House sitting in Bali provides an affordable path to experiencing this island’s magic. Hannah and I have been full-time travelers for over three years, always seeking ways to extend our journeys. This guide combines house sitting with slow travel to help you dive deep into Bali’s wonders.
Bali is an iconic traveler’s destination with its emerald rice fields, rich culture, and tranquil pace. Slow travel lets you absorb these treasures without the rush of a typical tourist stint. We’ve honed strategies to make it work without breaking the bank.
Interested in living like a local? House sitting in Bali is the perfect starting point. Here’s how to make it happen and savor the island’s unique charm.
Why House Sitting in Bali is Perfect for Slow Travel
Primarily, house sitting in Bali eliminates accommodation expenses. That frees up your budget to fully explore the island’s beaches, temples, and jungles. It’s a dream setup for anyone craving a slower pace and a more enhanced and extended travel experience.
Hous sitting allows you to settle into a neighborhood, shop at local markets, and feel part of the fabric. Hannah and I have found this approach turns a trip into a cultural experience, allowing us to absorb the local amenities, activities, and customs.
Free stays mean you can extend your adventure without financial strain. Beyond savings, it’s about connection, you’re not just a visitor passing through – you’re living in Bali.
Getting Started with Bali House Sitting
House sitting in Bali begins with choosing the right platforms. We’ve had only fantastic experiences with Trusted Housesitters, and Bali listings appear frequently. For a detailed breakdown, read my previous article How to Become a Successful House Sitter – it’s packed with practical advice for getting started.
Your profile is your first impression so emphasize your pet care experience and travel reliability to stand out. Homeowners often seek sitters who inspire confidence and fit their needs, so a little flexibility with your dates is always a bonus.
Potential Bali house sitters will benefit from preparedness and being quick to respond to listings – that’s precisely how we nabbed short-term sits across the island. It’s a competitive space, so act fast and personalize your pitch. Start small if you’re new; a weekend sit can really help to build your credibility.
Travel Bali for Digital Nomads
Digital nomad Bali life pairs seamlessly with house sitting. The free housing, combined with Bali’s cafe culture and co-working spaces, creates an ideal setup. Hannah and I worked weekdays from our base, then explored on weekends.
Bali offers a balance between productivity, relaxation, and adventure – our work/life balance has never been better than during our time in Bali. Imagine mornings at your laptop, followed by afternoons chasing waterfalls or sipping cocktails from coconuts.
This approach can simplify your long-term Bali travel plans. Most urban house sits will have dependable WiFi and comfortable workspaces. You can maintain your career while embracing the island’s slower pace. Bali’s nomad scene is growing, with cafes and work hubs popular with like-minded travelers.
Where to House Sit in Bali
Ubud
- Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub, is a prime spot for house sitting in Bali. Surrounded by rice paddies and yoga retreats, it’s a haven for slow-living, nature-loving Bali enthusiasts. You might care for pets in a jungle villa while enjoying morning coffee from nearby markets.
- It’s quieter than coastal areas. Digital nomads and those seeking a slice of tranquility will appreciate the calm atmosphere. Ubud delivers a peaceful, authentic Bali stay with tons of cultural attractions to keep you occupied.
Canggu
- Canggu has a chilled surf culture with youthfully nomad/ex-pat energy and is a great option for anyone looking to house sit in Bali. Picture beachside homes where you’ll get to walk dogs on the beach ever morning. Great restaurants, trendy cafes, and cool bars make it a fun place to base yourself.
Seminyak
- Seminyak has more of an upscale vibe, and the listings I have come across present as house sitting in Bali with a luxurious twist. It’s free accommodation in a spot that usually costs a premium. The expansive beach, vibrant social scene, and great shopping opportunities make Seminyak a top place to stay.
- The mix of beach access and nightlife offers a great balance between relaxation and excitement. Listings here will vanish quickly, so set alerts and apply quickly.
Kuta Beach
- Kuta Beach is Bali’s bustling surf epicenter, perfect for affordable travel. Hannah and I spent two months here, renting an Airbnb as a base to accept short house sits island-wide. We worked through the week and explored Ubud, Canggu, and beyond on weekends.
- Expect a lively atmosphere near the waves. Staying here means carving out calm amid the energy, it’s a pulsating place to be 7 days a week. It’s ideal for shorter, dynamic stays and fun nights out.
Nusa Lembongan (Not Technically in Bali!)
- Nusa Lembongan, a tranquil island, is a wildcard for house sitting in Bali, as it’s not technically in Bali! But I love Nusa Lembongan – it’s a respite from the mainland’s chaotic traffic, with hardly any cars and a beautiful beach-life vibe. A quick boat ride from Bali delivers you to this slice of paradise.
- Listings might involve seaside cottages with cats to watch or renovated beachside apartments, and it’s where easy living in Indonesia reaches its zenith – pure tranquility. It’s a must-consider destination for a serene escape and is easy and affordable to get to from Bali.
What to Expect from Bali Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is a core part of house sitting in Bali. You might look after dogs, cats, or even horses and chickens, but tasks are usually straightforward. The payoff is huge: free stays in incredible locations. You’ll also get to bond with and befriend some fantastic pets during your travels.
Listings can span from Ubud’s lush villas to Canggu’s beach houses. Hannah and I used our Kuta base to hop into these opportunities and take advantage of living in places tourists pay top dollar to visit.
Homeowners are often very welcoming. They might share local recommendations or invite you for a meal the night before your stay. Responsibilities vary by placement. Feeding pets, dog walks, and light chores are standard, but it’s an easy trade for the experience you gain.
Bali Travel Hacks
House sitting is the ultimate Bali travel hack but also combine it with a couple of other affordable Bali travel tricks like renting scooters and eating at warungs (local eateries). Hannah and I enjoyed our two months in Bali, comfortably living, dining out most days, and taking in all the attractions we came across.
For more insights, read my article, Bali, Indonesia: Everything You Need to Know. It’s a go-to resource for mastering Bali travel and acclimatizing to life quickly and efficiently on the island.
Conclusion
House sitting in Bali elevates traveling to new heights. It’s cost-effective, immersive, and entirely achievable – our years of travel prove it. Hannah and I can’t imagine exploring Bali any other way.
Start browsing Trusted Housesitters today for free by signing up with just your email – click here to get started. From Kuta to Nusa Lembongan, Bali offers incredible opportunities, so start planning your own unforgettable trip today!
FAQs: Bali House Sitting and Slow Travel Questions Answered
- Is house sitting in Bali possible?
- Yes, house sitting in Bali is possible – use sites like Trusted Housesitters to find placements. Listings pop up often.
- Can I travel around Bali on a budget?
- Absolutely, you can travel around Bali on a budget with house sitting. It cuts accommodation costs to zero. Add the local cheap eats, and you’re golden.
- Is Bali good for digital nomads?
- Yes, Bali is great for digital nomads – there’s fast WiFi in most places and co-working spots in most major towns and cities.
- What’s pet sitting like in Bali?
- Pet sitting in Bali is usually pretty easy – walking dogs, feeding and fussing cats. You get free stays, so it’s a win-win.
- How long can I house sit in Bali?
- You can house sit in Bali from days to months, depending on the length of the sit advertised, but string sits together if possible. Visas limit tourists to 60 days, but this can vary depending on your country of origin.
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