Back in 2016, I was freelancing as a web developer in Brooklyn, coding away every day. The NYC winter was cold, and between the gray concrete jungle and long hours, I felt burnt out.
Then it hit me—I didn’t actually need to be stuck in my Brooklyn apartment. I was already working remotely, so I could be anywhere in the world. This wasn’t such a common way of thinking at the time; the “digital nomad” lifestyle was still a new idea.
So, I started researching digital nomad groups and travel hotspots, and I came across a company called Be Unsettled, which ran digital nomad trips around the world. The idea of trading NYC’s cold streets for a month in lush, tropical Bali sounded amazing.
Within weeks, I had sold my possessions, gave up my apartment, and booked my trip to Bali, where I’d join a group of 30 other nomads. I planned to stay for a month but ended up extending to two—until a volcano eruption forced us to pack up and leave!
In Bali, our group stayed in Ubud, the island’s jungle haven known for its holistic vibe, meditation, yoga, and clean eating. Bali has two main types of areas: jungle or beach. For me, the jungle was perfect—a peaceful, healthy setting that helped me recharge and get productive.
Our coworking spot was Outpost, which remains one of my all-time favorite coworking spaces, with an inspiring environment that made it easy to focus while feeling connected to nature.
One of the highlights of Ubud is the Monkey Forest—a sanctuary filled with lively monkeys running around everywhere. I hiked the forest trails, hung out with the monkeys, and even caught some of them in action up close.
While in Bali, I worked on turning my freelancing into a full-fledged agency. I built a website, developed a brand, and honed in on the services I’d offer, focusing on PPC, Google Ads, lead generation, and some web development.
One of the best things about Bali is how easy it is to get around on a scooter 🛵. I rode through jungles, back roads, and even made beach trips for epic sunsets. There’s nothing like exploring Bali on two wheels!
Our group of digital nomads bonded quickly, and the parties were memorable! We’d go out together, unwind, and celebrate the Bali vibe, making lifelong memories and friendships.
I also had the chance to hike one of Bali’s volcanoes—an incredible experience that came with sweeping views of the island. Bali’s active volcanoes are both beautiful and powerful, and this one didn’t disappoint.
In Bali, I tried Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, a unique type of coffee where beans pass through the digestive system of a civet cat before being collected, roasted, and brewed. It’s said to give the coffee a unique taste.
While in Bali, I hosted my first-ever Facebook Ads Workshop for our digital nomad group. I was nervous, but it ended up being a great experience. Sharing my knowledge was incredibly rewarding, and it sparked a newfound interest in teaching.
Bali is known for its wellness scene, and I took full advantage of it with daily yoga and meditation sessions. These practices kept me balanced and helped me stay present while building my agency.
One day, I hopped on my scooter and took a jungle drive to visit a local astrologist. It was a fascinating experience, blending spiritual discovery with Bali’s mystical vibe.
Toward the end of my stay, one of Bali’s volcanoes erupted. We had to take precautions with masks and stay informed on safety measures. It was an intense reminder of Bali’s natural forces!
One of the surprises of my Bali experience was finding a small skateboarding scene. I joined some locals for a skate session, which was a great way to break up my work routine and connect with the community.
It was in Bali that I decided to go from freelancing to starting my own agency. I wanted to present a more professional image, so I created a brand, built a website, and mapped out my core services. Back then, I focused on PPC, Google Ads, lead generation, and web development for landing pages. It was before I discovered HubSpot, but Bali was where the vision for my agency first came together.
Looking back, Bali was more than just my first digital nomad trip—it was the birthplace of my agency and a lifestyle change that reshaped how I work and live. From the inspiring people I met to the unforgettable experiences, Bali showed me the freedom and creativity that come with a remote lifestyle. If you’re looking to step into the digital nomad life or simply want a change of scenery, Bali is a must-visit. Just be prepared to stay longer than planned—you never know what the island has in store!