The Mediterranean shimmers to my left as I sit at a foldable desk on the terrace of a charming home located in a tranquil coastal town in Spain. Rolling green hills frame my view on the right, providing a picturesque backdrop for my next three months before we pack up once more.

It has been a year since my husband and I embraced a nomadic lifestyle. We sold our possessions, ended a four-year apartment lease in Singapore, and boarded a one-way flight to Bali. Our journey has taken us through Bali, Rome, Tuscany, Bangkok, Phuket, and now to the beautiful coast of Alicante in Spain.

Finding the Ideal Remote Work Location

Friends and fellow travelers often ask, “What’s your favorite place to work?” Answering can be tricky because it is subjective. Nomadic living criteria differ vastly from those for a vacation destination. Essential factors for me include a strong community, long-stay visa options, reliable WiFi, easy access to nature, and a vibrant wellness scene.

If pressed to choose, one location shines above the rest—Bali. It’s a place I would gladly revisit.

My Bali Experience

Bali was my first stop as a digital nomad, where I joyfully spent four months. Despite the discussions about certain parts of the island being “overrun,” it remains my top choice for remote work. My connection to Indonesia influences my perspective, as my roots and years of vacationing there make me feel at home.

We selected Berawa as our home base, a relaxing neighborhood conveniently located just outside the vibrant atmosphere of Canggu. Over the years, Canggu has transformed from a quiet surf spot into a trendy enclave with boutique cafés and black-sand beaches, attracting both yogis and surfers.

Cost of Living and Accommodation

This was my first time staying in Berawa, and the experience exceeded my expectations. The area offers access to the action in Canggu while keeping a peaceful atmosphere. My two-bedroom villa, located just off a main road, was less than 10 minutes away from central Canggu.

Although Bali’s cost of living has risen recently, it is still reasonable for longer stays. Our villa rent was $1,800 per month, which included a pool, high-speed internet, and weekly cleaning—less than half of what I paid for my Singapore apartment.

The Ultimate Remote Work Setup

Bali presented an excellent launchpad for my nomadic journey. The island is well-equipped for long stays, featuring reliable WiFi, numerous supermarkets, and cost-effective ride-hailing services.

After a year of traveling, I’ve come to cherish the unique combination Bali offers for remote workers. The island boasts an impressive remote work ecosystem, offering coworking spaces like Outpost and BWork and many laptop-friendly cafés. My favorites included the workspace at Woods, Zin Cafe, and Lighthouse—a coworking café with breathtaking rice field views and an on-site podcast and video studio.

Health and Well-Being

Staying active and healthy is easy in Bali. Gyms, yoga studios, and affordable massage options are prevalent, especially in Berawa. The food scene is equally delightful, ranging from local warungs serving authentic dishes to health-conscious cafés and fine dining establishments.

When work felt overwhelming, I could quickly hop on a scooter and reach the beach in minutes. Weekend adventures included trips to the stunning Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan islands and a serene day trip to Sidemen, revealing a slower-paced, tranquil side of Bali that I had overlooked during previous short visits.

Potential Downsides

No place is without its challenges. Canggu’s traffic can be chaotic, and infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with tourism growth. At times, the digital nomad community can feel insular and disconnected from the genuine local experience.

Nevertheless, once I found my rhythm and favorite spots, it was easy to tune out distractions and embrace Bali’s relaxed, gentle pace. As a nomad, I have experienced feelings of uprootedness and exhaustion, yet in Bali, I rediscovered a version of myself—focused, centered, and rejuvenated.

Embracing a Nomadic Lifestyle: My Journey through Remote Work

The Mediterranean glimmers just beyond as I write from a foldable desk on the terrace of a charming home nestled in a serene coastal town. Rolling green hills provide a picturesque backdrop to what will be my sanctuary for the next few months, before the adventure leads me elsewhere.

A year ago, my husband and I took a leap into a world of digital nomadism. We sold our belongings, concluded our lease in Singapore, and boarded a one-way flight to Bali. Since then, we’ve called a variety of stunning locales home, including Bali, Rome, Tuscany, Bangkok, Phuket, and currently, the tranquil coast of Alicante in Spain.

Choosing the Right Base for Remote Work

Friends often inquire about my favorite place to work remotely. While this can be subjective, there are key elements I consider when selecting a base: community, long-term visa options, reliable internet, proximity to nature, and a thriving wellness culture. If I had to pick a standout location, Bali would be my top choice.

A Home Away from Home in Bali

Bali marked my initial foray into the nomadic lifestyle. I spent four wonderful months working and living there. Despite discussions around its popularity, the island continues to be my favorite remote work destination. My Indonesian roots and countless vacations there create an instant sense of belonging.

We chose Berawa as our home base, a relaxed neighborhood on Bali’s southern coast, just outside the lively Canggu area. Known for its vibrant cafes and picturesque black sand beaches, Canggu has evolved from a sleepy surf town to a bustling hub for both surfers and wellness enthusiasts.

Cost-Effective Living in a Beautiful Villa

Although Bali’s cost of living has risen, it still provides excellent value for longer stays. Our villa rental was $1,800 a month, complete with a pool, high-speed WiFi, and weekly cleaning services—less than half of what I previously paid for an apartment in Singapore.

Perfect Setup for Digital Nomads

Bali is perfectly equipped for remote workers. The island offers reliable internet, ample grocery stores, and accessible transportation. After a year on the road, I genuinely appreciate the rarity of such conveniences.

Its remote work ecosystem is unparalleled, featuring coworking spaces like Outpost and BWork, along with many laptop-friendly cafes. Favorites included the workspace at Woods and Lighthouse, known for its lush rice field views.

Wellness and Adventure at Your Fingertips

Staying active and healthy is easy in Bali, with gyms, yoga studios, and affordable wellness treatments widely available. Food options range from traditional warungs serving aromatic local dishes to health-oriented cafes and gourmet restaurants.

Whenever I needed a break, I could quickly escape to the beach or embark on weekend adventures to stunning locations like Nusa Lembongan and the serene coastal villages of Amed and Candidasa. These experiences unveiled a quieter, more soulful side of Bali that I had overlooked during brief visits.

Addressing the Challenges of Nomadic Life

No destination is without its drawbacks. Canggu’s traffic can be chaotic, and the island’s infrastructure is still evolving to meet tourist needs. At times, the digital nomad community can feel isolated from authentic local life. However, once I established my routine and discovered my favorite hideaways, I found it easy to embrace Bali’s laid-back pace.

After a year of living this nomadic life, I’ve faced challenges like feeling uprooted, disoriented, and fatigued. Yet in Bali, I uncovered a version of myself that resonated deeply: focused, centered, and at peace. This journey continues to shape my understanding of what it means to live and work in harmony with the world around me.