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Indonesian National Anthem - "Indonesia Raya" (ID/EN)

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Oftentimes children who still live at home are being trafficked in bali and don't even realize this. Since sex education is something often not taught to them or in very little detail young children being trafficked aren't even aware or recognize whats happening to them is wrong. On Top of this within these situations where people are trafficked its common that 50 upwards of women are housed with children in botheral style houses and are tied and cannot leave due to debt bounages and are threatened by their lives or families if they try to leave.

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Bali has a prevalent issue of sex trafficking and human trafficking and its very easy for people to mange this without running into legal and that due to poor law enforcement and resistance against these sort of crimes and have a poorly developed justice system with corruption. If charges are attempted to be pressed against someone accused of trafficking since law enforcement jobs like police are unfunded and payed its common to just to be able to pay off police as a sort of bride from stopping the case being filed and so victims who do speak up are still not given the justice deserved.

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To understand why Bali has such a huge sex trafficking crisis we have to understand the source and how this all began within this small place in Indonesia.

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Indonesia a country with many beautiful sights with a rich and diverse culture. But every paradise has its flaws and Bali falls victim to sex trafficking issues and many safety risks specifically for women but not exclusive to just women. Countless people within a wide age range go missing and are unwilling sold off into this illegal industry and abused and put to work against their consent.

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The other side of corruption in Indonesia | Elizabeth Pisani | TEDxUbud

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There are significant factors that lead to uprise of sex trackking problems in Bali the following pressing reason being: the little amount of strain on law enforcement to charge those that commit such crimes often nothing is done or very little which sadly attracted many "pedofile sex tourists" with obvious bad intentions and with no heat from law enforcement within the country with children and adults being a risked of becoming trafficked. In addition to this its very hard for those affected and face abuse in the hands of these people because many asian countries they have a history of honour and its something of up most value along side purity culture specifically gender based and targeted that women should be sweet innocent and pure and protect their virginities. For a family of a young girl/ Woman to seek justice and admit this they could loose respect within their community or admit their daughter isn't "pure" within the societies standards can leave a bad reputation leaving most victims silent (93% of cases go unreported).

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https://doc.vortala.com/assoc/uploads/19/files/2017/06/DarkBali-FAQs.pdf

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https://digitalnomads.world/city-guide/bali/

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Most nationalities (over 160) do not technically need a visa to go to Bali. They can stay in the country for 30 days visa-free but have to leave once this time is up. For digital nomads who plan on staying in Indonesia for more than 30 days, it may be advisable to either get a 30-day visa on arrival which can be extended once for another 30 days or to apply for a 60-day visa before you go. This lets you stay in the country for 60 days before you have to exit. Although many digital nomads do the famous "visa run" every 60 days to get a new visa this can be tiresome and expensive. To get around the 60-day visa rule many apply for a Sosial Budaya Visa which is meant for visiting Indonesian friends and family but is issued quite liberally. With this visa, you get to stay in the country for 60 days and can extend four more times for 30 days each giving you a total of 180 days in Indonesia before you have to leave.

At the moment this is the best option for digital nomads who plan to stay in Bali for an extended period of time. Working visas are hard to come by and nearly impossible to get if you're not with a large company who is sending you to Indonesia to work. The only other way to get one as a foreigner is if you start your own company in Bali which might be an option if you're planning on making it a more permanent home base.

Culture and Food in Bali

It is a common misconception that Bali is its own country because it is so different from the rest of Indonesia. The island practises its own unique form of Hinduism which can't be found anywhere else in the world. It is distinctly different from Indian Hinduism and combines aspects of Buddhism and Malay ancestor cult.

While 87% of Indonesia is Muslim and a further 9,8% is Christian, 83% of Bali's population identifies as Balinese Hindus. They have their own traditions and beliefs which are unique to Bali with beautiful architecture, colourful traditional clothing and festivities.

When you come to Bali, you'll soon notice the many colourful flower offerings in front of every shop and even in the middle of the street. They're called Canang Sari and are prepared every single day by the majority of the population to please the various gods.

For the Balinese, the harmony between good and bad is very important in everyday life. Their beliefs are very close to nature and place importance on traditions and ceremonies.

One of the most important days of the year in Bali is "Nyepi" or silent day. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Balinese calendar and usually takes place some time in March. On silent day everything in Bali will be closed and no one is allowed to leave the house.

It is a day meant for fasting and meditation and in most cases, even the electricity and internet will be shut off other than for large hotels and hostels. The Banjar (local police) will patrol the streets and ensure no one is breaking these rules which can be punished with a fee. If you're in Bali during silent day you should make sure to go food shopping the day before and be respectful of this unique tradition.

Bali Local Food

If you want the best local culinary experience, you should go to a "warung". These small local restaurants are the best place to try all the dishes that are typical for Bali. The most popular ones are "Nasi Goreng" and "Mie Goreng", which are delicious fried rice or noodles served with vegetables or meat. Fish, chicken or pork mixed with vegetables and rice and seasoned with many different spices are also widely available and very affordable.

You can get a filling meal with a drink at a warung for less than 3$. Near the beach, you will often come across street stalls offering fried buttery corn on the cob for only around 1.50$. This is a great snack and won't break the bank.

Beef is not consumed very often in the local cuisine, as it is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. If you're looking for a juicy rump steak, you will find one in one of the many western restaurants. These offer high-quality foods from around the world like pizza, burgers or tacos.

While there are some affordable western food options around these can also be quite pricey so eating at a warung will be your best bet if you're on a budget.

Bali Nightlife

Bali is one of the best places for nightlife in all of South-East-Asia. Over the years Kuta's Jalan Legian has become a hotspot for large clubs, rooftop lounges and bars with very affordable drinks. A popular place to go in Kuta are the all-you-can-eat-and-drink BBQ nights where you pay a flat fee to have a delicious BBQ meal as well as free-flow drinks.

Skygarden and LXXY are the most popular clubs for these offers, both of which have incredible rooftop decks. Going out on a budget has never been so easy if all you have to pay all night is an 8$ entry fee. If you're looking to party then Kuta is the place to go. With packed clubs and international DJs playing all night you'll never be bored. Some of the most popular ones include The Engine Room, ShiShi Bali or the Bounty Discotheque.

While Kuta is definitely the party central of Bali, you might enjoy Canggu's more laid back and less aggressive nightlife. You'll still find clubs in Canggu although they're more backpacker oriented with a community of expat and locals. Head to the Sandbar for parties on the beach or Gimme Shelter and Pretty Poison to party all night with renowned DJs.

While you can find parties almost every day of the week the biggest nights to go out in Bali are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Around Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Canggu there are often large house parties in private villas which are popular amongst those living in Bali full time. Parties and club nights in Bali tend to go on until the early morning and some don't even start until midnight.

Canggu is known for its beach clubs which are great for a chill afternoon and turn into open-air clubs in the evenings. There is a great selection to choose from but some of the most popular ones include Finns Beach Club, Old Mans or La Brisa. Come here with friends in the early evening for some drinks and stay all night for some of Canggu's best parties.

Stay Safe

Bali's nightlife is considered to be relatively safe if you use your common sense. It's always advisable to take care if you're by yourself and avoid walking home alone as a female. However, this is not to say that Bali is dangerous, it is still a very safe place compared to large cities around the world.

It's advisable to steer clear of very cheap alcohol which is often homebrewed and can contain dangerous ingredients. This is common in many parts of South East Asia and can easily be avoided by buying bottled or name-brand drinks.

Bali has many great options for a relaxed night out if clubs and wild parties are not what you're looking for. You'll find small beach bars or quieter bars with live music all around Seminyak, Legian and Canggu. There is always something going on in Bali and with thousands of places to choose from there's something for everyone.

Things to do in Bali

Admire the incredible Tanah Lot Temple

The Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali's most popular attractions and an absolute must-see. This temple lies on a small rocky island just 50 meters from the beach. Located north of Canggu Tanah Lot is best visited in the evenings for sunset. Keep in mind that tourists are not allowed to enter the actual temple but the view of the outside is well worth a visit.

Visit the waterfalls

Bali is known for its many waterfalls which can be found in the dense jungle around the island. Some of the most famous ones include Tegenungan waterfall, Gitgit waterfall, Tukad Cepung waterfall and Sekumpul waterfall. Most of them are located inland and off the beaten track so factor in some time to get there. You can swim in the majority of Bali's waterfalls which is the perfect way to cool down after a long day in the sun.

See dolphins in Lovina

Lovina is a small town in the north of Bali. It is one of the best spots in the area to see dolphins in the wild which is an incredible experience. Most tours go out in the early mornings in time for sunrise to spot dolphins close to the shore. Prices vary between 10-30$ depending on the size of the group and the boat. Some tours also include a snorkelling spot close by. You can book a tour with your accommodation or directly at the beach with local boat owners for a possible cheaper price.

Swim with turtles on the Gili Islands

The Gilis consist of three small islands located east of Bali close to the shore of Lombok. The largest island, Gili Trawangan is famous for its vibrant nightlife and incredible underwater world. You can swim with green sea turtles right from the beach here without having to book an expensive tour. The main mode of transport here is the bicycle, as motorized vehicles are not allowed. The Gilis lie only a boat-ride away from Bali and are perfect for a weekend trip.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Temperatures are similar to those during the dry season but the humidity rises to almost 100% which can feel uncomfortable. However, you can still have sunny days in the wet season and many tourists like to visit during this time as accommodation prices are more affordable and the island is less crowded.

One thing to note is that the ocean and beaches of Bali are at their most beautiful during the dry season. In the wet season, the sea will be rougher and tends to wash more trash and debris ashore. Underwater visibility is usually poor so it's not the best time to visit for snorkelling or diving.

Bali for Families

While many digital nomads travel alone a growing number of remote workers are choosing to take their families with them. Although it can seem daunting to start a new life in a foreign country with kids Bali is actually a great place to live with a family. Since the weather is always warm it's easy to find places to play and explore the great outdoors. Especially if you are renting a villa in a quieter neighborhood you can enjoy lots of time outside even when it rains.

Living in Bali

Bali Transportation

The traffic in Bali is very busy and can be tricky to navigate for those who are not used to it. The most popular way of getting around is by scooter which makes driving through the narrow streets a lot easier and faster than by car. Renting a scooter is usually very straightforward and affordable. In most cases, you don't even need to leave a deposit or show your driver's licence, just a passport will be enough.

Prices for renting a scooter start at around 50,000 IDR per day and 500,000 IDR per month. Renting for a longer time period will reduce the price considerably depending on your negotiating skills.

Although driving in Bali can seem daunting most people actually get used to it fairly quickly. The key is driving with the flow of traffic and not taking unnecessary risks. Always wear a helmet and take it slow in the beginning.

If you're not comfortable driving a scooter you can always use ride-sharing services to get around Bali. These are extremely popular and very affordable. The most common apps are Gojek and Grab both of which offer rides in cars and on scooters as well as other delivery services. They work similarly to Uber and can only be used if you have an Indonesia SIM card.

Be aware though that Grab and Gojek are not very popular among the local taxi drivers. Some areas of Bali are restricted for ride-sharing services and you will have trouble finding a driver.

Traditional taxis in Bali are usually expensive and they are known for frequent scams and ripoffs. If there is no Gojek or Grab available try to keep an eye out for Bluebird taxis which are regulated and only operate with a meter. They are easy to recognise from their blue colour and bird logo. A 10-minute taxi ride costs around 100,000 IDR, Grab and Gojek are usually significantly cheaper.

For longer distances or day-trips you could consider hiring a driver to take you around. This has the advantage that you can make multiple stops and don't have to worry about finding different drivers. Prices for one day (8-10 hours) start at 500,000 IDR and usually include petrol as well as any parking fees (discuss this with your driver before you depart).

You can find drivers through your accommodation or online in Facebook groups. Sometimes you can also ask Grab or Gojek drivers whether they offer day packages.

Renting or buying a car is not a very common thing for foreigners in Bali due to the busy traffic and narrow roads. Cars are much slower and parking can be tricky to find so scooters are far more useful to get around.

Public Transportation

There are few forms of public transport available in Bali. Some public busses exist that take locals and tourists between major parts of the island such as Kuta, Ubud, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. Prices start at only 20,000 IDR for a ticket and the buses are air conditioned and even have wifi in some cases. However, they run infrequently and there are limited bus stops.
Click here to find out more about the available bus routes.
Fitness and Health

There are many great options for staying fit in Bali. The majority of digital nomads and expats like to go to one of the many gyms around the Canggu and Kuta areas. Gym memberships are usually quite pricey in Bali, however, they give you access to a great selection of different amenities such as saunas, swimming pools or fitness classes.

Some of the most well-known gyms in Bali are the Body Factory, the Canggu Club or Hammerhead Fitness. Prices vary between 50$ and 150$ per month depending on whether you want access to all classes and amenities or just the gym. Most also have day passes available.

If you're on a budget and not willing to spend a large monthly fee on a gym membership you should consider learning how to surf. Surfing is one of the most popular ways of staying fit on the island and everyone should try it at least once. Surfboards are easy to rent on the beach, however, it's much more affordable to buy one in the long run. There is no better way to start the day in Bali than with an early morning surf.

Another great way of staying fit is to try the Indonesian national sport Pencak Silat. This is a unique form of martial arts which focuses not only on the body but also incorporates elements of meditation and spirituality. There is a great selection of different martial arts schools in Bali which also teach kickboxing or muay thai.

If you're interested in Yoga then Bali is the place to go. Especially around the Ubud area you'll find some of the best yoga schools around with meditation retreats and daily sessions being very popular among digital nomads.

Bali People

Approximately 4,3 million people live in Bali or the Island of Gods as it is sometimes called. This is only 1,7% of Indonesia's population making it only a small part of what is one of the most populous countries on earth. Bali has its own culture and unique religion. 95% of the island's inhabitants are Balinese while the remaining 5% consists of Chinese, Muslims and expats from around the world.

The national language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, which is very similar to the language spoken in Malaysia. The Balinese people speak their own version of Bahasa Indonesia called Bahasa Bali. The two are similar but are often considered separate languages. While some locals speak both, it is advisable for digital nomads who plan to stay on the island for an extended period of time to try and learn Bahasa Bali instead of Bahasa Indonesia.

If you're coming to Bali with no previous knowledge of the local language you'll be pleased to know that English is widely spoken. In the tourist areas, the majority of locals speak English and even in more remote parts of Bali, you'll be able to communicate somehow. The Balinese people are friendly and always willing to help should you need directions or assistance.

Bali is a very popular holiday destination for tourists from around the world. As a digital nomad in Bali, you'll soon notice the large number of Australian tourists and expats who populate the island year-round. There is also a large Russian community, especially around the Canggu area.

The most touristy part of Bali by far is Kuta. This area has been overtaken by partying tourists and is especially busy around the time of Australian "schoolies" (November-December) when thousands of young Australian graduates come to the island to celebrate.

The Balinese people welcome tourists and expats as most of the island depends on tourism as their main source of income. However, there have been many cases of foreigners being disrespectful to the local culture and traditions. Bali is a very religious island with traditional values which need to be respected by visitors. Especially when visiting temples or sacred locations foreigners should be respectful and make sure not to break any rules.

An important thing to know about before coming to Bali as a digital nomad are the Banjar. They're a local community police that could be compared to a neighbourhood watch. When there is a problem, the Banjar are called first even before the police. They are considered the local police and usually act in cases of cultural or religious issues.

If, for example, people are planning to host a large party in a villa this has to be discussed with the Banjar first. Every neighbourhood has its own Banjar which consists of the married men in the community. As a foreigner living in Bali it is important to respect the Banjar and their rules.

Bali Insurance and Medical Care

Wherever you go to live as a digital nomad it is always good to have medical insurance and Bali is no exception. With the large number of expats and digital nomads living on the island the medical care is quite good and easily accessible for foreigners. Many medications are available over the counter at local pharmacies and booking a visit with a doctor is usually quick and easy. The majority of medical staff in Bali speak English and are used to tourists coming to them with common problems such as injuries from scooter accidents or stomach issues.

There are private and public hospitals in Bali, the largest being located in the south close to Denpasar and Kuta. Treatment is usually reasonably priced, however, you should always have medical insurance when living abroad. If you're a long term digital nomad you will most likely have insurance from your own home country which is usually the most efficient and maybe even most affordable method (depending on where you're from).

If that is not the case there are options for getting insurance in Bali. However, these are usually expensive and the coverage is very limited. Informing yourself about insurance options before you arrive is, therefore, a much smarter move.

If you have to visit a doctor in Bali you should always take your passport with you to identify yourself. You will have to cover all costs for your medical treatments up front which will later be reimbursed by your insurance company.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Bali

Foreigners are not allowed to work in Indonesia unless they own their own business or are sponsored by a company. Therefore it is unfortunately nearly impossible to find a job such as working in a bar or restaurant in Bali legally as a foreigner. Keep in mind that this of course depends on your own nationality. There might be exceptions for some ASEAN passport holders or dual citizenships. This regulation is meant to prevent foreigners from taking jobs from locals which is a policy that needs to be respected by those planning to live and work in Indonesia. Only if your employer can prove that you're not taking away a job from an Indonesian can you obtain a work permit.

If you're living as a digital nomad in Bali and are trying to make some money your main options are to look for work online or invest in local businesses. It is not very difficult to start your own company in Indonesia so if you're trying to find work this might be a good decision. Bali has a very large digital nomad community so you'll have a good chance of finding online work through networking events or coworking spaces.

Use Facebook groups such as Bali Expats Jobs & Business to find job postings and connect with others. Just make sure you are conducting all your work online and aren't not violating any visa requirements.

Check out our in-depth Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.

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The Full Digital Nomad Guide to Bali, Indonesia - Digital Nomad World

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Most nationalities (over 160) do not technically need a visa to go to Bali. They can stay in the country for 30 days visa-free but have to leave once this time is up.

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https://www.stopthetraffik.org/landing-page/bali/

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Significant signs for individuals potentially selling sex