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The past two weeks here in Bali have been pretty uneventful. I have not been feeling well and struggled with most physical activity and making progress on my site, personal projects or new work.

No Holiday

This was never a holiday, it is literally me living here while I continue my job search. So it’s not a waste being here, but it has been challenging. I tried my best to go to the beach and get outside, but my energy has been low and outwside of a few strolls, it’s not quite a holiday of any sorts.

Training

I still trained as much as possible. Again, I’m not at the best gym, despite it’s popularity and I’d recommend looking for other gyms. Still the staff are kind and it’s been my regular daily visit. Did not use the recovery area or attend any classes, so consider the package you get if all you do is hit the weights.

Food

I tried sticking to the same places where I felt I was eating relatively healthy and could try and improve my daily intake, making protein a priority. After doing a scan today, it doesn;t seem to have made any difference and I’m now questioning my food choices. I can;t afford it, but when I can I think it’s time to talk to a dietician and a nutritionist. Something has to change. Unfortunately ordering anything outside of the usual spots has made me sick.

Health

I have spent most of the past 2 weeks sick. I have had bali belly almost every day and developed a rather horrible cough. I have tried using local pharmacies, but they seem to just throw the same stuff at you all the time, which doesn’t really fix the problem. I considered seeing a doctor, but all the search rsults I got keep pushing these IV services which just feel like a scam. Maybe I’m not udnerstanding it all, but for the price, it just does not make sense. Even though I paid for insurance which is really pricy at my age, over double what it would cost if I was 5 years younger, I am reluctant to use it as I’ve never really seen the benefit of medical schemes unless it was actually staying in hospital for a big procedure. Again, something I need to work out.

Weather

It’s only rained once or twice even though we are heading into the rainy season. It rained so hard the other night it woke me up and I couldn;t easily fall asleep. I kind of liked the sound of rain on the roof which is not something I experience living in an apartment in Bangkok. So being here late in October is still wonderful if you enjoy the sunshine.

Conclusion

The past few weeks have challenged me and I’m so ready to get back to Bangkok. While it’s only temporary, it is the closest thing I have to a home. So just want to get back to what I’m comfortable with. Hopefully I can heal up and continue to find a new opportunity feeling better. Bali is a magical place and I could see myself living here, but I’d have to really figure out how to manage the health issues that come with it as I have not been my best and I can’t afford not to be. I will come back for sure, this place has an amazing energy and is mostly my vibe.

I’ve been in Bali for another week, and I’m feeling a lot more settled. I’ve found my favorite spots, gotten into a bit of a routine, and am quite enjoying my time here. Of course, there has been a disruption that has caused a bit of a wobble, but I’ll get to that.

Most days consist of working out, eating healthy, co-working, relaxing in the recovery area, and taking sunset walks on the beach. I really am quite content with this simple routine.

While I realize this post is different from last week’s, I thought I’d still write something to make you think about your time coming to a place like Bali.

You can go to fancy dinners and party all day and night at beach clubs—that’s not my vibe and not something I’ll cover. To me, that’s for people who are on holiday in Bali. I’m not on holiday; I’m living here for a month. Something I believe not many people actually do in their whole lives—they simply holiday their way around the world. Some people travel, which I really admire, but neither have been a privilege for me. Rather, I can really only afford to live somewhere, soaking up the space I settle in for a month or three at a time.

Gym

I have been going to the gym daily. In fact, I did not miss a workout in 10 days straight, which is a huge improvement compared to how I was struggling to enjoy the gym the past few months in Bangkok. I work my whole body in every workout, prioritizing my lower half while I have the most energy, as that’s where I need the most work. It’s a good hour session before I head for breakfast.

Food

I have been going to Nude most days, eating four scrambled eggs, sliced avocado, halloumi cheese, and a slice of lemon, with a “Nuts and Nana” whey protein smoothie to wash it down. I do eat later in the day, but I’m yet to find something I thoroughly enjoy, so I’m still trying a few things. I’m trying to avoid having Burger Brothers for dinner like the last time I was here.

Accommodation

My new room is much better. The manager of the property has been great and has made sure I’m really comfortable. There’s a lovely relaxing seating area outside and a decent-sized TV inside. The place is quiet, and the location is great.

Co-working

I haven’t gone every day, but I do enjoy going to Zin to get some work done. The staff know me by name and always make sure I have a good spot to sit, and their service is just incredible. They have a great selection of food and drinks. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the beach.

Sunset Walks

I try to walk daily, so there’s no better time than sunset. The beaches are pretty full as people take in the sunset, which never fails to impress. The temperature isn’t too bad either, so it makes for a nice way to unwind from the day’s work.

Relaxing

I quite enjoy going to my gym’s recovery center in the evenings, either before my sunset walk or after. They have nice places to relax. I try to read a chapter of my book and enjoy a swim. There are saunas, cold plunges, and my favorite—a hot tub that helps me unwind.

Evenings

I don’t do much. I generally tend to do some work, watch Netflix and YouTube until I pass out.

Disruption

I have had two problems. Firstly, I am overtraining. On day 10, I started to feel it; on day 11, I could barely walk up the stairs—everything started to hurt. Secondly, I ate something bad and got Bali Belly, so I’ve been in bed for the past two days in a bit of pain and discomfort. I am getting that break from the gym I need. Hopefully, I can recover quickly and will be back in my routine once again.

Bali has certainly changed since I was here two years ago. I thought I’d share a few insights should you be thinking of visiting.

Travel

I did a post the other day that covered everything you need to know about getting here and getting as far as your accommodation. So give this a read if you haven’t already.

Accommodation

There is so much accommodation, it makes no sense to me that so little of it is posted on Airbnb. But it is safe to say, you can book whatever you like for your first couple of days, which you are required to do in order to enter Bali, but it will take you no time to find suitable accommodation once you are here. So I really do advise against taking a month stay at an Airbnb you have not stayed at before or that doesn’t come highly recommended, as there are some dives in the same price range as some real gems.

Location

I prefer to stay as close to the beach and a gym as possible. I opted to stay near a gym everyone always mentions in videos. I don’t recommend this either; I’d suggest finding a location and then go explore the gyms in that area, and I’m certain you’ll find something suitable. But I’ll discuss this further; let’s stay on topic. The location doesn’t matter as much as you think, as there has been so much growth here—it blows my mind, feels like Bali has 10x’d since my last visit two years ago. So going a little more inland is actually quite normal and will only be a few more minutes’ bike ride, so don’t sweat it. There’s really not too many places to take a walk, so you’ll likely take a ride to the beach in order to get your steps in.

Food

You are absolutely spoiled for choice in Bali. I stay around Canggu, and there are restaurants everywhere. I sometimes simply don’t know which restaurant I want to try. Some of my favourites are Milk & Madu, Nude, and my favourite dessert place is a Greek sandwich shop called OVRDOS, which I highly recommend. I have eaten out in the evenings, but I mostly order in through Grab or GoJek. Prices are totally reasonable, and the quality is insanely good value for money. Of course, everything is Instagrammable, so content creators and foodies will love it.

Exercise

Like I’ve mentioned above, there are so many gyms, fitness centres, Pilates studios, etc. When I came here two years ago, there were too many tattoo shops; now there are likely too many gyms, and they’re big business, offering more than a weight room or yoga classes. Recovery seems to be the buzz here, and everyone is offering ice baths and chill areas around the pool overlooking the few remaining rice fields. I took an overpriced gym as I didn’t go check out enough gyms. The gym is okay, but the service is quite special—the likes I’ve only seen at premier Virgin Actives.

Transport

If you really can ride a scooter, then rent one; it will give you the freedom you will want to get around the island at a moment’s notice. I don’t have a lot of experience on scooters, other than being a passenger, so I use Grab or GoJek to get around. They are insanely cheap. Only get a car if you’re going on a longer road trip or have suitcases to move around. Walking, like I’ve said before, is challenging; they mostly have no pavements, and you’ll be dodging bikes and cars at crazy traffic jams at every intersection. People said the traffic was bad, and that’s no lie. I can see why many people are moving out of these areas for quieter parts of the island.

Weather

It’s hot all the time—not Bangkok hot, but it’s toasty, and you will sweat. There’s plenty of air-conditioned spaces, so you won’t melt unless you spend a large amount of time outdoors. While I’ve been here, it’s been mostly cloudy every day—no blinding light and blue skies as I’ve experienced before, as it’s October; we’re heading into the wet season after all.

Working

I’ve been trying to work from my room, but I only really have a bed to lay on, so it’s been quite challenging. I have ventured out to co-working spaces, but I still find them rather distracting as they’re rather busy. I tried the Tribals, but they’re not my scene and fill up early. My current favourite spot is ZIN Cafe, which is a minute away from the beach I frequent.

Beaches

I’m on the western side of the island and make sure I visit the beach every day, mostly to enjoy the sunset. I’m yet to take an early morning stroll, but they are as lovely as ever. They do seem cleaner than they are in the mornings I’ve experienced on previous visits. However, they are full; there are so many places to chill on the beach, never mind all the beach clubs. The water is lovely; there’s plenty of sand, even if it’s not the powdery white stuff I’ve experienced most everywhere else in the world. But that’s what makes Bali unique. The surf is crazy too; doubt I’d have the courage to venture out given just how many people I’d likely annoy with my lack of experience.

People

There’s people from everywhere; Bali really has to be one of the most diverse mixes of people on earth. Given its location, though, the largest recognisable accents have to be the Australians, who travel here in squads. I’ve rarely met an Aussie on their own; they are always here with the rest of the pack. To their credit, it’s probably why the food is so good, as their food expectations are really high. There’s also lots of really beautiful people; thank goodness I don’t give a damn at my age. Again, something that surprises everyone when they find out how old I am, often being told by girls how they like older men and by guys what an inspiration I am. Maybe they’re just being polite, but I’ll take it.

Dress Code

It’s an island; please, don’t bring your cowboy boots—yep, I’ve seen that. Most people are either in flip-flops or trainers because they are training. Otherwise, it’s all board shorts and tank tops. Everyone seems to have already gotten their tan on. Thankfully, I’ve been living in Thailand and have a little colour too, so not blinding them with my pale English complexion. There are families, but I’d say you’ll find most people are between the ages of 25–35 and here for a lot more than vegan food and yoga. Alcohol is plentiful, and people sure like to party. Where I stay, there seems less of the party crowd thankfully, but you don’t have to stray far to find it.

Conclusion

It’s only the first week; I’m here for the rest of the month, and my views might change. So I’ll be sure to update you as I go. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. But honestly, it’s still an amazing place to visit, and I do recommend it.

I have just arrived in Bali and thought it might be helpful to know what it now takes to get here in 2024.

Flights to Bali

I took a flight from Thailand, direct flights from Bangkok to Bali are available via Thai Airways and AirAsia. I took an AirAsia flight, the price seemed reasonable but if you want anything, even a water it’s extra. So book early, pay for a descent seat if you want it and have cash in Indonesian Rupees. Keep in mind there’s no Wi-Fi on flights, so download any Netflix shows or podcasts before you board.

Visa Requirements

Most travelers can enter Bali with a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which is valid for 30 days. You can extend this visa once, allowing a total stay of 60 days. The VOA process helps you move through immigration quicker, but you’ll need to prepare:

• A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date. • Proof of accommodation in Bali (so book your place ahead of time). • Proof of onward travel, such as a return or onward flight.

If you think you’ll be staying longer than 30 days, it’s a good idea to plan for the extension early.

Accommodation

Since you’ll need to show proof of accommodation for your visa, make sure to book your stay before arriving. Bali has plenty of options for remote workers, with co-working spaces and fast Wi-Fi available in many hotels and guesthouses. I used airbnb, while prices are better when you rent for a month, you just never know, so I got a place for a few days and rather found something more suitable when I was here.

Currency: Bring a Card, but Cash is Handy

Bali mostly uses tap-and-pay systems, so bring a card like Wise for ease of use. However, it’s smart to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller local shops or areas without card facilities.

SIM Cards: Local is Cheaper

Once you’re through customs, you can easily pick up a local SIM card at the airport. Local packages are typically cheaper than eSIMs, and they offer reliable data for getting around or staying connected. For remote workers, this is an easy and affordable option for mobile data.

COVID-19 Protocols

Bali has relaxed most of its COVID-19 restrictions, but some airlines or immigration officers might still ask for proof of vaccination. Have a digital copy saved on your phone, just in case.

Travel Insurance

Though not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations, as well as COVID-19-related costs if relevant. I used a nomad insurance that freaked me out once they calculated my age, but it’s necessary.

Health Declaration

You’ll need to fill out a health declaration form before arriving in Bali. This can often be done online before your flight, which will save you time at the airport.

Tourist Tax

There is a small tourist tax to be paid upon entering Bali. It’s minimal, and you can pay with either cash or card at the airport.

Customs Declaration

Bali has strict rules on certain items like alcohol and tobacco, so you’ll need to fill out a customs declaration form. This can often be done online before you arrive, making the process smoother once you land.

Getting Around: Grab & Gojek

Once you’re in Bali, you’ll find apps like Grab and Gojek are the easiest ways to get around. However, a heads-up—if your Apple location is set to Thailand, you won’t be able to download Gojek. I had to change my location to the UK through Apple Support just to get access to the app. Gojek works similarly to Grab, and both are great for getting around Bali conveniently.

Don’t Forget an Adapter!

Bali uses a different plug system, so make sure to pack an adapter. If you forget one, don’t worry—you can quickly order one via Grab, just like I did!

Conclusion

I will write an updated post about life in Bali in 2024 after I’ve been here a few more days, but it’s still a magical place and worth the trip. There’s a lot of admin, but make the extra effort to do it before hand so you’re not scrambling at the airport. Once you are through all of that, you can finally enjoy the good Bali vibes.

– If you have a visa, got to go see the city

– You can check in your luggage at the lost luggage place for a few hours

– Take the Heathrow express to Paddington

– It’s beautifully sunny, not hot, but for the English this is a scorcher

– If you can have one meal in London, make it Ichibuns in Soho, I did 

🙂

– Supreme in London also has endless queues 

– Walking the back streets of soho is where you’ll find some great little gems tucked away

– Golden square is a civilized outdoor place to meet

– Nordic Bakery make a great cappuccino 

– The Tube is so hot I thought my face was going to melt

– Apple AirPods make you look like a tool, not as bad as some headphones, but I’d rather have cables than look like a tool

– The Heathrow Express can get as packed as any other train during peak times, but it’s a short and quick ride with minimal stops

– Going through security is way simpler, you can keep your shoes on

– Thank you London, was lovely splash and dash on the other side of the pond

Day 01

– Take a yellow cab from JFK, it’s a set fee into the city
– Tell the driver the corner your destination is on, they don’t know hotels nearly as well as street names 
– Check-in is at 3pm
– Colder NYC does not slow it down
– Time Square still does my head in
– Starbucks closes earlier on a Sunday, I have not had coffee
– Walking around this city is my favorite thing to do here
– Direction takes some getting used to, everything seems upside down
– There is no ground zero, their floors start at 1
– Still no 13th floor
– The minibar is packed full of treats, but don’t eat them, they’ll probably cost you an arm and a leg
– The kefir is next to the milk in the grocery store fridge
– A 30 day SIM and unlimited data etc costs $65
– It’s Zee not Zed
– You gotta tip, New Yorkers get quite upset if you don’t
– Compared to London, stuff is way cheaper
– The buildings look older than I remembered them looking
– Staying in midtown seems fairly convenient

Day 02

– The New York public library is breathtaking, it’s free, visit it
– NYC feels like home for me already 
– While most things are cheaper in NYC, you will be charged city tax, which you cannot claim when you leave
– Saks on 5th Avenue is worth visiting to teach you how people with far too much money over pay for stuff, prefer Selfridges as a department store 
– Street hot dogs won’t kill you, try them
– There’s lots of crazies walking around the streets
– No matter what the time or day, NYC is always buzzing, it really is the city that never sleeps 
– The Apple store in 5th Avenue is still not done
– Milk Bar was kinda dodge, cereal milk is not what I expected sadly
– Very Fresh Noodles at Chelsea Market are delicious 
– It’s getting warmer

Day 03

– So convenient having a Starbucks on just about every street corner
– Coffee at most other places is not an espresso with milk, it’s drip coffee 😞
– The city seems to be getting busier every day
– It’s quite easy to earn your vitality steps, you walk a lot 
– Five Guys never disappoints, still my favourite burger 
– Soho is the better place to shop, everything is in a very concentrated area
– Blades in Soho is the best skate shop for clothing
– Grand Central Station is quite spectacular
– The Apple Store in Grand Central Station is huge, quite the experience
– Wagamamas is great Asian food, I hadn’t had it since I lived in London 20 years ago
– It’s easy to sleep in the middle of the city, despite all the sirens etc, either it’s the way the windows block out noise or just totally exhausted
– Cherry blossom trees are really beautiful
– It’s getting even warmer
– I ❤️ NY

Day 04

– Its t-shirt weather in NYC
– Most people think of NY, but when you’re in the city, you see a lot more NYC
– Macy’s is the largest department store I’ve been in, I got lost 🙈
– My feet hurt from all the walking
– It’s refreshing to hear stories of honesty, people who leave their purses in taxis, get them back
– Walk over the Brooklyn bridge, you can see the Statue of Liberty 
– NY sour cherry pie at Petee’s pie company is the magic 
– A hot shave at Rudy’s barbershop is a nice treat
– Jelly is not jam, there’s no flavors, it’s just jelly 🙄
– 10pm feels as lovely as 10am, only the bums are going to sleep, not waking up

Day 05 & 06

– Anejo mexican restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen has great tacos and the best desert I have had while here
– Starbucks has these powermats to wirelessly charge your phone, but doesn’t seem to work on an iPhone unfortunately 
– Bluestone lane on 5th across from Central Park makes the best smashed avo on toast
– You cannot drink your morning coffee while racing down Madison Avenue in a cab
– Google maps cannot keep up with the pace of stores popping up and closing down, things might not be where the maps say they will be
– There are plenty of 24 hour pharmacy’s
– Eatalian on 5th is a little chaotic, but has a bunch of Italian stuff, whether you want to sit down and eat, or grab something from their delis
– Cannolis are ok, not good nor bad, just ok 
– Most Starbucks are closed by 9pm, but you can find some open later
– Friday’s in midtown are crazy busy with people everywhere, even more than usual
– It’s even hotter, but chilly in the shade
– Seen a lot of school busses this time, they’re everywhere
– There is an incredible amount of news and sports on tv, and lots of Ad breaks in between
– Apple products are so much cheaper here
– There is such a vibe in this city, it’s almost exhausting

*I was in NYC for a conference, which took up most of my time during these two days, so did very little else in the city, so merged the two days

Day 07

– It’s raining in NYC
– It’s not so fun
– Hotels (at least my hotel) gives out umbrellas so you can walk around
– Umbrellas don’t stop you from getting wet
– It’s my last full day, I really don’t want to have to buy a raincoat 
– SoHo is crazy busy
– Taxi drivers call you cheap when you only tip 20%
– Concepts on Hudson street is still the most well curated store
– Apple Store payment is just brilliant, love that they ask to email you a receipt
– Vans stock some cool skate gear in their stores
– Cassey Neistats 368 is just off canal street and broadway, I did not spot him
– People were queuing down the block for G Star today
– People still queue for Supreme
– You can get fake supreme gear, Louis Vuitton bags and sunglasses all over SoHo
– Still get offered a lot of drugs on Canal Street
– The view from my hotel is inside looking at other rooms, but I cannot see inside, no nudity, nothing! 
– People shop on 5th Ave but there are some great stores with less people on Park and Madison Avenues
– Five Guys, never get tired of eating their burgers and love their strawberry shake – yes you can skip shake shack
– It’s refreshing to see every till in a store manned, queues move fairly quickly
– The hooting can get too much
– Drinking coffee and people watching at Union Square is a beautiful thing
– NY City gift shops are as common as Starbucks 
– I have not spent time in Central Park 🙈
– The rain does not slow down the city

Day 08

– It’s raining again in NYC
– What is it with big city’s and bubble gum stains on the pavement?!
– Check out is 12pm, but hotel will keep luggage and arrange a cab for you to JFK
– This rain is stopping no one, babies are in strollers, old farts slowing stuff down with walkers and crazies still screaming
– Starbucks free WiFi is certainly used as people spend large amount of time working there
– There are markets of all kinds all over the city on the weekend
– There are girls doing yoga in the lululemon store windows
– Watch a movie at AMC’s theatres at Lincoln plaza. The seats aren’t as nice as back home, but they give you free 3D glasses and serve hotdogs in the theatre
– Central Park is still full of people enjoying some greenery in the rain
– Last treat in NYC had to be warm apple pie
– ACE hotel does a psychic reading on a Sunday evening, more weirdos in the lobby, hard to get a seat
– Grilled three cheese sandwich is a fitting final meal in America, delicious
– Farewell NYC, see you again soon

Day 01

– Not much has changed, but I have
– “Mind the gap”
– Weather is wet & freezing cold
– The city is buzzing
– People still drink a lot after work
– There are more cellphone stores than coffee shops
– Still can’t understand their English 
– The place still looks the same, one long brick building, I would not know where I am other than the West End
– Docklands is booming with modern buildings at a massive scale 
– Food seems really-really expensive
– Way more cyclists on the roads, they don’t have bells, they hoot by swearing loudly
– Black is still everyone’s favorite colour 
– There are fighting gyms, almost as commonly as off licenses
– china town is looking more Chinese than ever
– Selfridges is still my favorite department store
– Still large groups of people on skates with loud music on Oxford street
– West end, only seemed to have delivery vans, red busses and black cabs
– Did not spot nearly as many Bobby’s (police) as you’d expect for a major city
– The tube while aged is still the best transport system I’ve travelled on
– The iStore on Regent street is beautiful
– They still have rolo desert
– Maybe it was the rain, but not nearly as many street performers and buskers as I remember 
– Lots of people playing games on their phones during their commute
– Mostly foreign accents behind the counter serving you
– skinny-skinny jeans seem really popular
– hardly any rubbish bins, but streets are really clean
– there seems to be an app for everything

Day 02

– Remember to carry a warm top, the weather changes fast
– walking along the Thames is a beautiful way to see the city
– lots of little bendy side streets with a variety of restaurants, bars and clubs everywhere you go
– bombs go off
– the city is really big
– there’s an underground station everywhere, just walk a little further and you’ll find one 
– the mix of old ruins, castles and futuristic buildings is fascinating 
– roads are not getting any wider
– bangers and mash is a staple on most menus and it’s pretty great 
– people really do mind their own business, no one even makes eye contact on the train and people just talk on their phones without caring if you’re listening
– clear skies, don’t mean warm weather
– warm caramelised nuts are a great street snack

Day 03

– People stand on the streets outside pubs drinking … a lot!
– it can get warmer and people soak up the sun
– ICHIBUNS in SOHO is the most original and best restaurant I’ve been to in a long time, Japanese Burger joint
– Tubes are packed going into the West End on a Friday evening
– Tubes going out are filled with drunk people
– Discovered lots of street performers everywhere, the rain must have kept them away before
– All the bars we worked in 20 years ago are closed 😞
– you can just barely get WiFi when you stop at some tube stations, but otherwise no WiFi in the underground (opportunity)
– Have hardly spotted a Burger King 
– There’s such a buzz in this city

Day 04

– Walking the city with no real plan is my favourite way to explore
– I finally went to Buckingham Palace
– I’m always amazed at public parks in cities, they instantly remove you from the big buildings and hustle
– Canary Wharfs underground malls under the giant new office buildings is genius
– Rooftop gardens above malls are an incredible treat
– Saloon cars are my new way to travel to and from airports
– The London Eye, is just a big Ferris wheel
– Pop Boutique is still an incredible vintage clothing store
– Slam City is the best skate store
– Apple stores have no queues, staff come to you and you purchase products where you are
– The city is buzzing with tourists
– They have electric black cabs
Nothing quite like a warm summers day in England
– It doesn’t change that much, but perhaps that’s what makes it what it is