Living in Phuket vs Bali as a "digital nomad"

As an online business owner, I've spent the last two years exploring South East Asia with just my laptop for company. My travels led me to two standout destinations: Phuket and Bali. If you're an online entrepreneur, you've probably toyed with the idea of working from these stunning islands. Let me give you a rundown of their pros and cons. Enjoy!

BALI (12 months stay):

Lifestyle: 9/10

Community: 9/10

Cleanliness: 5/10

Affordability: 7/10

Wifi speed: 7/10

Bali is a hub for online entrepreneurs, bustling with networking events and meetups. The lifestyle is top-notch, provided you have discipline. Dining out at upscale restaurants can cost over $50 AUD per head, but daily expenses can be as low as $30 AUD for decent meals. I loved working in my garden, with services like laundry, food delivery, and villa cleaning, allowing me to focus on work. But be warned: 'Bali belly' is almost inevitable for stays over a week. I'm still shaking off a flu-like illness, possibly COVID, four days after returning back to NZ.

PHUKET (4 months stay):

Lifestyle: 9/10

Community: 3/10

Cleanliness: 7/10

Affordability: 8/10

Wifi speed: 7/10

Phuket, with its serene beaches and cleaner environment, is quieter than Bali. It's perfect for 'monk mode' – minimal distractions and great for focusing solely on work. The food is fantastic, and I've never fallen ill here. However, the co-working spaces were disappointingly empty, perhaps a side effect of COVID.

In summary, Phuket is ideal for solitary work, while Bali offers a balance of solitude and networking. Both boast incredible food, affordability, beautiful beaches, and great weather. The choice depends on your work style and social preferences.

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