Vacation’s over and work beckons. We know the struggle of having to leave the idyllic sand, sun, and surf of Bali for the hustle and bustle of Singapore all too well. But if your work allows you to do it remotely, then maybe you never have to leave paradise.
Technically, all you need is your laptop and a place with fast WiFi. But these places also come with perks such as pool access, networking sessions, and free meals. Here are coworking spaces in Bali for digital nomads who want to turn from beach bum to beach boss.
Table of Contents
Bali is one of the most digital nomad-friendly places in Asia thanks to its affordable cost of living. Temporary visas are also easy to apply for. The section Visas needed to be a digital nomad in Bali for Singaporeans covers what paperwork you need to prepare to stay for up to 5 years in Bali.
Once that’s settled, it’s all a matter of picking what coworking space in Bali you want to work at. We’ve broken it down by price and location:
| Coworking Space | Good For | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biliq Seminyak | Flexible minute-based billing | Seminyak | From IDR500/min (~S$0.04) From IDR150,000/day (~S$12.70) |
| Tropical Nomad | 24/7 access for working across time zones | Canggu | From IDR230,000/day, (~S$19.49) From IDR1,200,000/month (~S$101.70) |
| Zin Cafe | Budget-friendly, free access | Canggu | Free, with purchase of food/drink for extended stays |
| Genesis Creative Centre | Creatives needing studios and equipment | Pererenan | From IDR350,000/hour (~S$29.69) |
| Tribal Bali | Combination of coworking space and hostel | Pererenan | Full day min. IDR200,000 (~S$16.96) spend |
| BWork Bali | Members enjoy free fitness classes | Canggu | From IDR1,000,000/2 weeks (~S$84.73) From IDR3,550,000/month (~S$300.91) |
| Livit | Comprehensive care: work, accommodation, meals | Sanur | From IDR85,000/day (~S$11.87) |
| Outpost | Access to multiple locations and leisure facilities | Ubud | From US$15/day (~S$20.22) From US$195/month (~S$262.89) |
| GoWork Bali | Convenient mall location in Kuta | Kuta | From IDR168,000/day (~S$14.23) From IDR1,300,000/month (~S$110.18) |
| Karya Co-Working Bali | Private spaces for teams and individuals | Canggu | Desk: From IDR225,000/day (~S$19.08) Office: From IDR9,500,000/month (~S$809) |
Coworking spaces in Bali will provide WiFi, so ensure your laptops are compatible and you don’t have to rely on a LAN connection to get internet. Bali uses Type C and Type F powerplugs, which are 2-pin ones. Type C runs on 2.5 amps, while Type F runs on 16 amps. For electronic devices bought in Singapore, you’ll definitely need a travel adapter, as most electronics use a 3-pin Type G plug.
In most other countries, coworking spaces do ask that you dress in smart casual wear to enter, as you’re sharing a space with fellow professionals. But in Bali, feel free to wear whatever you want. Some coworking spaces have their own pools even for you to take a dip in, so no one will bat an eye if you’re taking a Zoom call in a bikini.
Just be mindful about conducting meetings from your hotdesk. If you’ll be participating a lot in a conference call, book a separate meeting room so you don’t disturb your fellow coworking buddies. Many places also have noise-insulated call booths you can book for more privacy, or if you don’t want to be distracted by others’ noise.
Daily, weekly, and monthly passes are a dime a dozen at coworking spaces in Bali. Not so at Biliq Seminyak, which charges by the minute instead.
Image credit: @biliqbali via Instagram
It’s a nifty system for those who just need a few minutes to fire an email but don’t want to waste an hour at a coworking space. It keeps you productive too, so you know every minute you’ve wasted scrolling through social media is costing you money.
No need to fake your Zoom call background when it’s this pretty.
Image credit: @biliqbali via Instagram
It’ll prove difficult to dilly-dally anyway when the space has been designed to be conducive. There are outdoor and indoor seats, soundproof phone booths for calls, meeting rooms, and private offices for you to get your work done. There’s even a dipping pool with tables attached so at least half your body stays in vacation mode.
Biliq Sunset is ideal for those who want a no-frills coworking space to do their work.
Image credit: @biliqbali via Instagram
If the semi-vacay vibes are too much of a distraction, Biliq does have a second location along Sunset Road in Kuta. Flexi desks are situated in an actual office space, and the dedicated desks have a privacy partition so you won’t be bothered by the other digital nomads around you.
In case you weren’t aware, Bali runs on the GMT+8 timezone, which is the same as Singapore’s. That’s all fine and dandy if your colleagues run on the same 9-5 schedule. But for those who need to answer to honchos spread across Europe and USA, you’ll need a place that’s open past 6pm. Enter Tropical Nomad, which is open 24/7.
Image credit: @tropicalnomadcanggu via Instagram
Keeping you fuelled as you burn the midnight oil is a cafe that serves homemade coffees, as well as free fruit-infused water. There are even showers with towels provided should you need to freshen up in the middle of a 12-hour shift.
Networking event for members.
Image credit: @tropicalnomadcanggu via Instagram
These perks are made available to members of Tropical Nomad, who’re also privy to networking events such as Bahasa Indonesia classes, leadership workshops, and mixers with other digital nomads. If you like what you’re reading but aren’t ready to commit to a membership, you can sign up for a free weekend trial first to test out the coworking space.
Rates:
Hot desk: IDR230,000/pax, ~S$19.49 (Day Pass) | From IDR1,200,000/pax, ~S$101.70 (Monthly Pass)
Private desk: IDR3,200,000/month, ~S$271.20
Image credit: @zin_cafe via Instagram
Bali may be an affordable city all around, but if you’re on a tight budget, the coworking space at Zin Cafe will be a godsend. Entrance is completely free and there’s no obligation to buy a drink or meal to hold a spot here.
Zin Cafe serves healthy meals if you’re looking for sustenance during the workday.
Image credit: @zin_cafe via Instagram
You’re only allowed a hot desk at Zin Cafe, but there are plenty of seats to choose from, such as long communal tables, coffee tables for 4, or counter seats for those who want a little more privacy. The only downside: not all seats have access to an electrical outlet, so you might need to come early to chope a good spot.
There’s no reason why software engineers and copywriters should be the only ones that get to enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle. Creatives churning out video and photo content, podcasters, and even music producers can co-work too at Genesis Creative Centre.
Image credit: @inspireatgenesis via Instagram
There are separate studios for the type of content you want to make. All of which come with state-of-the-art recording equipment, lights, cameras, and editing software. Just bring yourself and your creative juices to make your ideas a reality.
Image credit: @inspireatgenesis via Instagram
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or even the 100th time in a studio. You can even hire their team of professionals to do all the editing work for you, so your work comes out polished for publishing.
Commuting back and forth between where you live and work might be a hassle if you don’t have your own mode of transportation. There’s no need to, though, at Tribal Bali. It’s a hostel with a coworking space located on the ground floor.
Tribal Bali is surrounded by lush greenery.
Image credit: Tribal Bali
This space is open not just to residents, but to the public as well, if they’re willing to pay the entrance fee. You’ll just need to purchase a drink or food item for 3 hours of access, then spend a minimum of IDR100,000 (~S$8.48) for another 3 hours or IDR200,000 (~S$16.96) to stay the whole day.
Image credit: Tribal Bali
The affordable admission even allows you to use the hostel’s leisure facilities such as the pool table and actual lap pool, should you feel like blowing off steam after a particularly difficult client call.
Hostel accommodation for solo nomads.
Image credit: Tribal Bali
As for residents, your stay gets you unlimited time at the coworking floor without the need to buy food or drinks. You’ll also get your own storage locker and drawer with an electrical outlet to keep your precious valuables safe.
No one goes to Bali to hustle only. This is Eat Pray Love central, so it only makes sense you devote part of your time here to finding yourself too through yoga and meditation. You’ll get that at BWork Bali, which has free yoga classes for its members.
Rooftop yoga studio.
Image credit: @bwork.bali via Instagram
The coworking space has an open-air rooftop yoga studio where classes are held daily. Depending on your membership, you’re entitled to at least 1 session a month – up to 10 for long-term unlimited pass holders. If yoga’s not your vibe, there are other free fitness classes such as boxing, salsa, muay thai, and mat pilates that are exclusive to members.
Image credit: BWork Bali
Fitness studios aside, BWork Bali boasts numerous work zones for you to get sh*t done. There’s the Casual Zone, where you’re seated at long dining tables that encourage discussion with those around you. The Concentration Zone is suited for those seeking productivity; you’ll find adjustable standing desks and even extra monitors if you need double screens.
Image credit: Stephany via Google Maps
You can also work at the laidback BWork Cafe which has terraced steps and a mini library for light reading, as well as Focus Rooms designed for single person use if you need to make confidential calls.
Digital nomads who want to stay hyperfocused on work without having to worry about anything else can consider Livit. It’s not just a coworking space, but a hub that takes care of basics such as accommodation and food.
Rooftop hot desks at Livit.
Image credit: @liv.it via Instagram
Livit is a cluster of villas in Sanur, a beach town just east of central Denpasar. One of these villas is dedicated to coworking, where you can work anywhere in the building. Grab a seat in one of the multipurpose rooms or even at the rooftop, if you need a change of scenery. You can even book time in the nap rooms if you need a break.
Provided meals at The Kitchen House.
Image credit: Livit
For meals, you’ll move on to the central kitchen, which is located in a different villa. It’s a staff canteen of sorts for Livit residents to grab free meals and socialise with other remote workers in the community. Here, in-house chefs whip up a mix of Asian and Western cuisine for all 3 meals. They’ll even come around to serve snacks for a midday pick-me-up.
Villa accommodations at Livit.
Image credit: Livit
Once it’s time to pang kang, you can head back to your own villa to rest. Otherwise, join other Livit members for outings to Bali attractions. Weekly itineraries include trekking to waterfalls and watersports by the beach.
You can’t make a list of coworking spaces in Bali without at least mentioning Outpost. It’s one of the biggest coworking outfits on this isle, with 2 outlets in Ubud. And with a single membership, you get access to all of them.
Pool at Outpost Ubud Penestanan.
Image credit: @destination.outpost via Instagram
Seats are aplenty in each one, ranging from air-conditioned hot desks with ergonomic chairs to hammocks in the garden, and even sun loungers by the pool. Yup, you read that right. Both Outpost locations have lap pools available for members. It’s not unusual to see other digital nomads pull up in bikinis and swim trunks so they can quickly dive in after a hard day’s work.
Member lunch at Outpost Ubud.
Image credit: @destination.outpost via Instagram
The pools aren’t the only place you’ll see Outpost members socialising. Meet other members of the community through private events, such as welcome lunches that take place weekly for newcomers. They also host large scale cocktail parties on major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s to give those who aren’t able to travel back home a taste of family in Bali.
GoWork would be a well-known name to those already coworking around other parts of Indonesia. They have 24 locations across the country, and the one located at Park 23 mall in Kuta is their first one in Bali.
Image credit: GoWork Bali
Having a coworking space within a mall has its perks. For one, you’re guaranteed an air-conditioned seat while you work in the cafe-like space. There are tables and booth seats for small teams, as well as sofas and lounge areas to set up casual client meetings.
There’s an in-house cafe too if you don’t want to walk out for lunch.
Image credit: GoWork Bali
You’re also surrounded by a multitude of food offerings, such as fast food chains, affordable local diners, and cafes. The mall also has ample parking lots for cars, which most other spaces only cater to scooters.
Image credit: @karyacoworking via Instagram
Having to book a dedicated desk or office seems to go against the values of digital nomad-ing. But that’s what you’ll get when you book weekly or monthly passes to Karya Co-Working Bali. The trade-off? Your own private cubby hole with lockable pedestal so there’s no need to ferry your laptop and belongings day after day.
Executive office for 3.
Image credit: @karyacoworking via Instagram
If you’ve got a team with you, the office spaces may prove more conducive. Suited for groups of 2-3 pax, these offices also have integrated whiteboards for brainstorming sessions. You’ll even get free access to the meeting rooms, should the office be too small to contain all your great ideas.
Good news if you own a Singapore passport. There’s no need to apply for a visa if you’re only going to stay for less than a month. Take note, however, that you won’t be able to extend your stay past the 30 days you’re given.
If you’re planning to stay for 2 months, you can simply apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Thankfully, this can be done on the Indonesian immigration website so you won’t have to spend time queuing up at the VOA counter at the airport.
The visa is valid for 30 days but you can apply for a 30-day extension online. It costs IDR500,000 (~S$42.39) per visa and the extension. You must exit Indonesia after 60 days or face a penalty of IDR1,000,000 (~S$84.76) for every day you overstay. You’re also not allowed re-entry on the same visa should you exit the country during the visa’s validity period.
6 months might prove too short a stay for those who are hoping to migrate to Bali for the long term. For stays of up to 1 year, you have the option of the B211A visa. Apply for the B211A Offshore Visa first through the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.
Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.
Image credit: Wikicommons
You’ll have to set up an appointment to submit your documents, such as your passport and a bank statement that shows proof you have at least US$2,000 (~S$2,696.62) in your account. The visa application fee is S$176, which you can pay for online using PayNow or in cash in person.
Approved visas are valid for 60 days from your date of entry into Indonesia. You can extend this visa twice, each for another 60 days, to get 6 months’ stay in total. Each extension costs IDR2,000,000 (~S$169.54), which you can pay for at any immigration bureau.
Now to stay a further 6 months, you’ll have to apply for the B211A Onshore Visa, which can only be done after your arrival in Indonesia. It works the same as the Offshore Visa, where you’re allowed to stay for 60 days first but you can extend the visa twice for 60 days at a time.
It’s best to apply for the Onshore Visa at least 2 weeks before your Offshore Visa expires, so that it can be processed in time. You could do it yourself through the immigration bureau but you might only be able to get a Tourism Pass, which could limit you from conducting any business.
Apply for the Onshore Visa only after you’re staying in Bali.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Your best bet of getting a Business Pass is to apply through a visa agency, which Bali has plenty of. Agencies can provide the necessary paperwork such as guarantor’s letter, as well as act as your sponsor on behalf, so you won’t have to provide a bank statement.
They’ll also help with any visa extensions to help you stay the full 6 months in Bali. Fees vary across agencies but the average is about IDR2,500,000 (~S$211.94) per visa application before any extension.
With the Business Pass, you’ll be allowed to participate in business activities such as meetings to negotiate and sign contracts or even purchase goods for your company. You may not, however, supervise any production activities, such as managing factories. The B211A visas are also for single entry only, and you may not re-enter Indonesia with the same visa.
There’s a more flexible option for those who want to enter and leave the country as and when they wish: the Second Home Visa. It allows holders up to 5 years’ stay in Indonesia, as well as re-entries when needed. You’ll be allowed to conduct remote work under this visa, but not own a business that operates out of Indonesia.
The Second Home Visa is popular with older folk who wish to retire in Bali.
Image credit: @villaorigamiseminyak via instagram
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Here’s the catch: applicants have to show proof of funds of at least IDR2,000,000,000 (~S$169,554) in a bank account or an equivalent in assets like property. You’ll also need to show that you have enough health or travel insurance coverage to pay for treatment in Indonesia.
The good news is that this visa arrangement allows immediate family members, sans siblings, to join you as visa dependents. They won’t have to show the same proof of funds during their application, but will need their own health or travel insurance plans.
The main applicant can apply on the Indonesian immigration website, followed by the dependents. Each visa is IDR3,000,000 (~S$263) and there’s no need to apply for an extension once the visa has been granted.
Bali is great for short weekend getaways but staying long term allows you to really soak in the culture and its people. If you’re out of AL already, then being a digital nomad might afford you the chance to explore the Island of Gods beyond just temple visits and beach clubs.
Heck, maybe this is your chance to get a tattoo from a Balinese artist, finally pick up lessons at a surf school, or even conquer a hiking trail that isn’t Mount Batur.
More Bali reading:
Cover image adapted from: @biliqbali via Instagram, BWork Bali, Tropical Nomad Coworking Space via Google Maps
Originally published on 18th March 2023. Last updated by Raewyn Koh on 1st April 2024.
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