Bali is the perfect hub for digital nomads seeking for tropical island vibes, surfing and beaches. With its warm climate, vibrant expat scene, low cost of living, and a strong infrastructure for digital nomads, it continues to be one of the best places to work remotely. But each area of Bali has its own personality, pace, and perks. Here’s a breakdown of the top spots for digital nomads in 2025.
1. Canggu – Trendy cafes and beach life
Canggu remains the epicenter of Bali’s digital nomad scene. Located on the southwest coast, it blends beach life with modern conveniences, offering a great work-life balance. You’ll find an endless choice of coworking spaces all equipped with fast internet and events for networking.
It’s rather easy to find accommodation for different budgets in Canggu. It’s good to keep in mind that in Canggu the distances are surprisingly long. You’ll either need your own scooter to get around or use Grab. Canggu doesn’t have a good infrastructure for walking and the pathways that exist are often used by scooters.
The café culture is strong and places like Crate Café, The Shady Shack, and Revolver aren’t just Instagrammable, they’re remote-work friendly with great coffee and Wi-Fi. Canggu also has a vibrant social life, from beach bars to wellness retreats. In addition, Canggu is a good choice for anyone who loves surfing.
Pros:
- Huge community of digital nomads and creatives
- Countless cafes and coworking spaces
- Active social calendar and events
- Beaches, surf, fitness, and yoga within walking distance
Cons:
- Growing traffic congestion
- Increasing rental prices
- Can feel crowded, especially in high season
- More expensive than most of the other areas in Bali
- Cafes and restaurants fully made for foreigners
If you’re new to Bali or want a base with everything at your fingertips, Canggu is the place to start.
2. Ubud – Nature meets mindfulness
Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart, surrounded by lush rice fields, waterfalls, and jungle. It’s a peaceful, grounding place that appeals to digital nomads looking to slow down, focus, and reconnect.
This area has long attracted artists, yogis, and creatives. It’s ideal if you’re working on a big project or just want a more mindful environment. Ubud is also home to iconic coworking spaces like Hubud and Outpost Ubud, both offering strong internet and serene views.
Outside of work, you’ll find no shortage of yoga studios, plant-based restaurants, and healing retreats. If you’re into eco-living, meditation, or writing your next book, Ubud is the dream.
When choosing accommodation in Ubud, it is good to note that the center of Ubud is very busy and doesn’t give the best idea what Ubud is like. If you are looking for peace, quiet and nature, choose an accomodation a bit further out.
Pros:
- Tranquil, inspiring setting
- Affordable villas and long-term stays
- Rich cultural experiences
- Deep wellness and creative community
Cons:
- Less nightlife and beach access
- Can be too quiet for some
- More rural in feel, but walkable in central areas
For nomads craving a slower, more introspective pace, Ubud offers a peaceful sanctuary.
3. Seminyak – Upscale accommodation and world-class dining
Seminyak sits just south of Canggu and offers a more upscale and polished version of Bali life. It’s well-developed, clean, and packed with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and trendy beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta.
While it doesn’t have the same tight-knit nomad scene as Canggu or Ubud, Seminyak is ideal for remote workers who want a comfortable base without sacrificing luxury. There are plenty of work-friendly cafes, and fast internet is widely available. It’s also closer to the airport and more central for day trips around the island.
Pros:
- Modern infrastructure and upscale vibe
- Great for dining, shopping, and beach days
- Central location for easy travel
- Reliable internet and amenities
Cons:
- More touristy
- Can be pricey, especially near the beach
- Less of a community feel for long-term nomads
Seminyak works well if you’re staying short-term or just want comfort, style, and access to all the essentials.
4. Sanur – Quiet and family-friendly
Sanur is a slower, more relaxed coastal town on the southeast side of Bali. It’s popular with long-term expats, older travelers, and those who prefer calm over chaos. Think beachside walks, sunrise yoga, and quiet cafés where you can actually hear yourself think.
While it doesn’t have a large digital nomad scene (yet), the internet is reliable, and you’ll still find a few cozy coworking spots and cafés to work from. It’s a great place if you’re over the party scene and just want a calm, safe environment to live and work.
The best part of Sanur is that it is walkable with fairly good pathways and the beach is ideal for swimming. If you are more a swimmer than a surfer and are looking for a calmer pace of life Sanur is the choice for you.
Pros:
- Peaceful, safe, and clean
- Great for families, digital nomads or solo travelers wanting quiet
- Walkable areas and bike-friendly beach paths
- Affordable accommodation
Cons:
- Fewer coworking options
- Quiet social scene, especially after dark
- Less international energy compared to Canggu or Ubud
If you’re looking for somewhere calm and easygoing to settle in for a few months, Sanur is a solid pick.
5. Uluwatu – Surf and upscale living
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs, known for its world-class surf breaks, dramatic sunsets, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s still a bit off the digital nomad radar, but more and more remote workers are starting to discover this serene corner of the island.
This is a great spot if you want to unplug a little, focus on creative work, and spend your free time exploring beaches and cliffside cafés. While coworking spaces are limited, the community is growing, and new nomad-friendly cafés with good Wi-Fi are popping up.
The challenge you might face in Uluwatu is the price of the accommodations that is higher than in other areas in Bali. Uluwatu is know for its 5-star hotels and there are less affordable options for accommodation.
Pros:
- Epic scenery and surf culture
- Less developed, fewer crowds
- Ideal for creative retreats or downtime
Cons:
- Spread out, so a scooter is essential
- Fewer coworking options
- Quiet social life outside of beach bars
- Pricey accommodation
Uluwatu is perfect if you value space, nature, and a slower rhythm.
Final thoughts
Bali has something for every type of digital nomad. Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Canggu, the calm of Ubud, or the cliffs of Uluwatu, there’s a perfect spot for your remote lifestyle. The island also makes it easy to move around, so don’t be afraid to try a few areas before settling in.
If you are wondering how to make friends in Bali, the easiest way is to join Friendchise community where you can meet like-minded people to explore the restaurants, cafes and bars of Bali. Join our community!
