We’re aware that, for some of our readers at least, working remotely is a major part of their Bali lives. While some people may enjoy the solitude of working at home (the pandemic has surely transformed work preferences), research on how co-working can increase productivity has been prominent in the past few years.
But not everybody who is into coworking is into actual coworking spaces (or their fees), so for this list, we’ve curated some of the best cafes in Bali where you can just open up your laptop, plug in, and get the work done (though be sure to buy enough coffee and food to justify your stay, and tip generously!).
We have checked out and fallen in love with working at these places ourselves, and we will continue to update this list should we discover more. Crack on!
Gron Espresso Bar & Kitchen – Canggu
Kicking off this list is a joint that is situated on one of the corners of the famous Canggu shortcut. People tend to come here in the AM to make the most of that morning adrenaline rush by channeling it into productivity mode. Gron has a nice, spacious semi-outdoor section with appealing greenery.
They usually have pretty good deals during the weekend, so if you ever have to work while everybody else is taking time off, Gron makes for a nice option. In addition to their coffees, don’t miss out on their banana bread and french toasts. Parking might be tricky at times, but their parking attendants are lovely and very helpful – plus people are always coming and going anyways so there will always be a spot for you.
FIND IT: Gron Espresso Bar & Kitchen – Canggu. Jl. Raya Semat No.1, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361.
Lighthouse Studios & Social Club
Although this list is focused on cafes Lighthouse is essentially a hybrid co-working space and cafe. While they have designated places for meetings and studios for recording podcasts, their dining and coffee area is perfect for you to open your laptop and get some work done. Most people are here to work, so noise generally isn’t an issue.
Lighthouse has a nice parking area, but be aware that since it is located on the Semer intersection (one may recognize it by the airplane statue on the Gate88 building), it might be tricky at times to access, especially during rush hour. That being said, once you are inside, it will be worth it.
They have a small-ish outdoor area that, while perhaps not as big as in other places, has an idyllic view of a paddy field that is even more beautiful during sunset.
FIND IT: Lighthouse Studios & Social Club. Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.5X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.
Lusa By/Suka – Cafe & Restaurant
This two-story bistro located in the heart of Berawa has a nice co-working area on the second floor that is quite comfy. Some might find it challenging to work there due to the noise of their kitchen – but there are quite a number of people who frequent the joint and say they get a lot of work done because the space pretty much discourages chit-chats and allows people to use their time wisely.
If the noise is too much for you, then fear not, Lusa’s outdoor area (both floors, by the way) is still perfect for you to open your laptop while enjoying their brunch (their smoothie bowls and pastries are to die for). Last time we were there, some people brought their dogs, which offered a cute respite from consistently staring at your screen.
FIND IT: Lusa By/Suka – Cafe & Restaurant. Jl. Pantai Berawa, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.
AROUNA Kerobokan – French Café, Pastry & Bakery
This particular one is a bit different as it is quite far from the Canggu/Berawa scene. Located on the western side of the major Teuku Umar road, this spacious place, which is pretty much a love letter to French cafés in the movies, not only guarantees the best pastries and baked goods, but also many spots where you can get some work done.
We picked AROUNA because we think it’s perfect for those who need some solitude to work, as this place is quite spacious and, in some corners, you are guaranteed a quiet time and distance from others. We imagine this place would be perfect if you are writing a book or a novel. Solitude in its charming surroundings (with rain as background noise, if you’re lucky) should certainly get your creative juices flowing.
FIND IT: AROUNA Kerobokan Jl. Teuku Umar Barat, Kerobokan, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.
Mr. Sista
This small, idyllic place in Berawa corner offers nice seating for those who need a little bit of extra style if aesthetics is your thing. They have a good selection of bagels and coffee to keep you company while you work, and if some of you need a spot to get some pictures taken (say for your LinkedIn profiles, for example), Mr. Sista has some decent corners for your professional headshots.
The downside of Mr. Sista is, perhaps, the fact that they close relatively early at around 4pm. On the other hand, this might be good because it will help you use your time wisely and we all know how last-minute panic is sometimes better than inspiration when it comes to chasing deadlines.
FIND IT: Mr. Sista. Jalan Tegal Sari No 28, Berawa Tibubeneng, Kec.Kuta Utara Kabupaten Badung Berawa, Canguu , Bali Berawa, Bali 80361.
Warung Nads
We’ve featured Warung Nads before in our hotspots section, but we want to include them again because they embody what this list is all about: laptop-friendly places where you can get work done. Their outdoor spaces are equipped with well-placed power outlets so you will not have to worry about your laptop dying.
A restaurant in Bali surrounded by paddy fields that is laptop-friendly with good wifi? If that doesn’t make for the quintessential “working in Bali experience,” we don’t know what does. Talented artists, movie directors, painters, designers, and writers have been known to flock here as the owners are well-connected, so Warung Nads makes for a good place to make connections as well.
FIND IT: Warung Nads. Jl. Umalas 1 No.8A, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.
