Indonesia has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and diverse culture. The country boasts numerous co-working spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and a welcoming community of expats and locals alike. Indonesia also offers a range of activities and experiences, from surfing in Bali to exploring ancient temples in Yogyakarta, making it an attractive destination for those seeking adventure and a change of scenery while working remotely. Additionally, the warm climate and friendly locals create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that has made Indonesia a popular destination for digital nomads looking to live and work abroad.
Jakarta, the bustling capital city of Indonesia, offers a unique experience for digital nomads looking for a taste of big city life. While Jakarta may not be as popular as Bali or Yogyakarta for digital nomads, it still has a lot to offer. The city has a growing number of co-working spaces, cafes, and other work-friendly places where digital nomads can work remotely. In addition, Jakarta has a diverse food scene, with plenty of street food and local delicacies to try, as well as international cuisine from all over the world.
One downside to Jakarta is the traffic, which can be quite heavy during peak hours, but the city does have a public transportation system that can help alleviate this issue. Despite the traffic, Jakarta has a lively nightlife and a variety of cultural activities and events, showcasing the country’s rich history and traditions. It’s also a good base for exploring other parts of Indonesia, as many domestic flights depart from Jakarta’s airport. Overall, digital nomading in Jakarta can provide a unique experience for those looking to immerse themselves in a fast-paced urban environment while still being able to work remotely.
Where we stayed at:
Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta. Highly-recommended 4-star hotel in the center of Jakarta with reasonable price – 350HKD per night for a double room. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, outdoor swimming pool and good services.
Where we ate at:
1)Chung Hae Soo San. It’s a Korean restaurant located in the Korean area of Jakarta. While a seafood stew may cost 450k IDR, it is definitely worth the price as it comes packed with a generous variety of shrimps, octopus, and clams, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
2)Kaum. An authentic Indonesian restaurant from the Potato Head Family. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of dishes that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage and uses locally sourced ingredients to create authentic flavors. The price is about 170k IDR per dish. https://www.kaum.com/
3)Cafe Batavia. Cafe Batavia is a historic restaurant and bar established in 1850. The cafe is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building and offers a range of international dishes and cocktails in a charming and sophisticated atmosphere.
Where we worked (coffee shops and co-working spaces):
Gowork. GoWork is the largest leading premium co-working and office space in Indonesia, offering over 20 locations across the country. Although the Plaza Indonesia location is situated in a high-end shopping mall and boasts fantastic facilities, the cost of a day pass at 170k IDR per person may be considered pricey for some. As an alternative, we opted for a nearby cafe within the mall premises where we enjoyed drinks, snacks, wifi and a comfortable environment to work in.
Other Reference Websites:
1)https://digitalnomads.world/city-guide/jakarta/
2)https://nomadfinanceandfreedom.com/digital-nomad-guide-to-indonesia/
Bali is a well-known digital nomad hotspot and for good reason. The island offers a unique blend of stunning natural scenery, a laid-back lifestyle, and a thriving co-working community. There are co-working spaces and cafes throughout Bali, particularly in the popular areas of Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak.
Bali’s tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and picturesque rice fields make it an ideal place for digital nomads looking to unwind after a day of work. The island also has a strong wellness culture, with yoga studios and healthy food options readily available.
One downside to Bali is that it can be quite touristy, particularly in the high season. However, there are still plenty of quieter areas to explore. Bali is also well-connected to the rest of Indonesia, making it a good base for those looking to explore other parts of the country.
Where we stayed at:
1)Caroline Guest House, Canggu. It’s a budget-friendly hostel option, with double rooms priced at just 200HKD per night. Its location is excellent, allowing easy walking access to both Echo Beach and the bustling restaurant and shopping district.
2)The Bali Dream Villa Resort Echo Beach Canggu. A secluded 4-star hotel situated in a tranquil area surrounded by lush greenery and rice fields. Although it’s a 15-minute walk from the commercial area, getting there in just 5 minutes via a Grab bike is always convenient.
3)Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. After a nomadic trip, we decided to indulge in a luxurious beach resort to relax and treat ourselves, which led us to the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. This resort offers a perfect combination of private beach, pools, bars, restaurants, and an array of activities such as spa treatments, water sports, and photography sessions. We stayed there for three nights, and the price for a double room including breakfast was approximately HKD1500 per night.
Where we ate at:
1) Bebek Benil. It is a popular restaurant in Ubud, Bali, known for its crispy and flavorful Balinese-style duck dishes. It offers a cozy and traditional atmosphere with affordable prices.
2)Woods Pererenan. It is delightful cafe and restaurant that was recommended to us by an Italian friend who had lived in Bali for a year and a half. The restaurant boasts a natural environment with wooden furnishings, including tables, chairs, and trees inside. Their food is also fantastic, and we highly recommend trying their lunch set of sliced Australian Rump Cap, which costs IDR130k. Visit their website for more information: https://woodsbali.com/about/
3) Smoke Bali. It is a BBQ & Grill restaurant that specializes in cooking low and slow food in a beautiful garden setting. Their commitment to traditional cooking techniques and attention to detail are evident in the delicious dishes they serve. We spent IDR900k for a nice dinner for two. For more information, visit their website at https://www.smokebali.com/restaurant. ↗
4)Santorini. It is a popular Greek restaurant located in Canggu, and it can get quite crowded in the evenings. However, it’s worth the wait, especially on specific days when they have special offers. When we visited on a Monday, we were able to enjoy discounted kebabs for just IDR 45k each. The food is both excellent and affordable. You can book a table via WhatsApp to avoid the queues.
5)Warung Bu Mi. While we didn’t come across many good and affordable Indonesian food restaurants in the Canggu area, Warung Bu Mi is definitely a great choice. This canteen-style restaurant allows you to choose from a variety of different dishes to make up your plate, with four dishes costing only about IDR 50k.
6)Ithaca Warung. is an Indonesian restaurant located near Echo Beach. Their extensive menu features a range of curries, western options, and the best Indonesian fare. The restaurant offers an inviting and relaxing atmosphere, with a good view for sunset on the terrace. We spent IDR800k for a nice dinner for two. For more information, visit their website at https://www.ithakawarung.com/. ↗
Where we worked (coffee shops and co-working spaces):
When working remotely in Bali, having a stable Wi-Fi connection is not always guaranteed. Therefore, it is crucial to find a reliable workspace that provides excellent Wi-Fi and a comfortable environment to ensure work productivity. Here are some co-working spaces we recommend, as well as two coffee shops that offer reliable Wi-Fi:
1)Bwork Co-Working. With a day pass price of IDR 300,000.00/pax (HKD 150/pax), Bwork Co-Working is an excellent option for those seeking a comfortable workspace that provides good Wi-Fi. They also have a café where you can purchase coffee and get access to Wi-Fi for 90 minutes. Bwork frequently hosts community events, and more information can be found on their website https://bwork.id/.
2)Tropical Nomad. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, Tropical Nomad offers a great tropical-style working environment. Their one-day pass costs IDR 180,000, and first-time visitors can try their free trial on Saturdays or Sundays. They also organize various activities and events, and their schedule can be found on their website https://www.tropicalnomad.org/.
3)Cafe Coach. Located opposite Bwork Co-Working, Cafe Coach offers a comfortable environment and high-speed Wi-Fi, making it an ideal spot to grab some drinks, food, and get some work done. They also offer special memberships and workshops for life coaches. More information can be found on their website https://cafecoachbali.com/.
4)Cafe the Daun. Just a one-minute walk away from Cafe Coach, Cafe the Daun is another great option for those looking for a coffee shop with reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
Networking events attended:
SpeakUp Monday. This weekly Q&A event takes place every Monday at the Tropical Nomad co-working space. Each week, the host invites a guest to speak and shares their story to inspire others. During our visit, we attended an event focused on the crypto community. The interview was lively and engaging, with the host asking thought-provoking questions and the guest providing insightful answers.
Other Reference Websites:
1) https://bucketlistbombshells.com/where-stay-digital-nomad-canggu-bali/
2)https://coconuts.co/bali/lifestyle/the-complete-guide-to-being-a-digital-nomad-in-bali-visas-coworking-spaces-accommodations-more/
3)https://digitalnomads.world/city-guide/bali/#Costs
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