Here’s something you’ve been waiting to hear: Indonesia, home to epic surf breaks, is also one of the best countries for digital nomad surfers.
With an abundance of perfect reef breaks, accessible spots with high-speed Wi-Fi, affordable living costs, and even a multitude of co-working spaces, Indonesia, especially the island of Bali, is a top choice for those who work remotely and surf.
Fortunately, over the last few years, the digital nomad and surfing lifestyle has spilled over from Bali into neighbouring islands and the rest of Indonesia. Now, you can find remote working hubs all along the shores of some of Indonesia’s best waves and surf towns.
In this article, we will explore the top 4 destinations to surf and work remotely in Indonesia and the elements that make each spot ideal for digital nomad surfers, including the surf conditions, wifi, and the overall cost of living in Indonesia.
1. Bali: Iconic and Accessible Surf Paradise for Remote Workers
Vibe:
The most popular spot in Indonesia for digital nomad surfers is the island of Bali. With many different kinds of waves on offer no matter the season of the year, and even more co-working spaces/cafes with high-speed internet to choose from, Bali is the most accessible place in Indonesia if you’re a remote worker who is also chasing epic waves. You can get to Bali straight off your international flight, and once you arrive you will find everything from surf shops to yoga to any cuisine you are craving.
Surf:
From soft sandy shore breaks to world-class barrelling waves, Bali will provide it all. The wet season from November to April sees the East coast of the island light up with waves. Popular spots like Keramas, Pandawa, and Nusa Dua are the go-to waves for advanced intermediates, and Baby Reef in Sanur is the perfect wave for beginners and longboarders.
The peak dry season of June to September will bring life to the West coast, and the biggest swells of the year. The entire coastline of the Uluwatu peninsula is where you want to be if barrel riding is on your agenda. Whereas Kuta, Padma, Canggu, and Kedungu are the places to check out if you’re learning to surf or looking for a more mellow ride.
Working Remotely in Bali:
Bali is home to surf spots with the best high-speed internet – you will be able to work efficiently in almost any cafe in any surf town. If you’re specifically looking for co-working spaces or a digital nomad community, Uluwatu, Canggu, Pererenan, and Sanur are the best places for you.
Some spots come with an hour/day rate or membership whilst others are free entrance, however, you may have to order from their menu. So make sure to check beforehand!
-> Read our deep dive on the Top Longboard Spots in Bali for Digital Nomads
2. Nusa Lembongan: A Digital Nomad’s Oasis with Endless Waves
Vibe:
Just a 30-minute speed boat ride away from Bali is the small island of Nusa Lembongan. If you’re looking for a slower pace of living, however something that isn’t too far from the rush and convenience of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is the perfect place for you!
Surf:
There are 5 main breaks on this little island, all of which can be good options for any level of surfer, depending on the swell size. When it’s small, all waves are friendly. When it’s more than 3 feet, the waves are better taken on by intermediate surfers and above. These are the waves (with good reason) called Razors, No Man’s Land, and Lacerations.
The waves in Nusa Lembongan are best during the dry season months as the rainy season brings strong onshore wind to all of the breaks.
Working Remotely in Nusa Lembongan:
There are currently no co-working spaces on the island, however, there is an abundance of beach-front cafes with high-speed internet – perfect for getting your work done whilst watching the waves roll in.
-> Read our deep dive on Remote Work, Surf, and Living on Nusa Lembongan
3. Kuta Lombok: Escape the Crowds for Surf and Work
Vibe:
Towards the East of Bali and Nusa Lembongan, we have the island of Lombok. Here, the best surf spots with reliable internet are all located in Kuta, South Lombok. This is an up-and-coming surf town; perfect for digital nomad surfers who are looking for a more local experience than the polished vibe of Bali.
Surf:
The best month to surf in Kuta Lombok is during October when the winds are low and there is consistent swell. Otherwise, there are waves all year long, you just have to check the wind direction and pick the best surf spot accordingly. Spots like Seger and Air Guling are the best for intermediate surfers looking to improve their technique, whilst the waves in Gerupuk are best for beginners and longboarders. You won’t get long rides like in Uluwatu, however, you will definitely be surfing with smaller crowds and friendlier faces! For detailed information on the surf around Kuta Lombok, read our Lombok surf guides where you will find all you need to know about the type of wave, ideal conditions, surfer ability, and crowd levels at each of the breaks.
Working Remotely in Kuta Lombok:
There are many good places to work for digital nomad surfers in Kuta Lombok. The main strip is lined with open-air and air-conditioned cafes with fast internet. Co-working spaces can also be found around town, the main one being South Lombok Cowork, which features ergonomic chairs, 24/7 access, and a french press to make your own coffee to keep you going through the work day.
-> Read our deep dive on Living as a Digital Nomad in Kuta Lombok and check out our Kuta Lombok Travel Budget
4. Sumbawa: Untamed Shores for Digital Nomads Who Surf
Vibe:
Farther East of Lombok lies the much bigger, raw, and rugged island of Sumbawa. Here, the top surf towns with good Wi-Fi are located on the western coastline and Lakey Beach.
Surf:
When there’s swell, West Sumbawa’s waves such as Scar Reef and Supersuck are the waves to chase if you’re after heavy left-hand tubes. Spots like Yo-Yo’s and Tropicals are more user-friendly if you’re not looking to get absolutely shacked.
Lakey Peak is probably the best wave in Sumbawa; a majestic a-frame wave that sits right in front of Lakey Beach. And there’s more; Periscopes and Lakey Pipe are also world-class waves in the area that will offer you fun rides and solid tubes (if you dare).
The incoming shoulder season of April and May is the best time to surf in Sumbawa. This time of year will see the glassiest days for all surf spots and the start of dry season (bigger) ground swells.
Working Remotely in Sumbawa:
In West Sumbawa and Lakey, there are several cafes and hotels that will have high-speed internet to suit surf travel for digital nomads. However, being a remote part of Indonesia, it is advised to always have backup data* on your phone, just in case there is a power cut.
*Telkomsel is the best provider for rural Indonesia; something to keep in mind if you purchase a SIM card.
Other Locations to Mention
If you’re not looking to relocate and are thinking about just taking a trip whilst also working online, there are a number of other places in Indonesia that can accommodate you. These are surfing locations without surf towns but already have private surf camps and resorts with fast Wi-Fi.
These include resorts and camps in Krui, The Mentawai Islands, Nias, and Rote. Prices can range from 1 million rupiah (~$US 62) per night for basic accommodation to up to 5 times the amount in more luxurious surf resorts.
Basics for Living Costs in Indonesia
Next to the unbeatable surf, the low cost to live in Indonesia is one of its biggest draws as a digital nomad destination. Income from an overseas salary or freelance work goes a long way in this country, giving you more flexibility, savings capacity, or money to spend on surf camps.
Accommodation
In any part of Indonesia, you will be able to find accommodation to suit your personal standard of living and comfort. There are spacious villas for rent that are close to the beach, which may cost you approximately 10 million rupiah (~$US 620) per month for a room. Alternatively, smaller, modest homestay rooms with shared kitchens can cost about 2 to 3 million rupiah (~$US 120 to $190) per month.
Food
In terms of food across the whole of Indonesia, you can have full meals of rice with mixed condiments, including an iced tea for as affordable as 30,000 rupiah (~$US 2). If you’re eating at Western restaurants, the price may accumulate to 10 times that (~$US 20).
Furthermore, the price of food becomes more budget-friendly as you move farther away from Bali, and meals are most affordable when seasonal ingredients are bought from local markets and cooked at home.
Travel
There are many ways to get around Indonesia, from flights to ferries to fast boats, hired cars, and driving yourself. Travel within Indonesia is generally quite affordable with some domestic one-way flights as cheap as 900,000 rupiah (~$US 55). This of course varies depending on distance and popularity. Furthermore, petrol throughout most of the country lies between 10,000 to 13,000 rupiah (~$US 1) per litre.
If you’re a digital nomad planning on setting up camp outside of Bali, it’s best to stock up on surf gear in Bali. You will have the most variety of equipment to choose from, and will therefore be the most economical option!
Conclusion
Surfing in Bali while working remotely is fun – but what about exploring the other islands Indonesia has to offer? Now, you can be a digital nomad surfer who lives in Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, or even Sumbawa!
Though there are many other surfing locations in Indonesia that would be amazing to live in, they are not yet ready to accommodate affordable long-term living for digital nomads, unless you are keen to live in a camp for an extended period. Which sometimes, may be worth it for the waves you would surf!
This is your sign as a digital nomad to come live and surf in Indonesia – don’t wait!
Curious about other destinations that support a digital nomad surfer lifestyle? Check out our other content on surf spots that support remote work.
