Island Inspiratif: David Abraham

Bali’s creative allure is undeniable. Drawing people from across the Indonesian archipelago and the globe, the island has long been a hub of innovation – constantly evolving and always invigorating. In our new series, Island Inspiratif, we talk to authors, artists and entrepreneurs who have made Bali home, and what it is about the island that gets their creative juices flowing. In today’s blog, we chat to the Co-founder of Outpost, David Abraham.

David, please tell us about what you do here in Bali?

I’m the co-founder of Outpost, Bali’s first coliving and coworking community. We started Outpost to provide those searching for extraordinary lifestyles a space to be productive, to enrich themselves, and to grow personally and professionally.

My unofficial role is to contribute to the dynamism of a budding entrepreneurial community here in Ubud, which has really seemed to emerge over the past six to eight months. As someone who has started organizations in four countries, it’s wonderful to see the speed of entrepreneurial development here.

What brought you to Bali in the first place?

I love Indonesia – the warm people, the great food, the diverse culture. The first time I came to Indonesia was in 1998. Despite the tremendous political and economic upheaval – when basic food prices jumped six-fold – I experienced a warm welcome generosity absent in many other place I visited. I came back and forth several times to Indonesia, including once to work with the UN in 2002 and again in 2013 while writing a book (The Elements of Power). I set up at Hubud, Bali’s trailblazing coworking space, for a month after working from numerous other spaces from Brazil to Japan.

What is it about Bali that has kept you here?

Bali reveals itself over time. Visitors come with so many preconceived notions of what Bali is, and despite the overlay Westerners put on the island, it remains true to itself. I’m still learning about the culture, and I’ve only just scratched the surface. Plus, everyday I get to eat some of the best nasi campur on the island at The Green Window, which has the same recipes as the infamous Warung Kecil in Sanur.

What are some tips you’d give to people thinking about basing themselves here for a while?  

Explore Bali, then put exact dates on your calendar to visit other islands. If you don’t, you never will. Indonesia has boundless beauty. You’ll miss out on the country’s best beaches, underwater riches, and its diverse cuisine if you get seduced by the allure of Bali alone. Sulawesi, Sumatra and Flores are all worth many trips each. 

What’s your favorite secret (or not so secret) place in Bali?

Locavore, yeah, not too secret. But the warmth and dedication of the guys really makes the experience. The same is true for Room4Dessert, Luxe Barbeque & Grill, Pica and carameL. But a little more secret? East Bali Immersions, which is run by the folks at East Bali Cashews.  Spend the night in rustic accommodation and learn what a social enterprise truly is.

You can connect with David on Twitter via @abrahadave, and follow Outpost on Instagram via @outpostcoworking.

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