Bali Tips for Entrepreneurs - CoWorking, Retreats & Ubud v's Canggu
Did you know that when I was about 6 years old, living in Canberra Australia, I toddled off to school one day where we were given the creative task of designing our very own placemats to take home (very exciting!). On one side I drew my family... and on the other I drew this little island, with a coconut tree and an 'islander man' in a grass skirt. I wish I still had it - but it looked something like this:
So even as a wee girl who had never even experienced a tropical island, and who was growing up in the inland depths of a man made political city (could you get any different!), the intention was set. So far I have visited Fiji, Tenerife, Rarotonga, Atiu, Aitutaki, Lombok and Bali.
The most basic airport I've ever been to in Atiu - this was it!
The thing is, when you hang out on a tropical island for long enough, and with this amazing technology called the internet... I am asked questions all the time about Bali from all walks of life - mostly from Facebook but even from places like Tinder! ...where to sleep? where to go? where to hold my retreat? In fact if I had $1 for every time, I'm pretty sure I'd be well on my way to owning my own tropical island.
So basically, to make my life easier (yes this is a self indulgent blog) here are my personal recommendations... but please note, I take no responsibility for your Bali experience. This island is pretty special and will dish out all sorts of obstacles for you if you need to learn something (just sayin'...).
Co-Working
Hubud in Ubud. My first main hang out that I used to visit a lot. Hubud has truly expanded since I first walked in their doors. I'm not there so frequently these days, but I do still duck in from time to time - and their social events are pretty awesome. I have made some very cool friendships and working relationships from this amazing bamboo office... totally has my thumbs up.
Dojo Bali in Canggu. Now here is a place that is starting to capture my attention (and probably because I'm keen to make a sea change to Canggu). A Co-working space with pool and 5mins from the beach... not bad! Dojo used to be another co-working space a couple of years ago and the referb they have made is outstanding - loving it.
Outpost in Ubud. On the days I know I need peace, quiet and a studious atmosphere to get a pile of to-do's done... I head here. Downstairs is a huge air-conditioned room that feels like a library. No talking allowed (!... but sometimes you need that), spacious desks and plenty of light. Great coffee too and they can organise food delivery.
Cafe's with Wifi
You pretty much can get wifi at every cafe in Bali... in fact I think it's more readily available than in countries like Australia! Perfect for wanderlust entrepreneurs who are tripping around while bring their online creations to life. I've also met new friends, had unexpected deep conversations with strangers and even learnt a thing of two from hanging out in coffee shops.
Seniman Cafe: Ubud. Right in the middle of town you'll find a hub of coffee connoisseurs. They are currently even creating a specific coffee workshop area! However, inside the cafe you'll find a huge communal table to sit at which makes meeting others super easy. Unfortunately the coffee & fast wifi does outweigh the food - can be a hit and miss.
Kismet: Ubud. This restaurant & boutique is also right in the middle of Ubud and is my new favourite to frequent at. Funky tunes with fast wifi & amazing food. Plenty of room with an upstairs and downstairs, pets and sometimes random roosters running over rooftops (funniest thing I've ever seen), and they do a really good dirty chai!
Earth Cafe & Market: Ubud. Right across the road from Kismet is Earth Cafe that is surprisingly quiet and has great wifi. If you are craving some super healthy food & smoothies, head this way. Next door is also Paradiso which has the world's first Organic Vegan & Vegetarian Cinema... eat your heart out! Or maybe not..? But, it's actually pretty cool inside - very comfy, great selection of flicks and meat eaters are allowed... just don't mention it.
Clear Cafe: Ubud. Nice location overlooking a gully and local temple. You'll be greeted by marigolds and friendly smiles. Multi level with all sorts of seating to suit cushion dwellers or those who prefer thy chair. Good food, good wifi. Nice wall to use as backdrop for selfies!
Sage: Ubud. Schmicko decor - really love the round window... personal fetish of mine. Very cosy, super healthy vegan food although if you are a coffee snob, probably not your coffee house of choice. However, they do a killer cocoa smoothie. Great wifi and nice chilled out atmosphere.
A load in Ubud, but Canggu.... hmmm haven't worked from cafe's down there for a while, but here's where I used to go a lot:
Milk & Madu: Canggu. Nice ambiance and setting, super tasty and nice variety of food options. Even better than that, are their comfy couch seats if you mange to get there in good timing to grab one. Good wifi, great coffee and fresh coconuts come with love... you'll see ;-)
Places to Stay:
Honestly, your best bet is bookings.com or airbnb.com. There is such a variety from cheap and cheerful to complete luxury. And, I've been in private Villas for quite a while now... so I'm not really in the know when it comes to short-term accommodation.
However, here are my best picks from the places I have stayed... and yes, not all of my experiences have made it to this list... and really - you're going to need a scooter to get around quickly & easily:
Riviera House: Canggu. My very first home away from home - hostel style. Basic but clean and inviting rooms... they had no pool when I was there - but I think they now have a pool! Pretty good wifi from what I remember. Super friendly people that are more than willing to help you with what ever you need.
Villa Honey: Seminyak. Prefer to be closer to the bright lights of Seminyak? This is an awesome 2 bedroom villa that's super cosy and homely. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle it's nice and quiet, but still close enough to all your Seminyak action. (Can be found on Airbnb)
