Reflecting on Bali: Embracing the Dualities and Moving Forward
Remote work, which began long before becoming the norm post-COVID, has reshaped our perceptions about work environments.
The idea of working with a laptop by the beach, once a dream, is now embraced by many.
Bali, in particular, exemplifies this lifestyle with its serene villas, breathtaking views, and captivating beachside settings.
Drawing from my own experience, having lived in Bali intermittently over the past year.
This article is to share my insights into what this lifestyle truly entails, and how I am moving forward.
The Good
I’ll start with the good stuff because there’s a lot of good things to say:
- It’s relatively cheap
Bali is cheap. Like cheap cheap.
For those accustomed to the high expenses of bustling metropolises like Singapore, Tokyo, New York, or Los Angeles etc.
Bali’s cost of living is a refreshingly economical alternative.
While it may not be as ‘dirt cheap’ as it once was, it remains significantly more budget-friendly.
A decent homestay that looks like this:
Only costs you this much:
Around $200 for an entire month.
That’s an enormous price difference than what you can expect at other parts of the world.
Daily cost of living for food and groceries can also be really cheap if you dine wisely.
These noodles with side dishes only cost me around $3.5 (inclusive of delivery fees) so as you can see food wise, definitely it’s very affordable too.
I never had to worry about paying for food because generally most food is significantly cheaper compared to what I’ve paid at home.
This newfound peace of mind, subtle yet profound, opened up spaces within me for deeper reflection and appreciation of the simpler aspects in life.
2. It’s very nomad friendly
It’s weird In Bali because a striking contrast is evident everywhere between traditional and modern lifestyles.
On one side, there are humble, traditional shops reflecting a simpler way of life.
And in the opposite, a sleek and modern restaurant stands, boasting advanced technology like 5G Wi-Fi and QR code menus.
This juxtaposition highlights the blend of Oriental simplicity with Western technological advancements, the epitome of Bali.
This also means you’ll never struggle to find a place to get some work in while indulging in some lovely local coffee.
The co-working culture in Bali is also thriving, offering a diverse range of options to choose from.
This abundance reflects the island’s growing appeal as a hub for digital nomads to work remotely while “living the island life”.
You’ll actually be surprised to witness the intensity in Bali’s co-working spaces.
People are locked in.
They are deeply engrossed in their work, often seen with blistering focus on their screens and working tirelessly, even burning the midnight oil.
This level of dedication in such settings portrays a strong work ethic and a serious approach to productivity among the community there.
The environment, brimming with determination and purpose, acted as a catalyst for my own drive.
It compels me to mirror that level of commitment in my projects and pushes me to strive for greater things.
The Bad
- Hidden gems not so hidden anymore
Unfortunately, Bali has become so synonymous with remote work, it has become the de-facto for digital nomads.
As such it’s become overly crowded, with once-hidden gems becoming well-known, drawing a larger crowds.
Just a stone’s throw away from the serene setting Bali is known for, you’ll see new developments springing up.
As someone who comes to Bali to take a break from the hustle and bustle, the congested traffic, has subtly altered the tranquil experience it once offered.
Traffic in Canggu on a typical weekday morning:
Similarly, bars and restaurants, once cozy retreats, are now often packed to the brim.
The challenge now is finding a quiet corner to enjoy a more intimate dining experience, which has become a rarer luxury in my opinion.
2. Temporariness
In Bali, there’s this sense of temporariness to everything, from the people you meet to the places you visit.
That’s because it’s a very common theme, where people are mainly there to “figure things out”.
It’s a safe haven that offers refuge to those who are lost, navigating through an expansive and nebulous abyss on earth.
As a result, everyone you meet there is scarcely just on the way to somewhere else and this is a temporary stop before proceeding, a sort of crossroads.
Even many who call Bali home rent beautiful villas, further emphasising the temporary nature of their stay in Bali.
Don’t get me wrong, if you’re looking to meet new people and make new friends. It’s a perfect place, people are generally open to making new connections.
But keep in mind, these connections are often short-lived as people eventually leave & continuing their journey elsewhere.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, my experience in Bali was fantastic.
I enjoyed:
- The morning bike rides to work
- The weekends by the beach
- The beautiful & cozy co-working spaces
- The kind locals which are always helpful
- The beautiful villa I stayed in
- The amazing people you meet
- The interesting projects people are working on
The list goes on & on.
In my journey, I realised that a significant portion of my time was dedicated to an introspective quest to figure out what I really wanted in life.
It resembled a sanctuary, a bubble, wherein the cacophony of the external world was silenced momentarily.
Yet, inevitably, there comes a moment when one must emerge from this haven and confront the vastness of reality.
Would I recommend to someone that has never been there to go?
Definitely, yes!
But, would I do it again? Would I move back again?
Maybe? Maybe not.
Maybe in the future where I need a pause button and a timeout to once again figure things out.
When that time comes, I’m sure Bali will once again open it’s arms to welcome me.
But till then, I will continue on my journey.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
