Remote Worker’s guide to Bali, Indonesia

Introduction

Bali, the Island of the Gods, is nowadays more than just a tropical paradise - it is a digital nomad's dream destination. Over the past decade, Bali has positioned itself as a prime hotspot for digital nomads, attracting remote workers from all around the globe. The island's picturesque landscapes, enchanting temples, vibrant local culture, and serene beaches offer digital nomads a perfect blend of work and play.

In our 5 years of active traveling and remote work lifestyle, we have visited Bali 3 times, staying for at least a month every time we visited. It’s a unique place and we always have our minds set on returning, even if there are so many places that we have yet to visit.

In this blog post, we will be exploring Bali’s appeal for digital nomads, delving into the living costs, analyzing Internet connectivity across different regions, and taking a closer look at the nomad lifestyle in Bali.

The Appeal of Bali for Digital Nomads

Imagine waking up to panoramic sea views, beginning your workday with a dip in the sea or a pool with a tropical and picturesque garden, taking breaks at a cozy beachside cafe, going for a surf session during lunch, and ending your day with a breathtaking sunset. Now blend in decent internet connection, very affordable accommodation, amazing and cheap food, vibrant community with many welcoming coworking spaces, and you have the perfect recipe for a digital nomad's paradise. This is exactly what Bali offers - an environment for work, coupled with a lifestyle that ensures a seamless balance between productivity and relaxation.

Bali's appeal to digital nomads is a combination of several factors. Firstly, Bali offers a high standard of living at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries. A Western digital nomad in Bali can easily rent a villa or a room in a picturesque hotel with aesthetic interior and exterior, eat out for every meal, consume delicious food from different cuisines across the world, and engage in numerous recreational activities - all while staying within a reasonable budget.

The island's natural beauty only adds to its appeal. From misty mountains in the center of the island and the green rice terraces of Ubud to the rolling waves of Kuta & Canggu and the stunning sunset views of Uluwatu - Bali offers diverse and breathtaking landscapes with plenty of opportunities for weekend getaways.

The Balinese culture, known for its unique arts, beautiful temple architecture, traditional ceremonies, and the warm hospitality of its people, offers a unique and rich experience. Living in Bali provides plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in this culture, providing a sense of connection and grounding that is rare to find.

Adding to these, the social aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle in Bali are also appealing. With a thriving community of digital nomads, co-working spaces and events provide a platform to network, make new friendships, and avoid the isolation that remote work can sometimes mean.

Lastly, reliable internet in Canggu and in the coworking spots, availability of comfortable and collaborative coworking spaces, and an overall easygoing lifestyle offer a hassle-free digital nomad life. With all these factors combined, it's no wonder that digital nomads from around the globe visit and stay in Bali for long periods.

Living Costs in Bali

Bali offers a remarkably cost-effective lifestyle. The cost of living here is comparatively low while the quality of accommodations and restaurants is very high - making it a very popular destination.

Accommodation tends to be the biggest expense in Bali if one opts for private villas with amenities like a personal pool. However, there are plenty of economical options available. A comfortable room in a guest house or a hotel can cost significantly less, and sharing a villa or apartment with other digital nomads can further reduce costs. Costs have definitely risen in the last few years though as the demand has increased and rising inflation doing its part. We rent out our two-bedroom apartment in Tallinn through AirBnB for the same price that we pay here for a private room with a beautiful garden, pool, and fast internet. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

Villa Belajar - one of the fanciest accommodations we stayed in

Food is another area where you can save or splurge, especially if you're open to trying local cuisines. Traditional Indonesian Warungs (small family-owned restaurants) serve delicious meals at really low prices. However, even international cuisine available at more upscale and aesthetic restaurants is quite affordable compared to Western countries. Food is the part that we most love about Bali, there are so many options that are affordable yet so delicious.

Smoothie bowls cost from 2 to 6 euros in most places. This one was from Blend Cafe in Ubud.

If you’re into shopping, there are plenty of stylish boutiques to choose from without burning a hole in your pockets. Bali also has an abundance of local markets where you can haggle and get an excellent bargain for local handicrafts. We love the airy clothes made of Linen we have found here.

Transportation is cheap on the island with options such as bicycles, scooters, or taxis. Renting a scooter is the preferred mode of transport for most. It is also quite affordable and you can rent one on average for 5 euros a day. The price can get even lower if you rent for a longer period. If you don’t feel comfortable riding yourself, you can always order a taxi (car or motorcycle) from Grab or Gojek at a very reasonable price.

Wellness and recreation options can also be very affordable. From yoga classes and gym memberships to cheaper massage spas and holistic health services, you can enjoy services at a very decent price. Prices of Gyms with AC are close to western prices but if you don’t care about AC then you can still get your workout in at a very good price.

Lastly, for those who need to work, an exclusive coworking membership comes at a much cheaper price than what you'd pay in Western cities. Overall, the living cost in Bali is significantly low and flexible, catering to a wide range of lifestyle preferences and budgets.

Internet Connectivity in Bali

When considering Bali as a workspace, one key factor that digital nomads need to consider is Internet connectivity. Slow Wi-Fi speeds during meetings and video calls can increase your stress levels massively and ruin the experience (and cause negative emotions and feedback from your colleagues stuck in a cold climate if you work in a corporate role).

Let's take a look at the situation of Internet connectivity across Bali and how reliable it is for a productive work routine.

Bali's internet connectivity has gradually improved over the years, with a fairly reliable and widespread Wi-Fi connection available in most tourist areas and coworking spaces. However, the quality of the internet can vary significantly across different regions of the island.

Canggu and Seminyak, being the stylish and upmarket regions that attract a large number of expats and digital nomads, boast some of the best Internet speeds on the island. Most cafes, restaurants, guesthouses, and villas provide free, fast-speed Wi-Fi to their guests. Canggu, particularly, is known for its digital nomad-friendly environment; offering not just beach clubs, surfing beaches, and coffee shops but also modern coworking spaces. Coworking spaces like B Work, Tropical Nomad, Genesis Creative Centre, and Outpost offer great work environments with dedicated high-speed fiber optic lines, ensuring digital nomads have a seamless work experience.

Ubud, on the other hand, is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to Internet connectivity. While Ubud's city center and its surrounding coworking spaces provide decent Internet speeds, as you move into the serene rice fields and countryside, the Internet can be patchy. However, places like Wrkhub and Outpost Coworking Space are committed to providing an enriching work environment, offering reliable Internet, and serving as communal havens for digital nomads. Accommodations with reliable internet speeds are also hard to come by and you need to read through the reviews on Booking and AirBnB if you wish to find one.

Uluwatu, known more for its stunning cliffs and beaches also offers decent Internet through various coworking operations. However, Uluwatu's geographical location on the Bukit Peninsula can sometimes cause the connectivity to falter, especially in more secluded areas. From the coworking spaces, Uluwatu Hub offers reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. We have found the internet in Uluwatu’s accommodations to be more reliable than in Ubud but still not great overall.

Best Hotspots for Digital Nomads in Bali

As we have already discussed, there are some key hotspots in Bali that stand out - Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, and Seminyak. Each of these places offers a unique experience and caters to different preferences of lifestyle, work, and recreation.

Canggu, dubbed the 'hipster' and “Instagrammable” city of Bali, offers a blend of a surf-friendly beach town, stylish cafes, revitalizing yoga studios, and retreats. It has a very youthful energy and attracts both surfers and digital nomads. Workspaces and cafes with high-speed Wi-Fi are booming in the area, making it an ideal place for remote work. The nightlife in Canggu is also quite vibrant, and there's a wide variety of restaurants and local Warungs serving both international and local cuisine. If you prefer a digital nomad lifestyle that is energizing, beach-oriented, and in tandem with modern trends, Canggu is the place to be.

Ubud, situated in the center of Bali, presents a contrast to the hustle and bustle of beach towns. Known for its calming landscapes and centers for healing and wellness, Ubud is a place for those seeking tranquillity and spiritual exploration. Ubud maintains a balance by offering contemporary amenities like coworking spaces along with its traditional Balinese culture and healing retreats. Ubud is well-known for its picturesque rice terraces, craft markets, ancient temples, and monkey forest. Don’t expect the traffic to be any less than in Canggu or Seminyak though. Center of Ubud has very high traffic and commuting with car can be very time-consuming. Once you are outside of Ubud, the situation improves greatly.

Most beautiful waterfalls can be found near Ubud

Uluwatu, located on the southern tip of the island, is renowned for its high limestone cliffs and world-class surf spots. It offers many luxurious villas and resorts, curving beachlines, and a world-famous temple, Pura Luhur Uluwatu. There are also some coworking spaces available here, allowing digital nomads to combine work with idyllic beach visits and surf sessions. The main road coming from Denpasar to Uluwatu can have quite heavy traffic but overall the roads in Uluwatu are quite empty and there’s little traffic most times. There are some great options for nightlife too with Savaya Bali offering sets from well-known DJs all over the world.

Seminyak, a beach town in South Bali next to Canggu, is popular for its upscale beach resorts, high-end shopping outlets, and a plethora of chic restaurants and bars. It offers a vibrant nightlife with some of the most popular beach clubs on the island. Seminyak’s stylish, modern lifestyle paired with high-quality amenities and fast internet makes it an appealing base for digital nomads, especially for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

In conclusion, whether it's the vibe of Canggu, the soothing pulse of Ubud, the surf-friendly Uluwatu, or the luxurious Seminyak, Bali has something to offer for every kind of digital nomad. Each place provides a unique experience, exciting lifestyle, modern facilities, and natural beauty.

Best Activities and Things to Do in Bali

Bali is not just about work, it's an island paradise that offers a multitude of recreational activities and opportunities to unwind. When you want a break from work or need some inspiration, Bali has a wealth of activities to choose from.

For the adventurous, Bali boasts some incredible surf spots. Whether you're a seasoned surfer looking for big swells or a beginner looking for a surf lesson, places like Uluwatu, Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak offer some of the best breaks. The island's year-round warm tropical waters make it a surfer's paradise. Bali also provides a number of diving spots with vibrant marine life and beautiful coral reefs.

For those into wellness and personal development, Bali has an abundance of yoga studios and wellness retreats. Particularly, Ubud is well known for its yoga studios with lush green jungle views and tranquility. Here, you can enjoy yoga classes that often include meditation and breathwork. The town also features a number of wellness retreats offering detox programs, natural healing, and holistic wellness workshops.

If you're a foodie, exploring the island's culinary scene is a must. Bali offers a diverse range of food options - from traditional Indonesian cuisine to world-class international food. Visit local warungs for an authentic Balinese meal, take a traditional cooking class, or dine out at one of Seminyak's high-end restaurants. The island is also known for its health-conscious cuisine, with plenty of cafes serving vegan, raw, and organic meals.

Bali’s unique culture is worth exploring. From traditional dance performances (kecak dance), and temple ceremonies to crafts markets, there are many ways to experience the local culture. Take a tour through the rice terraces, visit significant temples, or immerse yourself in a traditional art workshop in Ubud.

In your downtime, you can also explore the island's array of beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls, and tranquil rice fields. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at a beach club in Seminyak, take a sunrise hike to Mt. Batur, or visit the scenic rice terraces near Ubud.

Overall, Bali offers an unlimited set of activities and things to do when you want to step away from your laptop. By offering such variety, the island ensures that your work-life balance leans heavily on the life side.

Islands to visit from Bali

If you ever get tired of Bali and want to explore new destinations then you have the option to explore the stunning islands nearby, most of which can be visited after a journey of a few hours by boat and car. The most popular islands to visit are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, the Gili Islands, and Lombok. Nusa Penida is the most visited one due to its stunning views and beaches you may often see on Instagram.

Nusa Lembogan has a very laid-back style. It has very few cars so there is minimal traffic and there are several stunning beaches you can explore with soft white-sand. The Gili islands are very small and offer a paradise island type of vibe with its turquoise water and is well know for vibrant sea life that’s great for snorkeling and diving.

The famous underwater statues near Gili Meno

Lombok is often advertised as an 'unspoiled Bali' as it has amazing surfing beaches and the locals are very warm. Lombok also has one of Indonesia’s highest volcanos - Mt Rinjani.

Summary

To conclude, Bali's allure for digital nomads is summarized in not just favorable work conditions but also a lifestyle that encourages personal development, wellness, and a sense of community. The island provides an environment where you can be productive while also enjoying a wholesome and enriching lifestyle. Surf in the morning, work from a beach cafe in the afternoon, and enjoy a yoga session in the evening - this is a typical day in a digital nomad's life in Bali.

As we discussed, there is something for everyone in Bali. The relatively low cost of living and the island's stunning beauty make it a desirable destination for remote work. The island offers a chance to align work with play, and to intertwine personal growth with professional development. If you seek a place where to balance work and life, Bali is a perfect choice!