The Truth about Bali & Why I won't Live in Bali as a Digital Nomad

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  • Опубліковано 26 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 104

  • @mickthewanderingnomad
    @mickthewanderingnomad  5 місяців тому

    Sign Up for free for my 5 Day Yoga Challenge: A Passage to Soul Serenity: wanderingmick.ck.page/7683a0ee60
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  • @eddiejaoude
    @eddiejaoude 9 місяців тому +12

    We did 6 months in Bali and 6 months in Thailand, we much preferred Thailand and going back again to Thailand later this year

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +3

      Agreed Thailand is so lovely. I miss Bangkok and chiang mai the most!

    • @eddiejaoude
      @eddiejaoude 9 місяців тому +3

      @@mickthewanderingnomad we love Chiang Mai also! Also Koh Samui

    • @SolutionsWithin
      @SolutionsWithin 2 місяці тому

      @@mickthewanderingnomad With how much I hear of people talking about Chiang Mai, I assumed it would be a great beach. R n I just looked on google maps and just realized it's a totally inland city. Is it that great that it's worth traveling across the planet to in order to not even be at the beach? Just curious!

  • @petaapril
    @petaapril 7 місяців тому +4

    Glad to see more honest videos about Bali. I moved there in 2015 and it was great, chill, lots of rice fields and not too busy. But in the space of a few years so many influencers with millions of followers came here and now it's literally one enormous over developed construction site with horrendous traffic and noise and dust, and the beautiful chill vibes and clean air and water and rice fields.. unfortunately they're gone for good. And most of the people I've know from earlier years.. they've also gone back to their home country or relocated to Thailand. I rescued dogs and cats so I'm essentially trapped here now forever mourning the time when it was a beautiful place to live.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  7 місяців тому

      Thank you for sharing this is such a good summary of how it is. Sending good vibes for you and the dogs and cats!

  • @hajaminola
    @hajaminola 9 місяців тому +7

    I grew up in Jakarta as an EXPAT kid late 80's early 90s. Bali was GEM BACK THEN. Ubud was a jungle. Kuta was a village. Traffic has been bad since in 1995 LOL. I am sure it's much worst now. BALI is way to crowded. Poppies in KUTA was the place back then. Bali has been overrated since 1995. It's nice to visit for a week (driver & 5 star resort in Nusa Dua). No more craziness. Indonesians don't like Blonde Blue Eyed Americans. LOL. Kidding, you do have to be careful if you don't speak the language and understand the culture and how they do things....money talks in Indonesia.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +2

      Such a cool child hood! I wish I could visit during those times 🫠

    • @hajaminola
      @hajaminola 9 місяців тому +1

      @@mickthewanderingnomad Safe travels! Selamat jalan :)

    • @kevhall4802
      @kevhall4802 9 місяців тому +2

      This is the most accurate and realistic reply regarding the reality of Bali past & present.
      Have to add that Bali is not Indonesia which is a large country & group of islands, so what you see and experience in Bali does not reflect greater Indonesia. Its just an over crowded, over exploited, commercial zone that is struggling under the strain of all those visitors that zone in on the island as a result of cheap packaged flight/accommodation deals which in turn attracts that certain class of traveller.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +1

      Valid points here! Have you traveled any where else in Indonesia? Curious your experience compared to Bali?

    • @kevhall4802
      @kevhall4802 9 місяців тому +2

      @@mickthewanderingnomad Yes, many years ago I was in business with some guys from Jakarta who were wanting to start their business in Australia. I travelled to quite a few different parts of Indonesia to visit factories including to Pontianak and other places that I can't recall now. Jakarta of course, but its just a mega city same as all other SE Asian countries with chronic traffic problems. One positive outcome was I learnt the language in the process so I can speak Indonesian which helps a lot when in that country as well as when visiting Bali.
      Best experience for me when in Bali is to get a local driver for the day and get him to drive you around the island and to show you that other side of Bali, the more genuine part of the culture and learn about how local people really live. We had a guy named Tommy two thumbs recommended to us ( he actually had two thumbs on each hand!) and as with traditional Balinese hospitality, he explained a lot about the rules laws and culture to us. That for me is a proper Bali experience.

  • @jimmccann3856
    @jimmccann3856 8 місяців тому +3

    Bail is now a World Class Destination, like Paris or Pattaya or Whistler. This is absolutely what travelers or digital nomads need to avoid, as the Cost to Good Times ratio is stacked heavily against you in these sorts of places...

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  8 місяців тому

      Definitely couldn’t agree more

    • @rezzyg77
      @rezzyg77 2 місяці тому

      Visited Pattaya in 2016. Seedy place. Don’t see how it could be considered a world class destination

    • @jimmccann3856
      @jimmccann3856 2 місяці тому

      Pattaya is a World Class mongering destination, in the same way as Whistler is a World Class skiing destination, or Paris is a World Class cultural destination... (Every man needs a hobby).

    • @SolutionsWithin
      @SolutionsWithin 2 місяці тому

      @@jimmccann3856 What is mongering?? Do you mean fishing?

  • @kevhall4802
    @kevhall4802 9 місяців тому +21

    Nice informative video
    I agree with you that Bali is way overrated these days
    it used to be nice but that was probably 20 yrs ago
    I have made Thailand my second home
    its chalk and cheese compared to Bali
    Regional Thailand is still normal with no beggars or people hassling you.
    Just friendly smiles and helpful people
    Its a big country too with lots of places to visit and explore
    Good infrastructure ( roads - wifi signal everywhere you go) and rated for one of the best service anywhere in the world (hospitality)
    I am in no hurry to ever go back to Bali - its way overrated and not cheap at all anymore
    Don't get what the attraction is really!

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +2

      Thanks and very valid points! My hearts in Thailand too such a special place!

    • @kevhall4802
      @kevhall4802 9 місяців тому +3

      @@mickthewanderingnomad Was going to add that Bali is one of the islands that make up the many islands of Indonesia, same as there are islands that make up Thailand, so not a fair comparison to say Bali vs Thailand. Maybe pick a tourist island in Thailand such as Phuket or Koh Samui or similar, and do that comparison to Bali. Regardless, the service, friendliness, lack of being hassled and pestered applies across Thailand compared to what you have to put up with in Bali. Its more regulated and controlled by law enforcement in Thailand compared to Bali, where they just see it as a means to extract the most $$$ from any visitor ( which leaves an unpleasant taste in the end), plus as mentioned before, its the Javanese not the Balinese who are doing all this exploitation.
      There are way more destinations to explore in that region that have not been completely wrecked by the commercialisation that is now Bali.

    • @enakenak1820
      @enakenak1820 9 місяців тому +1

      ​@@mickthewanderingnomadThailand has become a paradise for sex tourism and it is very embarrassing

    • @helena20000
      @helena20000 8 місяців тому +1

      @@enakenak1820 100% Truth/Fact : Avoid thailand completely which is also a completely corrupt place/country even more so these days. Instead, utilize your money, expertise/education, time, efforts etc. in places/countries that are decent such as Malaysia & Singapore that are also genuinely welcoming of us/foreigners : especially Us/Westerners & of course, Always Respect The Local People, Laws, Customs, Traditions, etc.

  • @MarkusWorldWalkabout
    @MarkusWorldWalkabout 8 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for that info. Never been there, but good to get some genuine feedback.

  • @catherineH4785
    @catherineH4785 9 місяців тому +4

    This has happened because of too many tourists for too long. We have sailed through Indonesia, so visited lots of areas where the regular fly in tourist is not seen. It is a wonderful beautiful country, and I invite everyone to think about visiting some of the other parts of Indonesia. You will not have a hub of lots of digital nomads though, if thats what you are after, but you will see the real Indonesia.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +2

      True points I totally agree. I think everyone should see the country and create your own judgment because everybody has a very different experience.

    • @rezzyg77
      @rezzyg77 2 місяці тому

      Am curious as to what you consider the best less touristy places in Indonesia are

    • @catherineH4785
      @catherineH4785 2 місяці тому +1

      @@rezzyg77 We have visited Kalabahi, Maumere, Labuan Bajo (backpackers here). North of Mataram on Lombok. Karimunjawa & north coast of Belitung are popular with Indonesian tourists. Anambas Islands. And all places in between. Also Sulawesi, Makassar, Manado and Raja Ampat (Sorong is the gateway). English is limited in some places but there will always be someone who will speak English, and Google translate will help. But do not expect first world services or food, and be happy with buying from markets and eating more or less like a local (nasi goreng etc). The people are lovely.

  • @harryhoesch3793
    @harryhoesch3793 9 місяців тому +5

    Thanks for clearing my mind of entertaining a Bali excursion.

  • @jessiheine8978
    @jessiheine8978 9 місяців тому +5

    Bali is changing so fast... even 6 years ago it was totally different. But I still do love Bali. It's about the people and culture. I just love it. And as long as all the tourists just going to Canggu and ubud I can enjoy the rest of the island😊 But more and more tourists are coming and acting stupidly and do not respect the culture. Thats so sad😓

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +1

      So true! Thanks for sharing ❤️

    • @kevhall4802
      @kevhall4802 9 місяців тому +3

      It used to be too commercial and now its even worse. The problem is that many people gloss over the fact that the exploitation is done by Javanese people who are not native Balinese
      The balinese people have their own ( hindu) culture and language but have been forced to endure the commercialisation of their island by Indonesia.
      Being endlessly hassled by touts trying to sell you all manner or rubbish or scams ( javanese people not Balinese) is tedious and offputting to the max.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +2

      Wow that’s really unfortunate I definitely didn’t know that at all. How sad and Very good to know.

  • @snowdough888
    @snowdough888 9 місяців тому +3

    Also as a person who plays competitive chess with people all over the world it’s interesting that I’ve had a particularly large amount of rude experiences with Indonesian men. Also a misogynistic society and top it off as anti-gay society. Of course not all of my experiences are unpleasant with them. Had a good experience this morning in fact. Anyway, thanks for telling the truth instead of pushing peoples (UA-camrs)wishes and hopes for poorer countries

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +2

      Thanks for your feedback too and yes, that’s the goal. I just want other travelers to know how things actually are because when I went, I was just very surprised.

  • @lightforce3642
    @lightforce3642 9 місяців тому +5

    Yep that's how i found Bali, mostly Kuta, would go back to Thailand not Bali

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +1

      Thailand is amazing, I would definitely go back to Gili-T as it was so beautiful but in no rush to go back to mainland Bali.

  • @ElPierdolito
    @ElPierdolito 6 місяців тому +1

    Sheesh, ok, removing Bali from my bucket list :D
    Thank you for the honesty!
    You are spot on, most travel / nomad vloggers only show the pretty side (nature / beaches etc.) not what you spoke about.
    Glad you got out safe!
    Thank you!

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching glad it was helpful ❤️

    • @clubdecarlo
      @clubdecarlo 4 місяці тому +1

      Removing a place from your list because someone on UA-cam is crazy

  • @89flod
    @89flod 4 місяці тому +1

    I like your video. I’ve been in Bali last year and I was shocked by the traffic In Canggu. I rented a scooter and drove to another beach. But just for one day, I was happy to return the scooter in the evening without any accident or damage. I prefer Seminyak and Kuta but it’s also very busy/touristy. For less tourists I like Amed Beach in the east.

  • @annaawbl
    @annaawbl 3 місяці тому +1

    crazy what happened in Nusa Penida, we actually planned to stay for 6 weeks in Bali and we are leaving now after 3 weeks. We also got sick here and it's somehow not getting better after 1 week and the traffic situation and noise freaks us out. I suppose the north of Bali is better, but the transportation situation is so bad, there are no public vans or busses like in Thailand or Laos and it would cost us 50$ to go there with a taxi, which is just not worth it. Heading to Lombok now instead, hope this will be a better experience.

  • @wavemastery1786
    @wavemastery1786 8 місяців тому +3

    Your video is worth gold❤❤ I know of two people who travelled as separate times, not together, and the both became very sick in Bali.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  8 місяців тому

      Oh no that’s not ideal but I’m glad you found this video helpful 🤗

  • @TheOneTrueNorth
    @TheOneTrueNorth 9 місяців тому +3

    Thanks, Mick. I’m a digital nomad myself. I just booked a flight from Phuket to Bali. I initially planned to stay a month but thanks to your honest insights now I’m reconsidering, leaning more toward a 10-day stay.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +2

      I think 10 days is a good start and see how you like it. One place I highly recommend is Gili-T it was amazing there. I have some friends who love Bali and others who loved but now have moved out. It really just depends. I hope you enjoy 😊

    • @TheOneTrueNorth
      @TheOneTrueNorth 9 місяців тому +3

      Based on your video and the comments, I get the feeling I’ll find Thailand a better nomad base. Thanks for the Gili-T tip. I’ll endeavor to go.

  • @KangOfTheNomadicConsortium
    @KangOfTheNomadicConsortium 3 місяці тому +1

    People act like they never lived in a big city....all big city problems. You'd deal with them in NYC or in another part it is what it is. Also, as a digital nomad. You should have probably have chose a spot: Location, location, location that is not as under development and isn't experiencing what YOU EXPERIENCED it was/IS YOUR EXPERIENCE and unfortunately you had a bad experience or expected that you wouldn't deal with growing city problems,which happens but it's apart of the digital nomad & backpacker life(lifestyle). It comes with travel. Not all places are gonna be "fair to women" that's a westerncentric ideal once you go off the beaten path of countries travelled but don't have the same LAWS. Also, the harassment that's construed as "harassment" is hustle culture in itself just more aggressive in some places then others. All pretty much seems common. Minus someone putting hands on someone else. Other than that the roaming dogpacks are something they should probably put in check, but it keeps some nasty tourists IN CHECK about respecting the island and it's people. So it's a trade off. Other than that. Bali is still cool,and it will change with time as condo/construction & development come in and the "clientele" change. Happens with all places in this world. Welcome to being a nomad...it's all rollin with the punches of CHANGES and CONSTANT TRAVEL mistakes, and reminders of how to position oneself in a new place. Good luck in Spain. Cheers!!!!

  • @alleytruter9618
    @alleytruter9618 3 місяці тому

    Appreciated your video. What do you think about a single female in Indonesia also liking walk about long term?

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  2 місяці тому

      I think it all comes down to your experience and location. Everyone gets something different while traveling in Bali. Personally, because of the dog sitaution I didn't walk around much.

  • @snowdough888
    @snowdough888 9 місяців тому +3

    Crazy crazy helpful. I love honesty ❤. Thanks

  • @setha360
    @setha360 9 місяців тому +2

    My first time bali was 1990, then next 2000, 1990 visit went to monkey God ceremony and the man dressed as monkey walked bare foot on burning hot coals.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +1

      Interesting sounds unique at least

    • @setha360
      @setha360 9 місяців тому

      It was we got invited my locals to head up into the mountains for a ceremony have the pics too,@@mickthewanderingnomad

  • @pameladarling5497
    @pameladarling5497 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for honesty.

  • @SportsSimp
    @SportsSimp 9 місяців тому +1

    Hi. Just found your channel and am working on becoming a digital nomad. I've honestly thought about Thailand. I've never been overseas out of the US. I'd love to see a top 10 list of destinations for nomads.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +3

      I can definitely do a video about this! Anywhere in Thailand would be great.
      But off the top of my head I say:
      Chiang Mai, Thailand
      Lisbon, Portugal
      Zagreb or Split, Croatia
      Puerto Escondido, Mexico (the wifi isn’t that good though)
      Valencia or Madrid Spain
      Buenos Aires, Argentina
      Hope this helps! I recommend trying a coliving if you want to meet other nomads that are working too. There are some amazing ones in Europe as well as international ones like Outsite. ❤️

    • @SportsSimp
      @SportsSimp 9 місяців тому +1

      @@mickthewanderingnomad wow! Thanks! I love my privacy, and so I hope having my own room with bathroom is feasible.
      Thanks for the list!

  • @helena20000
    @helena20000 8 місяців тому +1

    👍Well Said 'Mick The Wandering Nomad'

  • @dannys-beverage-world
    @dannys-beverage-world 9 місяців тому +3

    Oh I feel you... You definitely do not want to go to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia... You will hate it.. Thank you for saving me the trouble of going to Bali... I know exactly what you're saying. I think I will like Albania..

    • @kevhall4802
      @kevhall4802 9 місяців тому +1

      Any major city in and Asian country will be chaotic but it does not represent the whole country. KL the same as Bangkok for example, crazy traffic jams and dense population, but you can travel easily up and down the length of Malaysia and enjoy the food, hospitality, & culture for the people without too much hassle. Their main freeway that runs north south for eg, is much better than anything I experience in Australia.

  • @AL.BUNDY.
    @AL.BUNDY. 9 місяців тому +1

    So what did u and ur friend do to get out of that situation where they said u were "new to Bali"? Did u pay them off? Just curious cuz u didn't finish that part of the story.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +1

      They finally let go after we started yelling at them. The whole situation was around like 3 minutes or so. The thing that was werid is it was a very public area just no one happen to be around.

    • @AL.BUNDY.
      @AL.BUNDY. 9 місяців тому +1

      @@mickthewanderingnomad Honestly, sounds too scary. If that happens so easily/readily after being there for 1 day, then imagine how many crimes one would experience if one actually lived there. Not worth living there imo.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +2

      @@AL.BUNDY. valid! But some people never have this experience I think 2 men wouldn’t have same luck as a small blonde. Lol

    • @AL.BUNDY.
      @AL.BUNDY. 9 місяців тому +1

      @@mickthewanderingnomad Ah. That's true. Wow, I just realized how brave u are with living the life u live. Impressive! Best wishes to u.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +1

      We only got one life so gotta be bold. Thanks you too! 💕

  • @markharding1302
    @markharding1302 3 місяці тому

    Great video. I'm thinking Thailand to travel. Bali to do Yoga Teacher training.

  • @JohanVanStarrex-qt1yz
    @JohanVanStarrex-qt1yz 6 місяців тому +1

    Eat Prey Love Ripped Off
    - Bali Today

  • @EmmGee-pele77
    @EmmGee-pele77 8 місяців тому +1

    Yes yes yes all true. Even Paradise isn’t perfect. Just have to accept the imperfections and enjoy the ex. To be aware is to not be shocked. Great vid, a rarity

  • @ViceCoin
    @ViceCoin 4 місяці тому

    Same in Thailand and Vietnam.

  • @dannys-beverage-world
    @dannys-beverage-world 9 місяців тому +1

    The crazy part check out Nomad capitalist he likes it.. It doesn't figure but he's rich so maybe he lives separately from the real Malaysians is the only thing I can guess ?

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому

      I had a female friend who loved Malaysia but have never been. She said it was super developed and nice but dressed very modest the whole time.

    • @kevhall4802
      @kevhall4802 9 місяців тому +2

      Nomad Capitalist rates KL as one of the best destinations for an expat for services cost of living & lifestyle. He cites their English speaking as one of those major attractions. He is correct too. His latest NC conference was held in Malaysia where he had Jim Rogers as a guest speaker plus he interviewed him for a separate video. I didn't see that video where he rates Bali but then I don't watch all his videos.

    • @mickthewanderingnomad
      @mickthewanderingnomad  9 місяців тому +1

      Super interesting I am going to have to check it out!

  • @mounaalwahch7594
    @mounaalwahch7594 6 місяців тому

    Totally true

  • @casante111
    @casante111 7 місяців тому

    As many people have said I think unfortunately.. all the tourists over 2 decades and especially now the selfie, have to perform and record everything 24/7obsessive millennial generation has ruined many places in the world that were tranquil!! True peace comes from within. This is a beautiful culture but you have to look at the type of European in general tourists that are unconscious and not understanding that Bali is on a different frequency than the ego I must conquer western mentality.

  • @makiavelli6101
    @makiavelli6101 9 місяців тому +1

    Who are you paying taxes to?

  • @waylinnelson
    @waylinnelson 7 місяців тому +1

    Bali is so overrated!! I’ll never go back!

    • @vanessawilliam9570
      @vanessawilliam9570 6 місяців тому

      Sekarang ini banyak motor yang menggunakan knalpot yang disebut racing. Knalpot ini lubangnya besar sekali dan asapnya meletup - letup.
      Knalpot ini sengaja dihadapkan ke atas belakang sehingga mengenai wajah orang yang di belakang. Motor- motor ini tak cuma polusi suara, tak ramah lingkungan dan juga tak ramah kepada sesama pengguna jalan.
      Turis asing pun pada kecewa setelah datang ke Indonesia mendapati motor motor dgn knalpot yg asapnya mengenai muka mereka. Mereka merasa orang Indonesia tak ramah. Turis asing jadi malas datang lg ke Indonesia. Bagaimana kita bisa memajukan pariwisata, bila setiap turis asing yang datang ke Indonesia, wajahnya harus disambut dgn letupan letupan asap knalpot.Sektor pariwisata Indonesia akan terancam punah.
      Rupiah akan terus melemah. Turis Asing malas ke Indonesia.

  • @mgriff0309
    @mgriff0309 2 місяці тому

    I lasted one week in Thailand. Bali is superior across every variable and it’s not close.

  • @JohanVanStarrex-qt1yz
    @JohanVanStarrex-qt1yz 6 місяців тому

    Eat Prey Love Ripped Off
    Bali Today

  • @cooldude-bronst
    @cooldude-bronst 2 місяці тому

    Your life your choice who cares.... 😂

  • @Speedslip-bq2gk
    @Speedslip-bq2gk 2 місяці тому

    Finally a real video telling reality. The truth channel!

  • @JohanVanStarrex-qt1yz
    @JohanVanStarrex-qt1yz 6 місяців тому

    Eat Prey Love Ripped Off
    Bali Today

    • @peterwebb725
      @peterwebb725 2 місяці тому

      Eat- becareful
      Prey- everywhere.
      Love- been deported