Introduction#
Bali - the Island of the Gods, a paradise for digital nomads! After three months on this beautiful Indonesian island, I want to share my experiences with you. From the best coworking spaces to affordable accommodations and hidden cafes with fast internet - here’s my complete guide to the digital nomad life in Bali.
Why Bali for Digital Nomads?#
Bali has become one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads in recent years. And for good reason:
- Affordable cost of living: You can live very comfortably here with €800-1500 per month
- Fast internet: WiFi is reliable in most tourist areas
- Vibrant community: Thousands of digital nomads from around the world
- Perfect climate: Warm and sunny all year round
- Diverse landscapes: From beaches to rice fields to volcanoes
Best Time to Visit and Visa#
Weather and Climate#
Bali has two seasons:
- Dry season (April-October): Best time for digital nomads
- Rainy season (November-March): Lower prices, but more rain
Visa for Digital Nomads#
For German citizens, there are several options:
- Visa on Arrival (30 days): Free, can be extended once for 30 days
- Social Cultural Visa (60 days): Can be extended up to 6 months
- B211A Digital Nomad Visa: Specifically for remote workers, valid for 6 months
Tip: Plan your trip outside peak season (July-August, December-January) for better prices.
Accommodations: Where to Stay?#
Canggu - The Digital Nomad Mecca#
Canggu is definitely the hotspot for digital nomads in Bali:
Advantages:
- Large digital nomad community
- Many coworking spaces
- Good restaurants and cafes
- Close to the beach
Disadvantages:
- Higher prices than other areas
- Tourist atmosphere
- Traffic chaos during peak season
Accommodation prices in Canggu:
- Simple room: €300-500/month
- Villa with pool: €800-1500/month
- Luxury villa: €2000+/month
Ubud - Culture and Nature#
For those who prefer it quieter:
Advantages:
- Surrounded by rice fields and jungle
- Cultural center of Bali
- Lower prices than Canggu
- Perfect for yoga and meditation
Disadvantages:
- Further from the beach
- Fewer coworking spaces
- More humid climate
Seminyak - Luxury and Lifestyle#
For those with a higher budget:
Advantages:
- Luxurious accommodations
- Best restaurants
- Shopping opportunities
- Close to the beach
Disadvantages:
- Very touristy
- Higher prices
- Less authentic
Coworking Spaces and Internet#
Top Coworking Spaces in Canggu#
Dojo Bali
- Price: €15/day, €200/month
- Highlights: Pool, restaurant, events
- Internet: Very fast (100+ Mbps)
Outpost
- Price: €12/day, €180/month
- Highlights: Modern facilities, 24/7 access
- Internet: Fast and reliable
Tropical Nomad
- Price: €10/day, €150/month
- Highlights: Quiet atmosphere, garden
- Internet: Good for video calls
Internet in Cafes#
Many cafes offer free WiFi. My favorites:
- Crate Café (Canggu): Fast internet, good food
- The Shady Shack (Canggu): Healthy food, quiet atmosphere
- Zin Café (Ubud): Beautiful view, reliable WiFi
Cost Breakdown: What Does Life Cost?#
Monthly Expenses (Average)#
| Category | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 600-800 |
| Food | 300-400 |
| Coworking Space | 150-200 |
| Transport | 100-150 |
| Activities | 200-300 |
| Total | 1350-1850 |
Saving Money in Bali#
- Local restaurants: Warungs are much cheaper than Western restaurants
- Rent a scooter: Cheaper than taxis
- Longer stays: Monthly rentals are cheaper than weekly ones
- Local markets: Fruits and vegetables are much cheaper here
Food and Nutrition#
Local Cuisine#
Balinese cuisine is delicious and affordable:
- Nasi Goreng: Fried rice with vegetables (€2-3)
- Mie Goreng: Fried noodles (€2-3)
- Gado Gado: Vegetable salad with peanut sauce (€3-4)
- Satay: Grilled meat skewers (€1-2 each)
International Restaurants#
For those missing Western food:
- Crate Café: Avocado toast, smoothie bowls
- The Shady Shack: Vegetarian/vegan options
- Mason: Australian cuisine
- La Brisa: Seafood with beach view
Transport: How Do I Get Around?#
Scooter - The Best Mode of Transport#
A scooter is essential in Bali:
Rental prices:
- Daily: €5-8
- Weekly: €25-35
- Monthly: €80-120
Tips:
- Always wear a helmet (legally required)
- Bring international driver’s license
- Get insurance
- Drive carefully - traffic is chaotic
Alternative Transport Options#
- Grab/GoJek: Taxi app, very cheap
- Blue Bird Taxi: Official taxis
- Public buses: Very cheap, but slow
Activities and Leisure#
Beaches#
- Echo Beach: Surfer’s paradise
- Batu Bolong: Family-friendly
- Nusa Dua: Luxurious beaches
- Gili Islands: Perfect for diving and snorkeling
Culture and Attractions#
- Ubud Monkey Forest: Monkeys in the jungle
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Breathtaking view
- Tanah Lot: Temple on the sea
- Mount Batur: Volcano hiking
Wellness and Yoga#
- Yoga Barn (Ubud): Most famous yoga school
- Samadi (Canggu): Modern wellness center
- Radiantly Alive (Ubud): Various yoga styles
Practical Tips#
Health#
- Health insurance: Definitely get travel health insurance
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid recommended
- Pharmacies: International pharmacies in tourist areas
- Doctors: Many speak English
Safety#
- Valuables: Keep in safe
- Scooter: Always lock
- Beaches: Be careful of currents
- Drinking water: Only drink bottled water
Communication#
- SIM card: Telkomsel or XL for cheap internet
- WhatsApp: Main communication tool
- Language: English is widely spoken
Community and Networking#
Digital Nomad Events#
- Canggu Digital Nomad Meetup: Weekly meetings
- Bali Spirit Festival: Annual festival
- Coworking Events: Regular events in coworking spaces
Online Communities#
- Facebook Groups: “Digital Nomads Bali”
- Meetup.com: Various groups
- Slack Channels: For specific interests
Challenges and Solutions#
Common Problems#
Internet outages
- Solution: Backup hotspot, various coworking spaces
Rainy season
- Solution: Plan indoor activities, bring rain jacket
Cultural differences
- Solution: Be open, respect local customs
Loneliness
- Solution: Attend community events, use coworking spaces
Conclusion#
Bali is a fantastic place for digital nomads. The combination of affordable cost of living, fast internet, a large community, and beautiful nature makes it an ideal place to live and work.
My recommendation: Start with a month in Canggu to get to know the community, then explore other areas like Ubud or the Gili Islands.
The most important thing is to be open to new experiences and respect Balinese culture. With the right preparation, Bali becomes an unforgettable adventure!
Do you have questions about the digital nomad life in Bali? Or own experiences you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments! 🌴✈️