Everything is great, but what about work?

So, it's time for Bali, the Capital of Digital Nomads! In this article, I've talked about the best and the worst of Bali in the clearest way possible.

After two months of hard work in Malaysia, Bali felt like paradise, just like its name. It was as if I was working in Malaysia and came here for a vacation, but I realized it was too late, and by the time I did, my business had already started to decline.

I have been traveling as a Digital Nomad for 2 years, but from the very beginning, my only dream and goal was to see Bali, the island of digital nomads. I finally stepped into my 8th country, Indonesia/Bali.

Let's start if you are ready for the most comprehensive and realistic "Being a Nomad in Bali" blog.

Visa

Bali offers paid visas at the gate for all countries. So, we can stay in Bali for one month by paying $35$ at the gate.

If you want to extend it to the 2nd month (which I think you will), you can extend it through an agency for 50$ by going to the immigration office only once. If you want to extend it yourself, you can extend it for 30$, but you have to go to the immigration office 3-4 times. My advice is to do it through an agency; you don't even need to go to the agency. After contacting the agency, you can send your passport to your agency very cheaply through your Gojek or Grab app.

Two of my friends extended it themselves, but then they told me, "I will never do it again". Yes, it may be cheap, but if you live in Canggu, riding a motorbike for 21 km in that hot weather will really tire you out.

Unfortunately, after extending the second month, we cannot extend the third month, and we need to do a Visa Run. Usually, the cheapest tickets from Bali are from Singapore and Malaysia.

You can stay like me by extending a Visa Run like this. Or if you say I don't bother at all, you can consider 6-month or 1-year visa types. I also have friends who stay like this. I heard there have been new updates recently so that you can get the most up-to-date information from the agencies.

Language and Communication

You may have heard more than 700 languages and dialects in Indonesia, but don't be afraid, 50% of the people and 90% of the employees in the areas you will be in can speak English. I didn't have any difficulty while I was there. You may need to use Translate in very local places. Not like Thailand :)

Here are a few words that will make communication easier in the local language:

Good morning - Selemat Pagi

Good Evening - Selemat Malam

Thank you - Terima Kasih

You're Welcome - Sama Sama

How are you? - Api Kapar?

I'm fine - Baik

What is Your Name? - Siapa Nama Anda?

My Name is … - Nama Saya …

Security

Before I came to Bali, I did some research, but I had never seen or heard of such widespread theft in YouTube videos or blog posts until I lived there.

Yes, phone theft is very common in Bali. The most important thing you should pay attention to and take precautions is Phone Precaution. Especially when traveling by motorcycle, do not put your phone in the phone holder to look at the navigation. They take it from there while you are on the road, I personally experienced it. Or when using taxi applications such as Grab, Gojek, don't deal with your phone too much in the back, a few of my friends had it stolen like this.

I went to the police, but the police said that this case had happened a lot and that they hadn't thought anything of it. If something is stolen, don't waste your time with the police, they don't bother.

My police and local friends told me that these thieves were not from Bali but from other islands and cities.

In general, Balinese people are very helpful, smiling and well-intentioned. Do not approach with prejudice, I had local friends who helped me very sweetly, we are still looking for each other.

Internet

Of course, let's not pass without talking about the internet speed, which is a must for us. I have stayed in cafes or guest houses, villas in many different areas in Bali (Canggu, Amed, Ubud, Munduk, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan). Everywhere the internet speed was enough for me, I was able to hold my meetings, I never felt the need to connect to the phone. But I would say that you should definitely ask about the internet speed before choosing accommodation.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Bali is increasing every year and it is getting quite difficult to find a place with price+performance.

Guest house (room) culture is very common in Bali; there are many guest houses on every street. Of course there are not only guest houses, you can choose Loft or Villa according to your budget.

Guest House costs around 500-600$ per month on average. But if you make contracts like 6 months and 1 year, you can stay at more affordable prices.

Some of the Guest Houses have kitchens and some do not. When there is no kitchen, you have to eat your meals outside. It is not very expensive, of course you can get a meal in the range of 5-15$.

Average Loft rents vary between 700$-1500$ depending on the location. You can choose if you are looking for a small kitchen, television and a bit of space and personal space.

1 Bedroom Villa rents start from $1500. For a more central and newly furnished place, you will probably have to pay $3000.

If you don't have the budget, you can rent a room for $100-$200 per month in non-touristy places like Denpasar.

Transportation

Transportation is one of the most challenging issues. Yes, renting a motorcycle is the most convenient and fastest way. But most people don't want to use a motorbike in that chaos and can be scared like I was scared in the first week.

If you don't want to use a motorbike, you can call a motorbike from Grab and Gojek applications for a cheap price and travel. They will be with you within 2-3 minutes after you call them. Because they are everywhere :) And they are all smiling 😊

Renting a motorcycle is quite cheap; you can rent a scooter for an average of 50$ per month. This fee will, of course, increase with the quality and comfort you are looking for. I was paying 70$ per month for the Yamaha Nmax model, and for 4 months, I never had to deal with the person or organization I rented the motorcycle. When the day came, I transferred the monthly rental fee to their bank. At the end of 4 months, I parked my motorcycle in front of the house where I was staying and said goodbye to the island by saying that only the motorcycle was in this location and the main points are here :) I think it is very interesting and easy. I am attaching the screenshots below :)

Driving License

The issue of driver's license is among the most researched. But don't worry, neither the motor rental place nor the police ask you for a driver's license.

Just don't ride your motorcycle without a helmet. If the police see and stop you, they can write a penalty fine. When there is a helmet and you use it properly, the police do not say anything.

Food and Drink

Many people in my circle asked me what do you eat and drink in Bali. But I have to say that there are more world cuisine restaurants here than local restaurants. Do not worry, there are dozens of Italian pizza restaurants, dozens of cafes and restaurants for vegetarians and the most perfect bowls.

For example, I had the best coffee in Bali and the best bowls and pancakes here.

You will not be able to leave the local food once you get used to it. Especially with our group of friends, we used to go to Warung 2-3 times a week to eat local food.

Warung - Local Food Restaurants

I will recommend 2 Warung here, they are clean and the food is delicious.

1-Tiga - 50 percent discount after 9 pm. You will love the fish soup. I would run the moment I felt I was going to be sick.

2- Warung Bu Mi - One of the best Warungs in Canggu, the food is clean and delicious.

Cost of living in Bali

In Bali, like everywhere else, you can live according to your budget. In summary, you can stay in a room for $10 per night or a villa for $500 per night, rent a motorbike for $5-10, eat for $3-5 or drink coffee or beer for $2-5.

In central locations such as Canggu, the minimum room rate is $500 per month, in inland areas such as Denpasar you can stay for $250.

You can eat in a local restaurant, warung for 2-3$, or in an average restaurant for 5-15$.

You can drink your beer for 2-3$ in a bar and 5$+ in an average club.

You can rent a motorbike for 5-10$ if you rent it daily or weekly, 3$ if you rent it monthly.

GYM prices start from 50$ per month and go up to 250$ per month.

Co-working space prices vary between 100$-1000$. You can find the one that suits your budget.

Cafes

During my stay in Bali, I loved going to different cafes for breakfast every morning and exploring the menus of different restaurants.

Milu - a perfect cafe in the middle of the rice fields. I would usually go there for pasta. It is a place where you can take your computer and work, but there are a lot of people coming and going, I don't know about attention.

Cafe Coach - The Bowl here is amazing, man. Don't leave Bali without trying it. Definitely a place to work.

Revolver - I'll be honest, I only like the coffee at Revolver and I've made some great friends there, the staff are great. They allow you to open a computer until 6 pm but after 6pm it is forbidden to open a computer, yes you heard that right, it is forbidden :D I was very surprised and asked why after I said that I had heard and seen such a thing for the first time. "They brought such a rule because they want people to chat and mingle. Maybe one day they might take our phones at the entrance :) ''

Zin Cafe - Zin Cafe has both restaurants and free Co-Working. I usually go to Co-Working to buy coconut and work. It is a good place to network.

Noah Cafe - It has free Co-Working. I used to stop by sometimes. It had a toast with chicken, you could say I was going there for that.

Barboa Cafe - I think they make very good and filling pancakes. It's not on the menu but if you order Billy Pancake they will bring it to you. Too hot to work, I would eat the pancake and run away.

Home Cafe - I would prefer it for breakfast I recommend their bowls, they have different kinds of bowls. You can also try the Russian Pancake here. Ideal for working, fast internet.

Shady Shack Cafe - One of the best vegetarian restaurants. I usually prefer it for breakfast and smoothies.

Blou Cafe - Good breakfast packages and good for working. They also have a pool for those who like to work from the poolside.

Motion Cafe - The most suitable cafe for those who do sports and they also have home delivery services. We can say that their food is usually special for athletes. It's a small area to work but it's ok to check your morning mail.

Moana Fish Eatry - Fish grills, fish burgers, everything you would say they did that with fish is here. I recommend it for a nice dinner.

La Baraca - Their pizzas are delicious. You can choose it for dinner and dates. They give free shots. Their own mix, very delicious, don't forget to ask for it if they forget.

Oma Jamu Warung - Very delicious local vegetarian restaurant. I used to visit once a week.

Co-Working Space

Since all the cafes in Bali are like co-working and it's easy to network outside, I didn't prefer a lot of co-working. I tried B-work for a week. It may be the best co-working with its crowded environment, excellent quality and central location.

Other co-working spaces I've heard of but haven't been to;

Kayra co - working

Tropical Nomad Coworking Space

Awan Connection

Outpost Canggu Coworking

Nightlife in Bali

I liked the nightlife in Bali, I've been to Thailand too, but I think Bali's nightlife is of better quality, as time goes by you understand and you learn what's good.

Mish Fish - I've been a couple of times, but I think it was just me, I didn't find it very social and fun. But I heard from my friends that it's pretty good, it's worth a try.

La Favela - It's my favorite place and I go almost every weekend. Because there are different music styles on each floor. You hang out wherever you like. The masses were short-term visitors. The only bad thing is that it gets very crowded, especially on weekends.

Morabito Art Villa - It was my favorite place and the place I always go to. Because its audience was quality people who stayed for a long time. The music is also very good, I definitely recommend you to go.

Da Maria - I haven't been there too much. The crowd is similar to Morabito, with a mix of long-term and short-term people. Better than MishFish :)

Vault - Techno club with a very good vibe. I've been there many times. The crowd is usually short-term.

Behind The Green Door - A small bar playing R&B style music. R&B lovers should go.

Lugies Pizza - Normally a restaurant but they only party on Monday nights, it's usually the place everyone knows and hangs out.

Sand Bar, Old Mans - I've been a couple of times but I didn't like it. There are a lot of fights and the crowd is 3-5 day travelers. Average age is 18-25.

Hotel Mexicola - I've been here once but the crowd here is just like Sand Bar and Old Mans. They drink a lot and get messed up.

Black Sand Brewery - A very sweet bar. The beers are delicious and the atmosphere is great. There is a party on Saturdays. You can consider it for Date.

Beach Club

There are many beach clubs but the best, famous and the ones I have been to are Finns, Atlas and Potato Head.

Finns Beach Club - You know they introduce themselves as the World's Best Beach Club. And they are. Entrance is free and the parties continue until midnight. The music and atmosphere are very good. If you like crowds you should go on weekends, if you like calmness you should go on weekdays. Experience dancing to Sunset here.

Atlas Beach Club - They introduce themselves as the World's Biggest Beach Club and they are. The last time I remember the entrance fee was 150.000IDR. It stays in our minds as a place where big artists usually come. We can say that the music is very good and the prices are slightly higher than other Beach Clubs.

Potato Head Beach Club - It does not have a very lively environment and music like the others. It is only lively on special events and artist days. Entrance is free. It is a Beach Club where you can go with your friends and have a pleasant time.

Places to visit in Bali

Do not return without experiencing the rice fields in Ubud, the exotic temples such as Handara Gate, TanahLot, Tirta Empul, Lempuyang, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, Gili Islands, the beautiful sunsets of Uluwatu and Canggu, Agung and Batur volcanoes, diving in Amed and Nusa Lembongan. I think this is the best way to summarize it.

Canggu

• Tanah Lot

• Beach Clubs

• Eco Beach Sunset

• Explore Canggu's Beautiful Cafes

  
  

Uluwatu

• Single Fin

• Uluwatu Temple

• Watching Sunset from the Cliffs

• Balangan View Point

• Bingin, Melasti, Nyang Nyang Beach

• Kacak Fire Dance

Ubud

• Tegenungan Waterfall

• Rice Fields

• Monkey Forest

• Ubud Art Market

• Ubud Palace

• Tirta Empul

• Yoga Bar

• Jungle Fish

• Alas Harum

Islands

You may have heard that there are 17,000 islands in Indonesia, but here I wanted to include the most visited islands that are easy to reach from Bali.

• Lombok

• Gili Islands

• Komodo Island

• Nusa Penida

• Nusa Lembongan

Sport- GYM

The highest quality mass and most preferred GYMs;

Body Factory

Wrong Gym

Elite Fit Bali

Spa - Massage Parlor

Spas and Massage Parlors I have been to and satisfied with;

Amo Spa

Marissa Spa

Zin Spa

Being a Digital Nomad in Bali - The Good and the Bad

We have come to the most anticipated part of this article. My 4-month nomad experience in Bali was very enjoyable. I can say 2 years of digital nomadism was the best and maybe the worst times of my life. If you ask why it could be bad, I can say that I got carried away with the fun life of Bali and lost 3 big clients I was working with. Of course, it is my own fault. It sucks you in if you are not careful.

Good Points;

• You can meet a lot of digital nomads

• Still one of the cheapest Digital Nomad destinations

• The best location for surfing

• Network - Meet digital nomads from all over the world

• It's always hot

• Best Sunset

• Best coffees

• Same mindset people

Bad Points;

The beauty of Bali, the friends you make, the weather and the activities can distract your focus if you are not disciplined like me and can often make it difficult to focus on work.

I have been a digital nomad in 12 countries so far and the country I had the hardest time working in was Indonesia/Bali.

Of course, not everyone was like me, I met many people who never traveled like me, did not hang out in cafes, just worked and did sports.

The important thing is to know yourself and set boundaries...

To summarize;

Bali is a place that every digital nomad should experience for at least 1 month with its nature, networking opportunities, history, people and the way they live their religion. Anyway, 1 month in Bali is definitely not enough for digital nomads. My recommendation is to stay for a long time and feel that culture with everything.

In general, Digital Nomads who visit Bali live for a minimum of 6 months, on average 1 year, not 1-2 months. 1 year seems to be an ideal time to focus on work, network, and live Bali to the fullest.

Cheap, high quality, perfect nature, people, internet speed, networking, why not make Bali your next stop? Hope to meet you in a coffee shop in Canggu and hear about Bali from you....

For more tips and insights on digital nomadism, check out the NomadVibe Instagram account.