What You Need To Know About Starting A Business In Bali

Andrea Loubier ,

CONTRIBUTOR

I write about women in tech, entrepreneurship and millennials.

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Starting a business in Bali combines two of every entrepreneur's greatest desires: living in paradise while making a steady profit. The number of international startups springing up in Bali over the last few years has turned this island paradise into something more lucrative than just another Southeast Asian holiday destination.


Entrepreneur at work in tropical Bali

It has become a business opportunity with over 5 million consumers; that caters to a thriving startup ecosystem and is a place where startups can reduce their costs, maximize their profits and live in a breathtaking part of the world.

If you are thinking about packing your bags and setting up shop here like I did, there are some things you need to know about what it takes to start and build a technology business in Bali.



Bali Is All About Collaborative Co-Working Spaces

Due to the shift in millennials choosing to work remotely over a location based job, Bali has developed an abundance of co-working spaces. This trend has created a creative and collaborative environment where individual entrepreneurs and startups can be mega productive with the added opportunity to share their story, network and be a part of a supportive community.

I’ve discovered my hub and favorite co-working space in Bali, going from a very fixed working location to a location independent set up, to going back full circle to a more fixed location because I’ve found a wonderful place. I have met some of the greatest people at my “modern office” at Dojo Bali which I find to be excellent for a number of reasons. I’ve been able to meet app partners for us at Mailbird and have even hired some great talent for my business from the awesome community here.
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Dojo Bali Co-working by the pool

Many co-working spaces aim to actively promote entrepreneurship, business networking, workshops and seminars by hosting weekly events and conferences. It really is the perfect environment for startups of any size. The culture makes you feel as if you are part of a family that is there to support and help your business grow. Some other co-working spaces in Bali include Kumpul, Hubud, , Lineup Hub and Outpost. There are also some unique ones that include co-living alongside co-working environments include Livit Spaces and one Roam.
Bali Has Low Operational Costs

The great thing about starting a business in Bali is that you do not need a significant amount of capital. The cost of living is quite cheap, helping keep operational costs low. This is why many new companies can build their business well from here, as they are able to bootstrap and keep operational costs to a minimum.

According to Nomadlist.com the average cost living in Bali is about $1,060 per month considering this covers food, living, office and social costs. To attain that same quality of living in America would be close to $2,500 minus the fact that you live on a tropical island where the sun is always shining.

It is evident that you get a better quality of living and value for money when choosing to come to Bali to build your business. It is understandable why so many startups are choosing to base themselves here on this island that was once only for honeymooners and vacationers.


Entrepreneur's dream life at a great value

Co-owner of Motel Mexicola Adrian Reed moved his business from Australia to Bali for better profits. He says,


"In Australia, you're doing brilliantly if you 10% profit. Here, we are making 40%."