My first month as a digital nomad in Bali

I could write a book solely on my first month experience!

When we’re about to move to a new place, we tend to idealize what we’ll find. So when we get there and things aren’t as fabulous as we imagine, we feel disappointed. So here’s my experience.

Canggu is FULL of Instagram models and they have their own hangouts. 

Now, I don’t mind instagram models, but there are a few things that I find intense about them socially. Constantly asking for free stuff in exchange for a feature (and being nasty to the staff). Asking you to move all the time and standing ages on a spot so they can take the perfect photo (and not allowing you to enjoy the view/ambiance), 

The reason why I feel this way is because it was full of those in Dubai. Although I think that Canggu specifically is more intense.

As a business owner and content creator I use cafes to work from, and having that constant movement and noise is a distraction for me. So I did figure out they have their own hang outs and try to avoid them at all costs. 

You really have to make an effort to make friends.

If you want people with purpose who are aligned with the way you think and have an entrepreneurial mindset, you won’t meet these people walking down the street or won’t recognize them at a bar. 

What you need to do is make an effort. Attend events for networking, or soul-search at workshops or women’s circles.

Bali is cheap depending on the area.

Price of food, supermarket.

It’s about finding the kinks: coconut yogurt delivery price difference (a 200g yogurt 5 dollars versus 1 liter delivery 6 dollars).

There are bule spots (expat businesses) that are designed to make you spend money. Make sure you identify and pass on them, because if you’re here on a long-term basis, it’s hardly affordable.

Canggu isn’t as mindful as it used to be.

I used to come to Bali often, and stay in this same area: Canggu and I absolutely loved it.

I found everything there: mindfulness, fitness, good food, spirituality, and community.

But reality has changed after the pandemic happened. Now that the borders reopened, this particular part of the island seems to attract a different crowd.

And if you’re wondering what is different about the crowd, I’d say it’s mainly this: they’re focused on their own exterior more than their interior.

Now, I’m not passing judgement. This is just an observation of the people I’ve found here, I’m sure I’ve been in that situation where the outside was more important to me than anything else. But that isn’t the case now.

Now I care about what I can do to live a life that excites me and that lights my heart on fire so this type of community that exists in Canggu doesn’t really align with what I want for my life now.

Conclusion

My first month here was a friendly reminder that we, humans, tend to idealize people, places, and situations. It was also a reminder of what I came here to do and it was a great way to clarify my goals.

Even if it hasn’t been perfect, it’s been a wonderful, sunset-filled month that’s part of my growth journey.

And that’s always a good thing.

Where would you like to go as your first digital nomad destination?