Editor’s Note:
The following article is a personal reflection contributed by reader Rachel Greaves. The opinions, observations, and experiences expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial team at Expat.or.id. Bali has changed significantly since this article was originally written, particularly in terms of tourism development, infrastructure, traffic congestion, digital nomad communities, and visa regulations. Readers should view this article as one individual’s experience of living in Bali rather than as a comprehensive guide to relocating to the island.
Breaking away from the stressful city life and escaping to a sunny tropical island sounds like an idyllic fantasy. Most people acknowledge that it’s just a fantasy and would never pursue the idea. Many of Bali’s visitors say they love the place but couldn’t live here. Others, however, claim that they feel a strong affinity with the island:
“As soon as I arrived, I just knew that I wanted to stay”…
“I felt very strongly that I was meant to be here”…
“Immediately I got off the plane, I felt like I had come home.”
If you’re really considering the possibility of living here, you’ll have probably already spoken to some or many of the Westerners who already do. You’ll have probably heard some mixed reports; most expats will have had many similar experiences. You will have heard some incredible, heart-warming, magical stories. You might have been told about great business possibilities—or the numerous business initiatives that have failed. You’ll have heard some scary stories and some horror stories. You’ll never really know what living in Bali is like until you try it. A two-month holiday or a series of two-month stays might help, but nothing can prepare you for the real thing.
The truth is that Bali is not entirely the paradise that people imagine. It’s stressful—but in a different way from the West. Don’t expect things to run smoothly. It is expensive. Sure, you can buy street food for very little, but visas, imported goods, international education, and private medical care can represent significant expenses. Paradise is hot, wet, dangerous, exciting, challenging, scary, and wonderful. You can fulfil your dreams here, or you can drown in a treacherous sea.
If you make this momentous decision as part of a couple or a family, you can help and support each other. But if you don’t share the same passion for the place, it won’t work. If you come here on your own, you will only have yourself to consider, initially. During those difficult early days, however, you’ll have a lot of challenges to face alone.
There is so much to deal with: making friends, finding somewhere to live, securing a means of earning an income, learning your way around, mastering the language, and understanding how things work here. If you’ve never lived in Asia before, the first six months will likely be a culture shock. You won’t necessarily think of it as culture shock—you might think you’re coping well—but you’ll wonder why your emotions seem so intensified. Why do you feel so happy, joyful, tearful, angry, frustrated, and scared?
If you’re financially comfortable, you may find yourself a target for opportunists and occasional overcharging. You can make things easier by employing someone to help you deal with the practical necessities of living here. But isolate yourself too much from the reality of everyday life in Bali and you might find that you’re not learning the essential lessons. Moreover, you may be ill-equipped to cope with some of the challenges that inevitably arise.
On the other hand, if you’re struggling to survive on a tight budget, life can be equally difficult. Finding suitable accommodation, dealing with employment issues, and navigating immigration requirements can be stressful. If you’re hoping to find employment here, it’s not an easy road. It becomes somewhat easier after you’ve lived here for a while, established contacts, and learned the language.
If you try to fight the system, you will only stress yourself out. There’s little point in getting angry with every taxi driver who says he hasn’t got any change or the supermarket cashier who offers candy instead of small coins. The frustrations of living in Bali and attempting to conduct business here are enough to test the patience of a saint.
Why is everything so complicated? Why don’t things always work the way you expect? Why are people often late? Why is the traffic so chaotic?
Make friends with local people. Learn the language. Acknowledge the dangers. Take care on the roads. Accept the things you can’t change. Embrace the challenges. Explore the island and its culture. Be open to the intense spiritual energy that many people feel here.
Bali is full of magic and wonder. If you truly want to be here, you will find a way to make it work. There are many lessons to be learned along the way, but if you have a passion for Bali, the joy and rewards of living here can be immeasurable.
Good luck!
By Rachel Greaves
