Rakis

Adrian - good to see you back buddy.

That number is it the full number - country code etc?

Also, the OP should know if it is a mobile or landline (costs of calls)

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Solo Travel Packing List for Females (100 Crucial Items)

Wondering what to pack for solo travel as a woman? Worried that you’re going to forget essential items? Relax. Preparing for your trip is easy when you use my solo travel packing list for females.

This packing list contains 100 items that every woman needs for solo travel . It is suitable for both short-term summer vacations (a few days to a week) and long-term travel (several months).

I’ve also listed items that should not be included on a female solo travel packing list. Plus, I help you decide between a suitcase vs backpack and share my top ten tips for travel packing.

Find more solo travel gear and packing tips on Nomadic Yak – the home of solo travel and adventure!

Essentials and documents

Bags and backpacks, electronics and gadgets, clothes and shoes, miscellaneous extras, photography (optional).

• What Not to Include
• Suitcase vs Backpack
• Packing Tips
• More Solo Travel Tips

Solo Travel Packing List for Females – 100 Essential Items for Women

Regardless of where and when you are travelling, there are some essential items and documents that must be included on every woman’s solo travel packing list. 

• Passport – Required to pass through immigration when travelling internationally. Can also be used as ID if required by accommodation, police, medical professionals, etc.
• Driving licence – If you plan on driving around your destination, check whether you are required to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Visas – Check whether you need a visa to visit your destination. Use your official government travel advisory or this visa checker .
• Tickets and reservations – You will likely have your flights, transport and booking information stored in your email. Download the files to a local folder on your phone in case you don’t have internet access. You could also print off physical copies in case you lose your phone.
• Credit and debit cards – Before leaving, alert your bank that you will be travelling overseas so that your cards aren’t blocked. Also, consider getting a travel debit card, which can help you save on transaction, withdrawal and exchange fees.
• Local currency – Visit an exchange before leaving and get about $100-200 USD of currency for your destination. You may need it when you arrive, for transport from the airport to your accommodation.
• Extra passport photos – Can be used if you need to replace a lost or stolen passport whilst overseas.
• Copies of your ID – Scan and save a digital copy of your passport, driving licence and any other form of ID. Consider also printing off a paper copy of each and carrying it with you.
• Vaccination certificate – Some countries may recommend or require you to show proof of vaccination upon entry. Check this CDC list of destinations .
• Bank statements – Some countries will require you to show that you have a certain amount of savings upon entry.
• Travel insurance documents – Some countries will require you to show proof of travel insurance upon entry.
• Emergency contacts – Carry a piece of paper with your emergency contacts (in case you lose your phone). Also, set up the emergency contacts feature on your iPhone or Android .
• Plastic folder – Use a thin plastic folder to store all the essential documents on your  solo travel packing list for females. Stow it in your carry-on bag.
• Travel wallet – Use a travel wallet to store your passport, cash and cards in one easy-to-reach place when travelling alone.

All Your Vital Documents in One Safe Place

Zero Grid Travel Wallet

• No more fumbling around for passports, credit cards, cash, pens, etc.
• Small enough to slide in your pocket or backpack.
• Protects against card skimmers and pickpockets.

Most female solo travellers carry one large bag for luggage, one backpack for carry-on use and a number of smaller bags for specific purposes. Your setup will depend on the type of equipment you are taking. It will also depend on how you like to travel and how manoeuvrable you want to be.

• Suitcase or 55L travel backpack (luggage) – This big bag will carry your clothes and toiletries. See the section below when trying to decide between a suitcase vs a backpack for solo female travel. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
• Small backpack (day/carry-on bag) – This smaller backpack will carry your electronics, essential documents and miscellaneous extras. High-quality travel backpacks (such as the 55L Osprey Fairview ) come with a detachable daypack.
• Anti-theft shoulder bag or crossbody fanny pack – You can use a shoulder or fanny bag for carrying small items on day trips (when you don’t want to carry a small backpack). I use it for items such as my phone, wallet, sunglasses, charging cable and lip balm. When not in use, I stow it in my small backpack.
• Hanging toiletries bag – For keeping all your toiletries together. A hanging toiletries bag is preferable for women travelling alone because it’s easier to access your cosmetics when getting ready to go out.
• Ziplock bags x3 – Required to carry your liquid toiletries and cosmetics in your carry-on luggage on flights. Can also be used to keep your phone dry in the wet.
• Dry bag (optional) – If you plan on partaking in water sports such as kayaking or tubing during your solo female travel, a dry bag will protect your things from the wet.
• Backpack rain cover (optional) – If you are travelling during the rainy season and concerned about your backpack getting soaked, protect it with a cover.

Your Daily Go-To

Maxtop Crossbody Fanny Bag

• Worn close to the body. Can’t easily be snatched or pickpocketed.
• Heaps of storage: I can easily fit my iPhone, Airpods, cash, cards, charging cable, sanitiser, etc.

The electronic devices and gadgets that a woman includes on her solo travel packing list will depend on how long she will be travelling, how much photography she will be doing and whether or not she will need to work whilst travelling.

• Smartphone and case – Your smartphone is your lifeline when travelling alone as a female. Protect it with a shock-proof case and a glass screen protector .
• Multi-charging cable – One cable with three connectors – lightning, USB C and Micro USB. Can be used to charge all my devices (iPhone, iPad, Airpods, GoPro, power bank) without carrying multiple cables.
• Local SIM Card – Most of the time, you will buy a local SIM card upon arriving at your destination. However, sometimes you can preorder them in advance and pick them up at the airport. Just make sure you buy a SIM with plenty of data.
• Global adapter – Rather than buying an adapter for each country that you visit, buy a global adapter with multiple USB A and USB C charging ports. Make sure that it has adapters for the USA, UK, EU and Australia.
• Airpod Pros 2 – Earbuds are preferable to headphones because they take up less space. I also protect my Airpod Pros with a rubber case .
• Airfly Bluetooth transmitter – Listen to aeroplane movies on your Bluetooth earphones. Only takes 10 seconds to set up and means you don’t have to use crappy aeroplane earphones.
• VPN – One of the best solo travel safety tips is to connect to a VPN before using any public Wi-Fi network. This will help to protect you from having your data stolen. 
• Maps.Me – This is the best navigation app for solo travel overseas. It allows you to download offline maps and save points of interest so that you can always find your way around without internet access.
• Laptop and sleeve case (optional) – It is not necessary to travel with your laptop unless you will need it for work. Most of your bookings and trip organisation can be done on your smartphone.
• iPad (optional) – Again, it is not necessary to include a tablet on your solo travel packing list for females. However, it is nice if you want to read or watch a film. It can also be handy for photo editing software.
• Kindle E-reader (optional) – Do not take a separate E-reader if you have already included a tablet device on your solo travel packing list. Save space by using apps such as Kindle or Apple Books on your tablet.
• Power bank (optional) – If you take a power bank, be sure to pack it in your carry-on luggage. It cannot be stored in your checked luggage on flights.
• Airtag (optional) – Place the Airtag in your luggage so that you can track its location if it is lost by an airline or stolen.
• Nintendo Switch (optional) – Keep yourself entertained during long flights and lonely nights.

3 Pieces of Tech I Take on Every Solo Trip

AirFly Transmitter

• No more crappy airline earphones.
• Listen to airplane movies on my Bluetooth earphones.

Kindle Paperwhite

• Glare-free and waterproof for beach or pool.
• Thousands of books at my fingertips.

Apple AirTag

• Peace of mind.
• I can hold my airline or insurer accountable if my bag is lost or stolen.

Your season of travel, the size of your bags, the duration of your trip and the type of trip that you are undertaking (e.g. adventure, backpacking, luxury, etc.) will determine the types of clothes and shoes that you include on your solo travel packing list for females. 

• Underwear x7  
• Bras and sports bras x3
• Socks x5 – Include one pair of thick dry-tech hiking socks if you plan on trekking.
• Swimsuit or bikini x1 – Try to take a pair that can double as both sports shorts and swim shorts.
• Shorts or biker shorts x2 – Avoid denim shorts as most women find that they chafe. Instead, take cotton, linen or moisture-wicking fabric.
• Skirt x2 – A lot of women will find a skirt more comfortable and cool when solo travelling through summer destinations.
• Dress x1 – Some solo female travellers will want to wear a dress in semi-formal occasions (e.g. going out for a drink at the bar).
• Yoga pants or leggings x2 – A go-to for many female travellers when hiking or exploring their destination by foot.
• Tee shirts, tops or blouses x5 
• Long-sleeved top x1 – Offers sun protection in summer and warmth in winter for women travelling alone.
• Sweatshirt x1 – Even the warmest destinations can get chilly sometimes (especially during the night). Take a sweatshirt or hoodie for warmth.
• Pyjamas x1 – If you’re going to be staying in 
• Wide Brim Hat x1 – Protect your face and neck from the sun and keep your hair out of your face.
• Sarong or summer scarf x1 – When visiting modest cultures (e.g. Islamic or South Asian countries), you may be required to wear head coverings to enter certain attractions.
• Sunglasses and case – Protect your eyes from sun damage. Particularly important when visiting the sea or snow.
• Rain jacket or poncho x1 – If you will be travelling solo during the wet season, take a proper rain jacket or rain shell that can be packed into its own little bag. If you think there is only an occasional chance of rain, a throwaway poncho should suffice.
• Trainers or sneakers x1 – It’s worth investing in a good pair of women’s trainers or sneakers that provide comfort, support and grip. These will be your main shoes when travelling solo.
• Sandals or flip flops x1 – All women should include flip flops on their solo travel packing list. They can be used at the beach, in the shower, around your accommodation and for quick trips to nearby stores.
• Throwaway shorts x1 (optional) – An old pair of shorts that you can get dirty during adventure activities and throw out afterwards.
• Throwaway tee x1 (optional) – An old t-shirt that you can get dirty during adventure activities and throw out afterwards.
• Jeans or trousers x1 (optional) – Chances are that you will visit a restaurant, bar or club at some point during your solo travel and women may be expected to wear jeans or trousers.
• Belt (optional)
• Hiking shoes x1 (optional) – Only take a pair of hiking shoes or boots if you plan on doing lots of trekking doing your solo travel. Otherwise, it is not worth carrying the extra weight.

Additional winter clothes

If you will be travelling during the colder winter months, add these additional clothes to your solo travel packing list for females.

• Jacket x1 – The outer layer that will trap heat and protect you from wind and rain.
• Fleece x1 – A middle layer that traps heat and dries quickly.
• Tracksuit pants x1 – Comfortable pants that trap heat.
• Thermal top and pants x1 (optional) – These inner layers may be necessary if travelling in sub-freezing temperatures.
• Winter scarf or neck warmer x1 (optional)
• Gloves x1 (optional ) – A simple pair of woollen gloves may suffice. However, in extreme cold and wet, you may want to opt for waterproof winter gloves.

Whilst most women don’t mind roughing it, your fellow travellers won’t want to hang around with you if you stink. Put together a toiletries bag with the following items on your solo travel packing list for females.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste – Store your toothbrush inside a breathable travel case to protect it from bacteria.
• Roll-on deodorant – Women’s roll-on deodorant tends to be smaller and more travel-friendly than spray deodorant.
• Cosmetics and makeup – Don’t take more than the essentials: foundation, blusher/bronzer compact, mascara, eye shadow pallet, lipstick.
• Travel-size makeup brush set – If you don’t want to take your nice makeup brushes from home, save space by taking this travel-size kit.
• Skincare – cleanser, moisturiser, exfoliator, eye makeup remover, makeup wipes.
• Hair ties, clips and scrunchies
• Sunscreen – Wrap in a plastic zip-lock bag to prevent spillage. Some women prefer to have a separate face sunscreen .
• Lip balm – Protect your lips from sun damage and keep them moist and shiny.
• Razors and shaving cream (or rechargeable bikini trimmer ) – Whilst a razor gives a close shave to your legs and body, an electric shaver is more convenient.
• Prescription medication – Make sure that you buy enough prescription medication before leaving for your solo travel. You don’t want the hassle of seeing a doctor for a prescription when travelling overseas. 
• Sanitary products – Tampons, pads or a menstrual cup .
• Condoms – Female solo travellers should bring their own pack of condoms in case the man isn’t carrying any. You’ll feel more comfortable using a condom that you know is safe and new from the packet. Women may also want to bring an emergency contraceptive pill .
• Mosquito repellent – Particularly important when visiting countries where malaria and mosquito-borne diseases are prominent (e.g. Asia, Africa and South America).
• Hand sanitiser – Keep it in your day bag as a convenient way to clean your hands before meals and after visiting the bathroom.
• Tissues – Buy a small travel pack rather than a large box of tissues.
• Face masks – You may feel safer wearing a face mask if you get stuck next to someone coughing on a flight or coach ride.
• Solid shampoo and conditioner – Most hostels will not provide you with shampoo or conditioner. However, motels, hotels and Airbnbs might. Save space in your luggage by buying these when you arrive at your destination.
• Body soap bar (optional) – Most hostels will not provide you with body wash or soap. However, motels, hotels and Airbnbs might. If you need to save space in your luggage, buy body wash when you arrive at your destination.
• Motion sickness pills (optional) – Particularly important if you suffer from travel sickness or will be travelling a lot by water or air.
• Band-Aids (optional)
• Antibiotic ointment (optional) – clean and sanitise small cuts and bites to prevent infection.
• Q-tips (optional)

How to Stay Hairless on the Road

OLOV Bikini Trimmer

• Shave your legs, armpits and bikini area in under 5 minutes.
• Waterproof and rechargeable.
• Less hassle than razors and shaving cream.

Female solo travellers face unique dangers that most tourists never encounter. Add these safety items to your solo travel packing list for females and keep yourself safe on the road.

• TSA-approved padlocks – Always keep your luggage and day bag locked to prevent theft. Combination locks are best because you don’t have to carry a key.
• Nightcap drink cover scrunchy (optional) – Wear this as a scrunchy in your hair or on your wrist. When out drinking, it converts to a cup cover and stops creeps from spiking your drink.
• Acemining portable door lock (optional) – Allows you to lock any hotel or motel door. Only takes 10 seconds to set up and prevents intruders from being able to turn the door handle.
• ZZRUI door stopper security alarm (optional) – Jam this behind your closed door to stop intruders from breaking in. An alarm will warn you if someone is trying to open the door.
• Fake smartphone and fake cash (optional) – If you’re solo travelling through a dangerous destination, keep a fake smartphone and cash in one pocket of your fanny pack (separate from your real phone and cash). Should you be mugged or robbed, you can hand over the fakes and immediately leave the area.

I’ve Never Had Anything Stolen From My Bags

2x Forge TSA Numeric Locks

• Stop thieves from getting into your bags or hostel locker.
• Don’t worry about carrying and losing keys.
• Just remember a 4-digit code of your choosing.

Add these odd bits and bobs to your solo travel packing list for women. Some are essential, whilst others will just make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

• SIM card tool – Required to remove your smartphone SIM card and replace it with a local SIM card.
• Pen – Vital for filling out forms in a hurry, such as immigration arrival cards.
• Quick-drying microfiber towel – Smaller and faster drying than a bath or beach towel.
• Trash bag – Can also be used to store wet swimwear or rubbish.
• Inflatable travel pillow (optional) – Stop your head from flopping around and get a comfortable sleep on planes, trains and buses.
• Loop earplugs and case (optional) – If you will be sharing a hostel dorm room with other snoring women and men, you should add earplugs to your female solo travel packing list.
• Eye mask and case (optional) – Again, great for blocking out the light when sleeping in hostel dorms.
• Pocket knife (optional) – Can be very handy for fixing things, picking splinters and all sorts of odd jobs. But double-check if it is allowed to be stowed in your checked baggage.
• Headlamp or torch (optional) – Can be useful when camping or digging around in your bag in a dark hostel dorm. However, it is often more convenient to use the torch on your smartphone.
• Lighter (optional) – Whilst this is mostly for smokers, offering a lighter can also be a great way for women to make friends when travelling solo.
• Trinket from home (optional) – Take a small photo or other memento from home to help you feel better when you’re homesick.

How I Sleep Like a Log on Long-haul Flights

Inflatable Travel Pillow

No more flopping head or sore neck. Sleep comfortably.

Loop Earplugs

Block out the noise of rattling plane parts, crying babies and snoring dormmates.

Contoured Eye Mask

Soft memory foam and contour mean no pressure on eyes.

Share your adventures with the world and grow your social media following with stunning content. Include these photography items on your solo travel packing list for females.

• Camera – Only take a camera and lens if you want high-quality photographs. Otherwise, your smartphone’s camera should be capable of getting some decent shots and will save you a lot of hassle.
• Camera cleaning kit – Keep your lenses and mirrors clean so that you can capture clear shots.
• Camera battery and charger
• GoPro Action camera (optional) – Want to capture exciting moments during your solo trip? Take your GoPro.
• Camera bag backpack (optional) – A shoulder bag for your camera can be a nuisance when travelling solo. If you’re a photographer, consider buying a backpack with storage compartments for your camera and lenses.
• Selfie stick (optional) – Save yourself from constantly having to ask others to take photos of you. Some selfie sticks also transform into a tripod and have a remote so you can take epic landscape selfies.
• Camera tripod (optional) – Capture landscape or high-speed shots without camera shake. Also useful for taking selfies. 
• Microphone for camera/smartphone (optional) – Capture crystal-clear audio when videoing your travels on your camera or smartphone.
• Pro lens kit for smartphone (optional) – Capture epic landscapes with the wide angle lens (expands the field of view by 45%). Magnify nearby subjects with the macro lens for breath-taking close-up shots.
• Micro SD memory card (optional) – Buy a 256GB SD card or larger so that you can take lots of photos and videos without constantly changing cards.
• SD card to Lightning adapter (optional) – Transfer photos from your SD card to your iPad in seconds. Perfect if you plan on doing lots of photo editing.

Quality Content with a Smartphone

Xenvo Pro Lens Kit

3 lens combinations. Wide lens for 45% larger landscapes. Macro lens for stunning close-ups.

Movo VXR10 Microphone

Capture crystal-clear audio when videoing your travels on your smartphone.

Selfie Stick and Tripod

No more asking others to take photos. Comes with a remote for epic selfies.

What Not to Include on Your Solo Travel Packing List for Females

There are many advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone . One of the disadvantages is that you have limited luggage space.

You’ll want to keep your solo travel packing list as light as possible. Keeping things light makes you more manoeuvrable, reduces stress on your body and helps to minimise luggage fees.

Do not include these items on your solo travel packing list for females:

• A chunky purse – A big purse is annoying to carry and may make you a target for theft. Replace it with a travel wallet, shoulder bag or fanny pack.
• Unnecessary cards and items in your purse – Empty your purse of unneeded healthcare cards, rewards cards, business cards, spare keys, cash and coins.
• Snacks and food – Don’t bother taking food with you from home, as some of it may not even make it through customs at the airport. Just buy snacks once you arrive.
• Paper notebook – It is much more convenient to journal on your phone, rather than carry a paper notebook which is bulky and can be damaged.
• Guidebooks – There’s no need to carry big and bulky guidebooks with you. You can always access Nomadic Yak’s destination guides online (and even save the pages for offline reading ).
• Large amounts of cash – Try not to carry more than USD $200 at any one time. Carrying more than this could make you a target for theft or robbery.
• Water bottle – There are many countries around the world where you should not drink the tap water as it may cause illness. Instead of filling up a water bottle, buy sealed bottles of water and recycle the bottle whenever possible. 
• Keys – Don’t take your car or home keys overseas with you. You don’t want to risk losing them. Instead, leave them with family or friends.
• Card games – There’s no need to carry a deck of cards with you. Most hostels and hotels will offer cards and games. And other travellers often carry their own.

Suitcase vs Backpack for Female Solo Travel

Solo female travellers often question whether they should take a suitcase vs backpack. Both suitcases and backpacks have advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider the following factors:

• Your destination – Are the sidewalks well paved for suitcase wheels or would it be easier to carry a backpack?
• Your need for manoeuvrability – Will you need to navigate stairs, hills and hiking trails?
• The type of transport you will be travelling on – Will you be travelling frequently on planes, trains and coaches? Will you be travelling by motorcycle or scooter?
• Protecting your possessions – Do you have fragile items in your luggage that need the protection of a suitcase shell?
• How often do you need to access your possessions – Will you be staying in one place for multiple days or will you be travelling on an almost daily basis?

A suitcase is better suited to solo travellers who won’t be frequently catching transport between destinations. In other words, a suitcase is great if you plan on staying in one place for more than a few days (i.e. hotel stays).

The advantages of a suitcase are:

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• Extra-thick ABS hard shell protects your fragile items.
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A backpack is better suited to solo travellers who will be frequently catching transport between destinations. In other words, a backpack is great if you plan on travelling every few days (i.e. backpacking, touring or adventure travel).

The advantages of a backpack are:

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• No need to carry a separate daypack. Includes detachable 15L daypack with laptop sleeve.
• LightWire frame and hip belt are set low so that it is easier for smaller women to carry.

Travel Packing Tips for Solo Women

Women must pack lightly when travelling solo. Remember, a light packing list will make you more manoeuvrable, save you money on baggage fees and reduce stress on your body.

Here are my top ten tips for travel packing as a solo female:

• Tape your cosmetic products closed:  Make-up and liquid cosmetics are expensive. You don’t want them to leak all over your stuff. Eyeshadow, blusher or bronzer products can be taped closed. With liquid products, remove the lid, place a piece of plastic wrap over the top and replace the cap.
• Pour your toiletries into travel-sized bottles – Full-sized toiletries take up too much space. Instead, pour your favourite shampoo, conditioner, soap and cosmetics into travel-size bottles. Alternatively, grab a pre-made travel-size toiletry kit .
• Use packing cubes – Packing cubes are an affordable way to keep luggage organised in your bag. You can quickly reach for the cube you want and stack it back in your bag when done.
• Pack make-up wipes and a face mist in your carry-on:  The air on aeroplanes is notoriously dry, so whether you suffer from dry skin or not, expect your face to feel dehydrated. Combat the elements by carrying a face mist in your bag. Bring make-up wipes as well to prevent breakouts.
• Carry a change of clothes in your carry-on:  Pack a spare pair of underwear, a t-shirt and pants in your hand luggage. If your check-in bags get lost or you accidentally spill food or drink on yourself, you’ll have clean clothes to change into. 
• Pack female sanitary products in your carry-on:  Even if you’re not expecting your monthly visit, travel can cause havoc with your hormones. Make sure you pack enough sanitary pads or tampons in an easy-to-find pocket in your backpack. If you forget, ask an air hostess.
• Roll your clothes – The most efficient way to pack your bag is to roll your clothes up rather than folding them. Then, stack the rolls beside one another and fill every crevice in your bag.
• Pack inside your shoes – There is valuable packing space inside your shoes. Stuff them with socks, underwear and other small items.
• Pre-pack liquids in a zip-lock bag – Airport security will only let you through if your liquids are smaller than 100ml (3.4 ounces) each and packed in a clear quart-sized zip-lock bag (about 17cm by 20cm). Instead of stressing out at the airport, prepare this in advance.
• Keep frequently-used items at the top – Keep frequently-used items such as toiletries, a towel and flip-flops at the top of your bag for easy access.

Related Posts

Solo Travel Packing List for Males – 100 Items Men Must Pack

Find more solo travel tips at nomadic yak.

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For your next solo adventure, consider exploring waterfalls in Iceland, rice fields in Indonesia, beaches in Thailand and more.

Perhaps you have a bucket list of places you've always wanted to travel at the ready but you just keep waiting for the right person to go with you. But if your friends are busy, you just broke up with your partner and you're not feeling a family vacation, you don't have to wait to embark on a new adventure – just go solo .

Traveling by yourself, even as a woman, is not as challenging or scary as you might think. There are plenty of benefits: You don't have to adhere to anyone else's schedule, budget or food preferences, so you can truly prioritize yourself. Solo travel means doing whatever you want whenever you want, while seeing the places that you most want to visit. Adventuring alone as a woman can empower you to see the world on your terms.

Whether you're concerned about safety or seeking companionship, there are plenty of places around the globe to consider for your next solo trip. U.S. News has compiled this list of top solo travel destinations (and helpful tips) with expertise from women who have traversed the globe by themselves and loved it.

Barcelona, Spain

With a visit to Barcelona , immerse yourself in the local culture at your leisure, whether you want to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or go cheer at a football (soccer) game. Writer Mona Gable says, "Barcelona is a place of wonder − medieval neighborhoods, sunny beaches, and world-class museums, not to mention Antoni Gaudí's celebrated architecture." She enjoyed exploring the Mediterranean port city, especially because of its walkability and easy-to-navigate transportation system with metro lines and buses. She also noted feeling safe on her own: "As a female traveler, I felt perfectly at ease wandering many neighborhoods alone, even at late hours, when Catalans famously dine out."

Travel tip: Gable says it's best to avoid touristy Las Ramblas – Barcelona's main thoroughfare – except to see La Boqueria, the city's legendary food market.

[See more of Barcelona:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Botswana is well known for African wildlife safaris , where travelers might encounter elephants, zebras, rhinos, lions and cheetahs while glamping in luxury tents and dining on gourmet food. "Wildlife travel offers an outstanding combination of camaraderie, safety and autonomy," says Darcie Smith, owner of Great Expeditions Travel . She recommends Botswana's green season (November to March) for solo female travelers; at this time of year the single supplement surcharge is waived at many safari camps, which offers an excellent value and means you're more likely to meet other solo travelers. It is also peak season for birding, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the lush landscape.

Many camps will send someone to meet guests upon arrival to help you navigate airports or transfers. In Smith's experience, camp guests are also escorted to their rooms at night, for an added wildlife safety element. "Solo female travelers can enjoy daily shared safari activities in intimate camps that encourage social gatherings with full independence to design the itinerary around what's best for you," she says.

Travel tip: Smith recommends making your social media accounts private when you travel so strangers can't track your location as well as learning about the customs of your destination. "This will help avoid accidentally coming across as forward or flirtatious based on local standards," she explains. "For example, while long eye contact may be considered a sign of self-confidence or being polite at home, it may come across as flirtatious in your new destination."

Picture yourself indulging in pizza and gelato, visiting world-famous museums, touring picturesque wineries, and shopping at designer boutiques – all of that is at your fingertips in Italy , writer Martha McCully's go-to travel destination. "Italians want to share their culture and it's part of their personality to welcome you," she says. "Plus, the food and wine are outrageously divine."

The idea that traveling solo means you will be alone is a misconception, according to McCully. "It's simply not true," she says. "Book a group tour at your destination, or DM a friend from your past on Instagram, which is what I did in Bologna." There are plenty of unique ways to meet fellow travelers in Italy; she recommends signing up for a cooking class in Bologna through Taste of Italy, a food tour by Curious Appetite or a painting class with Plein Air Tuscany. "The idea is you will be with like-minded travelers and someone else is doing all the organizing," McCully explains.

Travel tip: McCully suggests sticking to your wellness routine while on the road to keep healthy habits. "I like to take my rituals with me," she says. "When I ground myself with what I know makes me feel good physically and mentally, it's like I'm living in another country, not just visiting."

[Read: The Top Italy Tours .]

With glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs galore, the dramatic landscapes of Iceland make it a must-visit destination. The "Land of Fire and Ice" is also known for puffins, its Viking history and women's empowerment, with the country's reputation as a champion of gender equality.

"Iceland is a favorite destination for female solo travelers because it is easily one of the safest countries in the world," says Jenny Ly, professional travel blogger at Go Wanderly . Iceland has one of the world's lowest crime rates and no animal predators dangerous to humans – just prepare for challenging weather and exercise caution if you plan to do any driving. Ly's itinerary recommendations include whale watching, with nearly a dozen types of whales navigating Icelandic waters; visiting Vatnajökull Glacier's ice caves; and chasing the northern lights in the darker months (October to April).

Travel tip: Ly encourages solo female travelers to not let the lack of a travel companion prevent them from exploring the world. "It can be both empowering and rewarding for women to travel solo, at least once in their life," she says. "While traveling alone can be riskier than traveling with others, it can also be more fun and gratifying." Her tip is to always be aware of your surroundings.

[Read: The Top Iceland Tours .]

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

While some women may shy away from traveling to Mexico due to safety concerns, travel blogger Jeanine Romo of lewildexplorer.com , who has ventured solo to many countries, recommends visiting the charming town of San Miguel de Allende . "I decided to go on my own and had such a wonderful time," she says. "The people are friendly, the hospitality is amazing, and there are so many things to do if you love art, incredible food, and incredible architecture." San Miguel de Allende is a great option for women travelers because the city center is easily walkable and Uber is available, which Romo says made her feel safe because she could always call a ride.

Travel tip: For women traveling by themselves, Romo advises doing research on transportation options (such as local buses, metro lines and ride-sharing app availability) before you arrive. "I like to know how walkable the city I'm visiting is," says Romo. "This helps me feel so much more confident when navigating a new city."

[See more of San Miguel de Allende: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

New Zealand

From pristine beaches on the North Island to snowy mountains on the South Island – and all kinds of geological wonders in between – the diversity of New Zealand is a major draw for tourists. Travelers can learn about the indigenous Māori culture, visit a sheep farm or go sailing in Auckland , among an abundance of other incredible things to do in this island nation.

Travel blogger Nina Ragusa of whereintheworldisnina.com enjoys visiting because of the welcoming culture, outdoor adventure and feeling of safety. "Traveling New Zealand as a solo woman is quite easy, and if it's your first trip solo, this would be a good country to start in," she says. Ragusa spent a month camping in a van by herself and said she never had to worry about her safety, even in more remote areas. "I went on hikes solo, some of them deep into the mountains for miles and miles, and was either alone or passing other tourists or friendly kiwis to wave hello to," she says. Ragusa adds that New Zealand is not the cheapest travel destination, but her personal recommendation for saving money on longer trips here is to rent – or buy and later sell – a van to live in.

Travel tip: Ragusa recommends steering clear of the outskirts of the bigger cities (particularly if you do travel by van). She warns that, as in most urban destinations around the world, those parts of New Zealand are where you're more likely to run into trouble.

El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

For an outdoor adventure in South America, Argentine Patagonia offers pristine ice hiking, backpacking, kayaking, trekking and wildlife viewing. Nicol Gillum-Thomas, an African-American solo female traveler whose mission is to encourage women to live life as an adventure, enjoyed her time in the town of El Calafate. "El Calafate, Argentina, was the destination that seemed the most off-putting in my imagination, but became the trip with the most adventure, awe-inspiring beauty and ease," she says.

Travel tip: Gillum-Thomas recommends a stay at the América del Sur Hostel Calafate, saying she appreciated the clean accommodations and interesting guests.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you dream of a getaway that includes picturesque beaches and crystal-clear water, Croatia is the perfect spot to explore. In Dubrovnik , the ancient city walls and medieval architecture of Old Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set a particularly gorgeous scene when the sun goes down. Tamara Williams, owner of solo female travel-focused blog My Elated Odyssey , says the unmatched beauty of the surrounding sea and mountains is only one reason to plan a trip here.

"The locals are some of the nicest people I have ever met," Williams says. "They truly made it feel like a second home. They spoke English well, so no need to worry about a language barrier." She adds that this Balkan country is also considerably more affordable than destinations in Western Europe.

Travel tip: For solo female travelers, Williams suggests staying in the Lapad neighborhood or near Old Town. "Both are full of cafes, bars and shopping to keep you busy," she says.

[See more of Dubrovnik: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Svalbard, Norway

You can't go wrong in Norway , with breathtaking fjords, fascinating wildlife, scenic railways, outdoor adventure and the chance to glimpse the northern lights . Jurga Rubinovaite, founder of the travel blog Full Suitcase , says you won't want to miss Svalbard: a Norwegian archipelago located approximately 800 miles from the North Pole. "It is one of the most unique nature destinations in the world," she says. "Despite being so far north in the Arctic, it's extremely easy to visit and is also a great and safe destination for solo female travelers."

The main town, Longyearbyen, is the focal point of activities in Svalbard, which range from hiking and boat tours in the summer to winter pursuits such as ice cave visits and snowmobiling. "Because of the presence of polar bears, everything you do in Svalbard requires booking a guided tour, so you are always in safe hands," Rubinovaite explains. "Longyearbyen town itself is very lively and safe, with lots of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and a few museums, all within easy walking distance from each other."

Travel tip: For women traveling alone, Rubinovaite advises thorough research in advance of your trip to this Arctic locale; staying in hotels, rather than private accommodations; and booking guided tours or looking for a travel buddy when venturing out to very remote places.

Head to Ireland for a memorable solo getaway complete with rolling emerald-green hills, fairytale castles and Irish coffee. Experienced traveler Kelie Fiala of the Vacations Planned blog ranks this European country at the top of her list for solo travel spots. "Many attractions in Ireland are wonderful for solo travelers because they offer peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views, but also provide plenty of opportunities to meet friendly people at cafes and other points of interest," she says.

Fiala appreciates the nightlife and music scene of Ireland as much as the history and scenery. She suggests experiencing some of the country's pubs, even if you're a woman traveling alone, since you'll almost always find live music and friendly people. "Even if you start out by yourself, you'll easily find that you're having great conversations in no time," she says.

Travel tip: Fiala warns that for solo travelers, especially women, it's best to be careful how much you drink and leave the situation if you ever feel uncomfortable. But she also encourages women to not be afraid to have a chat. "You could hear some great stories, and make a new friend," she says.

Beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly people, exotic animals and floating markets are just some of the incredible things that you can experience in Thailand . Loredana Gogoescu, head of content for Destguides.com , says she felt safe in Thailand as soon as she arrived. "Thai people are hospitable and kind," she says. "Moreover, as a solo traveler, I was surprisingly never alone. I had to book a private room for myself at one point just to get a breather, as I was constantly meeting new people!"

Travel tip: If you're apprehensive about exploring a new place on your own, especially if you've never traveled abroad before, Gogoescu recommends sorting out all the logistics like accommodations and transportation in advance so it's easier to acclimate once you get there. She adds, "If you're afraid of being alone, join different apps like Bumble and Facebook groups for the destination you're traveling to, to see if you can match up with other solo female travelers who will be in the area at the same time as you."

Netherlands

Nailah Hayward of TheresSoMuchToSee.com says the Netherlands is a superb option for first-time solo female travelers, based on ease of transportation, overall safety, the variety of things to do and other factors. "The Netherlands comes out high on all of these areas," she says. "And after multiple visits to the country, traveling through big cities and small towns, I always felt extremely safe." With the country's extensive train system, in addition to local trams and bike lanes, navigating the Netherlands by yourself doesn't pose too great a burden. Hayward also appreciates the ease of communicating with locals as an English speaker, since most people speak English in addition to Dutch.

"Whether you are into the arts scene, outdoor activities, luxury experiences, cultural exploration or culinary delights, the Netherlands has a huge variety of activities to dive into," Hayward says. "All of these elements make the Netherlands a place that I enthusiastically recommend for solo women travelers."

Travel tip: Don't carry cash. Hayward says most transactions can be done electronically, so there's no need for frequent trips to the ATM.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Luxury family travel influencer Irina Claire Bromberg suggests Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as a top spot for solo female travel, partially because of its high safety rating from the U.S. Department of State. There's also no shortage of activities in this Caribbean destination, with Bromberg calling Stingray City a must. "The stingrays are peaceful and gentle," she says. "They glide along the ocean floor and you're free to observe and even play with them in their natural habitat." She also recommends soaking up some sun at the renowned Seven Mile Beach .

Grand Cayman is also a foodie paradise, according to Bromberg. "The vibrant dishes are as tasty as they are exciting, representing the fascinating mix of cultures and traditions that make the island so unique," she says. Her suggestions for food to try include the classic Cayman-style lobster, coconut shrimp and Johnny cakes.

Travel tip: Bromberg recommends checking the U.S. Department of State safety rating and other solo travelers' experiences prior to booking a trip.

[See more of the Cayman Islands:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Chart your course for Istanbul , the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. This anomaly is one of many features making the Turkish city stand out as a unique destination; you'll get to experience its Byzantine architecture, Ottoman cuisine and landmarks like the Grand Bazaar on a trip here. Farihah Fuaad, a Muslim solo travel expert and founder of MuslimSoloTravel.com , says, "It offers the best of both worlds – East and West, Europe and Asia, modern and ancient – and lots of surprises." This lively, fast-paced metropolis is also rich in history and culture, with remnants of bygone eras visible in the skyline of Istanbul, according to Fuuad.

For solo travelers, there are endless opportunities for memorable experiences. "Wherever you go in Istanbul, multiple surprises await you at the corner of every street, its cobblestone alleys, or within the maze-like structure in Grand Bazaar," Fuaad says. The network of easy and convenient public transportation options also makes Istanbul a great choice for women traveling solo.

Travel tip: For first-time solo female travelers, Fuaad suggests taking time to adjust to being on your own: "Start small, by venturing to your next neighboring town or city first, or any city in your country first before you make the leap into solo traveling abroad." She adds, "Don't do things you're not comfortable with. Listen to your gut feelings – they're always right!"

[See more of Istanbul:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Bali, Indonesia

For a tropical island escape, Bali is undeniably magical. Its natural beauty spans volcanoes, waterfalls and stunning beaches, as well as sprawling rice fields, diverse nightlife and breathtaking temples. Katie Caf, travel blogger at KatieCafTravel.com , who has been traveling solo full time for the past year and a half, says Bali is by far her favorite place to visit. "The Balinese people are very respectful towards female travelers, there's no street harassment based on gender like you might find in other locations, and while no place is perfect, Bali just feels very safe as a woman," Caf says. She adds that, although Indonesia is a conservative country, she found that women traveling there aren't expected to cover up except in temples or other sacred religious sites.

Travel tip: Caf recommends that travelers always use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Gojek and Grab rather than hailing cabs off the street, since the apps' tracking features make them much safer to use for solo female travelers in foreign countries. Some of these sites also allow you to share your route with chosen contacts for added safety.

[See more of Bali:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Paris is one of the most iconic destinations in Europe for any traveler. Antoinette Harris, founder and owner of travel blog Frolic & Courage , considers the "City of Love" a superb option for women traveling solo due to its cuisine, cultural attractions and hands-on activities of all sorts. "I consider Paris the city of self-love because it has everything solo women travelers need to care for themselves and their interests," Harris says.

With the flexibility of traveling on your own, you can plan the Paris trip of your dreams. Depending on what you're interested in, you may choose to learn about French cooking, immerse yourself in the Louvre , attend an opera at the historic Palais Garnier or browse local shops, as Harris has done. "Uninhibited by the demands or requests of others, I was able to really take the time to focus on who I am, what I wanted and what sparks joy and life in my spirit," she says. "Traveling to Paris taught me how to truly enjoy spending time solo."

Travel tip: One of Harris' top tips is to not bring more than you can carry, as you won't always find someone to help you with your luggage if an escalator breaks and you have to take the stairs. "By keeping only the essentials, you're able to move quickly to and from your destination without worrying too much about being a target for crime," Harris says. She also recommends downloading an offline map you can reference even without internet connection and sharing your itinerary with family members or friends who could help in a sticky situation.

[See more of Paris:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

New York City

It's hard to beat the allure of the twinkling lights of Times Square , award-winning Broadway shows and Lady Liberty . Melanie Musson, a travel expert with AutoInsurance.org , loves taking a solo trip to New York City , saying she doesn't even have the chance to feel lonely because the hustle and bustle of the big city keeps her sufficiently distracted.

Musson says that, while there are risks for visitors in any city, the odds of anything scary happening to you in New York are low as long as you take appropriate precautions. "New York City prioritizes tourist safety because they know they’d lose this valuable industry if visitors had frequent bad experiences," she explains, adding that you may be surprised how friendly the local residents are. "They're usually happy to help you identify the right subway line to take or bus to catch. They'll probably even give you tips on the best places to eat or things to see."

Travel tip: Musson's pre-trip tip is to check crime reports in the destination you're heading to and stay within the safe areas. "Trust your gut and get out of the area if you don't feel safe," she cautions.

[See more of New York City:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

The city of Singapore is known for being clean, green and safe for travelers – as well as expensive. Singapore boasts impressive architecture, the iconic Singapore sling cocktail, street food markets and luxury shopping malls. Daina Cohen, editor at WorldlyKnown.com , says, "Singapore is a fantastic destination for solo women travelers because of its vibrant, yet safe culture and exciting sights." On a solo trip to this Southeast Asian city, you can experience the unique blend of diverse cultures and cuisines, Cohen says, in addition to other benefits. "It's easy to navigate with plenty of public transportation options, plus an excellent healthcare system, which makes it a great choice for those who want to travel solo," Cohen notes. Tourists should research Singapore's laws – such as a ban on chewing gum – before traveling there to avoid fines.

Travel tip: Cohen advises staying in a hostel (which often have options for women-only dorms) or renting an Airbnb for more privacy. You'll also want to familiarize yourself with the city's public transportation system prior to arrival.

[See more of Singapore: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to solo travel for women. Her first trip by herself was to New Zealand when she was 19. Since then, she has traveled solo all over the U.S. and to countries such as Fiji, Argentina, Chile and Italy. Her favorite destination to travel alone is still her native California, which offers a diverse landscape from the city to the sea and the mountains and the desert.

You might also be interested in:

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• Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Most Beautiful Landscapes in the World

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25 Unexpectedly Awesome Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

06/18/2023 by Kristin Addis 60 Comments

Welcome, fellow solo traveler. This is where your adventure begins. Solo traveling is a beautiful gift. You’re going to learn so much about yourself, make so many fabulous new friends, meet so many beautiful strangers, and see so many vibrant landscapes and skyscrapers, too. The world is your oyster, but the question is, where do you start?

When I see lists like these I often just see suggestions for places women should travel to solo based on only one thing: safety. While crime stats are worth noting, they’re not the defining factor for a great place for women to travel alone. The best destinations aren’t just the popular and well-trodden ones, either. Some of the best places to travel to by yourself might be in the places you least expected, or didn’t even know existed yet.

The best destinations for solo female travelers will be where locals are particularly friendly and welcoming, or it’s social due to a shared interest like surfing or diving, and even though it might be off the beaten path a bit, it’s not so remote that you’ll be the only one there. It still has that special charm that makes it feel authentic and inviting.

Sounds amazing, right? So where can you find these places? I’ve searched high and low, and these are some of my favorite destinations for solo female travel – they might surprise you:

First Name:

Table of Contents

1. Lombok, Indonesia

…because it has everything Bali had once upon a time.

Many people, myself included, are put off by Bali’s overtourism , where there’s constantly bad traffic, beaches littered with trash, and long waits for photos at popular Instagram spots. So where can one go in Indonesia where there are stunning waterfalls, nice beaches and a social yet laidback atmosphere, like Bali once upon a time had? The answer is Lombok . Not only is Lombok overall a wonderful alternative to Bali, but also cheaper. As a solo traveler, I find it easier to socialize and connect with other solo travelers in Lombok, as people tend to hang out at the same spot, like Kuta , or go to the same beaches.

A Complete Guide to Lombok

How to Find the Tiu Kelep Waterfall In Lombok

The Ultimate Kuta, Lombok Guide

2. Siargao Island, The Philippines

…because there’s nothing like a little solo motorbike adventure.

Siargao Island is a water-lover and general adventurer’s dream. You can go on a little solo motorbike adventure, as the roads are mostly flat and easy. It is also a surfer’s paradise with a playful soul to it, so if you are a surfing enthusiast, or have been thinking of picking it up, Siargao is perfect. The island’s popularity is growing rapidly, but the atmosphere remains laidback and relaxing. This means that it’s just as easy to meet others as to be by yourself. I was able to hang out with surfers on the beach, talk to other people in restaurants and cafes, and retreat to my little corner in an adorable guesthouse every night. It’s perfect!

A Complete Guide to the Philippines

How to spend 5 days on Siargao Island

What changed my mind about the Philippines

3. Singapore

Who doesn’t appreciate extravagance?!

This thriving island country and city is unique compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. It’s home to the largest port in the region, making it one of the most prosperous and busiest Southeast Asian countries. You’ll find evidence of such development in the clean streets, skyscrapers, strictly-enforced laws, and a plenitude of things to do, like hopping around at the speakeasy cocktail bars or walking through the Gardens by the Bay. It’s definitely a more expensive country, but if done right, you can easily explore on a budget with this list of free things to do .

Here’s a 3-day itinerary by a local

4. Tokyo, Japan

The capital of dining alone.

The language barrier may make you feel a little bit intimidated at first, but virtually everything from public transportation to ordering food from a local restaurant is so organized and systematic, it makes traveling in Japan such an easy and enjoyable experience. In cities like Osaka and Tokyo, there are all kinds of interesting things to do , including all kinds of themed cafes, unique museums where one can easily spend hours in, and beautiful parks perfect for people watching. Visiting Japan is also perhaps the best place to master the art of dining alone. Many solo travelers are afraid of eating alone, but in Japan, eating alone is completely normal. There are even restaurants that sell on “low interaction dining”!

This is the only all-female Kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo

Here’s an island paradise near Tokyo

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

…because there are so many epic day trips to keep you busy.

Thailand is famously a great place for solo female travelers because of how friendly the locals are and the overall abundance of other backpackers. It’s easy to meet other travelers here who might be down to explore different hikes, temples, and other excursions just outside of Chiang Mai. This northern Thailand city is also known for its outstanding gastronomy, and traveling solo means that you can eat your way through Chiang Mai without anybody stopping you. Yum!

9 Awesome Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Hidden Thailand: 8 Amazing Day Trips From Chiang Mai

5 Delightfully Unique Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand

6. Reykjavik, Iceland

Because it is literally the safest country in the world.

Iceland is ranked the #1 safest country in the world by Vision of Humanity , and I can attest, people left their cars running while they went grocery shopping! That’s how sure they are that nobody will steal their car. Iceland’s landscape is so unique and stunning, plus it’s great for a road trip . Reykjavik has social hostels as well, where you can find adventure partners. This guide has everything you need to know about Iceland.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Feel like you’re part of a painting with pastel-colored buildings.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of Europe’s most charismatic cities because of its beautiful hills, walkable layout, and the River Tagus. You’ll find ornate architecture that adds to the city’s vibrancy, and plenty of things to do like admire the hilly vistas from Alfama or the Tagus Estuary, pastel-colored buildings and the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge from St. George’s Castle . There are also some must-visit museums like the National Azulejo Museum where you’ll find decorative ceramic tiles that date back five centuries. If you love beaches, Lisbon is a great jumping-off point to go explore the shorelines on the Atlantic Ocean.

8. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

…because this is one friendly road trip.

It’s the small towns on Ireland’s least populated coast that can be the most social. In a country that’s already pretty friendly, I found that people were especially friendly along the Wild Atlantic Way on the Connemara Coast . Just walk into any pub and within a few seconds someone will be talking to and joking around with you.

9. Berlin, Germany

Where you can truly be yourself.

Berlin is hands down, one of the coolest cities in the world. It’s like Brooklyn meets San Francisco with an LA vibe. Whatever you identify yourself as, you can easily find your tribe here. The city is filled with creative people, alternative things to do , and delicious food to devour . I never felt like the odd one out being a solo girl in the city, because people couldn’t care less (in a good way). You can dress like a unicorn and barely anyone would bat an eyelash. What’s not to love about that?

Why I decided to leave Berlin (after 5 years)

10. Québec, Canada

…because it’s one of the safest and friendliest places you will visit.

Quite possibly the safest and most scenic place to drive through, Québec is a special place with endless beauty to offer to its visitors. If you are looking for a comfortable solo road trip experience with great accommodation choices, delicious food, and friendly locals, Québec is perfect for just that. Come for the beautiful fall foliage, but stay for the food, hospitality, and uncrowded adventures in a beautiful part of Canada.

The perfect fall road trip in Québec, Canada

11. The Bahamas

…because an island vacation is the ultimate “treat yo’self”

Maybe you wouldn’t think the Bahamas would be a solo female traveler destination because of its reputation as a honeymoon spot , but think again! With hundreds of islands to choose from, you can have the island vacation of your dreams here. Swim with nurse sharks, play with the famous Exumas pigs, snorkel, dive, and have a blast all on your own terms in the Bahamas.

Things to Do in the Bahamas

How to Swim with Pigs in the Bahamas

The Ultimate Staniel Cay Guide

12. Iguazu Falls, Argentina

…because waterfalls are best when shared.

Iguazu Falls is one of Argentina’s most-visited attractions and for good reason, I mean just look at that beauty. There are plenty of social places to stay, from mid-range hotels to hostels. A friend of mine told me he enjoyed his guesthouse so much that it took him three days to actually leave the hostel and go see the waterfall!

13. El Chaltén , Argentina

The most social place in Patagonia.

Much of Patagonia, particularly along the Carretera Austral , is remote and quiet, but if you’re solo, El Chaltén is the best mix of nature and social opportunities. The hostels are warm and friendly places, many of the hikes and campsites are well-loved, and it’s easy to meet others on the more trodden hikes. Far from the cat calls of Buenos Aires, I found El Chaltén to be a breath of fresh air.

The Best Hiking in El Chaltén, Argentina

14. The Riviera Maya, Mexico

…because having cenotes to yourself is magical.

Renting a car and heading from Cancún through Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and down to Bacalar is an epic road trip in itself. With pristine cenotes, white sand beaches, and Mayan ruins along the way, being able to take this trip at your own pace is liberating. Plus, Tulum and Bacalar are particularly social, meaning you can easily make friends and share the experience with other travelers.

Things to in and around Cancún

How to get between Cancún and Tulum

Cenotes in Cancún & Tulum

15. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Perfect for times when you don’t want to hike solo, but you’re solo.

Even if you start out alone in the 5-day W or the 8-day O Circuit trek in Torres del Paine National Park , you’ll come out of it with a bunch of new friends. For the same reasons that I loved the Annapurna Circuit, I love the social atmosphere amongst campers and hikers on this trek, particularly on the back, ‘O’, part of the trail where fewer hikers go and the crowds are more intimate. Refugio Dickson, in particular, was tons of fun thanks to the social rangers who played music and organized soccer games.

The perfect 9-day Torres del Paine O Circuit itinerary

16. Costa Rica

Where you can soak up the salt and sun.

Between the beaches , tours , volcanoes , and road trips , you’ll soon discover some of the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica . It’s easily the world’s eco-tourism capital, so make this your next destination if you love nature. Because of its unique geography (Atlantic and Pacific coasts, mountains, rain forest), there’s so much biodiversity to discover. But, Costa Rica is one of the most visited places in Latin America, so it can also be one of the more expensive destinations. Here’s a breakdown of what a trip could cost you .

Here’s a guide on what to wear

Figure out the best time to go here

Itinerary for one week, two weeks and one month

17. Coffee Bay, South Africa

…because Africa isn’t ‘scary’ after all.

Africa gets a bad rap as being a scary place to travel through, and while it’s important to take precautions ( here’s a list of them ), that doesn’t mean solo female travelers should write it off. I love how laidback Coffee Bay (and that whole coastline) is and how many other cool backpackers are always passing through. It’s easy to meet other people, go on long walks along the bluffs on the ocean, and take in gorgeous nature. While South Africa does have a pretty high crime rate, the bulk of it is in the cities . I loved the little towns like Coffee Bay where there weren’t many people or worries around at all.

The essential guide to solo female travel in Africa

7 reasons to visit South Africa, the Rainbow Nation

18. Tofo, Mozambique

I maintain, Africa’s not that ‘scary’.

I love Tofo, Mozambique because of the type of adventurous and interesting people it attracts. It seems like most travelers in Mozambique have a cool story, and have arrived by word-of-mouth. There are only a couple of backpackers accommodations there (I stayed at Fatima’s), and scuba dive shops, but both are excellent places to meet other solo travelers.

Why going alone to Mozambique was the best decision ever

How to travel through Mozambique

19. Sunset Beach, Zanzibar

Beach Bums, Unite.

The white-sand beaches and baby blue waters of Zanzibar are legendary, and there’s so much to do there from diving to swimming, boating, and perusing the markets in Stone Town. It’s attractive for a lot of reasons. I remember laughing and dancing at the reggae bar there with Masai warriors dressed in regalia, local beach boys, and tourists from all over, loving how communal and inviting it was. Even if you go there solo, you can find your people. Just lock up your stuff in the safes, as there’s some petty crime.

5 steps for perfect Zanzibar style

20. New Zealand

Unlimited doses of nature.

New Zealand is made up of two gorgeous islands, North and South, and both are worth visiting for the iconic places , especially those that are off the beaten path . You could easily spend a year here exploring all that this beautiful slice of the earth has to offer. If you love nature, you’ll be in paradise with dolphin watching , hiking trails , glaciers , fjords and beaches. There’s something for the more adventurous too, like skydiving and bungee jumping!

New Zealand packing list

South Island itinerary

21. French Polynesia

…because its friendliness and hospitality is out of this world.

Remember travel before the Internet was so ubiquitous, before Instagram was even a thing, and before the birth of “influencer”? Allow me to introduce you to French Polynesia , where the locals immediately treat you as though they know you, the environment is preserved and treasured by the locals, and you can truly come back to yourself. While Bora Bora may make solo travelers feel a little bit out of place, French Polynesia has way more than that to offer, and I can almost guarantee you that you will have a wonderful time as a solo girl. This is a country I know I will be returning to again and again.

I spent 22 days with whales

An ode to the places we keep secret

22. Montana , USA

…because it is so meditative and relaxing!

Montana is the type of place where the locals deeply value nature they’re blessed with, and where visitors can find abundant yoga classes, opportunities to walk among ancient trees, and ample opportunity to relax and reflect. Country roads make way for organic grocery stores, crystal shops, and artist galleries. I was lucky to be able to experience Montana through the locals’ eyes, and found many meditative things to do and places to go, including Crystal Sound Bowl Meditation and standup paddleboarding.

The relaxing side of Whitefish, Montana

23. New Orleans , USA

Stay entertained!

New Orleans turned out to be one of the most enjoyable solo trips I’ve had. I spent a week in the Big Easy , and was kept entertained by the huge variety of things to do. Even when I dined alone in restaurants , the wait staff and the others were totally open to talk, and almost everyone I met had a suggestion for me on where to go next. I never felt like the odd woman out either as I sometimes do in beachy or couples’ destinations.

An awesome New Orleans itinerary

The vegan’s guide to New Orleans

24. Maui, Hawaii, USA

…because it’s for more than just honeymooners.

It’s crazy to think that Hawaii would be a good place to travel to solo, but I was delighted to find that there were tons of things for me to do even though I wasn’t on my honeymoon. I made friends easily while snorkeling, found a lot of active adventures, like hiking to waterfalls on the Road to Hana , and found a surf school especially for women as well!

23 of Maui’s best things to do

Secrets of the Road to Hana in Maui

25. California, USA

You may just fill your heart with gold.

If you’ve never been to the Golden State , there’s a lot of places you’ve got to see . The state’s beautiful landscapes, views and national parks have inspired artists, poets, photographers and writers. Plus there’s a lot of fun and fame when it comes to Disney Land and the Hollywood Sign. Other must-sees include the the Golden Gate Bridge, deserts , and the redwoods, and you can also tour a good bit of the Pacific Coast (here’s a great guide for a Pacific Coast road trip ).

Solo female travel guide to California

Guide to Southern California

After traveling for over seven years, mostly by myself, I’ve found some really special gems around this world that seemed to have that special something that was missing from many others, and all of these places have that.

I was delighted to find, sometimes in places I least expected, that such friendly people and amazing social atmosphere could exist, and that’s the beauty of traveling on your own.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Megan Thudium says

01/20/2017 at 12:17 pm

I love how your places are “off the beaten path.” I’d also add Austria and New Zealand to the list. I loved traveling these places solo.

Kristin says

01/20/2017 at 12:42 pm

Also great places that I need to see more of!

Ijana Loss says

01/21/2017 at 9:40 am

I would love to go all these places! Thank you for picking places that aren’t just the typical “safe countries” lol because honestly most places are safe enough as long as you’re smart and there’s so much more to the world when you open up to places you wouldn’t normally consider. I’ve been considering taking a hiking themed trip which many of the locations you listed would be perfect for, maybe I just need to bite the bullet and do it.

01/23/2017 at 10:31 am

Pick Patagonia!

01/23/2017 at 5:23 pm

Yes that’s what I was thinking!

01/22/2017 at 2:04 am

While we havent visited (yet) majority of places on this list we can definetely confirm that Phong Nha ke Bang felt as a very warm and welcoming atmosphere, people came across as genuinly kind if you have any troubles. The owners of the housestay we lodged at also kindly invited us to share their familly dinner and have a nice discussion about the area.

01/23/2017 at 10:32 am

That’s so sweet they invited you to join them for dinner! I loved the welcoming atmosphere there and the people I met.

01/23/2017 at 10:33 am

I agree Europe is good, although there are pickpockets and cat callers in some parts but that’s part of being a female sometimes, sadly.

01/24/2017 at 6:11 am

Hi Kristen!!

Love your blog, was wondering…for your Iceland trip, how many days do you recommend? I’ve heard a long weekend is great especially if you’re flying from the east coast since it’s a relatively short flight. Also best season/months to visit?

01/24/2017 at 10:33 am

I really loved visiting in October since I got changing leaves and the northern lights. I did 11 days and it felt short, but you could also maximize a long weekend and see a lot if you stick to the Golden Circle: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/iceland-golden-circle-self-drive/

01/26/2017 at 5:37 pm

Thanks so much for the tips, Kristin** ❤️ 🙂

Crazy Travelista says

01/24/2017 at 8:18 am

Love this list so much! I haven’t heard of so many of these places, so I’m extra intrigued! Patagonia is high on my list! Although I’m so not a camper, hence the reason I’ve avoided it thus far haha. Are there other ways to do Patagonia, maybe more glamping style? It’s so hard to find good info on it. Or maybe it’s that there is so much info that its overwhelming.

01/24/2017 at 10:31 am

If you went to El Chalten you could stay in town and do day hikes without having to camp. Much of the rest of it isn’t glamping style, though. You can sometimes stay in the refugios, but they’re usually quite basic as well. Seems like a good place to try camping out. You might really like it!

Arianwen says

01/24/2017 at 3:29 pm

This is an awesome list. I’ve been to quite a few of these by myself as well. I loved Pai and Don Det. Lucky for me, I met people to trek the Torres del Paine with, but it was still a surprisingly sociable experience. I never thought we’d be drinking boxed wine with other campers in the evenings!

01/25/2017 at 11:07 am

The boxed wine! Haha same here.

01/25/2017 at 3:47 pm

Thanks for the great list! I will definitely be referring to this when I pick where to travel over the summer:)

01/30/2017 at 6:40 am

Adding these to my list!!

01/30/2017 at 11:56 am

Amazing places. All on my to-visit list. Looking forward to my next vacay. Don’t know where to go yet though.

Kate - Travel for Difference says

01/31/2017 at 1:27 pm

Such incredible destinations! It’s great to see some inspiration for solo travellers, especially to locations that are far from the traditional ‘London’ or ‘NZ’. Great post!

Krista @ Gringita says

02/02/2017 at 12:18 pm

Some places in Peru are awesome for solo travel as well! Notably Lima and Cusco! Though not all of Peru is safe for solo female travelers (I do not recommend going into the Amazon! but that is in any country with Amazon jungle).

Sophiya says

02/03/2017 at 1:42 am

Sounds like a great list! I haven’t been to all that places, but looks very amazing and wonderful. After reading this blog, I definitely visit to all these places. Thanks @Kristin for sharing these interesting places.

02/24/2017 at 7:37 pm

This list is just what I needed to read right now. I’m a copywriter and have been trying to plan my next solo trip – did any of these spots stand out as good for working from? I always seem to pick spots with questionable Internet and want to make sure I get it right this next time!

02/24/2017 at 11:58 pm

I would just recommend getting a local SIM card. I’m sitting in Tanzania right now working from 3G and I’m not paying much for it. In Africa it’s a must, I’d say. China is OK but you need a VPN, and naturally the European destinations will have better Wifi

Mehndi says

10/05/2017 at 7:03 am

This is a great list! Im looking into starting properly travelling and am trying to plan a few good adventures! this really helped me out!

Alice Teacake says

01/24/2018 at 9:19 am

Hi Kristin! I love it that you’ve got Ireland, Coron in the Philippines and Phong Nga in Vietnam on your bucket list. I’ve been to them and can vouch that they rock for solo female travellers 🙂 You’re always pushing boundaries and comfort zones and you’ve got some great hiking spots on here. Thank you for the continuous inspiration. Love what you’re doing. Keep it up!

01/25/2018 at 3:24 am

Aw thank you Alice! Glad you like the post and that you’ve been there and love those places too!

Maritza says

02/15/2018 at 2:37 pm

Hi any info on Canary Islands?

Loved your book and blog!

02/15/2018 at 4:46 pm

Haven’t been yet!

Undefined Journey says

04/14/2018 at 8:14 pm

I just love your blog, there are so many places where I can go

05/05/2018 at 9:55 am

I just came back from Coffee Bay and I loved it! I’m from Johannesburg so I know what the crime is like but I felt completely safe in Coffee Bay. Everyone is super chilled and the beaches are beautiful and wild. Great list, by the way. I had a similar experience on Annapurna – hikers are just cool people 🙂

05/08/2018 at 4:07 pm

I loved how chilled Coffee Bay was too!

05/13/2018 at 10:51 am

Hi Kristin, Just discovered your blog this weekend and have been reading all the articles since then! Just wondering if you’ve ever been to/heard much about Guatamala? I’m considering my first solo trip there this summer before I get married next year and was curious if it would make for a good first time solo trip destination.

05/13/2018 at 11:10 am

I’ve only visited Tikal, the big Mayan ruins there. I have heard it’s awesome, though. Nice, conscious communities as well are around. I’d go there in a heartbeat!

05/13/2018 at 3:17 pm

Oh perfect! Thank you very much! Now to take the plunge….

melissa says

06/09/2019 at 9:01 am

Greetings! Glad to have found you. Any trips in July? I would sign up immediately! What is the average age of travelers?

selinacantrell says

07/14/2019 at 8:28 pm

Me and my friends are planning to go to spain this January. We would love to see some nice beaches with clear water and some stunning scenery. We were thinking Majorca,Ibiza and Canary Island, we are up to some adventures and experience a great nightlife in our travel. Can anyone suggest any ideas or tips? Any help is kindly appreciated 🙂

08/18/2019 at 1:09 am

Love your blog, was wondering and this Pai Thailand destination is good for female travellers and this is the best place I had a great experience at this place. and Thank you for sharing these options.

08/18/2019 at 8:26 am

I know that it’s changed since I was last there and has become a lot more touristy, but I hear it’s still pretty cool. I loved it and went solo three times. Even considered living there for a while.

Solo Female Traveler says

08/31/2019 at 10:29 pm

Oh my, I loved this article. Very informative.

08/31/2019 at 10:30 pm

Very valuable information! Thank you

Alysse Chase says

12/28/2019 at 3:32 pm

Yes! Thank you for this list ?I’ve been thinking about traveling solo for years but have had an internal debate over where I actually should go. This is perfect! Does anyone have experience using travel apps like Fairytrail or Couchsurfing to meet people while traveling solo? Appreciate the help! ?

12/28/2019 at 8:34 pm

I’ve met people couchsurfing and it’s hit or mess tbh but the hits are so great! You can also check out my facebook group for solo female travelers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BMTMSoloFemaleTravelConnect/

Luna Jennifer says

01/10/2020 at 2:09 am

It’s been inspirational to read these posts!

Dolakh Thapa says

01/13/2020 at 4:57 am

Thank you so much for placing Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal in your 20 most awesome destinations. Nepal is really a perfect destination for adventure lovers. I request you to try Everest Base Camp Trek as a solo female traveler in visit Nepal 2020.

01/13/2020 at 6:07 pm

I’d love to do more trekking there. Are there trails with fewer people?

Sabrina says

02/20/2020 at 11:05 pm

3 of them I have travelled solo…. Iguazu, Torres del Paine and El Chalten. And it’s been amazing. I would also add Austria to that list (well i’m from there, but still, it’s so safe and easy going)

02/21/2020 at 9:05 am

True and Austria is so pretty!

Mary Ann Siwek says

06/07/2020 at 8:15 pm

I want to travel to Thailand and Japan

Kimberly Roth says

05/04/2021 at 7:05 pm

i love that you picked El Chalten! I traveled there in 2019 solo and had a fabulous time. El Calafate and Puerto Madryn were great too. Another place I would recommend for solo travel is Australia. Everyone is very friendly and there’s tons of things to do.

05/05/2021 at 7:57 am

great suggestion!

Tong Metal says

05/05/2021 at 1:32 am

I just want to ask if a solo female traveler also love safari or wilderness travel, its more fantastic to see solo female travel experience this one

Angela says

04/18/2022 at 12:07 am

Hello! Do you have any advice about pick pockets when taking your own travel photos? That’s my biggest fear especially when travelling at very touristy places like Italy!

04/18/2022 at 2:42 pm

I don’t usually set up a tripod in a super crowded area, particularly in Europe. I’d ask someone else to take the photo for me in that case – ideally someone who also has a camera and is taking photos too.

Isa Sirbegovic says

07/10/2022 at 8:32 pm

Such a great blog! I’ve been wanting to start up more solo travel, but it can be so intimidating! I appreciate all the research that went into this post.

Rosieaustin says

01/02/2023 at 11:34 pm

Awesome list. thank you for sharing

09/03/2023 at 8:42 am

NOLA as a destination for solo female travelers?! I live here and for your info, we not only have the second highest murder rate in the country, but we also have the highest murder rate of women! There is not a neighborhood untouched by crime. I would never venture to walk the streets – ANY street (and natives will agree) – anywhere in NOLA by myself after dark; and during the day you should always be on your guard. You’re obviously not from here.

09/08/2023 at 6:00 am

Hi Suzy, I had a great time solo in NOLA and walked around plenty alone, but it was always during the day and I agree, any city in the US would require one to be on their guard and is best avoided on foot at night.