Hey all - I'll likely have 3-4 weeks in Bali in September, perhaps spilling one week over into October. (I may be hitting the west coast of Australia beforehand and flying to Bali from Darwin).

I've been reading past threads and I get the feeling that Bali is fine (and fun) to backpack around alone (I'm 32 and have traveled solo before).

So the question becomes itinerary. Is 3-4 weeks too much time in Bali? (Perhaps I could add in Lombok?) Assuming I would like some good beach time, but also some decent hiking and exploring, what would you all suggest?

And, is 3-4 weeks too much time alone? Will it be easy to meet people?

I may have some follow-up questions, but that's all for now. Appreciate how everyone on this forum takes time to respond to everyone's questions. Thanks all.

If you like sitting on the beach, 3-4 weeks is ok, but Bali beaches are not the best in the world. There is some surfing on the west coast area, hiking in the North,central and eastern Bali. Rememer it is very hotand humid there, so I am not sure how long a day you want to spend hiking. Lombok might be a nice divirsion. There is a lot of diving over there. Up aroun Amed you might find interesting also. Over all it seems like a long time.

I'd suggest you also consider a side trip to central Java to see Borobudor and Prambanam. There are beautiful, scenic areas on Java including the Dieng Plateau with the geysers and hot springs as well as mountainous areas like Mt. Merpati.

Lombok is lovely, with beautiful beaches and there are areas for trekking in the interior. Pick up one of the Lonely Planet books about this area.

In three to four weeks, you could visit Java, Bali and Lombok.

I spent a week+ in Bali on my own last summer. I'm your age.
There were no problems meeting and talking to people, either locals or tourists.

I could easily spend 3-4 weeks in Bali IF I had something other than just the tourists sights to ocuppy myself. I took daily yoga classes and also did some surfing lessons.
If artsy stuff is more your speed, you could consider any number of workshops or classes that are offered in Ubud.

Bali IS fine and fun to backpack alone as long as you follow reasonable precautions.

Whether or not it could sustain your interest for 3-4 weeks depends on what you are interested in and how you like to spend your days, not to mention your budget.

Geographically Bali is a small island and is best appreciated by staying still and letting Bali unfold around you. For me Bali is just a nice place to BE, either on the beach or inland, I can fill up days doing nothing but walking, eating, hanging out, watching Balinese life.

There are plenty of active pursuits -- land and water -- and plenty of cultural opportunities.

I think the suggestion of taking a course or joining a group program is a good one. Again it depends on your area of interest.

There are many, many options for cultural and adventure travel. I like this group Danu Enterprises:
http://www.danutours.com/bali_menu.htm

Combining Bali with some time in Lombok and/or Java is also a good idea.

You could do a week each in several areas and find lots to interest you. One week, north with the national park treks and snorkeling/diving. (very easy to join groups through the dive shops). One week, mountain areas around Munduk/Bedugul/Sanda. One week, Ubud, for cultural pursuits, music, dance, painting, wood and stone carving, temple exploring. One week, southern Bali for beaches, nightlife, urban sophistication. And I do encourage you to visit Java for Borobudur and Prambanan if you have the least bit interest in stone monuments. (easy flights and easy to meet up with other people)

You certainly don't need to join any tour groups! Much better to follow your own desire and be able to change plans on the spur of the moment. It's very easy to get around, and when you get here you will find many Balinese waiting to accomodate your every need!

Visited Bali in April for a week and simply loved it.....Spent the first day just by the ocean. Chilling. Then I took off cos i wanted to 'drink ' in as much as i could about this beautiful island and its very friendly spiritual people. There is so much to do and so much to see that one week is too short...4 weeks seems perfect to do all that you can and be all that you want to be...in this land of enchantment and spirituality. Kuluk has the right idea - use one week for one area and do all that you can or want to. Use Lonely planet guide to chalk out your trip. Enjoy your visit. Oh do avoid a couple of the tourist traps - one is the Baisakhi Temple which is beautiful and would be worth a visit if it wasnt for touts who spoil the whole experience by preying on tourists. Do not go to the place by yourself..

agree with Kathie, adding central java or Yogyakarta to your list can be a great decision too. Differ to bali or lombok that surrounds you with beautiful atmosphere of summer, central java and Yogyakarta are famous for its rich cultural heritage. Not only for its cultural sites like Kraton Yogyakarta, Prambanan temple, or Borobudur temple, there’s a lot of cultural event that goes along the way. I remembered the day I visited Borobudur on the Vesak day, sure it’s one of the best experience I have. This year event is held by Walubi, and the good thing is Vesak day in Borobudur are always open for public, you’re even allowed to participate all the rituals. Sure then you’re left with good memories and peaceful mind.

if you enjoy travelling up hill, well then dieng plateau will be a good candidate. I went there like it was just yesterday (because it is haha), we went there by a car, I choose car because it’s a lot easier to move around from one site to another. In one day we able to cover for about 5 site around dieng (sikidang, candradimuka, etc. if you like hiking, don’t miss sikunir peak!). one tiring day of course but I really enjoy the cold breezy air and didn’t feel tired at all, until we made it to hostel. We spent night at Tani Jiwo hostel, I’m really excited to get to the hostel because of the hot water. A long cold days are best to end with a long warm bath, and a long deep sleep (because there’s no drinks here. The next morning, I really enjoyed quality time with warm coffee and skyping with my family (this is a tips for you, you really need to managed to choose internet provider in Indonesia, because not all provider can cover all places), I forgot to managed my provider and ending up lose contact with my relatives, thank God the hostel provides free Wi-Fi. I hope my experiences helping, hope you enjoy your holiday!

Ladd, while you have given some good advice, this thread is 7 years old. I assume th OP is long back from this trip.