Not everyone likes to be tied to office hours and a physical office. Some prefer to work independently and leverage technology to support their work. These individuals are often referred to as digital nomads. This trend is gaining traction among Generation Y and Z in Indonesia, not just abroad. Are you interested in experiencing the excitement of working while traveling like a digital nomad? To start, you can begin your journey in Indonesia.
One popular destination for digital nomads, both local and international, is Bali. However, there are a few things to consider and prepare for before fully embracing the digital nomad lifestyle on the Island of the Gods.
1. Find the Right Atmosphere to Boost Productivity During Your Workation in Bali
As a popular spot for digital nomads, Bali offers numerous places to work. From cafes to coworking spaces, there are plenty of facilities catering to digital nomads. You need to determine which environment will enhance your productivity. You might find you’re more productive working by the beach, in a coworking space, or perhaps you need to rent a private office or room to stay focused. Everyone has different preferences.
If you find you’re more productive when working while enjoying a coffee and good food in a cozy place, there are many cafes in Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, and Canggu. These cafes often have fast internet connections. Usually, all you need to do to work at these cafes is order some food and drinks. If you need a space for 24 hours, consider renting a coworking space.
2. Villa or Hotel? Find Comfortable Accommodation That Suits Your Needs!
The second consideration is accommodation. Will you rent a hotel or stay in a villa while living in Bali? When deciding on a place to stay, you must also consider your income. You don't want to choose accommodation that is too expensive and exceeds your budget.
In Bali, the cost of renting a villa or hotel varies widely, depending on the amenities you desire. There are villas available for around 3 million rupiahs per month, while others can cost tens of millions. If your income isn't too high yet, choose a modest but comfortable place to live.
If you want cheaper accommodation close to many coworking spaces, consider renting a hotel or villa in Canggu, often referred to as the digital nomad hub in Bali. Digital nomads from various professions work from Canggu, and the cost of living there is lower compared to other areas.
3. Create a Priority List and Stay Focused While Working in Bali
Working in Bali might tempt you to explore and visit various tourist destinations. However, don't let your work suffer! Stay focused and disciplined with your tasks. To be clear and directed, create a priority list for expenses and activities while in Bali. If you’re too free, your budget might skyrocket, and your work could suffer.
You can explore and shop, provided no work is left unfinished. Balancing work and leisure time is key to successfully becoming a digital nomad in Bali.
4. Expand Your Network by Joining Digital Nomad Communities in Bali
As mentioned earlier, Bali is a meeting place for digital nomads from all over the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet and network with other digital nomads. You can also join digital nomad communities in Bali to expand your network. This way, you can learn from and share experiences with others living as digital wanderers. You might even find new job projects from your connections in the digital nomad community.
5. Relieve Stress by Taking Time to Explore
Digital nomads are attracted to working and traveling in Bali because of the island’s abundance of natural attractions. There are white sand beaches, mountains, green rice fields, waterfalls, and much more. When you feel tired from work or need a place to refresh your mind to be productive again, you don’t have to travel far or for a long time.
Access to various tourist destinations is easy. You can rent a private vehicle to explore various spots in Bali freely, allowing you to travel whenever you need.
6. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
Bali is not only rich in natural attractions but also cultural heritage. In your free time after work, explore the area around your residence to learn about local culture and chat with locals to understand their customs and traditions.
Take time to learn about the local culture and arts in Bali’s traditional villages. One of the most popular is Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency.
7. Taste Bali’s Unique Cuisine to Keep You Energized
Besides comfortable workspaces, easy-to-reach tourist spots, and unique local culture and arts, Bali has another allure: its distinctive cuisine. From snacks to hearty meals, there's something for everyone. Delicious food can energize you and help you focus better.
After a tiring day of work, you’ll need delicious food to recharge or boost your energy to be more productive.
After considering the information above, are you more interested in becoming a digital nomad in Bali? The facilities for working are complete, you can visit many places whenever you feel stressed, and there are plenty of delicious cuisines. Don’t forget to adhere to health protocols while working! Always wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands frequently, especially when working in public places.