Digital Nomad Trip Report: Ungasan, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
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Digital Nomad Trip Report
Where: Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia (Specifically the Ungasan Area)
When: June 2022 – January 2023
Submitted by – Victoria from Guide Your Travel
About Me
Hi, I’m Victoria, a travel blogger from Germany. I’ve been traveling permanently for around six years, spending a lot of time in Southeast Asia, specifically Gili Trawangan. I’m a digital nomad and used to work freelance a lot but recently joined a digital marketing agency in Bali, so I’m traveling a little bit less now and am spending more time in different places around Bali and Indonesia.
+ Pros for Digital Nomads in Uluwatu, Bali
- The beautiful beaches in Uluwatu are unparalleled and definitely the best in Bali.
- Uluwatu is being developed quickly, but there is still plenty of untouched nature.
- The community in Uluwatu, and specifically Ungasan is fantastic and it’s very easy to find friends. There are always meetups happening for digital nomads.
- Bali is big, and there is a lot to do and see. You will love Uluwatu, but it’s also easy to change location and find new places to explore on the weekends.
– Cons for Digital Nomads in Uluwatu, Bali
- The traffic in Uluwatu isn’t as bad as in other parts of Bali yet, but it’s definitely getting worse. You will need to know how to drive a scooter to get around, otherwise, transport with taxis can be expensive and difficult to find.
- As Uluwatu is becoming more and more popular, prices are steadily increasing, and cheap housing can be difficult to come by. That being said, you can still find rentals that will be much cheaper than you might be used to from Europe or other Western countries.
- Indonesia isn’t very digital nomad-friendly when it comes to visas and work permits, which are generally expensive. Expect to spend a lot on your visa and deal with occasional visa runs outside of the country, which can add up.
What Was Your Overall Impression of Being a Digital Nomad in Uluwatu, Bali?
Uluwatu in Bali, and especially the Ungasan area, is a beautiful place to live for a while as a digital nomad. You can find a growing selection of restaurants, nightlife, stunning beach clubs, and a welcoming community of expats here. I would definitely recommend this location to anyone who loves nature, the beach, surfing, and an island feeling.
What Was the Cost of Living as a Digital Nomad in Uluwatu, Bali?
The cost of living in Bali can be whatever you would like it to be. It’s possible to find a room in a guesthouse for as little as €150 per month, or you can spend €2000 or more on a private villa or beachfront accommodation in Uluwatu. Local meals cost around €0.50 to €3 per dish, while Western restaurants will charge closer to €5 to €10. Transport is affordable if you rent a scooter for around €50 per month, and you can add another €30 for occasional taxi rides. Entertainment might include activities such as surfing which costs around €20 for a lesson with board rental, or a fun night out at a beach club which will add up with drinks costing around €5 to €12.
What Can You Share About the Culture in Uluwatu, Bali?
Balinese culture is very different from the rest of Indonesia, and the locals are known for being very friendly and honest. Religion plays a large role in everyday life, and there are always ceremonies in the many temples. It’s important to respect the local culture and follow rules such as covering up when visiting a temple, avoiding stepping on offerings left by the side of the street, and treating sacred sites with respect.
What Languages are Primarily Spoken in Uluwatu, Bali?
Most Indonesians living in tourist locations like Uluwatu speak a decent level of English. Bahasa Indonesia, the main spoken language in Indonesia, is very easy to learn though so you should definitely learn the basics, which locals will appreciate. Traditionally, Balinese is spoken in Bali, but it’s much more difficult to learn and cannot be used anywhere else in the country.
What was your experience finding, booking, and staying in accommodation in Uluwatu, Bali?
It’s easy to find accommodation in Uluwatu, especially if you join local Facebook groups where long-term listings are often posted. Otherwise, you can use sites like Booking.com and Airbnb or keep an eye out for signs posted on the road with Whatsapp numbers which you can contact.
Booking.comWhat Working Spaces Are Available to Digital Nomads in Uluwatu, Bali?
Uluwatu has a small but growing selection of coworking spaces, such as Uluwatu Hub, which is highly recommended. However, many people in Bali work from cafes, which there are plenty of, and you don’t have to worry about paying entry fees. However, Ungasan is still developing, so the wifi isn’t as fast generally as it might be in areas like Canggu or Seminyak.
What is the Food Like in Uluwatu, Bali?
Uluwatu has a lot of restaurants, and more are appearing every day. You can choose between local street food and affordable restaurants or modern Western places from all around the world. Whether you want to eat healthy, splurge on an Italian dinner, or try Mexican food, you’ll find it all here. For groceries, you can head to the local market or stop by Pepito, one of Bali’s most popular supermarket chains, where you can find anything you might need.
What is the Visa Situation for Digital Nomads in Uluwatu, Bali?
The normal tourist visa for Indonesia is valid for 30 days and can be extended to 60 if you go to immigration. The price is €30 with another €30 for the extension approximately. Then you have to leave the country on a visa run to renew your stay. You can also get a business or social visa, which costs around €100 per month and is valid for six months with the possibility of extending for a further six months. However, note that none of these visas allow foreigners to work in Indonesia in any capacity, and rules are strict, with foreigners getting deported if they break them. Make sure your business does not violate the requirements before you plan your move to Bali.
How’s the Connectivity and Internet Speed in Uluwatu, Bali?
A sim card in Bali costs around €10, depending on how many gigabytes you get. The top-ups are even cheaper, giving you as much as 60 gigabytes for less than €15. Mobile data is good in populated areas but can be unreliable in more remote places. Always test the wifi of your accommodation before committing.
Usually, the connection is pretty good, but not always. Most places I stayed in had around 12 to 30 Mbps, but coworking spaces can get you closer to 100 Mbps.
What is There to Do for Fun in Uluwatu, Bali?
Uluwatu is a hotspot for surfing and you can find locations for all experience levels. You can also try other sports, such as paragliding, hiking, golfing, or paddling, which is very popular in Bali. Of course, you can spend time by the beach, relax and swim, or go to one of the best beach clubs in the area, such as Sundays, Savaya or Single Fin. Make sure to stop by the nearby islands like Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan, which are great for a weekend getaway.
What is the Social Scene Like Uluwatu, Bali?
In my experience, it’s very easy to make friends in Uluwatu because more and more digital nomads are coming here to work and stay. There are always networking events going on, and especially coworking spaces host get-togethers where you can make friends. If you surf, you’ll have no problems meeting people in the local community, which is very welcoming and friendly.
What’s the Weather Like in Uluwatu, Bali?
Bali’s rainy season lasts from October to April, and May to September is dry and warm. Uluwatu is usually quite windy, so bad weather rarely lasts long.
How Does Money Work in Uluwatu, Bali?
You can only pay with Indonesian Rupiah in Bali, which you can get from local ATMs without a problem. Credit cards are gaining in popularity, and unless you’re buying street food or renting a surfboard, you can usually pay without cash.
What Else Should People Know About Uluwatu, Bali?
Definitely expect there to be a lot of traffic in Bali as the local road system is not made for the amount of tourists visiting the island. It takes a lot of time to get from one place to another even if the distance is short, so prepare to sit in traffic a lot.
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