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Bali Is Not A Country Or A City...
Let’s clear one misconception: Bali isn’t a country. Bali isn’t even a city.
Bali is an island province with multiple different areas.
The island is spread out, and getting from one area to another can take hours so choosing your base is key to making the most of your stay.
What’s even better is that Bali suits every budget – broke backpackers can stretch every rupiah and jetsetting luxury travellers can spend endless amounts on villas and beach clubs. Bali has something for everyone!
But before you pack up and go, let’s clear one big misconception: Bali isn’t just one central hub where everyone hangs out. The island is spread out, and getting from one area to another can take hours so choosing your base wisely is key to making the most of your stay.
As for remote workers like me - Bali is often called the digital nomad capital of the world, and for good reason. Remote workers from all around the globe flock to the island of the gods to click away on their keyboards and enjoy the dreamy Southeast Asian life. Digital nomads are drawn to Bali for its affordable life, hot tropical climate, rich culture, strong internet, and chill island vibes.
I made to sure to spend my time across three popular traveller hotspots among travellers: Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu. Having spent a month hopping between all three, here’s my take on each.
Canggu: The Social, Hip Playground
Canggu is hands down the social hub of Bali. It's also the biggest backpacker and digital nomad hotspot of Bali filled with travellers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Canggu is a trendy village with tons of vibey cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs. Think trendy cafés, high-end restaurants, buzzing beach clubs, and co-working spaces packed with ambitious remote workers. The vibe here is energetic – there’s always something happening, from networking events to surf meetups and late-night parties.
What to Expect in Canggu
✅ Restaurants – There’s no shortage of great eats from local Indonesian platters to smoothie bowls.
✅ Gyms & Wellness – Some of the best gyms, yoga studios, and recovery centres in Bali.
✅ Cafés & Co-working Spaces – Endless options with strong WiFi, aesthetic interiors, and top-tier coffee.
✅ Beaches & Surfing – Black sand beaches and decent waves for beginners and pros alike.
✅ Nightlife & Events – Live music, DJ sets, and digital nomad networking nights.
❌ Traffic – Absolute chaos. Scooters are your best bet, but expect congestion. It’s getting worse as the days pass by.
❌ Overcrowding – This place is no longer a hidden gem. It’s busy, especially in peak season.
Verdict: If you love a social, high-energy environment with endless opportunities to connect, Canggu is for you.
🏠 Find Places To Stay In Canggu →
Ubud: Bali’s Cultural Hub
Ubud is Bali’s cultural and wellness hub and the most developed of the 3 areas. It’s a dreamy jungle escape surrounded by waterfalls and rice terraces. This is where you come to slow down, recharge, and dive deep into Balinese and Indonesian culture.
What to Expect in Ubud
✅ Tons of Things to Do – Watch the Kecak Fire Dance, take a silver jewellery workshop, visit the Monkey Forest, or explore waterfalls. You’ll never get bored here.
✅ Nature – Surrounded by jungle, rice fields, and mountains.
✅ Culture & Spirituality – Balinese temples, traditional ceremonies, and a strong local influence.
✅ Yoga & Wellness – World-famous yoga retreats, meditation centres, and healing workshops.
✅ Cafés & Restaurants – A mix of traditional Indonesian spots and global cuisine.
✅ Co-working Spaces – Some of Bali’s best digital nomad infrastructure.
❌ No Beaches – Ubud is inland, so no ocean views or surf sessions.
❌ Traffic – Not as bad as Canggu, but still a headache at peak times.
Verdict: If you’re after a well-rounded experience with nature, culture, and adventure, Ubud is your spot.
🏠 Find Places To Stay In Ubud →
Uluwatu: The Quiet Coastal Escape
Uluwatu, or just Ulu, is Bali’s surf paradise. It’s way more relaxed than Canggu, with fewer people, less traffic, and some of the most stunning beaches on the island. The trade-off? A quieter social scene. But hey, sometimes that’s the vibe people are looking for in Bali!
What to Expect in Uluwatu
✅ Beaches & Surfing – Clear waters, white sand, and world-class surf spots.
✅ Less Traffic – A welcome relief compared to Canggu and Ubud.
✅ Beach Clubs – Laid-back spots with sunset views and great vibes.
✅ Quiet Lifestyle – Perfect for a retreat and for those looking for an escape.
❌ Less Developed – Fewer co-working spaces and nomad infrastructure.
❌ Less Social – Not ideal if you want a buzzing social scene.
Verdict: For me, Ulu was a bit too quiet. I prefer a bit of daily hustle and bustle. But if you’re looking for a peaceful escape with unbeatable ocean views, Ulu is the place to be.
🏠 Find Places To Stay In Uluwatu →
So, Where Should You Base Yourself?
Love a buzzing social scene, events, and endless cafés? Canggu.
Want culture, nature, and plenty of new things to do? Ubud.
Prefer an ocean escape with stunning beaches and quiet energy? Uluwatu.
Or, do what I did: try them all and see what feels right! That’s the beauty of Bali. You can switch it up whenever you want!
Resources For Travellers Going To Bali
Ready for your Bali adventure? Check out some of these resources to help you better plan your travel.
Get A Discount On Your Next Bali Airbnb
Are you looking to save money on your next Airbnb booking in Bali? Well, here’s a trick that might help you out. I have saved hundreds of dollars on Airbnb bookings using this simple money-saving travel hack.
I’m going to jump straight into it. Here’s the travel hack:
Before you book an Airbnb, directly contact the host and request a discount on the property using the template linked below.
💸 Read My Airbnb Discount Message Template →
Booking Your Flight To Bali
Denpasar Airport in Bali is well-connected with many international destinations, making it a convenient entry point for arriving in Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu.
If you haven't booked your trip yet, you can use the our Skyscanner widget below to get an idea of flight prices for the dates you’ve got in mind. If you spot a great deal, you could lock in your tickets to Bali today!
Health Insurance For Bali With Genki
To stay protected on my travels , I always make sure I’m covered with a strong insurance partner. For my last couple of travels, I’ve been using Genki, an insurance company that is literally dedicated to long term travellers, backpackers, and digital nomads. They’ll have you covered for every country with a flexible month-to-month plan and no long-term commitment.
Your journey deserves the added security that Genki provides so that you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Bali. Genki has your back across scooter accidents and surf injuries across the island.
Getting An SIM In Bali For Data On The Go
When you land in Bali, I strongly suggest you purchase a SIM card to stay better connected. As a digital nomad and creator, staying connected to the internet is essential to keep work running smoothly. I suggest getting a SIM from the airport as soon as you land from the main telecom providers in Indonesia: Telkomsel, Three, Smartfren, IM3, and XL Axiata.
If hunting down a local SIM card is a hassle for you, I recommend checking out Airalo for an eSIM while travelling in Bali. I've used Airalo multiple times on my trips around the world, and it's been a gamechanger. It’ll save you the hassle of hunting for SIM cards at airports and local markets. You can purchase it easily on your phone and you're good to go!
