NOMAD DIARIES: MY TOP 7 SPOTS TO WORK FROM IN UBUD BALI.
Written by Kat Fletcher
You rise early with the sun and the sound of the morning birds. The smell of incense floats through the air, as the morning markets start to come alive. You hop on your scooter to one of the many peaceful cafes to start a day’s work, nestled within the Balinese nature. This is life in Ubud. There’s a reason so many digital nomads come here.
The nature is abundant, the infrastructure is good, and the options of places to work is like no other place. Now before I go into my favourite spots I’ll say two things…
There are so many cafes and restaurants to explore with beautiful views, good food and seats to work. These are just a few of my favourites, but you will definitely find more!
If you want the peaceful Ubud experience, it’s best to stay somewhere in the outskirts. The north is my favourite. Many people come to Ubud, stay in the centre, and leave disregarding it as just another crowded, overdeveloped place.
Yes the centre is super hectic, but drive 5-10 minutes out and you’re surrounded with palm trees and lush rice fields, with cafes and restaurants dotted around. It’s purely beautiful. So without further adieu, here are my seven favourite spots to work from in Ubud…
1. SAMYAMA
This was the first cafe I went to when I set down in Ubud in 2023.
Built on wooden stilts and finished with traditional Balinese touches, this peaceful spot is nestled within lush jungle, with a stream running at the bottom. They don’t play any music, so all you hear is the gorgeous sounds of nature.
They serve lots of healthy vegetarian food, and it’s also attached to a retreat centre with yoga, meditation and wellness retreats. Note it’s officially called Samyama Meditation Centre.
2. PYRAMIDS OF CHI
This fresh and spacious cafe always feels like breath of fresh air to me, with it’s big stone tiles and breezy atmosphere.
You can sit and enjoy some of their delicious, organic, plant-based food, whilst overlooking the lush gardens where their own ingredients are grown.
At different times of the day, you’ll here the big gong, calling people to go to one of their workshops or sound healing events in the big pyramids that are set within the gardens. I loved their ancient sound healing.
3. MANA EARTHLY PARADISE
Perhaps my favourite spot, Mana Earthly Paradise truly is a paradise! Boasting beautiful gardens, grand palm trees, and big comfy sofas that just make you want to stay forever.
The atmosphere is gentle, and the food is divine - a creative blend of Japanese superfoods and Indonesian cuisine.
They also have their own shop, selling things such as organic groceries, personal care items, cute journals and natural clothing, all with a focus on sustainability and ethics. I love Mana.
4. BELUNA HOUSE OF CREATIVES
Picture a breezy, outdoor co-working space, made of bamboo, and set within the beautiful rice fields of northern Ubud. Beluna is always quiet and peaceful, perfect for those who want to focus whilst soaking up the gorgeous nature.
It’s set up well for workers, with lots of plugs and also an upstairs quiet room, which includes a meeting space and podcast recording studio.
They also have a lovely cafe and will often have deals on where if you order something you get access to the co-work.
5. OUTPOST
Outpost is the most well known co-work in Ubud, and there are actually two, one in the south and one in the west.
These co-works are big, spacious, and set up perfectly for workers who need a reliable space with fast internet, private call booths, and a friendly atmosphere.
Outpost will often host events where you can meet and mingle with fellow digital nomads - I made some good friends here.
My personal favourite was Outpost Nyuh Kuning (south). They have a downstairs quiet AC room, and then a beautiful upstairs room with all the windows open and a fresh breeze blowing in from the palm tree view.
6. YOGA BARN
Yoga Barn is one of the most well known spots in the centre of Ubud. It’s a large complex with yoga classes, workshops and events such as ecstatic dance.
The space is made of dark, natural wood, with Balinese features, plants all around, and the gentle sound of trickling water.
The vibe is always peaceful, friendly and social, with big comfy sofas set around communal tables that allow you to meet new people if you feel like.
There are also plenty of proper tables to sit at with plug access if you need something more resembling a desk.
7. SAGE
Sage! Ah the amount of mornings I spent in Sage when I first arrived in Ubud. I was always greeted with a warm smile and lit candles on the tables (even in the morning) which I absolutely love!
The interior is gorgeous and in a traditional Balinese style, they play gentle music, have healthy plant-based food, and the whole atmosphere just feels special.
TO CONCLUDE
So there you have it, my top seven places to work from in Ubud. But you must know, this is just the tip of the ice-berg.
Of all the places I’ve travelled, Ubud has the widest selection gorgeous cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Just ride along your scooter for five minutes and you would have past ten already. So go out and explore yourself! You’re bound to find some hidden gems.
