Bali SUCKS for Digital Nomads! The influencers are lying to you!
Over the past few years, Bali has become a hotspot for digital nomads looking to live a life of luxury in a tropical paradise. With its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why so many people are lured to this Indonesian island. But the truth is, Bali is not all it’s cracked up to be for digital nomads. In fact, many who have made the move have found themselves sorely disappointed.
One of the biggest issues with Bali as a destination for digital nomads is the cost of living. While it’s true that Bali can be relatively affordable compared to Western countries, the prices have been steadily rising in recent years, along with the influx of foreigners. This has made it increasingly difficult for digital nomads to afford to live comfortably on the island. From accommodation to dining out, costs have skyrocketed, making Bali a less appealing option for those on a budget.
Another major drawback of Bali for digital nomads is the unreliable internet connection. While many cafes and coworking spaces advertise high-speed internet, the reality is often far from it. Slow speeds and frequent outages can make it difficult to get work done, leading to frustration and decreased productivity. For digital nomads who rely on a stable internet connection to earn a living, this can be a deal-breaker.
The overcrowding and overtourism in Bali is another issue that is often glossed over by influencers. The island has become increasingly crowded with tourists, leading to traffic congestion, pollution, and a loss of the charm that once drew people to Bali in the first place. Some areas have become so overrun with tourists that it can be difficult to find a quiet spot to work or relax.
The environmental impact of tourism in Bali is also a concern for many digital nomads. The island’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the demands of an ever-increasing population, leading to issues with waste management and pollution. Garbage can often be seen littering the streets and beaches, creating a less-than-ideal work environment for digital nomads looking for a peaceful place to focus.
So before you pack your bags and head to Bali based on the glamorous images and endorsements from influencers, think twice. While Bali may be a beautiful destination for a vacation, it’s not necessarily the best place for digital nomads looking for a stable work environment. The reality of living and working in Bali can be far from the idyllic lifestyle that is often portrayed on social media. Do your research and consider all the factors before making the move, and remember that the influencers may not always be telling the whole truth. Bali may suck for digital nomads after all.
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Please stop coming to Bali and Indonesia in general. This a place for at least Intermediate+ surfers and yoga lovers(ubud). And that's it. If you don't fit in these categories, go somewhere else, you will have a lot more fun.
there are too many tourists in Bali right now and the infrastructure can not accomodate the tourits influx … Bali will be better with less tourists ….
Stay in America bro lol
THank you for the honest video
Thanks for being real, great content.
Alt title: Gentrifier realizes gentrification isn’t pretty
I guess the posers part is correct lol
You judge too much from the perspective of a developed country. Is there no shortage in your own country ? There are residents of your country who have no homes, criminals, rasis, some dirty and smelly places, unemployed, and so on. Even though you are a developed and prosperous country, why are there still so many shortcomings ? Learn to accept that no country is perfect. Hopefully enlightening.
Man that's a lot of moaning! 🙂 Depends where in Bali you go to. But generally what do you expect for a tourist trap that is a stones throw away from certain first world countries. I wouldn't likely go again, the world is big enough to discover more. I had a better time on the islands of Karimun Jawa, north of Central Java. Basically no tourism, no white people at all. It was awesome, at least in 2012 it was.
You're bringing your first world expectations to a third world country. I live in Bali and yes there is traffic and yes there's room for improvement on the infrastructure side, but the pros far outweigh the cons.
try java hahaha
I've been to Bali about 7 times now, im not sure if my experience was just different being single, coming from Australia, taking bikes everywhere. Incredible looking villas with great service. I understand a lot of what youre saying and maybe yeah it's different if you have a family.
did you do any research before going? lol every complaint you have if you search "pros and cons bali" on youtube theres tons of videos saying everything you said. $200 a month? who is even saying this – everyone who knows se asia knows canggu is the priciest place around bc westerners drove up the prices. also, you went to an island for 20-30 years olds there to party and find community and you expected city-level infrastructure that's ideal for a family. completely missed the mark on what the destination even is about and so aggravated about everything. going to canggu and being surprised about all these things you mention is like going to bangkok and being appalled that there are ladyboys walking around. such a suburban american old dad take on everything, getting that pissed about airport hasslers lol you're not meant for developing countries you should go to europe or east asia or resorts. i mean all your points ARE true but its just so funny how aggravated you got about what canggu is already known for. bragging about beating up posers? so cool bro
Come to Medellin Colombia!
Yawn i have been in Bali Lombok for ten years. Serial Founder. Built a healthy stack, hotel, family, 3 kids. You are doing it wrong.
Staying in Jakarta atm, sounds just the same. Not impressed with Indonesia.
Does anyone know what would be the most similar to Bangkok in Indonesia? I want to go to Indonesia but I want to go to a city which is mostly populated by locals where it's easy to establish a good lifestyle for a digital nomad, e.g making my routine where I work during the week, go to the gym, and then have some nice places to visit and activities to do during the weekend. I know I could do this in Bangkok, Saigon and Da nang, so I'd like to find similar in Indonesia.
Love this. Please do a video on Cambodia too!
Finally, someone tells us the grim realities of Bali. I keep seeing these “I moved from the US to Bali” on Tiki Tak and they all show the generic recycled content, but always leave out the important stuff.
Lotf people in bali
I feel you in all of these aspects. I have been living in Bali since 2020 and it was a magical place during "those times". I am one of those people who lives on the outskirts in an undesirable area, but it's still close to the beach and I am still close enough to get into the busier areas if I need to. That is the only way I would do it now. I couldn't deal being around so many of these so called "influnecers" which are turning Bali into something it's not. Villas, cafes and beach clubs over waterfalls and ricefields. Now that Balis tourism has noticed that these influencers have brought more money in to do these things, they rather pocket it rather than care about how they have paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
And those taxis jerks still always boil my blood when I come in. I have learned to not even look at them and keep walking. Even saying "no" is a sign for them that they can just keep following you. It feels very jarring and unsafe when that is the very first things you experience when you get out of the airport, espcially when the wifi almost never works when you are trying to figure out your next steps out of there.
There are still beautiful parts to Bali, but they can be few and far between nowadays.
Thank you for an honest review about your expereince.
thanks for the honesty dude. How's the weather in the different countries you've been so far? Is it more or less similar or somewhere better? Thanks
Binn to bali for 20 years now, bali wife., and everything…Bali sucks, i absolutely agree.. I just go there because my wife family.. for wite sand beach, u need to go to Virgin beach.. Go to kintamani
Bali is a satanic place underneath.
In a weird way, you sold me on a Bali vacation. Are you and family around beginning of July?
Dude I’m sorry but I have also arrived in Bali and it really isn’t as bad as you’re making it be. The whole E-visa thing and scanning the QR code just takes a few minutes. There were no issues and I saw many people besides myself getting through security quickly etc. Perhaps research it before you arrive.
Also what do you expect travelling to certain parts of the world? You know it’s not going to be as smooth as in let’s say Europe or North America. Still it really isn’t anything to complain about in my opinion. It literally took me max 10 mins in total and the people working at the airport are incredibly friendly and helpful.
Also who told you that Bali is super cheap? I don’t know where you get your information from again but do your own research before going. It is well known to be a tourist destination for westerners, hence the higher prices compared to other parts of Asia but still way cheaper than what we’re used to in Europe or North America.
Do you get your information from Instagram or something? I mean come on man.
Da Nang is so boring. and not a very special beach.
go to Laos!!!
One also has to be mindful of the extreme poverty in Bali
Which country has been the easiest to stay at as a digital nomad bro?
Why would anyone leave Miami? South Beach is beautiful.
Thanks for the heads up. Glad I avoided this.
Those Taxi drivers have something you’ll never understand…it’s called persistence.
Thanks for this alternative view on Bali, Dorian!
Hahahha I love this! Was always sceptical of Bali