‘I moved to Bali as a digital nomad. Life is luxurious even on a budget'

Telegraph

04-06-2025

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For years, London was my life. The familiar hum of the city, the vibrant energy, the endless opportunities – I loved it. But over time, that hum began to sound more like a monotonous drone. The pressure of continually climbing the career ladder, the exorbitant cost of living (especially rent for my flat near Camden), and the feeling of being perpetually on a treadmill all started to wear me down.
Then, the pandemic hit, and the forced pause made me seriously re-evaluate everything.
So, I did what any sane (or perhaps slightly mad) person would do: I let out my flat in London, packed a single suitcase, and became a digital nomad.
It felt like a leap of faith, but also an incredibly liberating decision. My parents have always instilled in me a strong work ethic, but also encouraged me to pursue experiences, so they were surprisingly supportive of this unconventional path.
I studied Graphic Design at university, graduating with a student loan that I'm still chipping away at each month. My first job out of university was as a junior designer, earning £22,000 annually. I steadily worked my way up, which led to a senior designer role where I was earning £35,000 before I decided to go freelance three years ago.
Now, as a freelance graphic designer with primarily UK clients, my income is variable, but I aim for around £4,500 gross per month. This figure also includes the £1,500 I receive from renting out my UK flat, which helps cover my ongoing UK commitments. My monthly outgoings here in Bali are considerably lower, averaging around £2,000, which includes everything from accommodation and food to travel and leisure.
My financial goals have shifted significantly. While I'm not actively saving for a house in the UK at the moment – that feels like a goal for a much more distant future – my current focus is on building a solid emergency fund and investing in experiences rather than accumulating material possessions. I aim to put away at least £500-£700 into a flexible savings account each month, though this can vary depending on project flow.
I'm also mindful of maintaining a healthy buffer in my business account for quiet periods. I truly believe that investing in travel and new cultures enriches my life in ways that traditional savings accounts can't. It's a different kind of wealth.
Monday
I woke up to the symphony of nature. The guesthouse is nestled amid rice paddies, so instead of London traffic, I hear roosters, chirping geckos, and the gentle splash of the koi pond. It's incredibly serene, a stark contrast to my previous life.
After yoga on my balcony I had a green smoothie for breakfast. I blended spinach, banana, pineapple, and coconut water from the local market (£2). It's incredibly refreshing and a healthy start to the day.
I am lucky that the guesthouse offers a communal workspace for £15 a day with complimentary tea and coffee. It's a mix of solo travellers and digital nomads, creating a productive and friendly atmosphere – and the tranquil environment helps me concentrate. The guesthouse itself is a collection of traditional Balinese bungalows surrounding a central garden and pool – it feels like a little oasis.
For lunch I went to a nearby family-run eatery that's a local favourite and opted for a mixed rice dish called nasi campur. It's delicious and at £3 the price is incredibly cheap – a real bargain compared to any London lunch!
After work I headed out to explore Ubud. I wandered through the bustling local markets, admiring the handcrafted souvenirs and colourful textiles. I resisted buying anything, but it's easy to get carried away here.
For just £6 I decided to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest. It's a bit chaotic, with hundreds of monkeys roaming freely, and you have to be vigilant with your belongings, but it's undeniably entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud watching their antics – definitely a unique interaction, even if they're just after your sunglasses!
Dinner was at a vegan restaurant where I opted for a tempeh curry with brown rice (£8), which was flavourful and satisfying. It's wonderful how many healthy and affordable options there are here.
Total spend: £34
Tuesday
After a lie-in I bought a selection of local fruits from the market – incredibly sweet mangoes, papayas, and vibrant dragon fruit – and enjoyed them with strong Balinese coffee (total £4). This is a daily pleasure that feels so luxurious for the price.
I settled down for a morning in the workspace (£15) before going to lunch (£7) with other digital nomads at a popular hangout spot. We share stories and tips about places to work, best local eats, and visa intricacies. It's a fantastic way to build community and feel less isolated.
In the afternoon I treated myself to a traditional Balinese massage for £15. This is a regular 'splurge' for me – but incredibly affordable relaxation. The equivalent at home could cost up to £100.
I joined a cooking class learning to make traditional Indonesian dishes like sate lilit and gado-gado. The instructor was hilarious, and it was a hands-on way to understand the local cuisine. Plus, I got to eat everything we made, a good deal for £12 a class.
I enjoyed a video call with my best friend back in London before bed, sharing stories of my adventures and getting updates from home. It's important to maintain those connections.
Total: £38
Wednesday
I decided to take a complete break from work and immerse myself in Balinese culture for the day. After breakfast of coffee and fruit at the guesthouse (£3) I rented a scooter (£7 including petrol) and set off to visit Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred water temple known for its purification rituals.
The journey to the temple was an adventure in itself with roads winding through lush rice paddies and small villages, offering breathtaking views.
Arrived at Tirta Empul Temple (donation £2). The temple complex is a marvel of Balinese architecture, with intricately carved stone shrines and serene pools. The main attraction is the holy spring, where locals and tourists alike participate in the purification ritual, bathing under the spouts of water.
However, I also visited another temple that day – it was beautiful, but sadly absolutely swarming with tourists. It made it difficult to really appreciate the serenity and spiritual significance of the place, which was a shame. I find it's a delicate balance, wanting to see these iconic spots but also wanting to avoid the crowds.
Lunch was at a local cafe near the temple where I had gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) and fresh coconut water for £5.
After exploring the area surrounding the temples I headed back to the guesthouse and enjoyed a dip in the pool.
Dinner at another local spot for just £6. I opted for a flavourful chicken satay with peanut sauce.
Total: £23
Thursday
Coffee and fruit from the local market for breakfast (£2.50) before I head back to the workspace for the day.
For lunch I tried a local cafe that was recommended by another digital nomad, and had a very nice vegetable curry (£6). This place had a lovely, quiet atmosphere perfect for a mid-day break.
I decided to take a batik class, learning the traditional art of wax-resist dyeing. I even managed to create a small piece myself – definitely not museum-worthy, but a fun, hands-on cultural experience for £10.
Dinner with other digital nomads (£8). We met at a local restaurant, sharing stories and tips while enjoying a delicious meal.
Total: £41.50
Friday
Another fresh fruit and coffee breakfast (£3) before settling in the workspace (£15) to meet client deadlines.
For lunch I went to a local seafood restaurant and enjoyed very good grilled fish (£7).
In the afternoon I took a silversmithing class (£15), learning to create my own silver jewellery. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I made a simple ring I'm actually proud of.
Earlier in the week, I stumbled across this little market selling the most beautiful hand-carved wooden bowls. I managed to haggle the price down to a steal, which felt like a real win. That's the beauty of Bali, amazing little bargains are everywhere if you know where to look.
I was craving something different for dinner so I treated myself to a delicious pizza at a local Italian restaurant for £12. Sometimes you just need a taste of home!
Total: £52
Weekend
I rented a scooter to explore the surrounding villages. This gives me incredible freedom and is super cost-effective at just £5 and £2 for petrol. This is where you see the real Bali, away from the main tourist hubs.
Lunch was at a roadside stall for a plate of mie goreng (fried noodles) and a fresh coconut (£4). These mini-eateries are the best for authentic, cheap eats.
I rode to a nearby beach, enjoying the warm sand and clear water (parking is just £1). The journey itself through the lush landscapes is part of the experience.
I enjoyed a seafood dinner (£10) at a restaurant overlooking the ocean, watching the sunset. It's still relatively affordable to have a lovely meal with a view.
Bali certainly can be very affordable, especially when it comes to delicious food and local transport. However, those tempting villas with private pools, and the occasional urge for Western comforts, do add up. I'm being mindful of my budget, and generally, my cost of living here is significantly lower than what I was paying in London, allowing me to save more than before.
I'm not ruling out a return to the UK at some point, but the idea of travelling more is definitely very appealing. Perhaps a mix of both in the future, where I base myself somewhere for a few months and then move on, is the ideal scenario for me. For now, Bali is home.