My goal is to reach 100 countries before I am 30. In order to save time, I avoid returning to previously visited countries – Bali is my exception! This justifies how much the destination just simply rocks! This well-known haven for remote workers is always exactly what I need and when I need it. It’s Seminyak’s cool next-door neighbour bringing surf, street art, spirituality and good vibes to the party. Here’s why Canggu is perfect for digital nomads, and ideal for the newest members of the location-independent club…
Table of Contents
- It’s Networking Scene.
- Reliable Weather.
- The Cuisine Accommodates All Diets.
- The World-Renowned Dojo Coworking Space.
- It’s English-Speaking.
- It’s Selection of Coliving Spaces.
- It’s Simple Data Plans.
- The Sheer Quantity of Nomad-Friendly Cafes.
- It’s Proximity to Nature.
- It’s Convenient Transport Methods.
- The Cost of Living.
- It’s Eagerness to Keep Fit.
It’s Networking Scene.
Networking is an hourly occurrence in Canggu – like it or not! You can be attending every nomad event or minding your own business, quite literally… You are still going to meet people.
Bali is an island of like-minded characters; most of whom are in the same situation as you and I…
It’s like all the friends you haven’t made yet, are all living in the one area.
Whether you are looking for travel buddies, work partners or a buddy to share the same hobby with; Canggu is as likely a place as anywhere for you to find them.
I’ve, personally, found everyone on the island to be open-minded and ready to meet any stranger along the way. One great example of such a captivating local community is the ‘Canggu Nomad Girls‘ Facebook group. There, anybody is more than welcome to host a meet-up, ask questions or share an adventure in order to score more fulfilling experiences from their stay.
See Also: How to be a Digital Nomad in San Diego
Reliable Weather.
The year consists of two seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season is between April and September. Although you should expect a tropical, warm and humid climate all year round in Bali.
The rainy season is typically between October and March. It is within this period that the wind conditions can often vary. The sea becomes rougher and currents grow stronger.
To be honest, if you are staying in the country long-term, the change in seasons isn’t normally enough to make you want to leave.
The Cuisine Accommodates All Diets.
Coconuts. Avo on Toast. Smoothie Bowls. It’s difficult to be unhealthy in Bali!
Canggu is perfect for vegans, vegetarians or the gluten-free community. Food options are plentiful whether you’re a picky eater, in search of some western choices or want to try the local cuisine.
The World-Renowned Dojo Coworking Space.
Why is Canggu perfect for brand-new digital nomads? I’d say this space specifically.
Canggu hosts the greatest variety of coworking communities. To mention a few, there is Outpost, Finn’s Recreational Club, Tropical Nomad and the famous Dojo Coworking Space. It’s the latter that attracted me to choose Canggu as my first country to work remotely. I’d say, head straight there if you would like to capture a glimpse into the world of digital nomadism. Many members still have full-time commitments in their home country, but choose to take a period off to work on a project in Dojo. That way, they can get a taste for the lifestyle (or in many instances, get stuck there and never want to return home).
It’s English-Speaking.
Canggu is incredible for the way in which digital nomads are integrated within the Indonesian local community. This is great as the foreigners receive very little harassment as opposed to other Asian countries. The blend of locals and foreigners also benefits the language barrier that would normally be present in day-to-day situations. Nearly all Indonesians who own a business speak English. Therefore, there is no real need to learn the local language unless it’s for pleasure or out of etiquette.
It’s Selection of Coliving Spaces.
Canggu MUST hold the largest quantity of coliving spaces? The variety is unbeatable! During my first stay, I lived in CoWork Surf (now, Surfing Nomads). I’ve visited Dojo’s Coliving and experienced many AirBnB’s that share the same qualities. Though they may be the more expensive route, you’d be investing in your circle of island homies and a smoother transition into the nomadic life. You’ll find many on Booking.com and Airbnb.
See Also: 'A Digital Nomad's Guide to Tokyo'
It’s Simple Data Plans.
Finding a data plan that will suit your needs can be a simple task in Bali. You can buy a SIM card as soon after the Arrival Hall at the airport (though this will be more expensive). Alternatively, some supermarkets sell a few variations, as well as the local phone franchise named Oppo. You’ll find them on Google Maps.
If convenience is your ultimate goal, check out Airalo for either a local, regional or global eSIM. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM supplier. You can purchase the most suitable prepaid data plan without visiting any shop or swapping physical SIM cards. This is the technology we digital nomads have been waiting for!
The Sheer Quantity of Nomad-Friendly Cafes.
There are many coffee shops to choose from in Canggu, most of which are perfect to work from. In these, you are most likely to not be the only nerd hustling away on their laptop. They offer a very reasonable internet connection for free, and if you’re lucky, a plug that’ll keep you going for a few more hours. It’ll take only a small walk from your accommodation to realise just how many there really are.
It’s Proximity to Nature.
Canggu offers enough amenities to be compared to a city. What’s amazing, is that we don’t have to forfeit nature to enjoy them. You can live in the middle of a ricefield, and still be a 2-minute scooter ride away from your place of work, meet-up point or supermarket.
Better still… There is a tonne of adventures to be had on your days off. Technically, the majority of these are out with Canggu. Yet, they are still a short scooter ride away. Prepare to become a waterfall-chaser!
It’s Convenient Transport Methods.
Whether or not the visitor is riding around in a moped, can be a sure way of knowing whether the duration of their trip is long-term or short-term. It’s simple and reasonably cheap to rent a taxi for a day of adventure. However, mopeds are definitely the most convenient means of transport.
It’s often your accommodation owner who supplies the scooter for a small daily fee. If you’ve never ridden one before, local Indonesians have started to offer lessons in English.
The Cost of Living.
It’s relatively inexpensive to live in Canggu. Compared to neighbouring Asian countries, it’s expensive. However, in comparison to Western countries, the whole of Bali is completely affordable. The level of luxury you would like to live in is totally up to you. Whilst some nomads enjoy the delights of cheaper-than-normal comforts; others save money existing with a more modest lifestyle to save the pennies. Bali is great because the country offers you that choice. You just have to decide what you are looking to accomplish during your stay.
Travelling to a country with a different currency? You can avoid cash machine transaction fess by paying in the local currency with a Wise debit card.
It’s Eagerness to Keep Fit.
Canggu is one of those places that encourages you to be mindful of your daily exercise routines. Besides the over-priced GYMs, there are a number of options that you can choose from that will keep that meat suit of yours moving. Firstly, if you are into being tossed around the waves and feeling like you’re going to die: Canggu’s surrounding coastline has plenty of beaches that are excellent for surfing. Alternatively, it’s the latest trend is to ride the waves via bodyboard.
Furthermore, there are reputable Jui-Jitzu clubs, boxing, dance classes and a climbing wall. That’s not even mentioning, the strong yoga culture that Canggu is known for worldwide. You’re sure to find something to release those endorphins of yours!
Want to learn more about my life of full-time travel? You can jump here to find out more.
Let’s go!
@katie.maree
Did You Know…
If you purchase through a KatieGoes link, you still pay the same but we receive a small amount. This contribution helps keep this blog moving – win, win! Nevertheless, I only recommend personal favourites…
🎒 My Gear: Check my travel essentials for backpacking, van life and outdoor adventures.
📱 Airalo: Always be connected with a super simple eSim for almost every country!
💰 Wise: Send or receive money internationally for minimal fees – life saviour!
👫 GetYourGuide: Find group tours, guides and day trips at unbeatable prices.
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