Canggu Digital Nomad Guide-Personal Experience!

Have you wondered where to stay in Bali for digital nomads, and come across many suggesting Canggu?

Have you wondered if being a Canggu digital nomad was for you?

Or are you overwhelmed by the amount of information out there, and worried about finding out all there is to know before making up your mind?

Are you also hoping to be able to hear from someone who’s actually lived the life of a digital nomad in Canggu? Well, that would be me!

I know all this because I packed by bags and laptop and worked a digital nomad in Bali just recently ! It was everything they said and MORE! (INCREDIBLE O_O)

Being a Canggu digital nomad is a dream for many digital nomads.

Many digital nomads love the idea of working in a place surrounded by lush rainforests, green, oceans, temples, paddy fields, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and volcanoes.

After all, this Island of Gods has been living up to its status as a digital nomad mecca where hipster cafes, great restaurants, and yoga studios have mushroomed throughout the years.

As a Canggu digital nomad, you can get the best of both city and village (and island!) worlds. 

Bali is a great choice if you’re embarking on your remote working journey in SE Asia, and deciding on being a Canggu or Bali digital nomad would require some research done beforehand.

This Canggu digital nomad guide will tell you everything you need to know before signing up as a Canggu digital nomad, including where to stay in Canggu!

DISCLOSURE

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Why Become A Digital Nomad In Canggu?

3 main reasons to become a digital nomad in Canggu:

• Work-friendly cafes, 
• up-to-date coworking spaces and 
• favorable climate.

Canggu is located on the famous tourist island in Indonesia, Bali. It’s a chilled, laid-back town compared to the busier ones like Seminyak and Kuta. 

The town divided into six regions: Kerobokan, Umalas, Batu Bolong, Berawa Beach, Echo Beach, and Pererenan. 

If you prefer serene and quiet surroundings, you can opt for Kerobokan and Umalas. However, if you like the hustle and bustle of city life with shopping malls, bars, or surf clubs, then Batu Bolong is the place for you.

Many digital nomads flock to Canggu, so it’s pretty normal to see people working away on their laptops wherever you go.  

This is exactly why Canggu is one of the best places for digital nomads in Bali!

Work Friendly Cafes

Work-friendly cafes with superb Wi-Fi speed aren’t difficult to find. 

Every neighborhood in Canggu is packed with cute cafes with friendly staff who won’t mind your presence all day.

Take the ever-famous Crate Café for instance, it doesn’t only offer ample space for working but also has fantastic food. The ambiance is lively but it also has mellow good music and great coffee. 

Canggu cafes in general have a hippie chillaxed vibe,  so be prepared to be spoiled for choice!

Continue reading this digital nomad Canggu guide because we will tell you all about digital nomad cafes later on. 

Up-To-Date Co-Working Spaces

Ample power points, robust Wi-Fi, and the comfortable atmosphere of Canggu co-working spaces have no doubt drawn digital nomads like a magnet.

Also, think pool-view or rice paddy ‘office’ views… good brunches and hearty breakfasts…

You will also meet fellow remote working members, which provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share skills or even collaborate. 

New friends for the after-work hangouts, why not eh?

A Favourable Climate

Canggu has a tropical monsoon climate and is undeniably warm all year.

On average, the temperature ranges between 26 to 30 degrees, but you can expect a rainy season that lasts between November to April. 

The dry season in Canggu means you get to surf, dive, climb mountains, and be as adventurous as you like.

As always, rainy seasons can be good and bad. Prices are lower as there’s less of a crowd, but occasional tropical storms might limit your movement and it’s wet everywhere.

Mosquitoes are another issue during the rainy season. 

So, carry an insect repellent everywhere you go if you don’t want to be a mosquito-bitten Canggu Digital Nomad!  

Cost Of Living In Canggu

Like other South Asian Countries, the cost of living in Canggu is cheap. But it can be expensive, depending on how you spend and save, to be honest. 

However, living frugally in Canggu doesn’t mean you’ll live an uncomfortable life and eat cheap processed food. 

Therefore, living moderately for $800 per month is completely possible.

Let’s break expenses down into three essentials: 

• accommodation, 
• food, and 
• transportation

Accommodation

• Low budget: Homestay with a private room and bathroom (might not have a hot shower) starting from $250 a month.
• Mid-range budget: A decent guest house starting from $350 (on average) per month.
• Fancy: A private one-bedroom villa starting from $700 (on average) per month.

Hotels can cost anything from $30 to a whopping $700 a night.

Admittedly, Canggu has tons of decent accommodations for a Canggu Digital Nomad! It has places to suit every type of budget, try staying in different neighborhoods. 

Once you’ve found ‘the one’, you can discuss your stay further with the owner of your accommodation on renting long-term. 

After all, the longer you stay, the lower the price will be. 

For example, according to TripAdvisor, a 3-month stay in a nice room (with a warm shower) in a guest house with a swimming pool in central Canggu can be as low as $6 per night.

Deciding on where to stay in Canggu Bali can be tricky due to the number of digital nomad stays available.

To aid with your search, be sure to check out the Canggu Community Housing Facebook group!

Food 

Living in Bali means finding good food will never be an issue. 

Whether you crave Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Western, vegan, or vegetarian; they aren’t just affordable but delicious too.

There are small eateries as well as expensive restaurants.

Small eateries or also known as warung, sell authentic Indonesian cuisine. The price can go as low as $1 to $3 for a plate of rice with some vegetables and meat. 

On the other hand, in cafes and restaurants, food and drink will cost between $4 to $8, coffee typically between $2 to $4 and alcohol between $3 to $10.

There are also many options for best cafes to work in Canggu!

Transportation 

In Bali, it’s important to know how to ride a scooter, because it’s the most convenient mode of transportation. 

BUT you also must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) which you can apply in your country, before coming to Indonesia.

Well, it’s possible to ride without a license in Canggu, but it’s not advisable. 

Moreover, if the police stop you, chances are, you’ll get a fine and be offered “help” to solve it on the spot. (Ie; A BRIBE)

Just in case, be prepared to pay around $100, but in most cases, the amount can be bargained down. 

Renting a scooter costs around $4 to $5.5 per day, depending on how long you’re renting. A month-long rental would maybe cost $3.5 per day.

Gas costs around $1.50 per tank.

Weather 

Bali, in general, has a warm climate all year long.

The climate can be divided into the dry season from May to October and the rainy season from November to March.

However, if you happen to be in the coastal areas within the dry season, you will probably experience slightly cold weather. At night, the temperature can drop to 21 degrees. 

During the dry season, tourists will flock to Bali and some places can be crowded with people. 

If for some reason you miss being in cold weather or the sun is too much for you, you can always head over to more remote, mountainous areas. In these areas, the temperature can drop to 10 degrees at night. 

The Bali Digital Nomad Visa 

If you want to become a Canggu Digital Nomad, you need to get the right visa. Visa requirements in Bali vary based on nationalities. 

Most nationalities (including UK, USA, Canada, EU) can enter Bali without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Over 160 nationalities need no visa (free entry) for a maximum of a 30-day stay.

As a digital nomad, you can apply for a holiday visa which can be divided into three categories: staying less than 30 days, between 30-60 days and more than 60 days.

Less Than 30 Days

Check this list to see if you’re eligible for free entry. If you fall under this category, you don’t need to prepare anything.

If your country is not listed, you need to apply for a Tourist / Social Visa (B-211) at an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate outside of Indonesia. 

For your application, you will be required to present a sponsor letter. 

This is an official invitation to confirm: 

• the aim of your visit, 
• that you have sufficient funds,
• no intention of illegal work, 
• commit to respect the laws of Indonesia, and 
• will leave the country upon visa expiry date.

The letter has to be issued by an Indonesian citizen holding a valid ID. The person can be a business owner or a school teacher.

Between 30-60 Days

If your country is mentioned in this list, you are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), for $35 which is valid for 30 days. 

It can only be paid in cash and US dollars are accepted. The VoA can be purchased in the arrival hall at the airport. No sponsor letter is needed and the VoA can be extended once (+30 days). 

More Than 60 days

As a tourist, you can leave Indonesia for a day and re-enter, within the same day. 

They call it a “visa run”. You can “run” to Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia with a same-day return flight for as cheap as $80. 

Tip: Always choose KL, instead of Singapore because their friendly immigration staff won’t mind your obvious “visa run”.

Once you arrive back at the Indonesian airport, you can then get another VoA or if you need less than 30 days, just get the free entry stamp (Visa Exemption) from the passport counter.

How to Apply for Visa Extension

Applying for a visa extension is more convenient through an agent. It’s easy, straightforward, and usually without problems. 

The extension will allow you to stay another 30 days without you having to leave the country.

1. Start the process at least 7 to 10 working days before your current VoA expires.
2. Get in touch with an agent e.g. Visa4Bali or iVisa.com for around $70. 
3. Then, hand over your passport to the agent, or get it picked up.
4. Following this, the agent will be in touch with you, meet them at the office, and process the visa extension (photos and fingerprints). The whole process usually takes less than 3 hours including waiting time. 
5. Once the immigration officers have processed the visa extension, your passport will be returned to you, safely. 

What Happens If You Fall In Love With Canggu And Want To Retire There?

You may become a Canggu Digital Nomad and want to stay there indefinitely. In this situation, you have to be 55 years old and above to apply for the Retirement Visa (KITAS). 

Here’s a list of other requirements to qualify for a retirement visa:

• Have proof of health and life insurance, proof of pension; a minimum of roughly $1,520 per month, or at least a lump sum of $18,270 to provide living expenses while in Bali.
• You also need proof of a rental agreement with the cost set at over $380 a month.
• A letter stating you agree to employ an Indonesian while you live there i.e. an assistant, a household worker, etc.
• A CV and a statement agreeing you won’t work while in Bali. 

No matter which visa you choose, always be sure to check Bali.com regularly for updates. 

Top Destinations For Digital Nomads In Canggu

So where to live in Canggu? What sort of accommodation should you look into?

Whether you’re looking for a digital nomad hotel, digital nomad studio, coworking spaces or cafes and restaurants to work from, Canggu will spoil you with choices!

Three Top Digital Nomad Places In Canggu

1. Batu Bolong
2. Pererenan
3. Berawa and Echo Beach

Batu Bolong

Batu Bolong is Canggu’s most vibrant neighborhood packed with hipster cafes, chic shops, beach bars, and restaurants. 

The best cafes in Canggu are mostly located here.

Among the cafes you can try are:  

• Beachgarden,
• Living Food Lab and
•  SizzleWraps Cantina.

It’s a hyped-up beach where people take surfing lessons, watch sunsets and experience Hindu ceremonies. 

In short, Batu Bolong is the one for you if you love being in a party crowd.

Pererenan

The Pererenan Beach and Village ooze tranquillity with more locals and fewer tourists. The beach is amazing, the waves are not too high on the coast, with a beautiful sunset view. 

I think it’s a perfect place to stay long-term. There are many private villas where you can work surrounded by green paddy fields. 

No need to worry if you feel like partying though, the town is just a short 5-minute bike ride away!

Berawa And Echo Beach

Just like Pererenan, Berawa, and Echo Beach have fewer crowds and are quieter, but you can still find plenty of cafes and restaurants.

The black sand beach is one of the highlights here and the waves are loved by surfers. 

If you’re alone, take your mind off work for a while, buy a coconut, rent a chair, and watch the sunset. This area also has cool beach shacks lining up the beach if you’re on a night out with friends.

Cool Co-working Places For Digital Nomads In Canggu

Tribal Coworking Bali

Located in the Pererenan area, this is Bali’s first specially built ‘Coworking Hostel’, intended as a space for digital nomads and travelers from everywhere to work and explore Bali at the same time.

The beach is located a mere 500m away from here, with food, shopping, and spa options nearby as well.

This place also manages to be sufficiently tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the busier parts of Canggu without being too far off.

The food selection here is also great! Definitely a top pick for Canggu digital nomad accommodation!

What they offer:

• No membership fee
• Stable, fast Wi-Fi
• Plenty of seats

Outpost

Outpost is a well-established coworking space, voted #1 in Bali and Cambodia for two years in a row by Coworker.com. 

This Bali coworking space has a stylish and modern Balinese feel to it.

Designed to attract young professionals and entrepreneurs alike, Outpost bears a more ‘polished’ look. It has bookable meeting rooms, workshop spaces and Skype booths.

What they offer:

• A membership pass from $49 for 25 hours.
• A dedicated desk for around $208 monthly.

District

District (formerly known as C’ugh House) doesn’t share the same vibe as Tribe and Outpost, simply because it has an enviable rice paddy view.

Despite being low-key, this place will still appear if you search ‘coworking space Bali’ or ‘coworking Bali Canggu’ on Google. 

District has a to-die-for breakfast and lunch options that you can pair with their solid caffeine kick. 

What they offer:

• A free 2-hour pass with any purchase of food/drinks.
• A one-hour pass for just $3.
• A one-day pass for around $8.
• A one-month pass for around $114. 

Best Places to Stay 

Digital nomad accommodation in Bali is pretty easy to find, and Canggu is no different.

Once you’re in Canggu, where are the best places to stay?

Finding your digital nomad accommodation is pretty easy thanks to the large number of choices available!

After all, Canggu has an array of nomad accommodations that suit all budgets.

Here’s a list of the best places that offer the perfect balance of work and fun.

1. Sense Canggu Beach Hotel – from $70 per night
2. Exotica Bali Villa B&B – from $50 per night
3. Theanna Eco Villa & Spa – from $58 per night
4. The Chillhouse – from $55 per night
5. The Apartments Canggu – from $40 per night
6. Taman Nauli Boutique Rooms – from $35 per night
7. Happy Devi Guesthouse – from $23 per night
8. Mojo Resort – from $22 per night
9. Dega Gardens – from $14 per night
10. Caroline Guesthouse – from $6 per night

After spending a few nights in the area of your first choice and exploring other neighborhoods, you will be ready to look for long-term accommodation.

As a digital nomad, your places to stay would depend on your preferences.

Staying in the villas within the rice fields means your house will be much nicer and more affordable. But it’s only logical to rent a scooter every time you want to make a trip to the town.

On the other hand, staying in hostels/guesthouses means you can access restaurants, cafes, and your coworking space on foot. 

You can also talk to the coworking Bali community via any of these Facebook groups:

• Canggu Community Housing
• Find Your Home in Bali
• Bali Canggu Housing & Accommodation

Regardless, meeting the accommodation owner in person is the best way to get the best deal. You’ll also get to see how the place looks, because photos can be deceiving.

Best Food in Canggu

No Canggu guide is complete without delving into noteworthy food options.

While the café culture in Canggu is truly undeniable, there are also many Indonesian warungs serving local dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (stir-fried noodles), gado-gado and bakso (meatball soup). 

Here are my absolute must-try:

• Satay: small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer and served with a spiced sauce that typically contains peanuts. 
• Gado gado: a peanut-based dip mixed with fresh veggies, tofu and tempeh.
• Bakso: flavourful soup with wontons, a deep-fried hard-boiled egg and meatballs.

Canggu doesn’t leave any taste bud or appetite behind. 

Searching for the best eating places in a place like Canggu can be overwhelming so fret not – we’ve filtered the best ones for you:

• Balinese food – Warung Heboh, Ulekan, Ithaka Warung, Casa Tua Canggu.
• Healthy vegan options – Crate Café, Café Organic, Milu by Nook, The Shady Shack.
• Delicious breakfast and brunch – Sprout, nüde, Rise & Shine Café.
• Burger and pizza – Milk & Madu.
• Asian and Australian food – Sensorium Bali.
• Japanese food – Ji Restaurant Bali, Koi Batu Bolong, Ulu Wasabi Canggu.
• International cuisine – Watercress.
• Plant-based options – Peloton Supershop.
• Street-food – Berawa’s Kitchen.

Getting Around in Canggu 

So, you’ve mastered the art of riding a scooter. Before confirming your scooter of choice to rent, check if there are any scratches or dents. 

Then, the only thing that’s left to do is follow these tips:

• Firstly, always, always wear a helmet. With $30, you can get a good quality helmet. Don’t compromise your safety!
• Secondly, ride on the left side of the road.
• If you plan to roam further and longer, hire a local driver.
• And finally, ride slowly and safely as the roads are narrow and the traffic can be chaotic.

Things You Should Know

1.Avoid Drugs At All Cost

Can’t be more serious with this unless you want to be thrown into the filthy Bali prison. Possessing drugs means a death sentence.

Being on drugs means a standard 5-year in prison. In case there are moments you feel tempted, read Hotel K.

2.Canggu Is A Yoga Hub

Besides surfing, Canggu is also a hotspot for yoga goers.

The yoga studios in Canggu caters for the different types of styles such as:

•  traditional Tantric Hatha yoga,
•  Ashtanga and Mysore yoga,
•  Vinyasa, Kundalini and Yin and 
• many more.

3.Tap Water Isn’t Drinkable

This goes without saying! Don’t drink tap water if you don’t want to run to the loo clutching your bottom every 5 minutes. 

4.Respect The Culture

The Balinese culture and Hinduism are strongly linked.

Be mindful of your steps along the street as it’s full of canang sari, the colourful daily offerings given to the gods every morning made by the Balinese Hindus.

5.Send Your Laundry To Small Shops 

Because it only costs around $0.50 per kilo compared to hotels that charge more for one piece of shirt/pants.

6.Beware Of The Temple Monkeys

Well, any monkeys, as a matter of fact. 

If you happen to visit the beautiful temples, keep your things or any plastic bags out of sight. 

There will be lots of monkeys trained to steal your things. My spectacles were stolen by a monkey while I was sitting down taking photos. It cost me $4 to get them back.

7.Pay Extra Attention To Added Tax In bars/Restaurants

There will be an additional 21% tax on the food/drink prices in bars and restaurants. It’s completely legal, but some places have already added it to their menu, some include it in a small print on the receipt. 

Check again if you get an unusually hefty bill at the end of your meal. 

8.Warning Flags At The Beach

Sea conditions have always been unpredictable. Although it’s typically safe to swim, the sudden change can cause rip currents to appear. 

This is dangerous so avoid swimming if you see red flags along the busier beaches. 

9.Download Go-Jek

Go-Jek is the Indonesian Uber. It’s often used for e-hailing services (taxi and moto-taxi) but you can also use this convenient app to shop online and send packages. 

10.Cash Is King

In Bali, you won’t get to use your credit or debit card that much. 

However, decent ATMs can only be found in town. So, the best bet is to withdraw money when you arrive at the airport after passing immigration.

11.Staying Connected

You can stay connected with your friends and family back home by getting a local SIM card. 

For this, you can choose from two main providers: XL and Telkomsel. 

You can buy a SIM card from the airport or local shops for around $17 a week. Then, politely ask the cashier to register the card for you.

12.Staying Safe

Canggu is a relatively safe place. The crime rate is low although petty crimes like pickpocketing does happen. 

Regardless, just be sure to keep your things with you, always. 

Also, when you ride a scooter, don’t use your phone. The number one reason is to avoid accidents. Number two is, it can get snatched away by another passing bike.

Sun, sea, and sand. Food, fitness, and fun. Not to mention the Wi-Fi speed in Canggu that guarantees happiness among digital nomads. 

You can practically work anytime, anywhere. 

Overall, Canggu’s status as the digital nomad mecca is a no-brainer. 

While you’re there, take the opportunity to immerse in the unique Bali cultural experience. Visit a traditional healer, witness a Royal Balinese funeral (if there’s any), go for a cleansing ritual… anything that will make you understand and appreciate Bali even more.

With everything Canggu has to offer, I have to warn you though, you might want to stay longer than planned.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Canggu Digital Nomad

Where Do Most Digital Nomads Live In Bali?

Most digital nomads in Bali live in Canggu. This place has gained popularity amongst remote employees, digital nomads, content creators, and influencers in recent years.

Canggu boasts a healthy selection of coworking spaces, restaurants, and cafes for work, and it also boasts an upbeat nightlife that is popular among backpackers. 

Where Can I Work Remotely In Canggu?

8 Best Cafes to Work From In Canggu: 

• Zin Cafe
• Miel Cafe
• Crate Cafe
• Nude Canggu
• Milu by Nook
• Daun Cafe
• Doppio Cafe
• I Am Vegan Babe

Can I Be A Digital Nomad In Bali?

Yes, you can be a digital nomad in Bali. In fact, the paradise that is Bali, famed for its immaculate beaches and lively culture, has become a well-known destination among digital nomads. 

Bali offers workspaces with high-speed internet, reasonable costs of living, and a community of digital nomads from all walks of life.

Where Is The Best Place For A Digital Nomad In Indonesia?

Canggu, Bali is the best place for a digital nomad in Indonesia.

Canggu offers everything from cafes and coworking spaces with high-speed internet, to amazing sunsets and pristine beaches.

Coupled with a vast variety of delicious food and a fun and laidback lifestyle, Canggu is an amazing choice for digital nomads. 

What Is Canggu Known For?

Canggu is known for its cool hipster scene and surfer vibes. 

The town has everything from yoga retreats and spas to vibrant street art, restaurants offering an assortment of organic food, and chic cafes to work from. 

The beaches are popular among surfers, and the beach bars offer stunning views of the sunset. 

Why Is Canggu So Popular?

Canggu is so popular because this town has everything the other towns have to offer in one place: The cool cafes of Seminyak, the mouthwatering choices of healthy food of Ubud, the lush green rice fields popular in Bali’s inland, and the pristine beaches that seem to stretch on forever. 

Is Canggu A Party Town? 

No, Canggu is not known only for its parties and nightlife. The cool hipster scene in Canggu is more laidback than those in Kuta and Seminyak.

There is a good selection of bars, cafes, restaurants, and beaches in Canggu that offers a more relaxed vibe and draw in many surfers and digital nomads.

Is It Safe To Walk Around Canggu At Night?

Yes, it is safe to walk around most places in Bali at night, and this includes Canggu.

However, as with many places that have vibrant nightlife, it is always a good idea to avoid drunken crowds and tourists at night. 

What Is It Like Living In Canggu?

Canggu is relatively a safe town as long as you are always aware of your surroundings. 

The three main roads that lead in and out of the town are in pretty good condition.

However. they have a tendency of becoming pretty congested due to the large number of locals and foreigners in the area. 

Is Canggu A Good Place To Stay?

Yes, Canggu is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all that Bali has to offer.

This town has everything from pristine beaches and amazing surfing spots to cafes and restaurants serving an amazing array of healthy foods, hip and happening bars, and coworking spaces with high-speed internet. 

What’s The Difference Between Canggu And Seminyak?

The main difference between Canggu and Seminyak is that Canggu has a more laid-back surf and beach culture while Seminyak is upmarket and can be a more glam choice.

The nightlife in Canggu is also a little milder compared to Seminyak. 

Related Digital Nomad Posts on my site: outandbeyond.com

• How To Become A Bali Digital Nomad [2023 Update]
• The Best Coworking Space In Bali
• Coliving Bali – 7 Epic Spaces
• All You Need to Know About Becoming A Digital Nomad In Malaysia 
• An Advanced Guide To Becoming A Singapore Digital Nomad
• How To Become A Digital Nomad In Phillipines

An Essential Guide For A Canggu Digital Nomad