How to Work in Bali in 2025: Jobs, Accommodation & Travel Tips

Waking up to the sound of ocean waves, grabbing a smoothie bowl for breakfast, and heading to a beach bar or a cozy coworking space for the day,if that sounds like your kind of routine, then it might be time to work in Bali.

Whether you're dreaming of serving cocktails at sunset, freelancing with your feet in the sand, or simply living somewhere that feels like a permanent vacation, this guide will walk you through exactly how to make it happen in 2025.

Why Bali?

Bali has always been more than just a travel destination. It’s where people come to reset, explore, and build something new. And for many, it’s also where they choose to work for a season, or even longer.

From beach towns buzzing with digital nomads to quiet villages surrounded by rice paddies, Bali offers something for every type of traveler. It’s affordable, inspiring, and filled with opportunities for those ready to say “yes” to a new lifestyle.

What Kind of Work Can You Do in Bali?

Hospitality & Seasonal Jobs

If you're up for a bit of sun, surf, and social energy, you’ll find no shortage of hospitality jobs,especially in places like Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu. Think:

• Bartending or waiting tables at beach clubs
• Welcoming guests at hostels or boutique hotels
• Helping out with surf camps or yoga retreats
• Repping or promoting events and nightlife

These are perfect if you’re looking to work in Bali short-term and don’t want to be glued to a laptop all day.

Programs like Rep Route actually help connect you to these kinds of jobs ahead of time, with housing and support included.

Remote Work & Freelancing

Already working online? You're in good company. Bali’s one of the most popular digital nomad spots in the world. People here are building businesses, running agencies, managing clients, sometimes from hammocks.

If you’re a graphic designer, writer, marketer, coach, or anything that just needs Wi-Fi and a laptop, you’ll fit right in. Co-working spaces like Outpost, Tribal, and BWork make working remotely easy (and social).

Volunteering or Skill Swaps

Some travelers trade their time for free stays, working the front desk of a hostel, helping with social media, or teaching English. While not paid work, it’s a great way to live cheaply and meet people.

Sites like Work-away or World-packers list these kinds of experiences.

Visas & Staying Legal

This is the part you don’t want to skip, working illegally in Bali is a serious no-go. Here’s what you need to know:

B211A Visa (Social/Business Visa)

Ideal if you're freelancing or looking to explore before committing. It can be extended up to 6 months, but you can't take local jobs (like bartending) on this visa.

KITAS (Work Visa)

This is the official work permit sponsored by an employer in Indonesia. If you're hired by a hotel, restaurant, or surf school, they’ll usually handle this process,but it can be slow and expensive.

Digital Nomad Visa (Coming Soon)

Indonesia has announced plans for a 5-year digital nomad visa that will allow people to work remotely (as long as their income is from outside the country) without paying local taxes. It’s expected soon, watch this space.

Bottom line: Don’t work under the table on a tourist visa. It’s risky, and not worth the stress.

Finding a Place to Stay

Short-Term

New to the island? Start with Airbnb or Booking.com to get your bearings. Hostels and guesthouses can also be a great way to meet people in your first few weeks.

Long-Term Rentals

Once you're on the ground, better deals open up. Use Facebook groups like “Canggu Community” or “Ubud Rentals” to find private villas, house shares, or cozy studios. Many landlords prefer local payment and offer monthly discounts.

Co-Living Spaces

Want a built-in community? Co-living is big in Bali. Spaces like Tribal or Outpost include coworking, fast Wi-Fi, events, and friendly neighbors. Great for solo travelers or first-timers.

Day-to-Day Tips for Life in Bali

Get a Scooter

It’s the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Daily rentals are about £2–3. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have travel insurance that covers scooters.

Stay Connected

Wi-Fi is strong in most parts of the island, especially in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. Pick up a Telkomsel SIM for reliable 4G as a backup.

Eat Well

Food is one of the best parts of Bali. You can enjoy local warungs with meals for under £2 or try out Instagram-worthy cafés with smoothie bowls and lattes.

Work-Life Balance

You’ll quickly find yourself working less and living more. Surf before breakfast, yoga after work, weekend volcano hikes, and sunset cocktails,it’s a lifestyle that’s easy to fall in love with.

Want a Head Start? Try a Work Abroad Program

If all of this sounds exciting but a little overwhelming, consider joining a working holiday program.

Rep Route, for example, offers working holiday packages in Bali that sort out your job, accommodation, and in-country support. It’s perfect if you want to hit the ground running without having to figure everything out solo.

You’ll get:

• Job placement (bar work, events, hospitality)
• Shared housing with other workers
• Airport pickup & 24/7 support
• Local SIM card & transport guidance
• Welcome meetups and island events

It’s a great way to meet people, settle in fast, and avoid costly mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Bali is more than just a travel hotspot, it’s a place where you can build a life that balances work, adventure, community, and peace. Whether you’re freelancing, picking up a summer job, or just trying something new, there’s never been a better time to work in Bali.

Pack light, stay open-minded, and let the island work its magic.

Ready to turn the dream into reality?

Check out www.rep-route.com for Bali work-abroad packages that take care of everything, so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.