Bali vs. Siargao: Which Digital Nomad Destination is Right for You?

One of the best things about being a digital nomad is the freedom to choose where you work from, but it also means deciding between some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Last year I had the opportunity to live both in Bali and Siargao, two incredible islands that every remote worker dreams of.

While talking to people about my experiences, one question came up quite frequently:

Which of these two islands did I like more as a digital nomad?

So if you have a hard time choosing, this article is for you! I’ll share my personal experience, comparing them across eight categories: Cost of living, Accommodation, internet, transportation, climate, social community, visas, healthcare, and safety. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which island might be the right fit for you.

And hey, if you don’t feel like reading, I’ve also got everything covered in a video for you!

Accommodation and Cost of Living

Let’s start with the basics: Where you’ll live and how much it’ll cost.

In Bali (Canggu to be more specific) I found a guesthouse with a shared kitchen for around €450–500 per month. It wasn’t super fancy but had everything I needed.

In Siargao on the other hand, I paid about €800 per month for a larger, nicer guesthouse room with shared kitchen. It felt cozier, but the price difference was quite severe. I’m sure you’ll find cheaper accommodations in Siargao, as I’ve booked mine a bit last minute but overall, Bali is the more budget-friendly option.

So for Bali you can find a decent place for 500€-700€ per month, while in Siargao, you’re more likely to spend around €600–1,000+, depending on what’s available.

Internet Reliability

Internet is a non-negotiable for digital nomads, so obviously it was a big factor for me.

In Bali, you are more or less on the safe side, most accommodations, cafes, and coworking spaces have reliable Wi-Fi. Even when the connection at my guesthouse was sometimes spotty, I always had alternatives which I could go to.

In Siargao, in my experience it’s either (almost) none existent or the best internet I ever had. That’s because some places have Starlink, which is a game-changer, super fast and reliable. But if your accommodation doesn’t offer it, you might have to battle with painfully slow speeds. I was lucky enough to have Starlink at my accommodation, which made things much easier.

But General Luna, the main city to stay in Siargao also has a coworking space with Starlink, where Kuba was usually working from, which is a great option in case you don’t find yourself in a place with fast internet.

Transportation

Scooters are your best friend on both islands.

In Bali I rented a scooter for around €70 per month, plus apps like Grab and Gojek are making your life so much easier if you’re not up for driving. BUT the roads in Bali can be very hectic, as it gets quite busy on the streets especially during rush hours in the morning and evening. I definitely needed a bit of time to adjust to the traffic and it’s local “rules” and I wouldn’t recommend it for people getting on a scooter for the first time.

In Siargao, having a scooter is pretty much mandatory as they don’t have Grab or any other transportation app. Rentals are pricier, around €150 per month, and in my experience finding a good bike is not as easy. From the airport to General Luna there are little shuttle buses, which are fairly cheap and for short drives you can get a tuk-tuk, but it’s far less convenient than Bali. But the roads are for the main parts very well maintained, almost empty and incredibly sceneric. Driving on a scooter in Siargao is honestly one of the biggest joys, just look at this image!

Climate and Environment

Both islands are tropical paradises, and regarding the seasons, weather and temperatures they are very similar.

During my time in Bali (July to October), it was sunny almost every day with barely a drop of rain. Bali’s dry season is perfect for exploring waterfalls, rice terraces, and beaches without worrying about bad weather.

I came to Siargao in November and the beginning of December and as the rainy season started, it was a bit less predictable. There were beautiful sunny days, but especially in the end it got very stormy. Especially in the rainy season Siargao is more vulnerable to tropical weather, especially regarding typhoons, so this is one thing to consider.

Nature-wise, Bali has more variety: Jungles, volcanoes, waterfalls, you name it. Siargao feels smaller and more laid-back, but its raw beauty is something you won’t forget.

Social Community

Here’s where these two islands shine in completely different ways.

Siargao stole my heart with its small, tight-knit community. I joined a weekly digital nomad dinner where I met like-minded people, most of whom were surfers, divers, or nature enthusiasts. With around 15–20 people at these meetups, it was easy to connect and as most of them are staying longer, it was easy to feel at home.

Bali, on the other hand, has a much larger and more dynamic crowd. Especially in Canggu, you’ll meet entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives hustling on their next big idea. While this can be super inspiring, it sometimes felt a little less personal and more business-oriented. Events are everywhere, so you’ll never be bored, but it can be overwhelming.

Visa and Duration of Stay

Both destinations are quite similar regarding visa, but there are a few nuances.

Firstly what visa you get obviously depends on your nationality. I am german and my partner is polish, and for Siargao we both got 30 days visa on arrival. As we stayed for more than a month, we needed to extend our visas, which was surprisingly easy. For about €50, we extended our stay through the visa waiver program in just five minutes.

Bali, on the other hand, requires a bit more effort.

You also get 30 days with a visa on arrival, the difference is, that to extend it you have to go three times forth and back to the immigration office in Denpasar. Thankfully, I used a visa agency for around €50 extra, which meant that I only had to go to the immigration office once.

So if you already know beforehand that you want to stay in Bali for more than a month I would highly recommend to get the e-visa online beforehand because that will allow you to easily extend the visa online.

Healthcare

Medical care in both places gets the job done for common issues, like coral cuts or minor infections.

In Bali I had a bunch of infected wounds as well as one heavy fever and there were a bunch of small medical houses, that helped me very easily.

Same goes for Siargao, I got a fire coral burn while diving on my leg and as it got infected, so I needed to go to a clinic to treat it.

Treatment as well as experiences in both places were very similar, and they seem to be well prepared for minor issues, however you can’t expect standards like in the western healthcare systems.

Safety

Lastly, let’s talk safety.

In Bali, I always felt safe, even at night. Theft wasn’t an issue, and I never worried about leaving my scooter unattended or walking alone as a woman.

Siargao felt just as secure overall, but petty theft was a bit more common. My scooter helmet was stolen, and Kuba left his (luckily very cheap) sunglasses in the side of the scooter, where they were stolen within an hour. Nothing major, but it’s worth being a little more cautious with your belongings.

So that’s my comparison, I hope it gave you some clarity!

In the end, whether Siargao or Bali is the better fit really depends on what you’re looking for. If you thrive in a closer community and love unspoiled nature, Siargao might be the place for you. But if you’re after a more business oriented scene with a lot of options, Bali is calling your name.

If you’re leaning towards Siargao and want to know what to do while you’re there, check out my guide to the best things to do in Siargao.

Love,
Amelie