Many freelancers and digital nomads sooner or later come to Bali to surf, enjoy life and work remotely. Why? Because Bali is still one of the 5 cheapest places to live as a digital nomad. Recently, I had a chance to talk to my local friend Nastya Sokolova @nastyasokolova about life in Bali as a freelancer, where to find the best WiFi for work and also to explore the coziest cafes for freelancers and digital nomads to work from (article bonus: many yummy pics 😉
Best cafes in Bali for freelancers and digital nomads
Nastya: Moving to Bali was my dream for the last 5 years. Why Bali? The answer is simple – surfing! Dreams Come True. Before Bali, I have lived in Sri Lanka for 3 months also working online. The Internet here is definitely better than in Sri Lanka. The Balinese people quickly realized that tourists needed the Internet. But the really fast internet, which is often required for work is still quite challenging to find. In Starbucks, for example, the Internet is excellent and the atmosphere is good for work.
Many of us prefer to work in a cozy cafe or coworking space – whatever best fits you. If you choose the cafe, my tip is to go there after 12 pm, when the breakfast crowd is gone.
Since I live in Canggu, I mostly work here. But finding ‘the right place’ to get your work done isn’t always easy in Canggu. Some places are gorgeous, serve amazing food but just have too many people who like to hang out. Which is fine, but not convenient if you need a calm environment.
So, check out our recommended list of favorite work-friendly cafes on the island! 🙂
Sprout
I really like Sprout. It’s a secret relaxing escape from the busy Bali streets in a fully air-conditioned environment! Sprout is famous for fresh, wholesome food, delicious coffee and chilled out vibes 🙂 Menu contains the most popular local dishes – signature smoothie bowls, granola, healthy green omellets, salads and more – perfect for fueling up and recharging any time of the day.
Charming decor, pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff make this cafe a “go-to” place for freelancers. There is a large table in the center, which is also convenient for meetings. If you need more privacy, you can often find a free table, even at peak times.
Jalan Raya Semat 18a, Canggu. +62 8123 6653 165. From 7am to 6pm. Open 7 days a week.www.sproutbali.com
The Avocado Factory
Avocado heaven! Must-visit place for avocado lovers 🙂 It is the first avocado bar in South East Asia, serving delicious and healthy food. What they do is founded on the love for avocados and passion for creating amazing dishes with them! Fashionable interior, stylish eclectic decor, nice atmosphere. The place is pretty much perfect for comfortable work (good WiFi & sockets) as well as for treating yourself to really good food (btw, the portions are huge!)
Bali’s FIRST Avocado Bar. Sharing the love from 7am to 11:30pm. Serving Tapas and Cocktails from 5pm. www.theavocadofactory.com
Ruko cafe
A coffee shop with healthy food surrounded by local surf stays and villas. Perfect place to grab a breakfast and a cup of coffee after a morning surf or yoga session. Additionally, Ruko cafe is a great place to work when the main crowd of tourists and locals had already had breakfast. Very stylish and cozy atmosphere. Good WiFi and delicious coffee! A popular place among location-independent entrepreneurs and digital nomads 🙂
All Day Breakfast 7:30- 4:30pm. Coffee 7:00am – 4:30pm. GoJek, Jl Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu. m.facebook.com/Rukocafe
ROU
When you need a quiet and hidden place to grab a cup of coffee or to do your work, check out ROU. A minimalist and eclectic designed coffee spot located in Umalas area. Very relaxing and cozy, nice interior, cute staff and yummy food. Try: Fresh Strawberry and Cream Sandwich.
Hidden Coffee Shop. Umalas, Bali (next to Pandawa all suite hotel). Specialty coffee & Home made foods. 9:00 – 17:00 (Sunday closed) rou-coffee.business.site
Crate
Crate is where local creatives, freelancers, and digital nomads come together! Super popular place and one of the fav cafes to hang out and work from. Recently there are too many people here, but the food is definitely one of the best on the island and the interior is attractive.
Crate features the house-blended coffee, famous acai bowls, smoothies, eggs all ways, and really everything else. There are gluten-free options and plenty of vegetarian treats, too. Additionally, Crate hosts regular exhibits of work from local creatives. Perfect place to meet like-minded creatives and get some work done!
We love to create : brekkie all day : 6am-5pm. Jl Canggu Padang Linjong Canguu. www.instagram.com/cratecafe/
So, don’t forget to save this list, charge up your laptop, download some tunes and don’t forget your bikini! 🙂
Photo credit: @nastyasokolova
Which cafe did you like the most to get some work done in Canggu? Are there any cafes you particularly enjoyed? Please share below. If you haven’t been to Canggu or Bali yet, are you planning to go? Let me know in the comments 🙂
