Tipped as a paradise for those looking to get away from office routines, remote worker life in Ubud offers a world of opportunities for those looking for a comfortable and enriching place to live and work from. With countless cafes and coworking spaces, Ubud offers all the comforts and amenities necessary to work comfortably and in style. In general, remote worker life in Ubud is dynamic, rich and colorful -- with incredible natural spaces, a rich cultural tradition and a welcoming atmosphere, it is no doubt Ubud is so popular among digital nomads Nature is a big part of life in Ubud.
Surrounded by rice paddies on steep hills, Ubud is itself part of a lush jungle filled with biodiversity and incredible landscapes. While in Ubud, you will certainly want to visit Campuhan Ridge - a unique trail close to the heart of the city which exemplifies the magic and beauty of the local jungle. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sacturary is also an Ubud institution -- although it can too often be excessively crowded, this is the perfect place to spot monkeys and understand their importance to local life and culture. Additionally, despite Ubud’s inland location, the city is located relatively close to amazing beaches (around 1 hour by motorbike) and is filled with tour agencies offering day trips to smaller surrounding islands. Closer to home, right in Ubud, you will definitely never want to miss the city’s incredible sunsets.
You can also expect remote worker life in Ubud to be rich in culture and spirituality. Undoubtedly one of Indonesia’s most important cultural centers, Ubud’s traditions are mostly steeped in spiritual devotion. On any given day you can step out of your apartment to the pungent smells of incense and the sounds of the gamelan flowing from nearby temples and shrines. The many beautiful ceremonies ranging from dancing processions to funeral pyres to musical rituals which can all be seen and heard right in the heart of Ubud and its surrounding villages, exemplifies the elevated aesthetics of the country’s deep spiritual devotion to Hinduism.
In Ubud you will also find a strong artistic culture -- the “animal” style paintings in Pengosekan are unique in the world, and the Agung Rai Museum of Art in Peliatan has one of the best collections in Indonesia. Stemming from the local emphasis on nature and spirituality,remote worker life in Ubud is also likely to be healthy and stimulating. Countless inviting natural spaces make for perfect places to hike regularly, and the many wonderful yoga schools right in the heart of the city make taking up this activity almost impossible.
Balinese food is also incredibly healthy and there is a strong movement in Ubud to ensure all ingredients are locally sourced and organic -- most restaurants across the city will offer incredibly delicious vegetarian dishes which are responsibly produced and rich in macrobiotics. Remote worker life in Ubud can also be affordable, depending on your lifestyle and desires.
It is absolutely possible to find good accommodation for less than 300USD per month in Ubud, and a 1-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city could cost less than 700USD per month. Fresh produce is very popular across the city, meaning healthy food at home can be a great money-saving option. Additionally, renting a motorbike does not have to be expensive -- most deals range from 50-100USD for monthly rentals.
Your biggest expenses here will certainly be eating out at popular restaurants, as well as cafes and coworking-related expenses. Indeed, one of the best things about Ubud is just how welcoming the city feels to remote workers. With a huge expat and remote worker community, this is a place where life can be fun and vibrant. Friendly locals, beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural tradition make remote worker like in Ubud a uniquely rewarding experience.
For more information about living in Ubud as a remote worker, check out our complete Ubud guide.