Final Up to date on July 30, 2025
Resides in Bali all it’s made out to be? We’ve spent three months expertise the Bali digital nomad life as a household. Right here’s what I like (and dislike) about residing on this island.
Greetings from the island of Gods! After a month or so of touring in Singapore, Laos and East Timor, now we have now discovered a cushty rhythm in our non permanent house, Bali. Now we have already spent a month residing right here, catching up on work and having fun with high quality time with my household whereas slowly exploring each nook and cranny of the island.
So why Bali? I do know, everyone seems to be shifting to Bali. Dwelling a lifetime of yoga, browsing, smoothies and uncooked meals. All of it simply appears so cliché. And I’ve all the time been one to hunt out uncommon locations and experiences. So why am I following the development and shifting to yogi-saturated Bali?
Why Reside in Bali as a Digital Nomad?
For one, I’ve all the time beloved Bali — regardless of how touristy it has change into.
Bali has actually modified since tourism dominated the island, however the ‘actual Bali’ nonetheless thrives — and just like the scent of incense, cloves and flowers, it permeates each nook of the island. The distinctive tradition of Bali is resilient, persistent and really a lot alive, not solely in its small villages, but additionally within the cities and cities, the place historical traditions mix with a burgeoning world way of life.
Apart from, Bali is quick turning into a hub for digital nomads like myself, with a rising group of location-independent and remote-working professionals residing right here. Plus Bali has developed tremendously over the previous few years, with a brand new airport and extra cafes and funky Airbnbs than earlier than. It’s a nice location to reside cheaply, work remotely, study a wealthy tradition and benefit from the nice outdoor.
New Bali Digital Nomad Visa
Thrilling information for digital nomads residing in Bali! SCMP experiences that Indonesia has put formal proposals in place to launch a digital nomad visa, becoming a member of Portugal, Dubai and a handful of nations hopping on the development.
The visa would permit individuals to reside and work in Bali for as much as 5 years, with out a work allow. Proposals additionally embrace paying a modest 5-10% flat revenue tax, or a flat payment for the visa, in lieu. Charges to use for digital nomad visas are inclined to vary between $750 to $5,000, relying on nation and every include completely different necessities as to degree of revenue, or proof of employment.
What We Love about Dwelling in Bali as Digital Nomad
Low Value of Dwelling in Bali
Bali is without doubt one of the least expensive locations I’ve been to (and I’ve been to 140 nations!). Our household get by on round US$30 a day per particular person, together with lodging, meals and transport. You’ll be able to most likely spend even much less if you happen to’re on a good funds.
A have a look at Nomad Listing, which compares price of residing in numerous cities around the globe, will present that your cash will last more right here in Bali. Consuming native meals at a warung (easy diner) will set you again at simply US$1 or 2 per particular person, whereas an Uber experience round south Kuta often prices not more than $5 every manner.
Lodging right here is admittedly inexpensive and nice worth for cash. Stunning villas backdropped by an infinity pool and surrounded by inexperienced rice paddies are simply out there and low-cost. You may get a terrific villa, for as little as US$30 an evening. A number of the lodges we’ve stayed at solely price US$20/night time and so they even have swimming swimming pools, restaurant and air-conditioning within the room.
Balinese Tradition is Wealthy and Stunning
Bali is a really religious place with an infectious power not like anyplace else on this planet. Conventional tradition is the rationale why maintain returning to Bali, and the underlying material of all Balinese tradition is its faith. Balinese Hinduism is a syncretic one, with many threads sewn right into a wealthy tapestry. It shapes each facet of Balinese life, from their structure to traditions.
In most of Bali, you needn’t go far to study and recognize Balinese tradition. Simply take a stroll and also you’ll see ceremonies and rituals being carried out every day. Even in probably the most touristy nook of Kuta, we discovered loads of lovely temples with intricately carved exteriors, layered pagodas and stone statues of the barong (a lion-like creature that’s extremely revered in Bali).
Infinite Issues to Do for Digital Nomads
From historical temples and engaging museums to verdant rice terraces and white-sand seashores, there are many issues to do in Bali whether or not you’re a tradition vulture or seaside lover. Whereas residing in Bali, we’d spend our mornings exploring (often to a temple or fascinating web site) after which I’ll work the remainder of the day whereas Alberto and Kaleya swam or simply frolicked.
We’ve additionally been staying in numerous components of Bali to expertise completely different sides to the island — the laidback seaside city of Canggu is nice for browsing and hanging out at its cool cafes, Seminyak is superior for its swanky cocktail bars. We plan to go up subsequent to the religious hub of Ubud, after which the dive mecca of Tulamben within the northern a part of Bali. To discover all of it in Bali, we’ll most likely want a 12 months or perhaps a lifetime!
Dwelling in Bali is Secure and Comfy
In comparison with different Southeast Asian places, Bali is comparatively protected. Going out at night time isn’t an issue in any respect in most components of the island, and the vacationer areas have a vibrant night time scene. Some vacationers have their qualms about visiting Bali because the bombings in Kuta and Jimbaran in 2005 — however safety has clearly elevated across the island and there hasn’t been any terrorist assaults lately.
Theft is never an issue — which is usually a concern for digital nomads if you’re touring with costly tools. It’s nonetheless essential to remain at a good lodge (with a correct protected) and have your wits about you.
Simple to Keep for an Prolonged Interval
Most nationalities don’t want a vacationer visa to enter Indonesia for 30 days, however those that want can often receive it on arrival on the airport. The visa is sweet for 30 days and will be simply prolonged when it expires. Like we talked about above, Bali intends to introduce a digital nomad visa, which might be wonderful for us!
Excessive Velocity Web & WiFi All over the place
In recent times, the supply and velocity of broadband connections in Bali have improved dramatically, particularly because the introduction of 4G and fibre optics. WiFi is definitely out there in lodges and cafes, and typical connection velocity for WiFi 512kbps – 2mbps (some suppliers can provide increased speeds).
Cell connection can also be low-cost and quick — I personally use eSIMs wherever I journey lately as they’re SO way more handy – you should purchase them on-line, and don’t have to go to the store or activate your eSIM via the shop. Try Holafly’s journey esim for Indonesia.
The velocity of their connection could be very location-dependent. Within the southern a part of the island (Denpasar, Sanur, Kuta, and so on.), you’ll discover higher and quicker connections than in in north or central Bali. Web connectivity is essential for us digital nomads, so I undoubtedly suggest on the lookout for a good lodge or Airbnb to stick with good web connections. Try our Bali lodge suggestions.
Abundance of Co-Working Areas
Current years have seen the variety of co-working areas in Bali mushroom, making it a really sensible place for digital nomads. They make nice workplaces for digital nomads like myself that have to work remotely. A number of the hottest co-working areas in Bali are Hubud (Hub-in-Ubud), Outpost additionally in Ubud, and Dojo Bali in Canggu.
These co-working areas have a tendency to supply the quickest connections on the island. Except for comfy workspaces, these locations even have swimming swimming pools, kitchens, convention rooms, and personal Skype cubicles. Many co-working areas additionally manage common occasions and actions the place digital nomads can meet one another, change concepts and get impressed. Most of them cost month-to-month membership charges however additionally they permit individuals to stroll in and pay US$10-20 for a day’s use.
Low-cost & Simple to Get Round
Uber is now a preferred means to get round Bali, although Uber is technically unlawful in Bali. Some Uber drivers are cautious of selecting you up at taxi stands. Nonetheless it may be an inexpensive technique to get round vacationer areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. Costs for Uber are virtually half of taxis. As an example, it prices solely round US$2 to get from Kuta to Seminyak on Uber.
Most individuals hire both a scooter to get across the island. A scooter prices round US$5 to hire for a day, and it may be a extra handy technique to get across the slim streets of Bali than a automotive.
As a result of we’re touring Bali with a child, we rented a Toyota Avanza for US$350 for six weeks. It’s a handy technique to discover the island with Kaleya in addition to our households and pals who had been visiting. We discovered the automotive rent whereas wandering round Seminyak and extremely suggest the rental firm. It’s run by an area Balinese man and his son. E-mail me if you happen to’d like his contact.
It’s a Nice Place for Youngsters
Touring Bali with youngsters is loads of enjoyable, as there are such a lot of out of doors actions to do and loads of kids-friendly eating places and leisure areas. Kaleya loves strolling in rice paddies, visiting temples, exploring monkey forests (loads of them in every single place!) and naturally, enjoying on the seaside.
In Bali, it’s straightforward to search out waterparks and indoor playgrounds — although we haven’t been to any as we desire to indicate Kaleya nature. We actually like Peekaboo Youngsters Play Cafe in Sanur — it’s huge, spacious and protected for teenagers. Plus they’ve a cushty cafe for folks, so I may comfortably work on my laptop computer whereas Kaleya performed round on her personal. I’ve additionally heard good issues about Waterbom in Kuta, although we haven’t been there.
There’s One thing for Everybody
With its range and multi-faceted character, Bali attracts in all kinds of vacationers: from the yogis to the laid-back hippies, intrepid households (like us!) to the well-heeled traveler on the lookout for unique aptitude. There’s really a nook of Bali for everybody.
Most celebration backpackers head to hedonistic Kuta, whereas well-heeled vacationers congregate in stylish Seminyak for cocktail bars and boutique lodges. Yoga fans and hippies are inclined to flock to Ubud in central Bali seeking their very own variations of “Eat Pray Love”; hardcore surfers like to remain in and round Uluwatu as that’s the place the most effective swells are’; scuba divers go straight to Tulamben within the North; and {couples} in search of romance and luxurious typically find yourself in Nusa Dua, on the southern tip of Bali. Digital nomads will often discover most co-working areas within the Canggu and Ubud areas.
What We Dislike about Dwelling in Bali as Digital Nomad
However identical to in every single place else, digital nomad life in Bali isn’t good. Most on-line sources appear to utterly omit the difficulties or challenges that you could be discover residing right here. In actuality, residing in Bali isn’t fairly the identical as touring in Bali. Whereas Bali IS a terrific place to reside and work remotely, there are additionally downsides to residing in ‘paradise’.
Chaotic Visitors in Bali
Visitors will be loopy within the built-up areas of Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran and Denpasar. Roads throughout Bali are usually slim and windy, and drivers have completely no regard for visitors legal guidelines. Scooters often zigzag their manner round with none concern for his or her security and that of others. It could take half-hour simply to cowl 9km at instances, due to the visitors.
Making an attempt to navigate these roads every day will be exhausting, particularly if you happen to’re commuting to a co-working area or simply exploring amidst the heavy visitors. In consequence, most individuals are inclined to discover a base and spend most of their time in that space. We didn’t discover it gratifying to drive in Bali in any respect — it was anxious and annoying at instances.
Intense Warmth & Hush Local weather
Dwelling within the tropics isn’t fairly as straightforward – or dreamy – as everybody thinks it’s. The climate could also be scorching and sunny right here all 12 months spherical, however the warmth could make strolling round a ache (particularly whenever you’re lugging a toddler like we’re). I grew up within the tropics (Singapore), so I’m used to seeing bugs in every single place and having to scrub on a regular basis.
However for some others, it may be fairly a shock to search out big wasps and large bugs even in probably the most luxurious lodging. When staying at a villa that was surrounded by the forest, our two-year-old daughter had an insect chew that bought very swollen and crimson — we needed to deliver her to see the physician for remedy. Fortunately, it was straightforward to search out an English-speaking physician.
Haggling and Getting Bothered by Distributors On a regular basis
It’s one factor to be haggling whereas on vacation, and one other to do it every day. On a regular basis, somebody is making an attempt to promote you one thing. They’re not often aggressive and so they’ll cease after a easy ‘no thanks’, however whenever you reside someplace and daily of the 12 months you might be requested if you want to purchase one thing, it could get a bit overbearing. That is significantly true in areas like Seminyak, Kuta and Ubud.
Web Could Be Unreliable
Whereas web velocity and availability in Bali has improved tremendously through the years, it’s nonetheless not fairly as dependable as you’ll count on from house. We’ve stayed in numerous components of Bali, together with in distant areas the place few vacationers go, and we discover that WiFi can get very gradual and sketchy when you’re out of the vacationer zones.
At two of the villas we stayed at (that price greater than $100/night time), the WiFi dropped a number of instances throughout our keep. It’s greatest to stay to vacationer hubs of Seminyak, Kuta and Legian if, like me, you have to work remotely with digital reliability.
Difficult to Discover Electronics or Specific Gadgets in Bali
Bali could also be very developed as a vacationer vacation spot however there are nonetheless some issues that may make residing in Bali tough. When our iPhone cable broke and after we misplaced Kaleya’s pacifier, we needed to go on a hunt throughout Bali to search out them.
Medicine can often be present in Watson’s or Guardian Pharmacy which have branches in many of the vacationer hubs, however aside from that, you’ll need to journey to Denpasar for electronics or a selected merchandise.
What Are Your Favourite Locations in Bali?
Thanks a lot for studying! I hope this information has given you a greater glimpse into what life is like as a digital nomad in Bali.
Are you planning on residing in Bali? By sharing our expertise of residing in Bali, I hope we’ve proven you each side of the story and helped you determine if you happen to’d wish to be a digital nomad in Bali. Tell us within the feedback discipline under if in case you have any questions!
Should you’re interested by different elements of digital nomad life or wish to discover extra of Bali, be sure you try these articles:
Disclaimer: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. if you happen to ebook a keep via one in all my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks to your assist!
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