Living the digital nomad life in Bali has been an incredible journey for us. Staying in Canggu this time for an extended period was a conscious decision, as we wanted to experience life in the heart of things. Bali has this magic of being both vibrant and peaceful at the same time. Our routine here has become a beautiful mix of work, wellness, and chasing the sunsets we love so much.
Why We Chose Canggu This Time
We’ve traveled to Bali many times before, but this time, we wanted to stay longer and immerse ourselves more deeply in its culture and everyday life. Canggu, with its buzzing digital nomad culture, has been the perfect spot. It’s close to everything we need — amazing gyms, yoga and Pilates studios, restaurants, and of course, the beach.
Our Airbnb has been a cozy little retreat amidst the energy of Canggu. It’s modern, quiet, and equipped with strong internet, which is a huge plus when you’re working remotely. This balance between work and play has made it an unforgettable experience, and we can see why so many digital nomads flock here.
Starting the Day Right: Our Morning Rituals
Our mornings here begin early, around 6 or 7 AM, giving us time to ease into the day with our rituals. There’s something special about having that quiet time to yourself before the world wakes up. While I (Harsh) head to the gym, which is an open-air spot with a great vibe, Prachi enjoys her yoga and Pilates classes nearby.
The gym has been a standout for me. Working out surrounded by nature gives a different kind of energy, and it’s become a routine I look forward to every morning. Prachi has been loving the variety of classes here, and it’s fun seeing how both of us have found our flow in different ways.
Breakfast and Our Daily Strategy
After our morning workouts, it’s time to refuel. Depending on our mood, we either whip up breakfast at our Airbnb or head out to one of our favorite spots, like Kind Café. Their smoothie bowls and coffee have become our go-to post-workout treat.
Once we’ve eaten and freshened up, we dive into our daily meeting. As we work together on building our projects, these sync-ups are crucial. We discuss our plans, align on tasks, and get ready to tackle the day. It helps us stay focused and gives us the clarity we need to move forward.
Working Remotely: Finding Our Flow
For most of the day, we work from our Airbnb. It’s comfortable, quiet, and with great Wi-Fi, it just makes sense to stay in our own space. Plus, being able to take breaks whenever we need or step out for a quick breather is a luxury we appreciate.
That said, Bali’s café culture is something special. There are plenty of spots that cater to digital nomads, and you’ll often see people working from their laptops at places like Dojo or Nude Café. Sometimes, we mix things up and head out to one of these spots, just for a change of scenery. The digital nomad culture here is strong, and it’s inspiring to see so many people living this flexible lifestyle.
Lunch and Midday Breaks: Staying Cool
October in Bali can be quite hot, so by midday, we often prefer to stay indoors and order lunch through a delivery app. It’s convenient and gives us a chance to relax before jumping back into work. Our Airbnb has a nice TV, so we usually catch up on a show while we eat.
Once lunch is done, we return to our tasks, finishing up the workday in the comfort of our space. It’s a nice balance — being productive while still feeling like you’re in paradise.
Sunset Chasers: A Shared Love
Both Prachi and I have always loved sunsets. Since the time we met, it’s been one of our favorite things to do together — chasing sunsets wherever we go. There’s something so humbling about it. Every time we see one, we feel blessed, rejuvenated, like the universe has gifted us a moment to pause and appreciate its beauty. Bali’s sunsets never fail to amaze us. Every evening, the sky gives us something different, something beautiful.
We often head to the beach on our scooty to catch the sunset if it looks particularly stunning. There are a few hidden spots we’ve found where the crowd is minimal, and the view is just breathtaking. It’s one of those experiences that keeps us coming back to Bali — the sunsets here just keep on giving.
Cultural Touchpoints: A Warm Welcome
One thing that has stood out to us during our time in Bali is how warm and welcoming the Balinese people are. They make you feel right at home. We’ve picked up a few basic phrases in Indonesian to help us communicate better with the locals, and it always brings a smile to their faces. A simple "Terima kasih" (thank you) or "Selamat pagi" (good morning) goes a long way here, and it’s been fun learning bits of the language.
Here are a few phrases you can use to connect better with the locals:
- Terima kasih: Thank you
- Selamat pagi: Good morning
- Apa kabar?: How are you?
It’s little things like this that make our experience in Bali feel more meaningful.
Digital Nomad Tips: What We’ve Learned
Living and working as digital nomads in Bali has been an amazing experience, but there are a few practical tips that have made our lives much easier:
- Carry cash and cards: Bali is catching up with card payments, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash for smaller spots. ATMs are everywhere, so withdrawing is easy if you need it.
- Rent a scooty: Traffic in Canggu can get tight, and having a scooty has been a game changer. Apps like Grab and Gojek are great for booking rides, but we love the freedom our own scooty gives us.
- Keep Grab and Gojek apps handy: These apps are lifesavers for food deliveries, rides, or even scooty rentals.
- Carry a day pack: When you head out, carry a small backpack with essentials like water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for the beach. Bali has a way of surprising you, and you may not want to head back home until the day’s over.
- Universal adapter: Not all places will have the outlets you need, so a universal adapter is crucial to keep your devices charged.
- Wrap up by sunset: Make sure to wrap up your workday before sunset. Trust us, you don’t want to miss Bali’s breathtaking sunsets.
Wrapping Up the Day
As the day comes to a close, we either cook dinner at home or head out to one of our favorite restaurants. There’s always the option of trying something new, but there’s also comfort in going back to familiar spots where we know the food is great.
Sometimes, we’ll hop on our scooty and drive to quieter areas like Berawa or Pererenan for a sunset drive or a relaxed dinner. These spots offer a more laid-back vibe compared to central Canggu, and it’s nice to have both options.
Final Thoughts: Life as a Digital Nomad in Bali
Bali has been one of our favorite destinations, not just for the beauty of the place, but for the lifestyle it offers. If you’re looking to experience digital nomadic life, Bali is an incredible place to do so. From the friendly locals to the stunning beaches, the fast internet to the vibrant cafés, it’s a place where work and life flow seamlessly together.
Every day here feels like a balance between productivity and adventure, and we’re so grateful for the experiences we’ve had so far. If you’re ever in Bali, be sure to take in the sunsets — they truly are a gift from the universe.
Check out our Bali Guide if you are planning a trip to Bali. We have made it with a lot of love ❤️
