The Ultimate Guide to Bali for Digital Nomads (2024)

If you are looking for a beautiful, sunny, and unforgettable destination to work remotely from then look no further. Bali, Indonesia is one of the best places to be a digital nomad.

In this guide, we will share everything you need to know about being a Bali digital nomad and information on the new Bali digital nomad visa.

Many nomads are excited about the talk of Bali’s new digital nomad visa, which offers a wonderful opportunity to spend more time exploring this famous Indonesian island. Below, we’ll give you more information about this new visa and other fun facts about this slice of paradise in Southeast Asia.

Is Bali good for digital nomads?

Absolutely! Bali is a digital nomad hub with many opportunities for remote workers. From cafes and coworking spaces to networking events and a comfortable lifestyle, it’s easily one of my favourite places to live as a digital nomad.

Bali’s expat community is filled with digital nomads. No matter where you are in Bali, you can find places to work and meet fellow nomads. Not to mention, so many fun and unique activities make days off exciting. Don’t miss our digital nomad guide to Indonesia for even more information.

Things to Know About Being a Bali Digital Nomad

Here are a few essential things to know about being a digital nomad in Bali:

It’s affordable. Although Bali is one of Indonesia’s most expensive provinces, it’s affordable compared to many other digital nomad destinations. You can comfortably work and live in Bali on a budget, making for a healthy work-life balance.
The locals are very welcoming. While some places in Indonesia aren’t as welcoming to all kinds of travellers, Bali welcomes visitors with open arms. The locals are some of the kindest I’ve ever met!
There are many places to work. Bali’s coworking space and cafe scene is one of the best! With so many options, finding the perfect spot to connect to WiFi and get productive is relatively easy.
Bali’s WiFi continues to improve. Although Indonesia isn’t known for the best internet speed, Bali’s has drastically improved over the years. Just make sure you get a SIM card with data for hotspot backup or a portable WIFI device.
There are many English speakers. Although you should definitely learn some basic Balinese phrases to help you have a comfortable experience, many Bali locals speak English. This helps with communicating, making friends, and getting to know the culture.
Bali is filled with fun activities and beautiful scenery. Whether you like hiking in the mountains, relaxing on the beach, participating in ocean watersports, enjoying nightlife, or a mix of these, there’s something for almost everyone in and close to Bali. This area offers some of the most memorable experiences!
The most popular way to get around is by scooter. Most people who visit Bali rent a scooter for $3-$5 a day. If you aren’t comfortable driving one on your own, there are several ride-share apps.

Bali Digital Nomad Visa

For years, Bali digital nomads have visited on a 60-day tourist visa. However, Bali has just announced their digital nomad visa is in its final stages. This is incredibly exciting for nomads looking for a slice of nature’s paradise that is also perfect for working, relaxing, and enjoying life.

It’s believed that Bali’s new digital nomad visa will allow international remote workers to work in Bali for up to 5 years. Digital nomads can work anywhere in Bali during their visa’s 5-year term without paying Indonesian taxes.

The Indonesian government is working on finalizing the details for this visa. More information about eligibility requirements and countries that can apply for the visa should be announced before the end of the year.

Places to Live in Bali as a Digital Nomad

No matter where you live in Bali, you can’t go wrong. The entire province has stunning nature, delicious food, affordable accommodations, and excellent places for digital nomads to work.

As a popular tourist destination, finding short-term and long-term accommodations in Bali is pretty straightforward.

Here are the best ways to find places to stay in Bali:

Facebook groups like Bali Expats & Community and Expats Jakarta
Online booking platforms such as Booking.com and Agoda
Airbnb

Now let’s look at the best cities for digital nomads in Bali to live in.

Canggu

Canggu is the beating heart of Bali. Although this trendy coastal town is small, it’s filled with life. Canggu is known for incredible sunset views, beautiful beaches, hip cafes and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

Many Bali digital nomads flock to Canggu for a relaxed lifestyle. It’s almost effortless to socialize in Canggu and meet other remote workers. There are also networking events and coliving spaces for digital nomads.

Cafes and Coworking Spaces in Canggu:

Crate Cafe: a stylish cafe with smoothies, coffee, and food popular for nomads.
Dojo Bali Coworking: a trendy coworking and coliving space with mixed work spaces, regular events, and networking opportunities.

Seminyak

For a more upscale beach town, Seminyak is a fantastic place to live and work remotely. It’s home to gorgeous beaches, offers opportunities for surfing, and has many Instagrammable cafes and restaurants. You can also find shopping, spas, and luxury accommodations in Seminyak.

When it’s time to work, there are several coworking spaces and cafes. Many of these are also conveniently located close to the beach.

Cafes and Coworking Spaces in Seminyak:

The Farmers Brew Coffee: a quaint cafe with coffee, food, and views of the rice paddy.
Biliq Seminyak Coworking Space: a cosy coworking space with a lovely outdoor area and pool for workday breaks.

Ubud

Digital nomads love to go to Ubud for an artsy vibe surrounded by rice paddies and lush hills. It’s also an excellent place for health and wellness opportunities. In fact, this is where Julia Robert finds self-discovery in one of our favourite movies for digital nomads, Eat, Pray, Love.

Ubud is home to several cafes and coworking spaces. During your time off, it’s the perfect place to explore nature, visit local temples, attend yoga classes, and appreciate a spa day.

Cafes and Coworking Spaces in Ubud:

Ubud Coffee Roastery: a simple, cosy cafe serving delicious coffee.
Outpost Ubud Coworking: a peaceful coliving and coworking space surrounded by picturesque scenery.

Kuta

Kuta is known as Bali’s party beach town. It’s the perfect spot for digital nomads looking to have a good time. It’s also a great weekend getaway from the other cities in Bali.

Like Canggu, Kuta has stunning sunsets and exciting beach activities. There are also several spaces for digital nomads to get work done.

Cafes and Coworking Spaces in Kuta:

Bemo Corner Coffee Shop: a simple, cute cafe with excellent coffee and food.
GoWork Park 23: a modern coworking space with various working areas and close to restaurants and shops.

Fun things to do in Bali for remote workers

Of course, one of the advantages of a digital nomad lifestyle is getting to explore new places. And Bali is one of the best places for this.

Go surfing. Canggu and Kuta are known for their exciting surfing opportunities. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, there’s something for everyone. You can find surf gear rentals and lessons at almost all the beaches.
Visit temples. Bali is home to thousands of temples, most of which are absolutely breathtaking. Ubud temples are some of the most iconic.
Climb Mount Batur. This dormant volcano in Bali offers a fantastic adventure. Several local tours lead a magical sunrise trek.
Take a cooking class. Local cooking classes offer a unique, cultural experience where you can learn to make Balinese cuisine.
Explore rice paddies. Bali is filled with lush rice paddies, many of which offer adventures like zip lining and jungle swinging.
Go to Monkey Forest. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of Bali’s most popular landmarks. This nature preserve is home to over 1,000 monkeys.
Cafe hop. As mentioned, Bali is dotted with trendy cafes and delicious coffee.

With several unique cities to explore, exciting activities, cafes and coworking spaces, and more, Bali is excellent for digital nomads. If you’re interested in exploring other cities in Indonesia, check out this digital nomad guide to Indonesia.