Have you ever felt stuck in a never-ending routine, dreaming of perfect waves between meetings? Bali, the paradise for digital surfing nomads, turns this dream into reality thanks to its unique balance of legendary surf spots and ideal telecommuting environment. Discover how this island combines world-class waves, a vibrant community and affordable living costs to create a lifestyle where every morning starts with a surf session and ends with a sunset over your next professional project.
- Bali: what if you could surf every day before work?
- Why is Baler the dream destination for nomadic surfers?
- Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud: which base camp to choose?
- The best surf spots in Bali: your guide by level and season
- Organizing your day as a digital nomad surfer: a practical guide
- Practical information to help you prepare for your trip to Bali
Bali: what if you could surf every day before work?
Do you dream of swapping the metro-work-sleep routine for a surf-work-sunset routine? Imagine surfing perfect waves early in the morning, then working while sipping a tropical smoothie, surrounded by rice paddies or facing the ocean. In Baler, this dream is within reach.
The island offers a unique blend of accessible surf spots, affordable cost of living and a vibrant community of digital nomads. It’s a combination that’s attracting more and more active travelers. Here, remote work rhymes with freedom and surfing pleasure.
In this guide, you’ll discover why Bali is a paradise for digital nomads. From the best surf spots to coworking spaces and great places to work with a view, we’ve thought of everything you need to reconcile surfing and productivity. And if you’re looking for advice on how to achieve the ideal work-surf balance, here’s an invaluable resource to help you prepare for your adventure.
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Why is Baler the dream destination for nomadic surfers?
A cost of living that leaves room for waves
Baler is a safe choice for your wallet: $500 to $1,000/month is enough for accommodation, food, transport and leisure activities. A local meal costs $1.60, a scooter $47/month. This modest budget frees you up to surf more, invest in equipment or enjoy the island to the full.
A unique culture and community
Baler immerses you in a rich culture: temples, ceremonies and warm Balinese hospitality. The community of digital nomads is active here, with over 144,000 members on the “Bali Digital Nomads” Facebook group in 2025. It’s a state of mind: here, you can always find a wave, a café or a friend.
The perfect balance between work and surf sessions
In Bali, your schedule revolves around the waves. Wake up at dawn to surf, spend a few hours working on the beach, then have a final session in the afternoon. This mix of convenience and escape is attracting more and more enthusiasts. Here’s why:
- Attractive cost of living: Live comfortably without breaking the bank.
- Inspiring landscapes: Volcanoes, rice paddies and beaches to boost your creativity.
- International community: close-knit networks for sharing and exchange.
- Accessible waves: Spots for all levels, all year round.
Here, surfing isn’t just a sport: it’s a way of life. You can vary your pleasures, between work and the waves, in a setting that redefines your equilibrium.
Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud: which base camp to choose?
Canggu: the vibrant heart of nomadic lifestyle and surfing
Canggu is the benchmark for digital nomads between work and pleasure. Its “work & play” lifestyle combines trendy cafés, dynamic coworking and accessible waves. Zin Café embodies this spirit to perfection.
Batu Bolong is perfect for beginners, while Echo Beach Left reserves its powerful waves for experienced surfers. Beware of crowds and traffic.
Uluwatu: the soul of pure surf and breathtaking views
Uluwatu seduces with its mythical waves and panoramic cliffs. Spots like Padang Padang and Bingin attract intermediates and experts alike, with waves breaking at the foot of wild landscapes.
The coworking scene here is modest compared to Canggu, but places like Uluwatu Hub or BukitHub offer a relaxing setting. Choose this spot if you prefer intense sessions.
Ubud: a spiritual interlude, far from the waves
Ubud is the zen option for nomads in search of peace and quiet. With places like Outpost Ubud, you can enjoy a soothing natural setting. The nearest beaches (Keramas) are a 30-minute scooter ride away.
Choose Ubud if you prefer yoga and concentration to the sea at your fingertips. Set aside a day for surfing on the east or west coast.
The best surf spots in Bali: your guide by level and season
Seasonality: when to surf and on which coast?
In Bali, two seasons dictate the rhythm of the waves. From April to October, the dry season activates the west coast spots. Swells from the southwest create powerful waves, ideal for Uluwatu or Padang Padang. Temperatures oscillate between 27°C and 32°C, with little rain (5-10 cm/month). From November to March, the wet season wakes up the east coast. Westerly winds create offshore conditions on Keramas or Sanur, with gentler but constant waves. The water remains warm (24-29°C), perfect without a wetsuit. Showers, often at night, leave clear mornings for surfing.
Spots for beginners to intermediates
For your first waves, Kuta and Seminyak are ideal. Their beach breaks offer slow waves, perfect for training without pressure. Batu Bolong (Canggu) is THE transitional spot. With its semi-reef wave, sandy bottom and moderate swell (0.3-1 meter), it’s the place for gentle progress. The atmosphere is friendly, with surf schools and board rentals close at hand. If you’re a beginner surfer, start here before venturing further afield. Water temperatures of 27-30°C and the absence of strong currents are reassuring for novices.
Spots for advanced and expert users
For pros, Uluwatu is a must. This reef left, 4 to 8 feet high, requires a good level. Fast tubes and multiple sections make it a demanding challenge. Padang Padang, nicknamed the “Balinese Pipeline”, offers hollow tubes on a sharp reef. For experts only, especially at low tide. On the east coast, Keramas unleashes passions with its tubular right, hosting world competitions. For a complete guide to all Bali’s surf spots, explore the reefs of Bukit (Balangan, Bingin) or the deep reefs of Nusa Lembongan (Shipwrecks). In the dry season, offshore winds and massive swells transform these spots into a paradise.
Organizing your day as a digital nomad surfer: a practical guide
Ideal planning: juggling tides, waves and deadlines
Get up early to enjoy the waves. Head for Uluwatu or Padang Padang between 6 and 8 a.m., where the swell is steady. If you’re a beginner, avoid technical spots like Green Bowl, reserved for calm afternoons. At 9 a.m., it’s time to get to work in a coworking space in Canggu, with a
After a break, you resume calls between 3pm and 5pm. The UTC+8 time difference means that your meetings at the end of the Balinese day correspond to the morning in Europe. Finish with a sunset session in Canggu or Keramas, especially in the dry season (April to September). Check the tide forecast the day before to optimize your day.
Working efficiently: coworking, cafés and Internet connections
Wi-Fi in Bali is reliable in coworking spaces. For peace of mind, buy a Telkomsel SIM card as soon as you arrive: the Tourist SIMPATI Card costs IDR 150,000 for 25 GB over 30 days.
Get around on a scooter. BALITUBES offers rentals with surf rack from IDR 150,000 per day. It’s the ideal way to get from a café to a surf spot without damaging your board.
- Always have a plan B for Internet: buy a local SIM card with a good data package (e.g. Telkomsel).
- Getting around on a scooter: Renting a scooter with a surf rack is the easiest and cheapest way to get from your home to the surf spot or coworking area.
- Protect your gear: think reef slippers for spots with coral (the whole Bukit peninsula).
- Adapting to the time zone: Plan your meetings taking into account the time difference (Bali is in UTC+8), often at the end of the day to coincide with the morning in Europe.
Surfing and working in Bali is also a philosophy: stay flexible, enjoy the waves, and keep an eye on your goals.
Practical information to help you prepare for your trip to Bali
Budget and visas: what you need to know
To live in Baler, you’ll need to spend between $500 and $1,000 a month. Accommodation accounts for the largest share ($300-500), followed by food ($200) and scooter hire ($50). Expenses will vary according to your lifestyle and desires, but these ranges provide a good basis.
- Visa (VOA): Valid for 30 days, renewable once for a further 30 days. Cost: $25
- Visa B211a: Allows you to stay up to 180 days with two extensions. Requires proof of annual income of $2,000 and passport validity of 6 to 12 months. More complex to obtain, often through an agency.
- New “Remote Worker” visas: Indonesia is developing options for digital nomads, such as the KITAS E33G (1 year, renewable). Rules evolving, check for latest updates. Approx. 360€ – 7,000,000rp
- Key tip: Consult the official immigration website or a reputable agency to avoid mistakes.
Bali remains a safe choice for an affordable lifestyle, but you need to be careful about the administrative formalities. Visas change regularly, so update your information before you leave. With a reasonable budget and good preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy the waves, coworking and unique energy of this island.
So we’re off to Bali?
Bali is much more than a dot on the map: it’s the embodiment of a daydream. Here, the combination of an affordable cost of living (between $500 and $1,000 a month), accessible surf spots just a stone’s throw from coworking spaces, and a friendly international community make this island a unique paradise for digital nomads. Canggu, Uluwatu or Ubud? Each offers its own balance of world-class waves and hyper-connected workspaces. So, ready to swap your office for a sunrise session in Batu Bolong, followed by a locally roasted coffee on your next project?
Baler is the ideal combo for digital nomads with a passion for surfing: dream waves, affordable cost of living and a close-knit community. Canggu, Uluwatu or Ubud? The choice is yours. Ready to surf between meetings? The Island of the Gods awaits you, and its waves too.