Bali, Indonesia

Visa Options

Bali offers several visa options for travelers and digital nomads:

• Tourist Visa: Visa-free entry for up to 30 days for many nationalities. For details, visit the Indonesian Immigration Website.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Extendable up to 60 days; costs around $35. Check eligibility and process here.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Introduced in 2023, the “Second Home Visa” allows remote workers to stay for up to five years. Requirements include proof of income or savings, typically $130,000 deposited in an Indonesian bank. More details are available on the official visa page.

Average Cost of Living

Bali is renowned for being affordable, offering a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Here’s a breakdown:

• Accommodation: $300-$1,500/month depending on type and location (see details below).
• Food: $2-$5 for meals at warungs (local eateries), $10-$20 at mid-range restaurants.
• Transportation: Renting a scooter costs $50-$80/month; ride-sharing apps like Gojek are affordable for short trips.
• Healthcare: Public healthcare is limited; private consultations range from $30-$100. Insurance is highly recommended to cover emergencies or specialist treatments.

Climate & Weather

Bali has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

• Dry Season (April-October): Warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging 27-32°C (81-89°F).
• Rainy Season (November-March): Hot and humid, with occasional heavy rains and thunderstorms. The best time to visit is during the dry season, though the rainy season offers lush greenery and fewer crowds.

Natural Landscape

Bali’s diverse landscape includes:

• Beaches: White sands in the south (Nusa Dua, Seminyak) and volcanic black sands in the north and west.
• Mountains: Mount Agung and Mount Batur are popular for sunrise treks.
• Rice Terraces: The UNESCO-listed Tegallalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces are iconic.
• Waterfalls: Sekumpul and Tegenungan are among the most stunning.
• Coral Reefs: Perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Things to Do

Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Bali has it all:

• Heritage: Visit temples like Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, and Besakih Temple.
• Adventure: Surfing in Kuta, diving in Amed, or white-water rafting on the Ayung River. Adventure seekers can also explore ATV rides or canyoning.
• Clubbing: Seminyak and Canggu are nightlife hotspots, with clubs like Potato Head and Finns Beach Club.
• Wellness: Yoga retreats and spa treatments in Ubud offer the ultimate relaxation experience.
• Shopping: Explore local markets in Ubud for handcrafted goods and chic boutiques in Seminyak for trendy fashion and decor. Check out the Ubud Art Market.

Lifestyle

Bali offers a relaxed, nature-filled lifestyle with a focus on wellness, spirituality, and community. The island’s vibrant Hindu culture influences daily life, with temples and ceremonies playing key roles. Expats and digital nomads flock to Bali for its affordable living, wellness retreats, and creative atmosphere. Outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and yoga are common, while healthy, organic food options are abundant. Bali’s social scene is a mix of lively nightlife and serene spots for relaxation. The island has a growing eco-conscious movement, with many businesses adopting sustainable practices to protect its natural beauty.

Other Important Locations in Indonesia

• Jakarta: The bustling capital city and economic hub.
• Yogyakarta: Cultural heart of Java, home to Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
• Komodo Island: Famous for its Komodo dragons and stunning marine life.
• Lombok: Quieter alternative to Bali, with pristine beaches and Mount Rinjani.
• Gili Islands: Tropical paradise for snorkeling and diving.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Guesthouses or small apartments ($300-$500/month).
• Mid-Range: Villas with private pools in Canggu or Ubud ($700-$1,200/month).
• Luxury: High-end villas or beachfront properties ($1,500+/month).

Co-Working Facilities

Bali is a hub for digital nomads, with numerous coworking spaces:

• Hubud (Ubud): $15/day or $150/month.
• Dojo (Canggu): $20/day or $180/month.
• Outpost: Multiple locations with prices starting at $15/day or $170/month.

Connectivity

• WiFi: Widely available in cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodations. Speeds range from 20-50 Mbps in most areas, making it easy to stay connected.
• Local SIM: SIM cards from Telkomsel or XL are easy to obtain. Data packages start at $5 for 10GB. Visit a local convenience store or official provider store to get set up quickly.

Volunteering Opportunities

• Volunteering in Bali offers a range of opportunities, from supporting local communities to environmental conservation. There are several different kinds of opportunities to explore including teaching, environmental conservation and animal welfare, cultural preservation, community development to name a few. You can find details of different volunteering opportunities at www.volunteerhq.org or https://www.volunteerworld.com/en/volunteer-abroad/bali or https://www.goabroad.com/articles/volunteer-abroad/best-bali-volunteer-programs

Local Employment Options

Employment options for expats include:

• Tourism & Hospitality: Hotels, resorts, and tour companies.
• Teaching English: Positions at international schools or language institutes.
• Remote Work: Bali’s affordability and coworking spaces make it ideal for freelancers and remote employees.

Real Estate Investment Options

Bali offers attractive real estate opportunities for those looking to invest in paradise:

• Leasehold Villas: Common for expats, with leases typically lasting 20-30 years.
• Freehold Properties: Only available to Indonesian citizens; foreign investors often use nominee arrangements. Learn more about regulations here.
• Prices: Range from $100,000 for smaller villas to over $1 million for luxury properties in prime areas. Detailed listings can be found here.

Start-up Ecosystem

Bali’s startup ecosystem is vibrant, driven by affordable living, a collaborative community, and opportunities in tourism, digital services, e-commerce, and sustainability. Co-working spaces like Hubud and Dojo Bali serve as hubs for networking, events, and collaboration. The island attracts a mix of local and global talent, including digital nomads and expats. While legal complexities and limited local funding can pose challenges, startups often rely on international investors and bootstrapping. Success stories like Green School and Bye Bye Plastic Bags highlight Bali’s innovative spirit. With supportive communities and government initiatives like the Second Home Visa, Bali is a rising hub for entrepreneurs.

Business Setup Process for Expats

Setting up a business in Bali as an expat involves navigating Indonesia’s legal and regulatory framework. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Business Structure
   • PT PMA: Foreign-owned company (common for expats).
   • Local PT: Requires Indonesian partner.
2. Check Investment Restrictions
   • Refer to the Negative Investment List to ensure your business is eligible.
3. Prepare Required Documents
   • Valid visa, business address, Articles of Association, and proof of investment funds (min. IDR 10 billion/USD 650,000).
4. Register Your Business
   • Company name approval, legal entity registration, and NIB via the OSS system.
5. Obtain Licenses
   • Based on your industry (e.g., tourism, trade, environmental permits).
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account
   • Required for transactions.
7. Tax Registration
   • Get a Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP).
8. Hire Local Employees
   • Must employ Indonesians; work permits (KITAS) needed for expat roles.
9. Work with Consultants
   • Legal advisors (e.g., Emerhub) can streamline the process.
10. Investment Requirement
    • PT PMA requires IDR 10 billion, but Local PTs may suit smaller-scale businesses.

Business Opportunities

• Tourism: Eco-friendly accommodations, adventure tours, or wellness retreats.
• Food & Beverage: Cafes, vegan restaurants, or beach clubs catering to expats and tourists.
• Digital Services: Opportunities in marketing, web development, or e-commerce ventures.
• Artisan Goods: Exporting traditional Balinese crafts like furniture and textiles to global markets.