Monthly Breakdown for Solo Female Travellers, Remote Workers, and Slow Movers

Sri Lanka wasn’t a country I expected to feel uneasy in. I had always heard about its stunning coastlines and rich culture — and while that still holds true, my experience as a solo female traveller was different.

I didn’t feel unsafe in the conventional sense, but I was never able to relax fully outdoors. Within a minute of walking down any main street, someone would approach me — often too closely. Even motorbikes would slow down beside me. That constant vigilance took a toll.

This post isn’t a full picture of the country — it’s just mine. One I want to remember with care, honesty, and a quiet promise to return only if I’m with company next time.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD1,400
→ Stayed about 20 minutes from the main city area. I intentionally picked a quiet, well-furnished apartment with a gym and pool — because I knew I’d spend most days at home. It was worth every cent for peace of mind.
🍽️ Food: <SGD60/day
→ Food can be very affordable in Sri Lanka — but I paid extra to feel safe. That meant eating at hotels, malls, or higher-end restaurants. Ministry of Crab is famous, but bills can hit SGD200+ solo. I also liked the buffet at Hilton and cosy meals at Life’s Good Kitchen.
🚕 Transport: SGD300
→ I only took Uber. Even if something was five minutes away, I didn’t walk.
Note: Drivers often ask to be paid in cash via in-app messages. I never had cash, and often got canceled on.
💄 Personal Expenses: ~SGD50
→ Aside from toiletries, I didn’t do much else. I wasn’t relaxed enough to enjoy massages or extra activities.

Total: ~SGD3,610 (excluding activities)

📌 On a budget, you could comfortably live here from ~SGD2,500/month with shared housing and local eats.

🏡 Where to Stay in Colombo: as a solo traveller

✔️ Book a place you want to stay in — not just crash at
✔️ Comfort > centrality — you’ll Uber most of the time anyway
✔️ Filter for clean, quiet, well-reviewed homes

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Hotels: Best for short stays and safety — especially for solo travellers. Offers security and on-site support, but can be pricier.
✅ Airbnb/Serviced Apartments: More home-like and spacious. Choose highly reviewed, gated units with 24/7 security if staying longer.

📌 Pick a place you’re comfortable staying in for most of the day — because you might be spending more time indoors than planned. Booking in advance helps with better selection and peace of mind.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Colombo (SGD60/day)

✔️ Ministry of Crab – Excellent, but expensive
✔️ Hilton Colombo Buffet – Great international variety
✔️ Life’s Good Kitchen – Comforting atmosphere
✔️ Crepe Runner – Quick bite, decent vibe

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD300 for the Month)

I relied entirely on Uber. Even for 5-minute trips, I never walked.

✔️ Uber is affordable and widely available
✔️ Do expect in-app messages asking for cash payment (I declined — many cancelled)

📌 There’s no metro system, and walking felt uncomfortable for me as a solo traveller.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

WiFi was generally reliable at home, but I didn’t explore much beyond that.

✔️ My apartment had decent speed for remote work
✔️ Cafes exist, but I didn’t feel safe or relaxed enough to work outside regularly

📌 If work is a priority, make sure your stay has stable WiFi and a comfortable indoor setup.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Colombo

🌆 One Galle Face Mall (next to Shangri-La)
It’s modern and well-located, but don’t expect it to be bustling.

✔️ Many shelves were noticeably empty
✔️ Several storefronts were closed — a sign of ongoing supply and economic challenges
✔️ At one point, all McDonald’s locations in Colombo were shut down due to hygiene concerns — something I had never encountered elsewhere

It was a reminder that even polished exteriors can have undercurrents of fragility.

📌 Stick to well-maintained spots, but lower expectations on variety or availability.

🖼️ Dutch Hospital Precinct
Otherwise, I mostly stayed in. I only took 27 pictures that month — a sign of how much time I spent just… resting.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD3,610 Worth It?

✔️ It’s a beautiful country, but I wasn’t able to unwind the way I hoped.
✔️ I’d consider coming back — but never alone.
✔️ If you’re solo, especially female — factor safety comfort into your spending. It’s not just about affordability. It’s about peace.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Slow travelers looking for rest, not rush
• Digital nomads who prefer private, secure spaces over shared work cafes
• Female travelers — with company — looking for scenic beauty, not solo exploration
  📌 You can enjoy Sri Lanka fully — but your experience may vary depending on how you travel.