Living in Jakarta: Complete Expat Guide
Jakarta remains Indonesia’s economic, commercial and diplomatic centre — and one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities for expatriates. Despite the Indonesian government’s ongoing process of relocating the national capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, Jakarta is, and will continue to be, the undisputed heart of business and expat life in Indonesia. This guide covers […]
Living in Lebak Bulus & Cilandak, Jakarta
At the southern end of Jakarta’s expat residential corridor, Lebak Bulus and Cilandak offer something that is genuinely hard to find in a megacity: space, greenery, quiet streets and excellent schools within easy reach. These neighbourhoods have traditionally been overlooked in favour of the better-known addresses to the north — but the opening of the […]
Living in Kemang, Jakarta
Kemang was never planned — it grew organically, and that unplanned quality is both its greatest charm and its most persistent frustration. For decades, it has been one of the most beloved addresses in South Jakarta, drawing expat families back posting after posting with a personality that is genuinely hard to find elsewhere in the […]
Living in Kuningan, Jakarta
Kuningan occupies a stretch of South-Central Jakarta on both sides of Jl. Rasuna Said, and for decades it has been one of the most popular addresses among expats who want to live close to Jakarta’s business and diplomatic core. Well-planned, well-connected and home to some of the city’s most prestigious offices, hotels and residential towers, […]
Living in SCBD, Jakarta
The SCBD — Sudirman Central Business District — is Jakarta’s most concentrated hub of multinational corporate offices, five-star hotels and luxury serviced residences. Living here is an experience unlike anywhere else in the city: intensely urban, supremely convenient for those whose offices are nearby, and genuinely modern in a way that contrasts sharply with the […]
Living in Bali: Complete Expat Guide
Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia for expatriates. Whether you’re drawn by the tropical climate, the culture, the food scene, or the thriving remote-work community, Bali offers a lifestyle that is difficult to match anywhere in the world at a comparable cost. This guide covers everything you need to know before […]
Living in Canggu, Bali
Over the past decade, Canggu has transformed from a quiet surf village into the most talked-about expat destination in Bali — and arguably in all of Southeast Asia. The stretch of neighbourhoods running through Berawa, Batu Bolong, and Pererenan is now the island’s primary hub for digital nomads, remote workers, creatives, and younger expats. If […]
Living in Seminyak & Kerobokan, Bali
Seminyak and its inland neighbour Kerobokan occupy a stretch of Bali’s west coast that has long been synonymous with sophisticated expat living. Less frenetic than Kuta, more polished than Canggu, and more beach-accessible than Ubud, this corridor hits a sweet spot for expats who want world-class restaurants, high-end spas, boutique fashion, and easy beach access […]
Living in Kuta & Denpasar, Bali
Kuta and Denpasar form the commercial and logistical heart of Bali. They may lack the aesthetic glamour of Seminyak or the cultural cachet of Ubud, but they offer something that the trendier areas cannot: convenience, affordability, and a genuinely Indonesian urban life. For expats who prioritise proximity to government offices, hospitals, schools and the airport […]
Expat Living in Medan, North Sumatra
Medan is the largest city in North Sumatra, and the third largest city in the country with a population of approximately 2.45 million (2023). Medan sits at the heart of North Sumatra’s expat community, with a well-established international school, reliable private hospitals, and a lively dining and social scene shaped by the city’s remarkable ethnic […]
Expat Living in Surabaya
Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and has long been one of the country’s most important trading ports. Located on the northeastern coast of Java, the city serves as the commercial gateway to eastern Indonesia and has historically played a key role in shipping, manufacturing, and regional trade. Today Surabaya remains […]
Living in Bandung, Indonesia
Bandung, the capital of West Java, is located approximately 150 km southeast of Jakarta and has long been a popular destination for both Indonesian and expatriate residents. Known for its cooler climate, scenic surroundings, and relaxed atmosphere, Bandung offers a different pace of life compared to the capital. Often described as a university town, Bandung […]
Expat Living in Balikpapan
Balikpapan, located on the eastern coast of Kalimantan, has long been known as one of Indonesia’s key oil and gas hubs and a relatively comfortable city for expatriates. In recent years, its strategic importance has grown significantly due to its proximity to Indonesia’s new capital, IKN Nusantara (Ibu Kota Negara Nusantara, meaning “National Capital of the […]
Expat Living in Yogyakarta
When people say Jogja is “teeming with students,” they mean it quite literally. The Yogyakarta Special Region is home to four state universities, around 16 private universities, and many specialist institutes and academies covering subjects such as art, science, technology, education, agriculture and business management. The best known is Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia’s oldest and […]
Expat Living in Manado, North Sulawesi
Overview of Manado Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, offers a very different experience from Indonesia’s larger cities such as Jakarta or Surabaya. With a population of approximately 460,000–480,000, it is a mid-sized coastal city known for its relaxed pace of life, strong community ties, and access to some of the world’s best diving. The people […]