Advice for long term stay - The perfect place

[Seli]

Hi,

I am flying into Bali early December with the idea of staying on the island, or around it, for a 9-month period. I am a writer and would like to find a quiet house/bungalow, fairly close to nature, with internet access, basic accomodation (no swiming pool, no ac, no jacuzzi, just a simple and clean place to live in a nice environment, near the sea if possible, or at least the mountains), in order to work. As I will be there alone, I would also like to be near like-minded people (motorbike ride kind of nearness, for example), in order to socialise once in a while.

Since I decided to try Bali and bought my ticket, I have been having a lot of second thoughts, reading this forum and others. I really don't want to be in a party-place (such as Kuta or the south of the island), nor in surfer's paradise, nor mixing with the Western-style villa high-lifers and tourists. I had the idea that Ubud might be the right place to head, but I have been reading that things have truly changed there lately, becoming more touristy and organised. Also prices are probably more than I want to spend (around 2 million IRP per month on rent).

So I seem to be left with the north and perhaps the east of the island. Is that right? Could somebody enlighten me a little bit and tell me if it is possible to find the kind of place I am looking for and where should I be looking? Should I disregard Ubud? Is Lovina a good alternative? Are there other places in Bali that I should consider? Or should I cross over to Lombok or even to eastern Java?

Thank you very much for your help!

[BKT]

You might want to try

Bali Rooms for Rent | Facebook

[Markit]

Your budget is pretty adventurous. You are not going to get much in the way of housing for that price.

On the up side you say you like nature, bring a tent.

[ronb]

....................
So I seem to be left with the north and perhaps the east of the island. Is that right? Could somebody enlighten me a little bit and tell me if it is possible to find the kind of place I am looking for and where should I be looking? Should I disregard Ubud? Is Lovina a good alternative? Are there other places in Bali that I should consider? Or should I cross over to Lombok or even to eastern Java?

Rooms to rent for Rp2,000,000 per month can be found near to Ubud, but they are becoming more scarce. And you are right that your money will go further in the north and the east. So don't worry too much - you will survive, and I expect you will enjoy it.

As an example, at Tirta Gangga in the east you can find rooms at 80,000 or 90,000 per night, so if you negotiate for a month you may get a good rate. If is a beautiful spot, very quiet, plenty of cheap warungs, and of course the Water Gardens. But this is just one example. Check the Lonely Planet Guide for more ideas.

[mugwump]

For some reason little mention is ever made of West Bali. It has beautiful vistas, broad beaches and cheap lodging. It is also my understanding that there is a bit of a literary colony in the mountain area just east of Negara. Lonely Planet is the last place to look for anything resembling accurate information (the words of a misguided traveler), but a bit of exploration in the area should serve you well. Give it a look, and good luck.

[calitobali]

If you mean you are willing to live basic there are surely rooms to be had for under 2 million per month. A kos (studio apartment) that most locals live in can be had from anywhere from rp 300,000 to 2.5 million. The former would be unfurnished and have a shared bathroom with the rest of the complex and the latter should be fully furnished and quite luxurious as a single room in a complex can get. Don't worry you should be fine on a budget of 2 million per month for accommodation, and while it is still possible to find a (small) house for that much, you would be much better off looking for a nice and comfortable kos.

[julias.andre]

What if Amed??

[cintasugi]

in btn areas around Lovina and Singaraja for under 2 million a month u can get a small house, but would be unfurnished and cold water. Some families rent out rooms for 300,000rp month, for locals and uni students. I would be looking in the north, east or west coast and get away from the tourist areas and get to know the real bali.

[Rambutmerah]

Seli, I have send you a PM

[Jimbo]

If you want to stay around 9 months have you thought about visa arrangements. You will need at least a Sodbud visa and then have to leave the country at least once.