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Olumide Gbenro, a 34-year-old digital entrepreneur, shares his perspective with the team at Business Insider on living in Bali as a digital nomad and why he has chosen to relocate. In this as-told-to article, Gbenro discusses the initial attractions to Bali, the challenges he faced, the environmental issues, and his decision to move to southern Europe for a better lifestyle.
"I moved to Bali in 2019 after seeing friends post photos of themselves enjoying the island, drinking coconuts while lounging by the sea or at the pool."
Background Story
Growing up in San Diego, California, I always had a fondness for the city. After completing my studies in public health and epidemiology at San Diego State University, I found myself torn between pursuing further education or embarking on a journey to explore the world.
Eventually, I decided to leave San Diego and started living in various cities, including Mexico City, Copenhagen, and Hamburg, where I had friends from graduate school.
During this time, I launched a digital marketing agency in 2017, focusing on assisting Web3 and AI companies in launching their products. Additionally, I started a group coaching program for aspiring digital nomads and a weekly newsletter for remote workers. These ventures allowed me to earn an annual income of around $140 000, with various sources contributing to my earnings.
Moving to Bali and Its Attraction Points
In 2019, I made the leap and relocated to Bali, inspired by the images of friends enjoying the island's beauty and tranquility. However, the reality was not as smooth as expected. Loneliness became an early challenge as I struggled to find a community and friends to share my free time with. Yet, Bali did offer some advantages. The cost of living was considerably lower than in the US, and the local culture provided a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
As time went on, I began to notice the downsides of living in Bali. Contrary to popular belief, being a digital nomad there did not mean spending a luxurious vacation on the beach. Most of our time was spent working diligently at cafes and co-working spaces to sustain ourselves financially. Moreover, obtaining a digital nomad visa was not easy, it required a significant deposit in Indonesian state-owned banks, and was inaccessible for several years.
The Downsides of Bali: Pollution, Traffic, and Commercialization
Unfortunately, Bali has undergone significant commercialization, losing some of its previous charm. The once pristine landscapes have given way to an alternate reality where people film peculiar influencer content. The traffic has become unbearable, transforming short drives into lengthy waits. The beaches, once serene, are now marred by pollution and grime. Navigating through construction trucks' exhaust fumes necessitates wearing a mask, robbing the beauty of a sunset at the beach.
Predatory behavior from some locals further tarnishes the experience, with overcharging and scams targeting foreigners. While some may tolerate these issues due to the cost savings, I value quality over affordability. Bali, unfortunately, no longer satisfies my expectations.
Seeking Quality of Life: Europe as an Alternative
European cities like Prague and Barcelona offer a higher quality of life, despite being relatively more expensive. Rental prices in Bali have doubled since the start of the pandemic, making $2 000 insufficient for a comfortable stay, unlike in Europe.
"The quality of life in Bali has dropped, especially when compared to some cities in Europe like Prague and Barcelona."
Consequently, I have chosen to relocate to southern Europe, where an increasing number of countries offer digital nomad visas and embrace remote workers. I am excited to spend time in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Additionally, I am excited by the coastal regions of Europe and Africa, such as the Macaronesia region, encompassing destinations like the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
"Moving away from Bali means that I won't have to worry about my kid inhaling fumes from construction trucks or the constant stress of being stuck in traffic every day."
Embracing a New Chapter
It is essential for more people to speak up about the downsides of living in Bali, rather than romanticizing the island solely for personal branding and business promotion. While I have left Bali behind, I remain dedicated to growing my business and helping others become digital nomads. With the recent addition of a family, my focus is on providing them with a healthy environment free from pollution and daily traffic stress.
Bali served as a stepping stone in my digital nomad journey, but as circumstances evolve, it's crucial to adapt and seek out new destinations that offer a better balance of lifestyle and opportunities.
Conclusion
Gbenro emphasizes the need for more honest discussions about the drawbacks of living in Bali rather than romanticizing it for personal gain. He encourages others to share their experiences to provide a more balanced perspective for aspiring digital nomads. While he has moved on from Bali, Gbenro remains dedicated to growing his business and helping others embrace the digital nomad lifestyle.
