Ignore The Haters: Why Bali Is Still Great To Live & Visit
Written by Sam Lee, 2025. Here’s an idea: Why don’t you escape ordinary life for a while and live in Bali?
Did you know Bali welcomes about two million visitors each year and is one of the world's largest hubs for the location-independent lifestyle?
This small island, part of the Indonesian archipelago, has rapidly transformed into a hub for mobile entrepreneurs, remote workers, and anyone seeking an affordable home base while exploring the world.
Sure, some folks love to complain about Bali, but let's face it: it's still a hot spot to live and visit despite some downsides. So, what's the big deal?
In this article, I share what makes Bali a great place for visitors, remote workers, and expats and why it's still a great place to live and visit despite some downsides.
01—
Bali is still very affordable
One of Bali's biggest draws is its incredible affordability compared to major cities worldwide.
Rent for a cozy one-bedroom in New York or London could easily cover the cost of a sprawling three-bedroom private villa with a pool in Bali's best areas. And it's not just housing — the overall cost of living is significantly lower.
Here, you can rent a room in a guesthouse with a shared pool for around USD $200 to $500. A private two-bedroom villa with a pool might cost between $700 to $1,000. At the same time, basic rooms can cost as little as $150 to $250 per month. That's insanely good value.
Not many places on Earth allow you to rent a simple, private pool villa for $500 per month, just minutes from pristine beaches and lush jungles!
And dining out at local warungs or trendy cafes costs a fraction of what you'd pay in the West. A hearty plate of nasi campur can be had for under $2.
At the same time, smashed avocado toast or smoothie bowls rarely exceed $4-5 at chic eateries. Groceries, utilities, and other daily expenses are also very inexpensive.
02—
Bali is an all-year destination
The chance to ditch freezing winters and work from an eternal tropical paradise is another key reason to attract digital nomads. While Bali has its hot and rainy seasons, temperatures remain warm and consistent year-round.
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Bali is simply stunning
Beyond the ideal climate, Bali has stunning natural scenery that feels worlds away from concrete jungles.
Canggu is arguably the digital nomad capital of Bali. This laid-back beach town in the south has cultivated a thriving community of remote workers and entrepreneurs. The black-sand beaches and great surf breaks provide the perfect escape from the laptop. Canggu strikes a nice balance between work and play for digital nomads and travelers.
Ubud, located in the interior rainforest and rice terraces, is a more spiritual and wellness-focused hub for digital nomads. As the "yoga capital" of Bali, Ubud provides a serene environment surrounded by ancient temples, lush greenery, and scenic jungle landscapes. It's a rejuvenating spot if you want to combine productivity with mindfulness, especially if you stay just outside the central area.
Seminyak delivers with its lively beach clubs, upscale restaurants, bars, and fashionable boutiques for people craving a more social, party atmosphere. While less nomad-centric than Canggu, Seminyak has a fun, cosmopolitan vibe that draws some remote workers looking for a more urban experience. Its central location makes it easy to bounce between Canggu and other nearby hotspots.
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Bali is set up for remote workers
The island's infrastructure is well-adapted for digital nomads. Major hubs like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak are teeming with coworking spaces, fast wifi cafes, and a welcoming community of like-minded expats.
These days, almost every cafe and restaurant caters to the remote work crowd with laptop-friendly setups and plentiful power outlets. Digital nomads will never struggle to find inspiring places to grind away at their latest projects, be it poolside villas or bamboo coworking centers.
A new wave of coworking spaces and coliving properties makes finding ideal places to live and work even easier. High-speed internet access and modern amenities are becoming more reliable and widespread across the island. Digital nomad events, entrepreneurial meetups, and skills workshops all continue to expand in Bali's expat hubs.
05—
You can connect and disconnect
When it's time to disconnect, the island's buzzing social scene makes it easy to connect with other nomads. Countless events, including workshops, conferences, and social meetups, are dedicated to digital nomads.
Bali also promotes a healthy lifestyle with its abundance of wellness options. From organic food cafes to fitness centers and spas, you'll find plenty of ways to maintain a healthy body and mind. Places like Canggu and Ubud are filled with healthy food stores and cafes that offer delicious and nutritious meals, making it easy to eat well.
06—
Bali is culturally rich and diverse
While the cost of living and beautiful scenery are big draws, Bali's rich culture is another reason why digital nomads love it here. The Balinese people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. If you step away from the tourist zone, you'll find yourself immersed in a culture that values community, spirituality, and respect for nature.
07—
The Bali trifecta
At the end of the day, Bali's incredible natural beauty, low-cost lifestyle, and indescribable relaxed bohemian vibe remain unmatched selling points that can't be replicated elsewhere.
If you look beyond the areas dominated by tourism, Bali provides an affordable tropical paradise that doesn't sacrifice the quality of life and community.
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