🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Ubud, Indonesia, my home for several months. This cultural and artistic hub is a haven for remote workers, offering a unique blend of traditional Balinese charm and modern amenities. With its lush green landscapes, picturesque rice fields, and vibrant expat community, Ubud is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and inspiring environment to work and live. The city’s Nomad Score of 85/100 is a testament to its popularity among digital nomads, who are drawn to its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and relatively low cost of living.
Ubud’s laid-back atmosphere, coupled with its plethora of coworking spaces, cafes, and wellness centers, makes it an attractive option for remote workers. The city’s population of 74,800 is small enough to foster a sense of community, yet large enough to offer a diverse range of activities and amenities. As an Ubud digital nomad, you’ll have access to a wide range of cultural events, art exhibitions, and traditional festivals, which will keep you engaged and inspired throughout your stay.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Ubud, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that stand out for their unique character and amenities:
- Ubud Town: The heart of Ubud is a bustling hub of activity, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore. This area is ideal for those who want to be close to the action and have easy access to coworking spaces, yoga studios, and cultural events. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ubud Town can range from IDR 4,000,000 (approximately $280 USD) to IDR 6,000,000 (approximately $420 USD) per month.
- Penestanan: Located just outside of Ubud Town, Penestanan is a charming neighborhood that offers a more relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding rice fields. This area is popular with digital nomads who want to escape the hustle and bustle of town life and enjoy a more peaceful environment. Rent for a one-bedroom villa in Penestanan can range from IDR 3,000,000 (approximately $210 USD) to IDR 5,000,000 (approximately $350 USD) per month.
- Nyuh Kuning: This picturesque neighborhood is nestled in the south of Ubud and is known for its beautiful gardens, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Nyuh Kuning is a popular choice for digital nomads who want to live in a more rural setting and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Balinese countryside. Rent for a one-bedroom house in Nyuh Kuning can range from IDR 2,500,000 (approximately $180 USD) to IDR 4,000,000 (approximately $280 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Ubud is relatively low compared to other digital nomad destinations in Southeast Asia. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs you can expect to incur:
- Rent: IDR 4,000,000 (approximately $280 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Ubud Town
- Food: IDR 20,000 (approximately $1.40 USD) for a meal at a local warung (food stall), IDR 50,000 (approximately $3.50 USD) for a meal at a mid-range restaurant
- Transport: IDR 5,000 (approximately $0.35 USD) for a local taxi ride, IDR 20,000 (approximately $1.40 USD) for a scooter rental per day
- Coworking: IDR 50,000 (approximately $3.50 USD) per day for a hot desk at a coworking space, IDR 1,000,000 (approximately $70 USD) per month for a dedicated desk
Overall, the cost of living in Ubud is around IDR 8,000,000 (approximately $560 USD) per month for a comfortable lifestyle, including rent, food, transport, and coworking expenses.
Internet & Coworking
Ubud has a well-developed infrastructure for digital nomads, with plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants offering reliable internet connectivity. The average internet speed in Ubud is 48 Mbps, which is more than sufficient for most remote work requirements.
Some popular coworking spaces in Ubud include:
- Hubud: A community-driven coworking space with a range of membership options, including hot desks and dedicated desks.
- The Workroom: A modern coworking space with high-speed internet, comfortable workstations, and a range of amenities, including a gym and yoga studio.
- Outpost: A coworking space and community hub that offers a range of membership options, including hot desks and dedicated desks, as well as regular events and workshops.
Cafes with good internet connectivity include:
- Seniman Coffee: A popular cafe with a range of coffee and food options, as well as reliable internet connectivity.
- The Garden Kafe: A tranquil cafe with a beautiful garden setting, serving a range of healthy food and drink options, as well as offering free Wi-Fi.
- Kismet: A modern cafe with a range of coffee and food options, as well as reliable internet connectivity and a comfortable work environment.
Ubud has a thriving digital nomad community, with plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and attend events and workshops. Some popular meetups and events include:
- Ubud Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 10,000 members, offering a range of resources, including job postings, accommodation listings, and event announcements.
- Hubud Events: A range of events and workshops hosted by Hubud, including talks, workshops, and networking sessions.
- The Workroom Events: A range of events and workshops hosted by The Workroom, including talks, workshops, and networking sessions.
Culture & Lifestyle
Ubud is a cultural and artistic hub, with a rich heritage of traditional Balinese customs and practices. As a digital nomad, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, attend traditional festivals and events, and learn about the history and customs of the region.
The food scene in Ubud is also worth exploring, with a range of traditional Balinese dishes, including nasi goreng, satay, and fresh seafood. Some popular restaurants include:
- Naughty Nuri’s: A popular restaurant serving a range of traditional Balinese dishes, including ribs and satay.
- The Melting Pot: A restaurant serving a range of international dishes, including Italian, Mexican, and Indian cuisine.
- The Garden Kafe: A cafe serving a range of healthy food and drink options, including salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Dating in Ubud can be a challenge, as the city has a relatively small expat community. However, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, including through social events, meetups, and online dating platforms.
Nightlife in Ubud is relatively low-key, with a range of bars and restaurants offering live music and cocktails. Some popular spots include:
- CP Lounge: A bar and restaurant serving a range of cocktails and live music.
- The Melting Pot: A restaurant and bar serving a range of international dishes and live music.
- Kismet: A modern cafe and bar serving a range of coffee and cocktails, as well as live music and events.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter and stay in Indonesia. The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the Tourist Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. You can apply for a visa on arrival at the airport, or obtain a visa in advance through the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Indonesia also offers a Digital Nomad Visa, which allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to 6 months. This visa is still in the pilot phase and is currently only available for a limited number of applicants.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Ubud:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local shop, with prices starting from IDR 50,000 (approximately $3.50 USD).
- Transport: You can rent a scooter for IDR 20,000 (approximately $1.40 USD) per day, or take a taxi for IDR 5,000 (approximately $0.35 USD) per ride.
- Safety: Ubud is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, including using a money belt and keeping valuables secure.
- Weather: Ubud has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius (68-86 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year. The rainy season runs from October to March, with the dry season from April to September.
