Introduction
Bali has changed from a popular tropical vacation spot to one of the best places in the world for digital nomads to live. The Island of the Gods has the best lifestyle for remote workers who want to get away from the office grind. It has affordable housing, a reliable internet infrastructure, a lively coworking culture, and sunshine all year round.
You can’t just book a long-term Airbnb stay to go from being a short-term tourist to a long-term resident. This complete guide will help you deal with the challenges of living in an apartment in Bali for six months or more, from visa requirements to choosing the right neighborhood. This will make sure that your digital nomad dream comes true.
Why Bali is the Best Place for Digital Nomads
The Cost-Benefit Edge
Bali has a very high quality of life for a very low cost compared to the West. Long-term apartment rentals usually cost between $400 and $1,500 per month, depending on where they are and what they have to offer. This is a lot less than what you would pay in big cities around the world. This affordability goes beyond housing. Coworking spaces, healthy meals, transportation, and entertainment are all available at reasonable prices, so you can keep living comfortably while you grow your remote business or career.
Infrastructure Made for Working from Home
The digital nomad community in Bali has pushed for big improvements to the area’s infrastructure. Most neighborhoods now have fiber optic internet with speeds over 50Mbps. Many apartments and coworking spaces even have connections that are faster than 100Mbps. Power outages are becoming less common in popular expat areas, and most good apartment buildings have backup generators.
Networking and Community
Bali has a lot of different digital nomad communities, from Canggu’s entrepreneurial surf culture to Ubud’s wellness-focused creatives. Networking events, skill-sharing workshops, and mastermind groups that happen on a regular basis give people chances to work together, make friends, and grow professionally that go beyond where they live.
Knowing Your Visa Options for Staying Long-Term
The B211A Social-Cultural Visa
This visa is the most popular choice for digital nomads. It gives you 60 days to start with and four possible 30-day extensions, for a total of 180 days (6 months). It’s great for people who want to try out the Bali lifestyle or work on projects with set deadlines.
Requirements:
- A passport that is still good for at least six months
- Proof of where you are staying
- Ticket for the return flight
- Proof of money (bank balance of $2,000 or more)
- Visa costs between $90 and $150, including extensions.
The KITAS Visa For a Second Home
This visa, which came out in 2023, lets people stay for 5 to 10 years. It’s great for people who want to live in the country for a long time. You must show proof of renting or owning property, have tax compliance, and have financial statements showing that you make more than $130,000 a year or have investments in Indonesia worth more than $2 million.
Working From Home on a Tourist Visa
It’s not technically legal to work remotely for foreign companies in Indonesia, but the rules aren’t very strict for digital nomads who work online for clients in other countries. Most people who live in Indonesia for a long time use the social-cultural visa to do things that are technically illegal but that the government usually lets them get away with.
Important
When you enter Indonesia, never say you’re “working.” Always say you’re there for tourism, cultural activities, or a yoga retreat.
The Best Areas to Live for a Long Time
Canggu: The Capital of Digital Nomads
Best for
Business owners, Content creators, Surfers, and digital nomads who use social media
Canggu is now a well-known place for digital nomads in Bali. It’s where business happens because it has the most coworking spaces, cafes with good wifi, and networking events. What do you have to give up? This is the most expensive area, and during peak season, it can feel too crowded.
Average Monthly Rent
$600-$1,200 for 1-2 bedroom apartments Internet Quality: Great (50–100 Mbps is widely available) Vibe: Young, entrepreneurial, social, and beachy
Seminyak: High-end convenience
Best for
Professionals who have been in the business for a while and value comfort and amenities
Seminyak has more upscale restaurants, shops, and entertainment than Canggu, as well as better infrastructure. It’s perfect for digital nomads who have outgrown the hostel scene and want a place to live that is safe and comfortable without giving up beach access.
Average Monthly Rent: $800-$1,800 for 1-2 bedroom apartments
Internet Quality: Excellent (fibre optic common)
Vibe: Sophisticated, established, dining-focused, better infrastructure
Ubud: Wellness and Cultural Immersion
Best for
Writers, Artists, Wellness professionals, and people who want to be in a quieter place
Bali’s cultural heart is a whole different world, with lush rice terraces, traditional ceremonies, yoga studios, and a slower pace of life. People who want to be creative and those who care more about mental clarity than being near the beach go to Ubud.
Average Monthly Rent: $400-$1,000 for 1-2 bedroom apartments
Internet Quality: Good to excellent (improving rapidly)
Vibe: Spiritual, wellness-focused, artistic, nature-immersed
Sanur: The Option That Doesn’t Get Enough Credit
Best For
Families, older digital nomads, and people who want to experience real life in the area
People in their 20s and 30s often forget about Sanur, which has beachfront homes at reasonable prices and a more laid-back, local vibe. It’s great for people who want to stay away from the party scene but still be able to get to the beach.
Average Monthly Rent: $500-$1,200 for 1-2 bedroom apartments
Internet Quality: Good (fiber optic available)
Vibe: Laid-back, family-friendly, authentic, quieter
Things to Look for in a Long-Term Apartment
Things You Can’t Live Without
1. Internet Speed and Reliability
Test the connection during your viewing. Request speed test results. Ask neighbours about reliability. Consider apartments with backup internet providers or invest in a secondary mobile hotspot.
2. Air Conditioning
Not just a luxury in Bali’s tropical climate—essential for productivity and sleep quality. Check that AC units are modern and well-maintained; older units can be expensive to run and ineffective.
3. Hot Water and Water Pressure
Consistent hot water is crucial for daily comfort. Test both hot and cold water pressure during viewings, especially on upper floors of apartment buildings.
4. Security Features
Look for 24-hour security guards, secure parking (if you plan to rent a scooter), and reliable locks. Many apartments now offer keycard access or smart locks.
5. Kitchen Facilities
Even if you eat out frequently, having cooking capability saves money and provides flexibility during sick days or busy work periods. Check for refrigerator, stove, and basic cooking equipment. Features That Are Nice to Have
- Swimming pool (which is common in Bali apartments)
- Gym facilities (saves money on separate memberships)
- There is a coworking space in the building.
- A balcony or outdoor space
- Washing machine (laundry services are cheap but take a long time)
- Close to cafés and coworking spaces
- Covered parking to keep scooters safe during the rainy season
Things to Stay Away From - Apartments that don’t have any reviews or testimonials
- Landlords want full payment up front before showing
- Properties that are much lower than the market rate (usually means there are problems)
- There is noise from buildings being built nearby.
- Places that are far from main roads during the rainy season (risk of flooding)
- Apartments that show signs of mold or water damage
The Process of Searching and Renting
Where to Look for Long-Term Rentals
Facebook Groups (Most Used)
- “Bali Long-Term Housing”
- “Digital Nomads Bali”
- “Notice Board for the Ubud Community”
Websites
- Airbnb (look for monthly deals)
- Booking.com (some of them have monthly rates)
- Bali Nomads (for digital nomads only)
When you work with a property management company like Orivista, you can be sure that your apartments will be well-maintained and that you will get reliable support, clear contracts, and quality assurance. This takes care of a lot of common rental problems.
Talking about your lease
The rental market in Bali is flexible and based on relationships. Here’s how to make a good deal:
Use Long-Term Commitment
Landlords like tenants who stay for a long time. If you offer a lease for 6 to 12 months, you can get a 10 to 20 percent discount on the advertised monthly rates.
When to Rent
Rentals are cheaper during the off-season (January to March and October to November). Even if you’re coming during the busy season, you can often get better rates for the slower months ahead.
Payment Terms
Most landlords want 1 to 3 months’ rent up front plus a deposit. Set up payment plans that are fair to both sides. Don’t pay the whole year up front, even if they promise you more discounts.
What to Include
Put in writing who is responsible for utilities, the internet, cleaning, and maintenance. Some rentals come with weekly cleaning and gardening, but this is not always the case.
Things to think about legally
Rental Agreements
Always ask for a written contract in English and, if possible, Indonesian. Important words to use:
- Exact rental period with dates for start and end
- The amount of rent due each month and when it is due
- Amount of the deposit and the rules for getting it back
- Who pays for what utilities?
- Rules for maintenance and repair
- Clauses for ending early
- Documentation of the property’s condition
Deposits
A normal deposit is one to two months’ rent. Take pictures and videos of the apartment’s condition on move-in day so you don’t have any problems getting your deposit back.
Payment
Sending money to Indonesian bank accounts by wire transfer is common. Save all of your payment receipts. Some landlords will accept international transfers, but they come with fees and exchange rate issues.
Getting Your New Life in Bali Ready
Important First Steps
1. Get a Local SIM Card.
Visit a Telkomsel or XL Axiata store immediately. Unlimited data plans run $10-25/month and provide essential backup internet. 2. Open a Local Bank Account (If Staying 6+ Months) While not mandatory, a local account simplifies paying rent, utilities, and daily expenses. Some banks (Bank Mandiri, BCA) allow foreigners with social-cultural visas to open accounts with minimal bureaucracy. 3. Rent a Scooter Bali’s primary transportation method. Monthly rentals cost $50-80 and provide freedom to explore. Get an international driving permit before arriving and always wear a helmet. 4. Register with Your Embassy Let your embassy know you’re in Bali for an extended period. This helps in emergencies and keeps you informed about travel advisories.
Creating Your Network of Support
Health care
Sign up with a good clinic like BIMC or Siloam Hospital. A lot of digital nomads buy international health insurance that covers Bali hospitals for $100 to $300 a month.
Legal and Visa Agents
Get to know a trustworthy visa agent who can help you with extensions and paperwork. Advice from people who have lived abroad for a long time is very helpful.
Coworking Memberships
Coworking spaces offer backup internet, a place to meet people, and a professional setting for important calls, even if you have good internet at home.
Expectations for Monthly Budgets
Here’s how much you should plan to spend to live comfortably for a long time:
Rent: $600-1,200 (mid-range apartment)
Utilities: $50 to $100 for electricity, water, and the internet
Food: $300 to $600 (a mix of cooking at home and eating out)
Transportation: $50-80 (scooter rental + fuel)
Coworking: $50 to $150 (if you use shared spaces)
Health Insurance: $100 to $300 for
Entertainment/Activities: $200-400
Phone and mobile data: $15 to $30
Total Monthly Budget
$1,365-2,860 for comfortable living
This range lets you live a good life while still being a lot cheaper than most cities in the West. Nomads on a budget can live on less, while those who like luxury can spend more and still get great value.
Getting Used to Balinese culture
Respect and being aware of other cultures
If you want to live in Bali for a long time, you’ll have to adapt to a culture that is very spiritual and community-oriented. Small acts of respect go a long way:
- Learn some simple phrases in Indonesian and Balinese.
- When you go to temples or villages, dress modestly.
- Understand that Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, means total silence. For 24 hours, there will be no lights, no internet, and no leaving your home.
- When invited, take part in local ceremonies with respect.
- Help local businesses as well as businesses that cater to expats.
Taking care of The Rainy Season (October to March)
The rainy season doesn’t mean it rains all the time, but thunderstorms are common in the afternoon. Get ready by:
- Making sure your apartment has good drainage
- Buying good rain gear for riding a scooter
- Making plans for indoor work when it rains heavily
- Loving the lush, green landscape that rain brings
How to Avoid Digital Nomad Burnout
Even though the Bali bubble has a community, it can feel lonely. To keep your balance:
- Setting limits on work (don’t fall into the 24/7 grind mindset)
- Going beyond tourist spots
- Making friends with both locals and people from other countries
- Going to other Indonesian islands regularly
- Making routines that help you stay grounded in your daily life
How Orivista Property Management Helps People Who Live There Long-Term
It can be hard to find your way around Bali’s rental market, especially if you’re not from there. Orivista Property Management is an expert at finding and managing apartments in Bali’s best neighbourhoods for digital nomads and long-term residents.
What Sets Us Apart
Transparent, Digital Nomad-Friendly Contracts
We understand remote worker needs—flexible terms, clear utility arrangements, and straightforward cancellation policies that respect your mobile lifestyle.
Reliable Infrastructure
All Orivista properties feature verified high-speed internet, backup power solutions, and modern amenities designed for remote work productivity.
24/7 Support
Technical issues, maintenance needs, or questions about local life—our team provides responsive support throughout your stay, allowing you to focus on your work and Bali experience.
Curated Property Selection
We personally vet every apartment for internet quality, location safety, and overall suitability for long-term living, eliminating the risk of unpleasant surprises.
Whether you need a stylish studio in Canggu’s creative hub, a family-sized apartment in Seminyak, or a peaceful retreat in Ubud’s rice terraces, Orivista helps you find your perfect Bali home.
Conclusion: Making Bali Your Long-Term Home
Living in an apartment in Bali for a long time is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create a life that combines work with tropical adventure, cultural immersion, and real community. Thousands of digital nomads have made Bali their home base, and many never look back. The move does require planning, adapting to a new culture, and setting up at first.
The most important thing is to have realistic expectations, be well-prepared, and be open to both the good and bad things about living on an island. Pick a neighbourhood that fits your work style and lifestyle, spend time getting to know people in the area, and set up systems that help you stay productive over the long term.
Bali isn’t perfect. Traffic in Canggu can be annoying, the rainy season can cause floods that make life harder, and the rapid growth of the digital nomad scene can cause problems of its own. But if you’re willing to go with the flow of life on the island while still being professional, Bali offers a life that most office workers can only dream about.
Are you ready to start your long-term trip to Bali? Whether you want a short-term trial that lets you change your mind or are ready to live on the island for years, Orivista Property Management can help you find the perfect apartment that will be your home, workspace, and starting point for the Southeast Asian lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
Get in touch with Orivista Property Management today to see our hand-picked list of long-term rentals in Bali’s best neighborhoods that are great for digital nomads.
