Living / Working / Investing Asia Playbook — Part 1: Bali
- Saygin Celen
- Aug 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Discover Bali: Your Insider’s Pass to the New Frontier for Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Creators.
Asia’s Top 3 Lifestyle & Business Hubs — Why Bali, Da Nang, and Chiang Mai?
After five years in Barcelona’s architectural wonderland and ten years in the whirlwind of the United States — half of it in the merciless but magical streets of New York — I knew it was time for a new chapter.
Barcelona charmed me with art, design, and Mediterranean warmth, but the reality was clear: I was always a foreigner in a system that made long-term living difficult for non-EU citizens.
New York was the ultimate test — if you make it there, you can make it anywhere — but it’s also a capitalist jungle. You either build something big enough to own your time, or you spend your life serving those who did.
I wanted something different: an inspiring place where work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword, where global-minded people gather, and where business opportunities are growing in sync with personal freedom.
I found it in Asia — a region brimming with creative energy, affordability, and diversity. After 16 months of slow traveling, three destinations stood out as game-changers for lifestyle, remote work, and investment:
Bali, Indonesia — a paradise island that’s more than beaches; it’s a melting pot of cultures, creativity, and possibilities.
Da Nang, Vietnam — a rising star for affordable beach city living with a tech-friendly vibe.
Chiang Mai, Thailand — the unofficial capital of digital nomads, offering mountain serenity and entrepreneurial energy.
This three-part series is your Asia Playbook.
Part 1 is all about Bali — a place where I felt at home within a week, stayed for eight months, and discovered a lifestyle that blends inspiration, community, and opportunity like nowhere else.
What You’ll Discover in This Playbook
Demystifying Bali’s Regions — From surf havens to jungle retreats.
Why Bali Stands Out — People, culture, and energy beyond the Instagram view.
Living Well in Bali — Cost breakdowns and lifestyle options.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs & Investors — Sectors worth watching and joining.
The Bali Business Playbook — How to work, build, and scale here.
The Awaynear Insider Advantage — How to shortcut your life and business setup.
Bali: The Island of Many Islands
“Where every corner feels like a different country.”
Bali is just one of Indonesia’s 18,000 islands — but ask most people and they’ll talk about it as if it’s a country.
Social media has turned it into a legend. But behind the reels and photos is a complex, diverse island with micro-cultures and distinct lifestyles.
When I arrived, I knew about Canggu and Ubud — the internet’s favorites. But soon I learned Bali is more like a collection of small worlds in one island.
Over eight months, I lived in five different homes, each in a different area, each with its own rhythm.
Here’s the breakdown:
Canggu — The Creative Chaos
What’s Good: Beach clubs like Finns, endless cafés, yoga workshops, entrepreneurial meetups, and a high concentration of international creatives.
What’s Not: Traffic jams worthy of an urban legend, no sidewalks, and infrastructure that’s more freeform than planned.
Ideal For: A one-week surf-party-work sprint or if you thrive in social overload.
Ubud — The Spiritual Greenhouse
What’s Good: Temples, rice terraces, lush jungles, yoga retreats, and a sense of stillness. “Ubud” literally means medicine.
What’s Not: No beach, frequent rain, and an hour’s drive to most coastal spots.
Ideal For: Meditation lovers, creative retreats, and quiet community living.
Seminyak — The Polished Playground
What’s Good: Better infrastructure than Canggu, a mix of upscale restaurants, nightlife (La Favela is iconic), and beach sunsets.
What’s Not: Traffic jams and higher costs than most of Bali.
Ideal For: Those who want action but with smoother edges.
Kuta — The Faded Classic
What’s Good: Affordable stays, big malls (Beachwalk, Discovery), beach sunsets.
What’s Not: Lost much of its trend factor; some areas feel run down.
Ideal For: Budget travelers and those who want old-school Bali tourism.
Denpasar — The Local Capital
What’s Good: Affordable rents, local food, and equidistant from Ubud, Uluwatu, and Seminyak.
What’s Not: No beach, fewer international hangouts.
Ideal For: Long-term residents who want savings and local immersion.
Uluwatu — The Cliffside Showstopper
What’s Good: Surf-perfect beaches, epic sunsets, high-end cliff clubs like Savaya.
What’s Not: Far from most of Bali, scooter rides are long.
Ideal For: Surfers, ocean lovers, and those who prefer boutique luxury.
Amed — The Diving Frontier
What’s Good: Calm seas, diving spots, views of Mount Agung.
What’s Not: Isolated and very quiet after dark.
Ideal For: Divers and sunset chasers who like solitude.
Kintamani — The Mountain Escape
What’s Good: Views of Mount Batur, crater lake, glamping spots.
What’s Not: Far from population centers, lots of rain.
Ideal For: Weekend getaways and nature lovers.
Munduk — The End of the Road
What’s Good: Rice fields, waterfalls, authentic village life.
What’s Not: Remote, with minimal international community.
Ideal For: Those seeking a pure, local lifestyle.
Why Bali Stands Out Beyond the Beaches
“Come for the views, stay for the people.”
Bali’s magic isn’t just scenery — it’s the human energy.
Warmth & Welcome — Smiles, greetings, and genuine friendliness are a baseline here.
Open-Mindedness — Almost everyone speaks English; cultural curiosity is mutual.
Thankfulness — Rooted in Balinese Hinduism, gratitude is a daily practice.
Strong Ethics — From Airbnb hosts to café staff, service is delivered with pride and integrity.
Stress-Free Vibe — Even in epic traffic jams, the energy stays calm.
Living Well in Bali Without Breaking the Bank
The beauty of Bali is choice:
Budget life — $800/month: homestay, scooter, local food.
Mid-range — $1,500–$2,000/month: private villa, mix of local & international food.
Luxury — $3,000+/month: pool villa, high-end dining, personal driver.
Typical costs:
Scooter rental — $100/month
Local meals — $2–3
International meals — $5–7
Ride-hailing — $1–2 per trip
Business Opportunities in Bali: Unlock Your Potential with BeeBali and Awaynear
Bali’s vibrant culture and skilled artisan community create a unique environment for investment and entrepreneurship.
Long before it became a global tourist destination, Bali thrived as a center of art and craftsmanship, especially in furniture and stone sculptures.
Today, the island’s creative spirit fuels exciting business ventures across tourism, design, and premium products.
Whether you have capital or seek local partnerships, Bali offers numerous opportunities — from owning boutique hotels and restaurants to investing in innovative lifestyle brands.
Introducing BeeBali: Three Ready-to-Launch Investment Opportunities in Bali
Under the BeeBali brand, Awaynear is offering a curated portfolio of profitable, fully prepared businesses in Bali’s high-growth sectors — luxury tourism, premium décor, and specialty coffee.
Each venture is turnkey, backed by local expertise, and designed for fast payback.
Whether you’re looking for adventure-based experiences, high-end artisan products, or a global coffee brand with authentic Balinese roots, BeeBali Balloons, BeeBali Decor, and BeeBali Coffee are ready for you to step in and scale.
💬 To schedule a call or get your questions answered for the BeeBali businesses outlined below, send a DM on LinkedIn or start a live chat with Awaynear today.
BeeBali Balloons & Bali1Park
Experience: Hot air balloon rides for upscale tourists, set against Bali’s breathtaking Kintamani landscape near Mount Batur.
Ready to Operate: Includes local partners, trained staff, all permits, marketing, and operational setup.
Investment: $90,000 for a 30% share in net profits across three balloons (five passengers each).
Payback: 4 to 6 months.
BeeBali Decor
Products: Premium Balinese furniture and art pieces, including lighting, living room, and garden collections.
Partnership: Collaborations with top local artisans and furniture companies under the BeeBali brand.
Sales Channels: Online wholesale, international showrooms, and distributor networks.
Ownership: 20% for $80k, 35% for $180k; quarterly net profit distribution.
Payback: Approximately 6 months.
BeeBali Coffee
Premium Coffee: Specializing in authentic Indonesian coffee, featuring the world-famous Kopi Luwak.
Authenticity: Sourced directly from Bali’s coffee plantations, highlighting traditional, sustainable cultivation.
Global Reach: Targeting specialty coffee markets worldwide with a brand story rooted in Bali’s culture.
Sustainability: Supporting local farmers and preserving artisanal methods.
Explore the BEEBALI COFFEE Investment Deck for the Dubai market.
Build Your Life and Business in Bali with Awaynear Consulting
Starting your Bali journey with expert guidance can save you months of trial and error, plus significant expenses.
Awaynear Consulting delivers tailored insights and hands-on support to fast-track your success.
Here’s what we cover:
Scooter License & Rental: Get an official scooter license in just one day, learn to ride efficiently, and find the best-priced scooter rentals for your needs.
Housing Solutions: How to rent the best value villa, buy property, or start a vacation rental business. Guidance on purchasing high-end hotels and managing property investments.
Business & Investment Setup: From local partnerships to navigating permits and regulations, we help you start or scale your business with ease and confidence.
Top Experiences & Lifestyle: Discover Bali’s must-visit spots — from top yoga studios and surf schools to the best nightlife, restaurants, coworking spaces, and beach clubs.
Visa & Connectivity: Identify the ideal visa for your situation, secure long-term stays, and choose mobile operators that combine cost-effectiveness with excellent coverage.
Cultural Integration & Hobbies: Learn how to embrace Bali’s vibrant culture through hobbies like surfing, handpan music, and salsa dancing.
Plus Five More Game-Changing Questions: We address critical questions that transform your day-one experience and accelerate your growth.
Ready to fast-track your Bali life and business?
Book a one-hour personalized consulting call for $95 instead of $145.
You’ll get top questions answered plus a 5-page Bali Playbook cheat sheet packed with insider tips to lay an amazing foundation for your life, work, and investments here.
DM on Linkedin or chat live on Awaynear now for questions you may have.
About the Author
I’m Saygin Celen, Founder and Head of Design & Business Development at Awaynear, where we create impactful products and help entrepreneurs and startups turn bold ideas into reality.
Explore our work at Awaynear.com.
I’m always open to connecting with forward-thinking professionals and exchanging ideas about the future.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and send a DM if you have questions, projects, or simply want to collaborate.
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