Business in Bali: A Digital Nomad’s Guide

When you can work from anywhere, why not work from one of the most beautiful places on earth?

Bali presents an affordable living paradise for digital nomads with its luscious landscapes and vibrant culture. With so much to offer, remote workers are flocking to it like it’s some kind of digital nomad mecca.

If you are tempted to try out the epitome of work and leisure in Bali, then this guide will give you some food for thought on how to thrive there as a digital nomad.

Choosing The Perfect Base

Bali is a cultural haven and different areas attract different settlers with their unique vibes. Finding one that caters to your lifestyle and still covers your professional needs is key.

Canggu: Trendy & Surf-Friendly

Canggu is well known for its coworking paces making it a top destination for digital nomads. It has a very lively social scene and is full of trendy cafes that suit the modern hipster. Its surf-friendly beaches are a popular way to enjoy your downtime when away from the screen.

Ubud: Spiritual & Inspiring

If you enjoy a slower pace of life or make wellness-related content then head for Ubud. With nothing but jungle or rice fields for miles it’s a tranquil setting that inspires creativity. There are tons of yoga retreats to try and some great people to meet.

Seminyak: Lux & Indulgent

If it’s chic that you are looking for then Seminyak might be more up your street with its high-end dining and beach clubs. 

Digital nomads who prefer the finer things in life will love the range of luxury accommodations available and premium leisure to enjoy when the work day is through.

Productive Workspaces: Connect & Cowork

For a digital nomad, nothing is more important than a stable connection and a productive workspace. As a haven for remote workers Bali has a thriving coworking scene with a range of options to choose from.

Coworking in Bali

Canggu and Ubud which we recommended above are both full of coworking spaces with fast Wi-Fi. Dojo in Canggu and Hubud in Ubud also have a lot of community events which are great for networking and collaboration.

Internet & Tech Tools

Mobile network download speeds in Indonesia reach over 29 Mbps, and most coworking spaces have access to high-speed internet. 

Many cafes also have public Wi-Fi that can be accessed. Still, it is essential to remember the risks involved with unsecured networks, especially if your work deals with sensitive information. 

They are also typically restrictive with other users sharing the connection so if you deal with streaming-heavy tasks you might be out of luck.

Investing in a gamer VPN can help secure your connections and ensure they are optimally fast. 

Accommodation Choices

Nomadic life should still be comfortable. Fortunately, accommodation in Bali comes in a variety, so you can find something to suit you whether your budget is tight or not. The real determiner is how long you will be staying.

Short-Term or Long-Term

If you don’t plan to stay for long, or just aren’t sure then check out Airbnb and Booking.com for a flexible stay while you explore the island.

In the long term, you might want to reach out to local estate agents for a suitable villa to rent or scroll through social media groups to find a shared house.

Renting a villa for an extended stay often comes with the bonus of a housekeeper and better amenities such as private pools.

Getting Around in Bali

Below are a couple of tips for getting around on the island; Bali is a great place to explore.

Scooter Fever

The most popular and affordable way to navigate Bali’s winding roads is by scooter. Just get familiar with the local traffic rules, and be sure to wear a helmet!

Ride-Share

Gojek and Grab are great apps to install and ensure you have a ride-share for a short journey. Both will also deliver food!

Exploring The Bali Lifestyle

Bali has a tonne of activities going on and is full of traditions and culture to immerse yourself in while you strive for that work-life balance.

Staying Active

Bali has a lot of wellness centers that host numerous workshops, you can also take yoga or sign up for beach workout programs to stay active and have fun.

Local Traditions

Bali is rich with culture there are some great traditions to experience through cultural workshops, that teach the island’s heritage. 

Temple ceremonies are humbling, and Balinese cooking is to die for. Be sure to get the full local dining experience. Why not go one step further and learn how to make a popular dish?

Thriving in Bali as a Digital Nomad

The inspiring landscapes and community support in the coworking areas of Bali give it the perfect qualities for a remote work destination.

Whether it’s tranquility that you are after or a vibrant cultural immersion there’s plenty on offer for the digital nomad looking to combine business and leisure on their own terms surrounded by beauty.

With luck, we will have inspired you to join the remote workforce, calling the island home.