Is Bali or Lombok Better for Digital Nomads?
Both Indonesian islands have their own charm, remote work potential, and strong nomad appeal, but they offer totally different vibes.
If you’re looking for a buzzing community of remote workers, endless smoothie bowls, yoga studios, and coworking spaces on every corner, Bali might already be on your radar. On the flip side, if you're craving a slower, more local experience with surf, nature, and enough work facilities to stay connected, Lombok could be your hidden gem.
In this comparison, we’ll evaluate Bali and Lombok across the most important categories for digital nomads, like community, coworking, accommodation, cost of living, and lifestyle, to help you figure out which island fits your version of the nomad dream.
1. What Is the Digital Nomad Community Like in Bali vs Lombok?
Bali has one of the most established digital nomad communities in the world. Whether you're into biohacking, breathwork, crypto, entrepreneurship, yoga, or surfing, you'll find your people in hotspots like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu. The island is full of networking events, meetups, masterminds, and casual cowork sessions. Many nomads stay long-term, which helps build deep connections. That said, Bali can sometimes feel a bit too artificial, almost like living in a curated bubble of entrepreneurs and influencers. From my experience, the digital nomad scene often stays within itself, and real friendships or deeper connections with local Indonesians are rare.
Lombok, on the other hand, offers a much smaller but growing digital nomad scene. The main hub is Kuta Lombok, where you’ll mostly find a mix of surfers, backpackers, and long-term remote workers. It doesn’t have Bali’s massive expat crowd, but that’s part of the charm. The community feels more low-key and closer connected. There’s also a more natural exchange between locals and foreigners. Whether it’s surfing with locals or chatting over warung lunches, it’s easier to connect beyond the digital nomad bubble. If you're into slow travel, surf vibes, and meaningful connections over big meetups, Lombok might be the place for you.
2. Is Bali or Lombok Better for Working Remotely?
Bali is a remote work paradise, especially if you like to switch it up between coworking spaces, cafés, and poolside desks. The WiFi is fast and reliable in most areas, and you’ll find tons of well-equipped coworking spaces with air-con, ergonomic chairs, and even podcast rooms or community events. Especially Canggu and Ubud are packed with laptop-friendly cafés, where it’s totally normal to get comfortable for a few hours with an iced latte and your email inbox. If you’re looking for the full setup with high-speed internet, comfy chairs, and plenty of networking opportunities, check out the best coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes in Bali.
Bali also has a better infrastructure when it comes to repairs and tech needs. If your laptop suddenly crashes or you lose your charger, there are plenty of electronics stores and repair shops to get you sorted fast.
Lombok, on the other hand, is a bit more limited in terms of infrastructure. The coworking spaces in Kuta Lombok are fewer but more community-focused, offering a relaxed and friendly work vibe. Just keep in mind that not all of them have high-speed internet yet, so if you're doing heavy video editing or big uploads, it’s worth checking out Lomboks work options before you go.
From our Nomadwise speed tests, WiFi in most cafés are surprisingly good and stable enough for calls, emails, and general work tasks. That said, it's a good idea to arrive with your full remote work setup ready. You won’t find many places to replace broken tech or buy gear on the island. If you're not sure what to bring, check out our packing list for digital nomads, which includes an overview of recommended tech gear and remote work essentials.
3. Where to stay as a digital nomad in Bali and Lombok?
Bali offers a huge range of accommodation options, from simple guesthouses to high-end villas with private pools and jungle views. Whether you're on a tight budget or want a more luxurious setup, you’ll find something that fits, especially in digital nomad hotspots like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu. Many villas come with regular cleaning, pools, and the typical aesthetic Bali interior. That said, prices have gone up over the past few years. While guesthouses are still affordable, renting a nice villa or apartment in a central area now costs as much as a flat in some European cities.
Lombok is much more low-key in this area. You’ll find cheaper guesthouses and homestays, but in general, accommodations are more local-style and less “Instagrammable.” That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy comfort. There are luxury options available, they’re just fewer and often located further outside of town. If you're okay with simpler living and don’t need a perfectly styled villa, you’ll find great value here.
4. What’s the Lifestyle Like for Digital Nomads in Bali and Lombok?
Bali is a playground for remote workers who want it all: fitness, fun, food, and a bit of luxury on the side. You’ll find healthy cafés, smoothie bowls, beach clubs, gyms, yoga and pilates studios, breathwork sessions, ecstatic dance, and just about every other wellness trend out there. There’s also a buzzing nightlife scene in areas like Canggu and Seminyak, with beach bars, parties, and events happening almost every night.
Beyond that, Bali has a very special energy. A lot of that comes from the island’s unique culture and religion. The daily offerings, temple ceremonies, and warm hospitality of the Balinese people create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere that many nomads fall in love with. It adds a spiritual and cultural depth to the experience that you don't often find elsewhere.
Lombok offers a much slower pace. Life here revolves around surf, sunsets, nature, and simple pleasures like beach bonfires, scooter rides through the hills, or eating local food by the ocean. While there are a few trendy cafés and expat-run businesses, you won’t find the same variety or volume as in Bali. That simplicity is part of what makes Lombok feel refreshing. It gives you space to disconnect, find your own rhythm, and enjoy a lifestyle that feels more grounded and connected to the island’s natural environment. It is important to mention that Lomboks infrastructure is a lot less developed than Bali which means that your shopping options are limited. Check our packing lists for male and female digital nomads to make sure you get everything you need before leaving to this island.
Lombok is a majority Muslim island, which means the cultural norms are slightly different. While swimwear is completely fine at the beach and in tourist areas, you might want to adjust a little while exploring non-touristy areas and avoid very revealing clothes. That said, I’ve always experienced the people in Lombok as incredibly friendly, open, and tolerant. I personally felt incredably safe on both islands, and never had a moment of discomfort as a female traveler.
5. What can you do in Lombok and Bali?
Bali is packed with things to do when you're not working. You can chase waterfalls in the north, walk through stunning rice terraces in Ubud, surf in Uluwatu, or visit one of the many beautiful temples scattered around the island. The sights are well developed for tourism, which makes exploring super easy, even if you're short on time. However, that also means you're rarely alone. Expect to wait in line for a photo at popular spots and often find yourself surrounded by big tour groups, especially during high season.
Lombok offers a different kind of magic. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, especially if you love being outdoors. You can hike Mount Rinjani, take a scooter ride to remote beaches with hardly anyone around, snorkel in crystal-clear water, or hop over to the nearby Gili Islands [ for a change of scenery. The surf in Lombok is top-tier and often less crowded than Bali, which is a big plus for wave lovers. The nature here feels more untouched, which makes weekend adventures feel like proper escapes.
No matter if you’re on Bali or Lombok, it is crucial to have mobile data on your phone when exploring nature to access Google maps or call a taxi to your next destination. Over time, we switched from local SIM cards to eSIMs since they’re a lot easier to top up when you run out of data. We’ve collected a list of our favourite eSIM providers for Indonesia, in case you want to have a look.
6. How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bali vs Lombok?
Bali used to be known as a cheap destination, but prices have been climbing steadily over the past few years. It’s still possible to live affordably, especially if you’re staying in a guesthouse, eating local food, and riding a scooter. But if you want to live in a stylish villa, go to trendy cafés daily, and join fitness classes or coworking memberships, your monthly budget can start to look a lot like what you’d spend in a mid-sized European city. Imported goods and tech gear are also noticeably more expensive in Bali than back home.
Lombok can be much more affordable if you’re willing to cut down on luxury. You can still find simple guesthouses or homestays for a fraction of what you’d pay in Bali, and eating at local warungs is very budget-friendly. There are fewer high-end temptations, which naturally keeps your spending lower. Just keep in mind that the more remote vibe also means fewer options, so you may have to trade convenience for savings.
Overall, Bali gives you more comfort and variety if you’re willing to pay for it, while Lombok lets you enjoy a slower, simpler lifestyle at a lower cost.
Conclusion: Should You Choose Bali or Lombok as a Digital Nomad?
Both Bali and Lombok have their own unique draw for digital nomads, and which one is right for you really depends on what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for.
Choose Bali if you want to dive into a thriving digital nomad scene, network with other remote workers, and have endless cafés, coworking spaces, gyms, and wellness options at your fingertips. It's perfect for anyone who wants to be in work mode, stay active, or immerse themselves in the spiritual and entrepreneurial communities. The infrastructure is excellent, and the island offers a high quality of life with a western touch. Naturally it comes with a higher price tag and a more fast-paced, sometimes artificial vibe.
Choose Lombok if you're craving a more laid-back, authentic experience with a closer connection to nature and local culture. It’s ideal for slow travelers, surfers, or anyone who wants to escape the noise and find focus. The digital nomad scene is smaller but more intimate, the cost of living is lower, and the island still feels relatively untouched. Just come prepared, especially when it comes to your tech and remote work setup, since infrastructure is more limited.
Whichever island you choose, both offer an incredible setting for working remotely, meeting new people, and enjoying island life in your own way. Since it is farely easy to get from Lombok to Bali and vice versa, why not try both for a few weeks and decide which one is your favourite!
