While we are still waiting on the official announcement for the so-called digital nomad visa, it seems pretty clear the central government is quite serious about wanting to lure travelers who work remotely to Bali.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy recently announced their collaboration with popular rental platform AirBnB with the launch of the latter’s page, Live and Work Anywhere Bali.
“Feel like shaking up your routine? Spend your lunch break learning to surf, or head off on the weekend to explore exquisite temples set amid lush, green rice fields,” says the website.
AirBnB confirmed its partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to promote Bali as part of their Live and Work Anywhere program. It pointed out that since September 2022, remote workers in Bali have been able to obtain a B211A visa (for tourism/business purposes) to work remotely for up to six months, income tax-free.
AirBnB’s page for digital nomads in Bali offers recommendations on remote-working-friendly accommodations on the Island of Gods, as well as practical information such as timezone, weather, visa information, money, phone and Internet, local customs and manners (!), and health and safety.
It is interesting to note that the AirBnB’s page puts an emphasis on other parts of Bali (read: not Canggu) that digital nomads should explore, such as Kintamani, Singaraja, and Karangasem.
Mich Goh, the head of the AirBnB’s public policy department overseeing Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, said the collaboration would allow millions of remote workers to find the best places and deals in Bali.
Goh also mentioned the importance of diversifying the destinations by promoting lesser known places such as Banjar and the Nusa Islands – Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan.
