I didn’t realise that the idea of doing something alone is unthinkable for some people, even for the simplest activities like having dinner outside or going to the movies. In my opinion, that’s best for me, since it means I can do things based on the timeline and in ways that work for me. Especially at my age now, each of my friends has their own life and business with work, family and many other adulting stuff.
Now I get the idea of making this a series where I do things on my own, and hopefully it can be an insightful idea for others who want to take me on a solo date, or for those who were doubting themselves might be convinced to do stuff alone. And as Taylor Swift says, ‘You’re on your own, kid!’
From Ubud to Mount Batur
The first time I hiked Mount Batur was back in 2023, when I extended my stay in Ubud and realised that the homestay offered a sunrise trekking package to Batur. Deciding between doing that or trying an ATV session, I couldn’t help but choose the mountain again.
There’s just something that the mountain has done within me. Although I always struggled A LOT in the first 10-20 minutes, especially with my short breaths, I always managed to push through and later experience the final satisfaction the top has to offer.
From Ubud, it takes roughly 1 hour to get to the starting point. I was supposed to be picked up at 2 AM, but unfortunately, the driver had a problem with the car and ended up waiting outside this alley for over an hour.
2 Hours Trekking Catching Sunrise in Bali
I start the hike at 4 AM (Bali time) with roughly 20 something people in my group and I was the only local tourist at that time. There were 2 guides – one at the front, and one in the back. Initially I was at the front line along with the guide and 5 others, but soon my leg and breath couldn’t keep up with the European long legs and pace (due to lack of my little to non existence leg day XD).
Soon, I was just by myself. But I was equipped with a head lamp and the route is pretty much clear (and I had hiked there back in 2023, meaning that I know what I was getting into), so I wasn’t worried. Plus, as a local, I can interact easily with other tour guides hihihi.
One of the most important things I learnt from my mentor is to keep our minds clear from bad intentions and make sure not to get ahead of ourselves. Keeping the pace is also necessary. As I mentioned, since it was getting harder for me to catch my breath and keep up with the others’ pace, I did not force myself. I go with my own pace. This is the beauty of being on your own.
You get to decide when to slow down, when to take a break, and when to take a sip of water. This way, I believe it makes me even more secure in being with myself and making decisions on my own. Especially with nature, the choices are simple and you just have to keep going. And even if you know your body cannot take it anymore, you would have to know when to stop.
Is it Safe to Hike Alone?
I only hike once a year, maybe, but I know what I got into, so even though I am not the sporty or the gym girl, with full determination and overall good body condition, I made it to the top. With that in mind, if you have never trekked before, I encourage you to try it at least once. I believe that you would be okay!
Important point: even I was going there by myself but I wasn’t really alone. I was there with a group, I booked an open trip that I knew I was there. And the guide will definitely look for me if I get lost. Another thing, I’ve also heard people who got into accidents on their way to the starting point – since they weren’t familiar with the road. That’s a no-no for me. Rule number 1: never get ahead of yourself.
So the answer is: yes, it is safe to go by myself – otherwise I wouldn’t do it twice (and still want to do it again).
Focus on the Present: The Hack in Clearing Out My Mind by Being in Nature
Do you know the saying: “If you are ever feeling sad, just go for a run. Then you’ll realise that your physical health is way worse than your mental health” LOL
Pushing through the challenges on my way to the top, I get to focus on the present since I was too busy catching my breath, make sure I was balanced, holding on to something when the path was too steep and practically just surviving hahaha. Other worries just simply went away because at that moment, it was not urgent, or it was never urgent.
In life, I tend to cope with anticipating loss and failure and other people’s opinions about me, without even realising that I am losing my time just by worrying. Being in the nature (especially dealing with a physical activities) I was forced to shut up my mind and just be.
I met with a friend in my group who came from Europe and had just resigned from his corporate job in a big, well-known company. He took his time exploring Bali, just soaking in what life has to offer. Although I might not have the money (and the strong passport) to explore another side of the world like him, I believe we can, in our own way, press pause on our lives.
Life won’t wait for us, indeed. But we must also remember to enjoy it before it’s too late.
Beyond Moment: I Gain Myself
At the end, it’s either saving up or spending your money on moments and experiences like this. (not saying that you should splurge money unwisely). Some might see this kind of experience as something useless since I did not really get anything in particular.
But little experiences like this, when they were built consistently, will make you who you are today. I would not be the same person I am today without going solo and doing my own thing, trying things I want to try and going beyond my fear.
Another plus point, from my perspective, is that by experiencing new things alone, you broaden your perspective on life itself. Sometimes, we feel small and caged with our current situations, but in fact, there are other ways to live our lives, and we can only know by trying new things.
Next, I will share more exciting solo activities I’ve done! See you in another post – and thank you for reading!
VERONICAKUDO 
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