Why Bali is a Top Destination for Digital Nomads
Bali's appeal isn't just about beautiful beaches and yoga retreats. For a remote worker or online business owner, it offers a practical and enriching environment. The island boasts a tropical climate year-round, with the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds in the shoulder months of May and September. More importantly, the infrastructure to support a remote lifestyle is firmly in place, from countless cafes with excellent Wi-Fi to a thriving expatriate and nomad community perfect for networking.
Visas for Digital Nomads in Bali: Your Options for 2025
Navigating visa requirements is the first step for any aspiring Bali nomad. While Indonesia is famously working on a long-term 'Digital Nomad Visa' that would offer a five-year tax exemption, it is not yet available. Until then, here are the current practical options:
Visa on Arrival (VOA - B213): This is the most common choice. You get 30 days upon arrival, which can be extended once for another 30 days, giving you a total of 60 days. The initial VOA costs approximately $37, with the extension costing around $35. The extension process requires a visit to an immigration office, which can be time-consuming, so many nomads use an agent to handle it.
60-Day Tourist Visa (B211A): If you know you want to stay for two months, you can apply for this visa at an Indonesian Embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel. This saves you the hassle of the VOA extension process in Bali.
Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of certain countries can enter for 30 days visa-free, but be aware: this visa cannot be extended. If there's any chance you'll stay longer, the VOA is the better option.
Note on Taxes: Under current rules, anyone staying in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a 12-month period is considered a tax resident. However, most nomads using tourist visas operate in a grey area. The proposed Digital Nomad Visa aims to clarify this, offering tax-free status on foreign-earned income. As always, for complex situations involving tax residency and offshore companies like a US LLC, consulting with a specialist like Taxhackers.io is crucial.
Getting Set Up: Arrival and Connectivity
Once you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, your first move is to get connected and get to your accommodation.
Transport from the Airport: Official airport taxis are available but are more expensive. For a cost-saving hack, walk a few minutes outside the airport grounds (e.g., to the nearby Harris Hotel Tuban) and order a much cheaper ride from an app like Grab or Gojek.
Internet & SIM Cards: Internet in Bali is surprisingly fast and reliable. While most cafes offer free Wi-Fi, having your own data is essential. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport, but for better prices, purchase one from a phone shop in town. Telkomsel is the most reliable provider. Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, an eSIM from a provider like Airalo allows you to download a data plan and be connected the moment you land.
The Digital Nomad Budget: Cost of Living in Bali
Bali remains incredibly affordable, allowing you to live comfortably without breaking the bank. Your budget will vary based on your lifestyle, but here's a general breakdown:
Accommodation: A room in a local guesthouse (losmen) can be as cheap as $15 per night. A more comfortable hotel or a private villa room might average $30-$50 per night. Monthly rentals offer significant savings.
Food: Eating at a local restaurant (warung) is both delicious and cheap, with a full meal costing just a few dollars. A meal at a trendy Western-style cafe will run you about $7-$10.
Transportation: The best way to get around is by renting a scooter, which costs about $4 per day, with discounts for weekly or monthly rentals.
Top Digital Nomad Hubs in Bali
Instead of a rigid itinerary, think of Bali as a collection of hubs, each with a unique vibe. You can spend a month in one or hop between them.
Canggu: The Social & Co-working Hub
Canggu is the epicenter of Bali's digital nomad scene. It's packed with amazing cafes, co-working spaces, boutiques, and fitness studios. The vibe is young, social, and energetic. It's the best place to network and meet other remote workers.
Work-friendly Cafes: Cinta Cafe (rice field views), Crate Cafe, BGS (for the best coffee).
Best For: Networking, social life, endless food options (especially vegan).
Ubud: The Spiritual & Wellness Hub
Known as Bali's cultural heart, Ubud offers a completely different pace. Surrounded by lush jungle, rice paddies, and waterfalls, it's the perfect place for focus, yoga, and personal wellness. The food scene is incredible, with a focus on healthy and organic options.
Things to Do: Yoga classes, visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces, explore waterfalls like Kanto Lampo.
Best For: Deep work, yoga and meditation, nature lovers.
Uluwatu: The Surf & Sunset Hub
Located on the southern Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is famous for its world-class surf breaks, dramatic cliffs, and stunning white-sand beaches. The vibe is more laid-back and wellness-focused than Canggu, with a strong surf culture. The sunsets here are legendary.
Work-friendly Cafes: Suka Espresso, Drifter Cafe, Bukit Cafe.
Best For: Surfers, beach lovers, incredible ocean views.
Exploring Beyond: Weekend Escapes
The Nusa Islands: A short boat ride from Sanur, the islands of Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan offer a more rugged, less developed version of Bali with breathtaking coastal scenery.
The Gili Islands: Technically part of Lombok but easily reached from Bali, these three tiny islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) have no cars or motorbikes. Gili Air offers the perfect mix of a relaxed atmosphere with great cafes and snorkeling.
East Bali: For a true 'off-the-beaten-path' experience, head east to stay in a unique bamboo house, see the Mount Agung volcano from Bukit Cinta, and enjoy a quieter side of the island.
