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Bali isn’t just beautiful. It’s one of the few places where you can work remotely, live affordably, and wake up every morning to the kind of life most people only dream about. Thousands of digital nomads trade crowded cities and grey office walls for Bali’s rice fields, surf beaches, and buzzing cafés every year.

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They find not just better weather but better living. In this article, you’ll discover why Bali remains a magnet for remote workers: where to live, how to work legally, and how some invest smartly to turn their dream life into a long-term reality.

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If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to live in Bali where others vacation — read on.

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Bali is a Top Choice for Digital Nomad Life Worldwide

They call it the Island of the Gods — and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. In Bali, your days unfold differently... Morning swims in warm waters. Work sessions from breezy cafés with ocean views. Evenings wrapped in sunsets so vivid they barely look real.

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For digital nomads, Bali isn’t just a pretty backdrop. It’s a lifestyle upgrade.

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Canggu buzzes. Ubud flows. Uluwatu hums by the sea. The island is small — but insanely diverse. Everyone can find their place.

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Popular Destinations for Digital Nomads Living in Bali

Canggu

Canggu buzzes with energy, offering a vibrant mix of co-working spaces, trendy cafés, state-of-the-art gyms, and a lively social scene. Surf culture adds to its charm, creating an ideal work-life balance — although its growing popularity has also driven living costs higher. Its laid-back surfer vibe and co-working spaces make it particularly popular among digital nomads.

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Co-working Spaces:

• Dojo Bali — a legendary co-working space just steps from Echo Beach.
• BWork Bali — a sleek 24/7 co-working hub with a café and wellness programs.
• Nebula Entrepreneur Space — designed for startups and creative entrepreneurs.

Cafés & Restraunts:

• Crate Cafe — an all-day breakfast spot and community hangout.
• Milk & Madu — famous for their wood-fired pizzas and family-friendly vibe.
• The Common — great for healthy bowls and Cali-Mex flavors.

*Canggu's coffee shops are not only great for a caffeine fix but also offer fast WIFI and a conducive environment for remote work.

Gyms:

• Body Factory Bali — a luxury health and fitness destination.
• Avenue Fitness — a supportive gym with a full class schedule.
• Nirvana Life — a social wellness club with classes and spa facilities.

Surf Spots:

• Batu Bolong Beach — perfect for beginner surfers and longboarders.
• Echo Beach — a favorite for more experienced surfers.

Social Life:

• La Brisa Bali — a stunning eco-friendly beach club on Echo Beach.
• Deus Ex Machina — a creative hotspot for surf, bikes, art, and events.
• Finns Beach Club  — a world-class beach-club, where party never stops!

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Ubud

Ubud offers tranquility, wellness, and a slower pace — ideal for those seeking deeper cultural immersion and a balanced lifestyle. Its cooler climate and lush landscapes support creativity, health, and inspiration.

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Co-working Spaces:

• Outpost Ubud — a vibrant community of remote workers and creatives.
• Hubud — Bali’s first co-working space, still beloved for its jungle vibe.

Cafés & Restraunts:

• Zest Ubud — plant-based dining in a lush, artistic setting.
• Clear Cafe — a serene, healthy café offering diverse options.
• Sayuri Healing Food — a cozy vegan café focused on mindful eating and healing.
• Locavore — a place where out of this world burgers are served.

Gyms & Wellness:

• Ubud Fitness Center — a straightforward gym for your workout needs.
• Radiantly Alive Yoga — one of Ubud’s best-loved yoga studios offering various styles.

Nature Spots:

• Campuhan Ridge Walk — a scenic hike with sweeping hill views.
• Tegenungan Waterfall — a refreshing natural escape close to town.

Cultural Life:

• Ubud Palace — hosting nightly traditional Balinese dance performances.
• Sacred Monkey Forest — a mystical jungle sanctuary filled with playful monkeys and ancient temples.
• Ubud's local culture, with its traditional dance performances and spiritual practices, offers a deep and enriching experience for visitors.

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Uluwatu

For those craving a laid-back coastal life, Uluwatu delivers with its iconic cliffs, epic sunsets, and a relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for balancing work, surf, and social life — minus the heavy crowds.

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Co-working Spaces:

• Co.Lab Coworking — a growing creative workspace for digital nomads.
• Uluwatu Hub — a cozy place to work, meet, and network.

Cafés & Restraunts:

• Suka Espresso — beloved for its excellent coffee and wholesome meals.
• The Loft Uluwatu — stylish interiors and fresh, colorful dishes.
• Mason Uluwatu — fancy interior, good atmosphere and amazing dishes.

Gyms:

• Uluwatu Fitness Center — a solid gym option for keeping fit by the coast.
• Bambu Fitness Bali — an open gym with amaxing group classes and great trainers.

Surf Spots:

• Padang Padang Beach — famous for beautiful beaches and world-class waves.
• Bingin Beach — a laid-back paradise perfect for surfers and sunset seekers.
• Uluwatu is home to world class beaches that attract surfers from around the globe.

Chill Spots:

• Single Fin — an iconic cliffside bar with legendary Sunday sunset sessions.
• The Cashew Tree — a community café with live music, events, and family-friendly vibes.
• Mana Yoga — a beautiful ocean-side resort, where to lay by the pool, enjoy the restaurant and watch sunsets.

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Navigating Visa Options for Digital Nomad Life in Bali

Digital Nomad Visa

For digital nomads, remote workers, and foreigners aiming to relocate to Bali, the remote worker visa E33G is likely the best option for living there. This multiple-entry visa provides foreigners with a temporary stay permit in Indonesia for one year, known as KITAS (ITAS). The digital nomad visa in Indonesia enables professionals to legally reside in Bali while working remotely for international clients, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tropical work-life balance.

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Find out more on our legal partner's ILA Global Consulting blog: "Remote worker and Digital nomad Visa in Bali"

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Cost of Living for Bali Digital Nomads

Living frugally is possible for around $1000 per month, prioritizing hostels, local warungs, and spending leisure time in nature. Renting accommodation for an entire month can further reduce costs, making it an affordable option.

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With a mid-range budget of approximately $2000 monthly, you can live quite comfortably, dine out regularly, have a personal cleaner and do weekly free time activities.

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If you always dine out and prefer Western food, you may find your food budget slightly higher but still manageable with careful planning. Those seeking luxury can easily spend $2500 or more.

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Example Monthly Budget for a Single Expat (Medium Budget)

• Accommodation: $800 (private villa or a nice apartment with a swimming pool - perfect for working at home.)
• Food and dining: $500 (realistic if you eat out frequently, combining Western-style dining with affordable local warungs. This budget assumes a mix of local and international food preferences, which can affect the overall cost. Warungs offer affordable Balinese cuisine with prices starting as low as $1-2 USD for a meal)
• Co-work place access: For unlimited monthly access, prices generally range from approximately $189 to $320
• Transport + fuel: $150 (renting a scooter)
• Utilities, internet, and cleaning: $200 (electricity, internet, bottled water delivery, and a cleaner once a week).
• Entertainment and leisure: $350 (massages, yoga classes, weekend activities)
• Total: $2000- $2320

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Does moving to Bali seem affordable? Read our comprehensive cost of living breakdown here: “The Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Indonesia, Bali”

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Health and Wellness for Digital Nomads

Living in Bali means taking care of both your work and your well—being. Life here is all about balance, and this is what attracts so many like-minded individuals.

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When it comes to healthcare, Bali offers a mix of public and private options. Public facilities cover basic services, but most digital nomads and expats prefer private hospitals and clinics for their higher standards, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff.

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While Bali’s medical system may not match the complexity of Western healthcare, it delivers reliable care for most everyday needs — from general check-ups to minor emergencies. And in a pinch, world-class hospitals in nearby Singapore are just a short flight away. While travel insurance may cover short-term emergencies, having comprehensive medical insurance is essential for those planning extended stays in Bali.

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But health in Bali goes beyond hospitals. The island is a global hotspot for wellness.

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From traditional Balinese massages and holistic healing treatments to yoga studios, surf therapy, world-class gyms, recovery centers, and spa retreats — Bali makes it easy to stay balanced, energized, and inspired.

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Tip: Download the ClassPass app to check out different classes for free!

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Connecting with the Bali Expat Community

In Bali, you don’t just find a place to work. You find a community. The island’s welcoming expat scene makes it easy to meet new people and build lasting friendships. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, artist, or remote worker, chances are you’ll meet like-minded souls just by showing up. Making an effort to learn some Bahasa Indonesia is greatly appreciated by the locals and can enhance your overall experience.

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Best ways to grow your network:

• Attend co-working events — most spaces like Dojo Bali and Outpost Ubud organize talks, workshops, and community lunches.
• Join Bali-focused Facebook groups for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and creatives. They’re goldmines for insider tips, housing leads, and instant social circles.
• Show up at local gatherings: sunset meetups, beach cleanups, yoga workshops, and networking events happen weekly across the island.

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A simple “hello” can quickly turn into a business partner, a surf buddy — or a lifelong friend.

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Facebook Groups and Online Communities for Digital Nomads in Bali

Connecting with fellow digital nomads in Bali is easier than ever, thanks to a thriving online community. Facebook groups and other online platforms offer invaluable support, advice, and networking opportunities for remote workers. Some of the most popular Facebook groups for digital nomads in Bali include:

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• Bali Digital Nomads: With over 10,000 members, this group is a treasure trove of resources and advice for digital nomads living and working in Bali. From job opportunities to accommodation tips, you’ll find it all here.
• Digital Nomads Bali: This group, boasting over 5,000 members, offers a vibrant community for networking and attending events tailored for digital nomads in Bali.
• Bali Expats: With a membership exceeding 20,000, this group caters to expats living in Bali, including digital nomads. It provides a wealth of information on everything from local events to practical living tips.

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These online communities are more than just forums; they are lifelines for digital nomads. They offer access to job opportunities, advice on finding accommodation and co-working spaces, and a chance to network with other remote workers. Engaging with these groups can significantly enhance your experience of living in Bali, providing a sense of community and belonging.

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Experiencing Bali Life and Balinese Culture

Living in Bali isn’t just about Wi-Fi speeds and smoothie bowls. It’s about experiencing a culture unlike anywhere else. The island’s vibrant culture attracts artists and wellness enthusiasts from around the world, adding to its unique charm. Being a digital nomad in Bali doesn´t mean you should be online 24/7! The true experience comes from truly connecting with the island!

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Ways to immerse yourself:

• Attend traditional ceremonies — colorful festivals and offerings are part of daily life. Respectful visitors are often warmly welcomed.
• Practice yoga and mindfulness — Bali’s spiritual energy is almost tangible. Studios like Radiantly Alive Yoga in Ubud offer everything from beginner classes to intensive retreats.
• Explore waterfalls, temples, and villages — go beyond the tourist paths. Rent a scooter, follow winding jungle roads, and you’ll find hidden corners of real Bali.
• Exploring Bali's beautiful sites, from its stunning temples to its lush landscapes, offers a deeper connection to the island's rich culture.

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The deeper you connect with Balinese traditions, the more magical your stay becomes.

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Essential Tips for Digital Nomads in Bali

Small adjustments make a big difference.

• Get a local SIM card (Telkomsel or XL are popular) for fast, affordable mobile data.
• Avoid peak traffic hours (especially 4–6 PM) to save your sanity — and scooter fuel.
• Learn a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia. A simple “Terima kasih” (thank you) or “Selamat pagi” (good morning) opens doors and earns smiles.
• Support cafés when working remotely — order meals, not just coffee, and tip generously.
• Be mindful of Bali’s pace — life here flows slower. Adjust your expectations, and you’ll find yourself living better, not just faster.
• Ensure you have access to fast wifi, whether through a local SIM card or reliable co-working spaces, to maintain productivity.

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Bali’s Real Estate Market in 2024: Key Insights for Digital Nomads and Investors

Bali’s real estate market is evolving to meet the needs of its growing digital nomad community. Smaller villa and apartment developments are emerging as a preferred investment segment, aligning with the demand for compact, well-located, and serviced living spaces.

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Key Market Trends Favoring Small-Unit Investments

• Smaller asset demand is rising: Sales of one- and two-bedroom properties increased 37% and 12%, respectively, while sales of larger three-bedroom units declined 16%.
• Price appreciation continues: Market-wide property prices grew 4.9% in 2024, with strong performance in select high-growth areas.
• Apartments dominate off-plan sales: Nearly 50% of the new small-unit inventory for 2024 was sold off-plan, reflecting investor confidence and demand.
• Leasehold preference is growing: Leasehold properties now account for 77.7% of all transactions, signaling a long-term shift towards flexible investment models.
• The rise of nomadic living is driving demand for flexible and well-located apartments.

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Why Small Units Are Ideal for Digital Nomads

• Higher Yield Potential – Compact units in prime locations cater to both long-term renters and short-term digital nomads.
• Rising Demand – The booming remote work culture is increasing the need for modern, low-maintenance apartments.
• Flexibility – Leasehold ownership options align well with a nomadic lifestyle.
• Convenience – Fully serviced apartments offer amenities and management that appeal to mobile professionals seeking hassle-free living.

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Living in a tropical island like Bali offers a unique blend of work and leisure, making it an ideal location for digital nomads.

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Bali villas boom directly supports the evolving needs of digital nomads, providing them with flexible, affordable, and community-oriented living options.

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(Data Source: REID 2024 Annual Market Report)

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Investland Bali: Your Partner in High-Growth Developments

At Investland Bali, we specialize in developing modern, professionally managed apartments and villas tailored for the next generation of investors and digital nomads. Our ongoing developments combine prime locations, efficient unit layouts, and premium amenities to meet rising demand.

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Whether you're a digital nomad seeking your perfect base or an investor looking to tap into Bali’s booming apartment market, Investland Bali is your trusted partner.

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Explore our available projects and discover your next smart investment today!

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