As of publishing this post, it will have been a year since I was in Bali. Discovering the beauty of the island and the wonderful communities.

It was a place that was on my bucket list for a few years before I finally made it out, but I’m so happy I did! While it certainly had its pros and cons - as per any destination - there’s no doubt I want to head back in 2021 (fingers crossed!) for more adventure and creative times.

The entrepreneurial vibes coupled with the welcoming attitudes of the locals, made for a wonderful first trip that I’ll never forget. So with that in mind, if you’re a remote worker looking for both a great place to work in 2021 and a community to get involved in, here’s where I recommend you put on the wish list:

DOJO Coworking Space (Canggu)

A place I might not have added to the list, if I hadn’t met some lovely ladies co-living there at the time. It’s a mini oasis of remote working heaven. From taking your shoes off at the door to sitting in an open garden with a pool amongst others running their own businesses.

You can either sign up for a recurring membership or a day pass, but either one guarantees you can be a part of the social events and the community (including the Facebook group). The guys even came by and told me to put my laptop away at 5pm for Friday beers.

The Loft (Canggu)

The first cafe I made it to in Bali did not disappoint. With a delicious breakfast and a fresh coconut (the size of my head) water, it made for a great detox kick start. The portion sizes were incredible and the wifi swift.

The only thing that seemed to be an issue was the lack of plugs.

Superfood (Canggu)

A hidden gem that I would not have discovered if it hadn’t happened to be right on the corner of the right street. With deliciously healthy food and strong wifi, I ended up there most evenings.

The awesome thing about Balinese food is that they aren’t allowed to use pesticides on their food for religious reasons. So it really was like having a detox - but insanely delicious! The nasi goreng was my highlight.

As a largely outdoor-sy place, they also provide bug repellant for the evening - which you definitely need!

The Mocca (Canggu)

One that will always have a fond place in my heart. This was the first place I met other likeminded remote workers in Canggu. We met up for as part of a weekly lunch and got to know each other.

I felt like I’d been in Bali for a few weeks, not hours within minutes of meeting these lovely ladies - and the food 100% helped. The Mocca has beautiful decor and wonderful staff also.

Mrs Sippy (Seminyak)

A great recommendation from Notts Nomad - that I wouldn’t have thought to look for.

If, like me, you don’t have a bottomless budget but want to experience a beach club in Seminyak (and work from a sun lounger), I highly recommend Mrs Sippy. Even with the unnecessarily loud Aussie family next to me - who literally jumped in my grave right as I was about to get up - the food was delicious, the staff were friendly and it was only something like a fiver to get in.

The beautiful salt water pool was wonderful to lounge in and a week day seemed generally a very tranquil place to go (again, aside from that one family piping up occasionally). There were other families - probably because of the diving pool and swimming pool (the Seminyak waves were definitely not for swimming in) but you barely noticed. Think sort of more like a Marbella beach club with an Indonesian twist.

Would still definitely go back - maybe for brunch next time on the loungers and find an actual table for work.

Kynd Community (Seminyak)

The insta-popular cafe did not disappoint. It’s incredibly well curated, from the service to the food to the aesthetic - including the “yes, the smoothie bowl with the letters” comment in the menu.

I had one of their delicious smoothie bowls and coffees and it was well worth the slightly higher than Bali-average price tag. But for a place that’s so highly recommended, you get what you pay for. Including the opportunity to sit with a laptop and work if you wanted to (I went on a weekend so was not as bothered).

Just like the Instagram Tour, it was amusing to watch couples watch in this establishment. I give kudos to the partners that gave little comments and feedback to help their other halves pics a little more engaging. But watching the same images be taken one after the other in the exact same fashion was a little eery at the same time. But that’s one tiny side comment in what was actually a great experience.

Now let’s be completely realistic, as with any destination, not everywhere is perfect. And there’s one particular place that comes to mind.

Seminyak was not really my vibe anyway and I’m glad I only stayed there a couple of days. However considering how much it was raved about on Instagram, I found Sea Circus incredibly disappointing. The beach hut vibe didn’t really do too much to make up for the expensive menu, the slow wifi and the not so welcoming staff.

Generally I found it tough to find somewhere I wanted to go back to twice in Seminyak - and close to my hostel. So I generally ate dinner in the hostel cafe (The Good Mantra Cafe) - which was delicious every time and had great wifi (perfect for keeping to my work schedule in the UK at the time).

So all in all, Bali does indeed live up to its remote working hype, but it depends on what you are looking for. Personally as and when I make it back, I’ll be heading straight for Canggu and basing myself there. Then maybe take one or two day trips out to particular spots in Seminyak and Ubud.

There’s no denying though, that I can’t wait to get back and keep exploring (when it’s safe to do so)!

Han x

Where to work in Bali (Canggu & Seminyak)