Many tourists enjoy life in Bali. However, before deciding to move, it's wise to analyze the positive and negative aspects of living on the island. Long-term residence in another country is undoubtedly different from a tourist vacation. In this article, we will carefully examine the characteristics of Bali, the pros and cons of living on this tropical island.
Content:
- Advantages of living in Bali
- Bali: pros and cons for relocation
- Cons of Living in Bali
- Pros of buying real estate in Bali
- We will help you choose the best property in Bali
Advantages of living in Bali
What are the pros of living in Bali? Let’s figure it out!
Friendly locals
The openness and friendliness of the locals cannot go unnoticed. Balinese people are very friendly and smiling. They are eager to share their culture and traditions and will take a sincere interest in your affairs. The same warmth is expected from you: cold business interactions are not welcome here.
Hospitality is an integral part of the life in Bali. Locals often invite guests into their homes for a cup of local tea. They are willing to do anything to make the guest feel comfortable during their stay on the island.
Balinese culture also includes traditions of gratitude. The locals organize many festivals and ceremonies to express gratitude to the gods and ancestors, holding grand processions and dances.
Among living in Bali pros is the island's spirit of appreciation and friendliness, which makes your stay here an unforgettable experience.
Warm climate and beautiful nature
If you prefer sunshine and the absence of cold, Bali may be the ideal place for you. The island experiences humid and hot weather throughout the year. Even during the rainy season from November to March, the temperature does not drop below 25 degrees Celsius.
Bali is a nature lover's paradise. It has everything you could want: beautiful rice terraces, impressive waterfalls, sandy beaches. If you love the lush tropics and abundant greenery, Ubud is the perfect place for you. If you prefer beach relaxation, you're better off in the southern part of the island.
Near Bali there are many other islands with stunning nature such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and the Gili Islands.
Delicious and affordable food
It's easy to find great food in Bali due to affordable cost of living. For example, you can buy fried rice (nasi goreng) for as little as $2. There are many restaurants that offer a variety of dishes from international cuisines, including Thai, Mexican, Italian, Indian, Japanese, and more. Lunch at these places can cost between $4 and $6.
If you prefer to cook at home, you can save money by shopping at local markets. You will find fresh and quality produce at affordable prices.
Maintaining a healthy diet in Bali is also easy due to the availability and low cost of fruits and vegetables. There are also many vegan restaurants on the island.
Bali: pros and cons for relocation
When talking about Bali, the pros of living in Bali, as well as about disadvantages, it's worth mentioning the large expat community. There are many expatriates of different ages, from different countries and social classes. It's easy to make new friends in Bali. Everyone feels comfortable in such a multicultural environment.
Young people up to 20 years of age usually prefer Canggu. Older people choose Sanur, middle-aged people choose Uluwatu, and families with many children prefer Ubud. However, in all these places you can find groups of completely different people.
Most Balinese expats are open and friendly. In addition, the island regularly hosts public events organized by restaurants, clubs, groups, or coworking spaces, which can help you socialize and make new friends.
You can also join expat groups and communities on Facebook. This is a great way to keep up with events and be in the company of like-minded people. Plus, many locals speak fluent English, making communication much easier.
Opportunities for sports and healthy lifestyles
Bali attracts people who are concerned about their health. For many, physical activity is a way of life. The island has numerous fitness centers offering a variety of workouts, including weight training, yoga, crossfit, and boxing. Most of them are located in the areas of Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Sanur, which are the favorite places of expatriates.
Stable Internet
Internet quality is an important factor, especially for those who work remotely or depend on a constant network connection. Bali has reasonably fast internet. For example, the average speed in Canggu is around 57 Mbps. This is a good indicator and allows for smooth work, communication, watching movies and shows. There are places where the speed reaches 100 Mbps.
Excellent services
There are no problems with delivery here. Apps like GoJek and Grab work with many restaurants, supermarkets, vegetable, and meat markets. Your order will be delivered to your door by motorbike.
Laundry services are convenient and available in all areas of the island. Just drop off your laundry for the day and you'll get it back clean and ironed. A large family of 5–6 people will spend around $45–50 per month for these services.
Many condominium complexes in Bali offer cleaning services, or you can easily hire a cleaner. Living on the island in a house with a large open terrace also means dealing with insects, especially ants. The cost of cleaning services is quite reasonable – around $250–300 per month for a spacious 3-bedroom villa. This amount includes a full work week of cleaning for 5 days.
Cons of Living in Bali
It's important to consider both the pros and cons when thinking about moving to Bali. As for the cons, insects should be mentioned. As mentioned above, there are many ants that can get into almost anything, so it's important to always keep food in the fridge.
During the rainy season, you may encounter swarms of flying termites at night, attracted by light. To avoid problems, it's a good idea to turn off outside lights, especially if you have an open kitchen or bathroom.
Geckos are harmless, but they make loud noises and can disturb your sleep. They can be found almost everywhere.
Another disadvantage of living in Bali is the traffic. A trip that usually takes 30 minutes during rush hour can take up to an hour. It's a good idea to plan your time around traffic jams. Keep in mind that popular tourist areas tend to have the highest traffic density.
The island has a low crime rate, but petty theft does occur, so it's best not to leave valuables unattended, especially at night.
Pros of buying real estate in Bali
By purchasing apartments in Bali, you will acquire an excellent place to live and relax in one of the world's finest resorts. One of the apartments in Bali pros is that you can rent out the property on a long- or short-term basis. The average payback period for residential property in Bali is 8 years, with rental yields reaching 15% annually.
Other pros of buying real estate in Bali include:
- High tourist influx: In 2022, 5.5 million foreigners will visit Indonesia. Such a significant number of travelers creates demand for rental properties.
- Developed economy: The country is experiencing stable economic growth, with GDP increasing by an average of 5% annually.
- According to Numbeo, it is 65–80% cheaper to live here than in cities like New York, London, or Sydney. Living in Bali in 2024 will be comfortable and affordable.
We hope these pros and cons of Bali will help you make the right decision.
We will help you choose the best property in Bali
Our real estate aggregator website offers apartments and villas in Bali. You can select properties based on important criteria such as size, location, and price. Start your search for sought-after housing on this picturesque island today and enjoy all the pros of living in Bali!