Bali, Indonesia, is a tropical paradise that attracts thousands of expats yearly with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and relaxed lifestyle. For many, relocating to this island paradise is a dream come true, but adjusting to a new culture and way of life can also bring challenges. From the initial culture shock to the ultimate feeling of bliss, the journey of becoming an expat in Bali is an adventure filled with growth and self-discovery. This article aims to guide you through the ups and downs of expat life in Bali, offering tips and insights to help you navigate this exciting new chapter. Whether you are just starting your expat journey or have been living in Bali for a while, this article is designed to help you find happiness and fulfillment in this beautiful island home.
Table of Contents
Accommodation
One of the most important things you will need to consider when moving to Bali as an expat is accommodation. Whether you plan to rent or buy, there are various options, ranging from luxury villas to budget apartments and beach huts.
Accessibility, amenities, and location are important factors when selecting the right place to live, and it’s important to ensure that you know all of the rules and regulations surrounding renting as an expat in Bali.
Researching Rental Options
Renting a property can be a cost-effective way to secure a long-term place to stay. And living among local people, known for their warmth and hospitality, can make adjusting to Bali easier for those moving from overseas. Before starting your search for rental options, it is important to understand some of the particular requirements in Indonesia.
Make sure you make sufficient inquiries about the local laws applicable in any area before signing a contract; expats have, on occasion, been pulled up by particular regulations that local governing bodies have imposed at short notice.
Accommodation options vary greatly in Bali, ranging from villas and apartments with pools right through to private rooms in family homes or modest homestays. Knowing your budget is important when searching—monthly rentals can range between IDR2 million (US$143) and IDR 100 million (US$7167). Prices will vary widely depending on location and if it’s unfurnished or not, as well as depending on how generous off-street parking is. Many buildings come with 24-hour security staff, which adds peace of mind even if there is no actual guard house at the entrance.
It helps if you have advice from local contacts about the best locations, too—Bukit has some great areas like Jimbaran, which offer wonderful ocean views but may be too far out for daily commuting into Denpasar or Kuta. Look around, especially at Seminyak, as some gems tucked away here offer good value rent. Make sure that your budget also allows for bills such as electricity—which tend to fall outside of a rent contract—depending on where you live. Utilities may be shared amongst neighbors resulting in more reliable charges incurred throughout the building instead of random packages based solely on the amount used by an individual tenant.
Best Areas For Expats
Bali is an increasingly popular destination for expats, as it offers a mix of modern cities and tropical villages, with a very low cost of living and warm hospitality. Knowing which areas to base yourself in can make all the difference to your living experience in Bali.
The most popular areas for expats are Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud.
- Seminyak: This rapidly developing part of south Bali is best known for its beach clubs, restaurants, and trendy boutiques. It has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with various expat-friendly amenities such as international schools and doctors’ offices. The vibe is lively, with lots of activities to enjoy; however, the area can be quite expensive due to its popularity, and it isn’t ideal if you visit remote parts of Bali regularly.
- Canggu: Located north of Seminyak, Canggu is more laid back with its famous surf beach attracting an active crowd looking for that chilled Balinese lifestyle. With affordable housing options and plenty of cafes, bars, and yoga studios popping up all over town, this makes for an ideal spot for digital nomads or artists looking for a creative environment sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Kuta or Seminyak yet still close to everything you need.
- Ubud: While other parts of Bali offer party vibes or beaches to relax on, Ubud attracts people seeking authentic Balinese culture along with peace & tranquility amongst breathtaking scenery filled with lush jungle & rice fields. You’ll find plenty to do in this vibrant artistic city, from visiting ancient temples to taking part in traditional festivals or healthy living activities such as yoga classes or vegan cafés – perfect if you’re looking for somewhere tranquil yet alternative at the same time!
Negotiating Rental Agreements
Regarding renting accommodation, most expats in Bali feel safest dealing with an agent or seeking recommendations from friends. By doing so, you can be sure that the landlord is reliable and that your tenancy agreement is correct.
The main points to look out for when negotiating your rental agreement include the following:
- Length of stay: short term and long-term contracts are available.
- Price of rental: this can vary depending on location, size, and type of accommodation, as well as the length of stay.
- Deposit/bond: many landlords require a deposit before they hand over the keys. This should be returned at the end of your tenancy when all rent is paid up, and there is no damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.
- Fees: in addition to rent, you may be requested to pay additional fees such as key money, agent fees, or water bills if utilities are not included in the rent. Read the small print carefully to ensure you know what all fees will amount to each month, and don’t forget about any annual property taxes that apply if you live in Indonesia for over a year.
- Renewals: if you renew your lease after recently ending a lease, know the contractual details regarding renewal procedures, such as notification periods before the expiration date, etc., this can save any misunderstandings down the line – especially if plans change unexpectedly.
Taking extra care when negotiating your rental contract will help ensure that you’re protected should issues arise during your tenancy period in Bali.
Getting Around
Whether you’re a first-time expat in Bali or a seasoned veteran, getting around is an important part of your experience. Thankfully, Bali has some great options that make it easy to get around, no matter where you live or your budget.
Renting a vehicle is a popular option, as is using public transportation or apps like Grab or Go-Jek. In this section, we’ll go over some of the pros and cons of each option:
- Renting a vehicle
- Using public transportation
- Using apps like Grab or Go-Jek
Public Transport Options
Bali offers a variety of public transport options, including buses, boats, and taxis. Depending on where you’re going and how much time you have, there are a few easy options to get around the island.
- Taxis: Metered taxis offer convenient door-to-door transportation and can be booked rather than hailed off the street in most cases; they may work out slightly more expensive when compared with other methods but can be worth it when facing long journeys.
Car Rental
Car rental services in Bali are reliable and cost-effective if you plan on staying in the country for an extended period. The majority of car rental companies offer a variety of vehicles that are suitable for short-day trips as well as long-distance road trips throughout Indonesia’s beautiful islands. Be sure to compare prices and read the reviews before making your selection.
Motorbikes—or, more accurately, ‘scooters,’ given the size of most bikes on sale in Bali—are incredibly popular forms of transport among foreigners due to their relatively cheap rental fees and ease when maneuvering through traffic. Rentals can be found everywhere on the island, so it is easy to pick one up with a valid international driver’s license.
Motorbike Rental
Motorbikes offer an inexpensive way of getting around and a unique way to explore different parts of Bali and its countryside – something impossible with public transport or cars/taxis. However, this option requires adequate bike safety knowledge and suitable licenses (Indonesian), which take time – something that not everyone has available during their trip abroad in Bali.
Restaurants
Living in Bali as an expat has its perks, especially regarding restaurants. With Bali’s abundance of fresh seafood, rice dishes, fresh fruits, and spicy sauces, there is something for everyone here. Whether it’s a casual beachfront eatery or a fine-dining restaurant, you’re sure to find dishes that satisfy your tastebuds.
Bali also has many restaurants serving food from other countries, such as Mexican, Indian, and Chinese. So no matter where your culinary preferences lie, you can find something to suit your palate.
Tips For Eating Out In Bali
For the first-time visitor to Bali, eating out can seem daunting. Fortunately, finding some of the world’s best food on the island is easy. Here are a few tips for navigating restaurants in Bali as an expat:
- Choose Your Restaurants Wisely: With so many restaurants in Bali, it can be difficult to know exactly where you should go. Read reviews, ask locals for recommendations, or try out one of the more popular restaurants around popular tourist attractions and beach towns.
- Know How Much You’re Spending: Dish prices vary drastically between different parts of the island and establishments, so check for hidden costs before placing your order.
- Make Reservations Ahead of Time: If you want to enjoy dinner at a more upscale restaurant, reserve your table in advance. Many establishments are usually full during peak season, and reservations are recommended even if they aren’t required on the menu list.
- Learn About Local Cuisine: While international cuisine is available all over the island, there is an abundance of local food that cannot be found anywhere else in the world! Taking time to learn about Balinese cuisine might open doors to some amazing eateries and experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have had.
- Visit Warungs or Food Stalls: Warungs or food stalls are likely your best bet for reasonably priced meals that let you try many different dishes without breaking the bank. The long lines will testify as most locals prefer warungs due to their cheaper prices yet generous portion sizes.
Staying Fit
Expat life in Bali can offer a great fitness experience with all the diversity of activities and options available. Whether you love to surf, cycle, hike, or practice yoga, you can take advantage of Bali’s many options and active lifestyle.
As an expat, you can find plenty of gyms, yoga classes, and group activities to help you stay fit while enjoying your new surroundings.
Popular Activities For Expats
Expats living in Bali have many outdoor activities to choose from to stay fit and active. Popular activities include surfing, swimming, running, biking, and yoga.
Surfing is popular in Bali due to the warm waters and plentiful waves. There are various surf breaks around the island, with Balangan, Berawa, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Uluwatu being some of the most famous spots. A combination of reef and sand-bottom breaks means that you can find something suitable for all levels of surfers – whether you’re an experienced wave rider or just trying out your first time surfing. Plus, plenty of surf shops provide rental boards or classes on the beach from experienced instructors.
Running is also a great way to explore Bali’s beautiful coastline or mountainous interior. Many expats like to jog early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and before traffic becomes too heavy during rush hour. There are plenty of safe side roads for running or walking as well as beautiful trails to explore with incredible views – especially hiking in north Bali around Munduk, Singaraja, and even nearer Lake Beratan in the Bedugul area will offer stunning views over terraced rice fields while providing group runs with other expat friends across land scape around Denpasar city side will be a fun activity with Joggers ID Card /Free Runs.
Biking is another great way for expats to get out and explore. You can rent or buy mountain bikes from several shops throughout the island that offer anything from basic rides to country bikes for some serious off-roading! Mountain biking can be found almost anywhere, but more difficult routes tend to be located inland at higher altitudes, such as the Ubud area, where cyclists can climb steep hills followed by thrilling descents – rewarded with breathtaking views over volcanoes sweeping rice paddies – while gentler scenic routes like those near Sanur Beach make all types feel welcomed too.
Yoga and Fitness classes are offered at many shalas throughout Bali, ranging from beginner drop-ins up through more advanced ones that help focus on skills you already have that only need refining rather than completely learning how everything works together in class, which run most days out of different studios across the island leads by trained fitness professionals ensures one thorough session per day – so visitors won’t have any excuse not keep their body preparing for upcoming surfing sprees 🙂
Gyms And Fitness Centers
Bali is the ultimate destination for a unique blend of experiences, offering a great setting to stay fit while exploring the island. Gyms and fitness centers are plentiful in Bali, so you have plenty of options from which to choose. These facilities offer top-notch services and equipment in many different settings, ranging from beachfront gyms to air-conditioned indoor studios.
Whether you’re looking for an intense workout or milder classes, owners will be glad to accommodate your fitness needs. With access to treadmills and weights and varied classes like Muay Thai, yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, and Zumba, there’s something for everyone in these gyms and fitness centers. In some of these venues, you may even find specialized or specific disciplines, such as martial arts or spin cycles. Additionally, a few offer holistic services like anti-gravity massage chairs which boast incredible results with extended use.
Those who prefer exercising outdoors can participate in many activities around the island, such as surfing and swimming at various beaches or climbing volcanoes that offer breathtaking views of Balinese landscapes. Whether undertaking activities outdoors or hitting the gym circuits indoors, it’s easy to stay fit while enjoying all Bali offers!
Yoga And Meditation Centers
Bali is renowned as a spiritual center, which is reflected in the number of yoga and meditation centers across the region. In addition to religious and spiritual practices such as Ku Nai Tari, which combines yoga and gamelan (Balinese percussion music), practitioners will find plenty of modern ashtangas, vinyasa, hatha, and mild hot yoga sessions available. Depending on your practice, you can opt for classes that focus on physical exertion or those that put more emphasis on the spiritual aspects. For a uniquely Balinese experience, there are also opportunities to incorporate traditional dance forms like Legong into your session.
Families with children may benefit from participating in special kids’ yoga classes that combine movement with mindfulness activities like mandala work and meditation. Many centers also host retreats and workshops on postural alignment, nutrition, or partnering techniques. Others offer massage therapy or complementary therapies such as reiki upon request.
Whatever style of practice you’re drawn to – whether it’s Bikram or aerial Barre – you’ll find something to suit your needs in Bali’s many yoga studios and meditation centers.
Making Friends
Making friends as an expat in Bali is an exciting part of settling into a new country. With the island being so diverse and socially vibrant, it provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people and form meaningful relationships.
There are many different ways to meet people, from online groups to activities and events that are easily accessible throughout the island. In this article, we will discuss the various ways to go about making friends as an expat in Bali:
Professional Networks
Making friends can be one of the most difficult aspects of expat life. Professional networks are a great way to meet like-minded professionals and build connections in Bali. Networking activities for expats include industry-specific events, job clubs, seminars, and meetups – all great ways to meet people.
While it may be intimidating at first, putting yourself out there and making connections is important for your social integration as an expat living in Bali. It’s also helpful when looking for job opportunities or making friends with similar interests.
Keep an eye out for events – from workshops on starting your own business to NGO seminars on human rights – hosted by local companies, organizations, or even foreign embassies based in Bali or Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia).
These events are a great way to network, build relationships, gain knowledge, and connect with colleagues who can help you on your journey as an expat in Bali.
Social Clubs And Events
Making friends when you move to a new country can feel intimidating, but there are many options for connecting with expats and locals in Bali. Social clubs offer regular events where you can get to know new people, and there are plenty of activities for solo travelers or groups. Whether it’s a movie night with fellow expats or learning Balinese culture through yoga and spiritual teachings, there are plenty of opportunities to build community relationships.
Exploring your new home will inevitably lead to conversations with friendly locals and visitors. Bars and restaurants often host evening events perfect for mingling in an informal setting. To make more lasting connections, consider joining one of the local social clubs, which host regular activities such as:
- Beach parties
- Cultural festivals
- Hiking excursions
- Charity fundraisers
- Themed evenings
It is also possible to join hobby clubs such as photography or surfing groups that meet up around the island— this is a great way to find like-minded people who share similar interests. If you prefer to stay closer to home, online forums and expat communities provide an excellent opportunity for getting acquainted without leaving your couch!
Language Classes
Language classes are a great way to familiarize yourself with the local language and culture when you move to a new place. Even if you plan to take Bali’s main language—Bahasa Indonesian—you will want to master some basic phrases to start connecting and forming relationships with the locals. Taking local language classes is not just about picking up new knowledge; it’s also an excellent opportunity to socialize with other expats or learn more about the people who live in your new environment.
Taking language classes has many advantages and is one of the most effective methods of memorizing words quickly and establishing connections with people. You’ll learn how to read, write, speak, and understand basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesian, allowing you to engage better in everyday conversations or conversations on specific topics. As your language skills improve, so will your confidence in using them. Further, as you become more proficient, chances are you’ll get together with classmates outside class for meals or other activities while talking shop.
Although various online resources are available for learning Bhasa Indonesian at home, nothing can compare to taking a class in-person with native speakers who know the nuances and intricacies of the language firsthand. If you’re looking for an excellent way to meet locals and learn about their culture, signing up for local Language classes is one of the best ways!