Bali [Ubud], Indonesia - Complete Digital Nomad City Guide

🌟 Overview

Ubud has evolved from a spiritual and cultural heart of Bali into one of the world's premier digital nomad destinations. Nestled among emerald rice terraces and ancient temples, this enchanting town offers the perfect blend of affordable living, reliable internet, and a thriving community of location-independent professionals. The town's unique energy attracts entrepreneurs, creatives, and wellness enthusiasts from around the globe.

What sets Ubud apart is its ability to seamlessly blend traditional Balinese culture with modern nomad infrastructure. You'll find world-class coworking spaces next to centuries-old temples, organic cafés serving bulletproof coffee alongside traditional warungs, and yoga studios where you can start your day before diving into client calls. The slower pace of life, combined with the spiritual atmosphere, makes it an ideal place for nomads seeking work-life balance.

Best for: Creative professionals, wellness entrepreneurs, content creators, developers seeking inspiration, and anyone looking to escape the hustle while maintaining productivity. Particularly suited for nomads interested in personal development, yoga, and sustainable living.

Key highlights:

• Vibrant international nomad community
• Affordable cost of living with high quality of life
• Excellent coworking spaces and cafés
• Rich cultural experiences and spiritual atmosphere
• Stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities
• Healthy food scene and wellness focus
• Easy access to other parts of Bali and Southeast Asia

Best time to visit: April-September [dry season] for best weather, though Ubud is a year-round destination. Peak nomad season is July-September and January-March.

📍 Quick Facts

• Population: ~75,000 [Central Ubud ~8,000]
• Language[s]: Indonesian [Bahasa Indonesia], Balinese, English widely spoken in tourist/nomad areas
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah [IDR] - 1 USD ≈ 15,300 IDR [rates fluctuate]
• Time zone: WITA [UTC+8] - Same as Singapore, Hong Kong
• Climate overview: Tropical climate with wet season [October-March] and dry season [April-September]. Average temperature 20-30°C [68-86°F]. High humidity year-round.

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly estimates [USD/EUR/GBP]:

Accommodation:

• Budget [shared villa/simple room]: $300-500 / €280-470 / £250-420
• Mid-range [private room/small villa]: $500-1,000 / €470-940 / £420-840
• Luxury [private villa with pool]: $1,000-2,500+ / €940-2,350+ / £840-2,100+

Food & Dining:

• Budget [local warungs, cooking]: $150-250 / €140-235 / £125-210
• Mid-range [mix of local and Western]: $250-400 / €235-375 / £210-335
• Upscale [regular fine dining]: $400-700+ / €375-660+ / £335-590+

Transportation:

• Scooter rental: $50-80 / €47-75 / £42-67
• Grab/GoJek rides: $30-60 / €28-56 / £25-50
• Occasional car rental: $20-40 / €19-38 / £17-34

Entertainment:

• Activities, temples, wellness: $100-300 / €94-280 / £84-250

Coworking space membership:

• Hot desk: $80-150 / €75-140 / £67-125
• Dedicated desk: $150-250 / €140-235 / £125-210

Total estimated monthly budget:

• Budget nomad: $700-1,200 / €660-1,130 / £590-1,000
• Comfortable nomad: $1,200-2,200 / €1,130-2,070 / £1,000-1,850
• Luxury nomad: $2,200-4,000+ / €2,070-3,760+ / £1,850-3,360+

🏢 Coworking Spaces

1. Hubud

• Price: $120-180/month for hot desk
• Location: Central Ubud [Monkey Forest Road area]
• Key features: Pioneer coworking space, strong community, events, bamboo architecture, café

2. Outpost

• Price: $150-250/month
• Location: Multiple locations including central Ubud
• Key features: Premium facilities, phone booths, events, co-living options

3. KUMPUL

• Price: $80-120/month
• Location: Penestanan area
• Key features: Modern design, good AC, quiet environment, local vibe

4. Tribal Bali

• Price: $100-150/month
• Location: Central Ubud
• Key features: Community-focused, events, good for networking, rooftop space

5. Dojo Bali

• Price: $140-200/month
• Location: Canggu [45min from Ubud]
• Key features: Surf and work vibe, large community, multiple locations

6. BWork

• Price: $60-100/month
• Location: Central Ubud
• Key features: Budget-friendly, local crowd, basic but functional

7. Biliq Coworking

• Price: $90-140/month
• Location: Penestanan
• Key features: Modern facilities, quiet area, good for focus work

🏠 Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads

1. Central Ubud [Monkey Forest Road area]

• Vibe: Bustling, touristy, convenient
• Pros: Walking distance to everything, restaurants, coworking spaces, cultural sites
• Cons: Noisy, more expensive, crowded, traffic
• Rent: $400-1,200/month for private rooms/small villas

2. Penestanan

• Vibe: Artistic, hip, quieter than center
• Pros: Rice field views, art galleries, trendy cafés, growing nomad scene
• Cons: Hills can be steep, limited late-night options
• Rent: $350-900/month

3. Nyuh Kuning

• Vibe: Village feel, authentic, peaceful
• Pros: Close to Monkey Forest, authentic Balinese experience, affordable
• Cons: Fewer Western amenities, limited dining options
• Rent: $300-700/month

4. Campuhan Ridge

• Vibe: Upscale, scenic, wellness-focused
• Pros: Beautiful views, luxury accommodations, famous ridge walk
• Cons: Expensive, far from center, limited budget options
• Rent: $600-2,000+/month

5. Mas & Peliatan

• Vibe: Traditional, quiet, off-beaten-path
• Pros: Authentic culture, affordable, less touristy
• Cons: Need scooter for everything, limited nomad community
• Rent: $250-600/month

📶 Internet & Connectivity

Average internet speed: 20-50 Mbps download, 10-25 Mbps upload in central areas Reliability: Generally good in central Ubud and established coworking spaces. Can be unstable during heavy rains.

Best providers:

• Telkomsel [best coverage]
• XL Axiata [good speeds]
• Indosat [decent alternative]

Café wifi situation: Most cafés offer free wifi, but speeds vary greatly [5-30 Mbps]. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés typically have better, more reliable connections.

SIM card options and costs:

• Prepaid SIM: $3-5 purchase price
• Data packages: $5-15 for 10-30GB monthly
• Unlimited plans: $15-25/month
• Buy at airport, convenience stores, or provider shops
• Bring passport for registration

Pro tip: Many nomads use dual SIM phones with two different providers for backup connectivity.

✈️ Visa Information

Visa-free stay: 30 days for most countries [B211A - Visit Visa]

Visa on Arrival [B211B]:

• Duration: 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days
• Cost: $35 USD
• Extension cost: ~$45 USD

Visit Visa [B211B]:

• Duration: 60 days from embassy/consulate
• Cost: Varies by country [$35-50 USD]
• Single entry, not extendable

Social/Cultural Visa [B211A]:

• Duration: 30 days, extendable up to 6 times [7 months total]
• Requires Indonesian sponsor
• Cost: ~$50 initial + ~$45 per extension

Requirements:

• Passport valid 6+ months
• Return/onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Sufficient funds [~$25/day]

Digital Nomad Visa: Indonesia doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa yet, but there are discussions about implementing one.

Note: Visa regulations change frequently. Always check with Indonesian embassy or consult current official sources before travel.

🚇 Transportation

Getting from airport [Ngurah Rai/DPS to Ubud]:

• Taxi: $25-35, 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic
• Grab: $15-25, book from arrivals hall
• Private driver: $30-40, can be arranged in advance
• Shuttle services: $10-15, shared rides
• Rental car pickup: Available from major companies

Local transportation:

Scooter rental:

• Cost: $4-6/day, $50-80/month
• Requirements: International driving license recommended
• Most popular option for nomads
• Helmets required by law

Grab/GoJek [ride-sharing]:

• Motorbike: $1-3 for local trips
• Car: $3-8 for local trips
• Food delivery available

Local taxis:

• Blue Bird: Most reliable, use meter
• Grab is generally preferred

Bemo [local transport]:

• Cheap [$0.30-1] but infrequent and crowded
• Not practical for regular nomad use

Walking:

• Central Ubud is walkable but limited sidewalks
• Many attractions within walking/short scooter ride

🍜 Food & Dining

Local cuisine highlights:

• Nasi Goreng: Indonesian fried rice [$2-4]
• Gado Gado: Vegetable salad with peanut sauce [$2-3]
• Rendang: Slow-cooked beef curry [$3-5]
• Bebek Betutu: Balinese roasted duck [$5-8]
• Sate: Grilled skewers with peanut sauce [$3-5]

Typical meal costs:

• Warung [local eatery]: $1-4 per meal
• Mid-range restaurant: $5-12 per meal
• Upscale dining: $15-30+ per meal
• Western/healthy food: $6-15 per meal

Best areas for restaurants:

• Monkey Forest Road: Mix of local and international
• Jalan Raya: More upscale options
• Penestanan: Hip cafés and healthy options
• Central Market: Authentic local food

Dietary options:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Excellent options, many dedicated restaurants
• Gluten-free: Growing awareness, many healthy cafés cater to this
• Organic: Strong organic movement with many farm-to-table restaurants

Street food scene:

• Night markets offer affordable local dishes
• Pasar Ubud [traditional market] for authentic experience
• Mobile vendors throughout the day

Popular nomad-friendly spots:

• Cafe Wayan & Bakery
• Yellow Flower Cafe
• Kismet Restaurant
• Clear Cafe [healthy options]
• Bebek Bengil [famous crispy duck]

🎯 Things to Do

Top attractions:

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Stunning terraced landscapes, Instagram famous
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Ancient temple complex with playful macaques
• Ubud Palace [Puri Saren]: Traditional Balinese architecture and cultural shows
• Campuhan Ridge Walk: Scenic morning hike through rice fields
• Goa Gajah [Elephant Cave]: 11th-century archaeological site
• Tegenungan Waterfall: Beautiful waterfall 15 minutes from center

Free activities:

• Morning rice field walks
• Temple visits [small donation expected]
• Traditional market exploration
• Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Village cycling tours
• Free yoga classes at some studios

Day trips:

• Mount Batur sunrise trek: $30-50 including transport
• Sekumpul Waterfalls: Multiple-tiered waterfalls in North Bali
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: UNESCO World Heritage site
• Tirta Empul Temple: Holy water temple for purification rituals
• Kintamani: Volcanic region with stunning lake views

Outdoor activities:

• White water rafting [$25-40]
• ATV tours through rice fields [$30-50]
• Cycling tours [$20-35]
• Rock climbing in nearby areas
• Hiking various trails and volcanoes

Social activities for meeting people:

• Join Nomad Connect events and meetups
• Coworking space networking events
• Yoga classes and wellness workshops
• Cooking classes [$25-40]
• Traditional dance performances
• Full moon gatherings and ceremonies

🏥 Healthcare

Healthcare quality: Good private healthcare available, basic public facilities. Many expat-friendly clinics with English-speaking staff.

Medical insurance recommendations:

• Essential for all nomads
• World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Cigna Global popular choices
• Local insurance [BPJS] available for longer-term residents
• Minimum coverage recommended: $100,000+

Hospital options:

• BIMC Hospital Ubud: International standard, English-speaking staff
• Ubud Hospital: Local hospital with basic facilities
• BROS Hospital: Private hospital with good reputation
• For serious conditions, many travel to Denpasar or Singapore

Pharmacy availability:

• Apotek Kimia Farma: Chain pharmacies throughout Ubud
• Guardian: International pharmacy chain
• Most medications available without prescription
• Bring prescriptions for specialized medications

Average consultation costs:

• General practitioner: $15-30
• Specialist: $30-60
• Emergency room visit: $50-100
• Dental checkup: $20-40

Health considerations:

• Dengue fever present - use mosquito protection
• Traveler's diarrhea common initially
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen
• Be cautious with street food initially

🛡️ Safety

Overall safety rating: 8/10 - Very safe for digital nomads with standard precautions

Areas to avoid:

• Late night walks alone in remote areas
• Poorly lit back streets after dark
• Overly crowded areas during ceremonies [pickpocket risk]

Common scams:

• Overpriced taxi fares: Use Grab or agree on price first
• Fake police checkpoints: Real police wear proper uniforms
• Money changing scams: Use official money changers
• Gem/silver shop tours: High-pressure sales tactics
• Fake travel agencies: Book through established companies

Emergency numbers:

• Police: 110
• Fire: 113
• Ambulance: 118
• Tourist Police: +62 361 224111

Safety tips for nomads:

• Keep copies of passport and important documents
• Use hotel safe for valuables
• Be cautious on scooters - roads can be dangerous
• Respect local customs and dress codes at temples
• Don't leave laptops unattended in cafés
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Drink bottled or filtered water
• Get travel insurance with adventure sports coverage

👥 Community & Networking

Overall expat/nomad community: Ubu