Bali is a beautiful island with warm weather, fun beaches, and a kind community. Many tourists visit every year. But some families also choose to live there. Is Bali a good place to live for families with children ? This guide will help you find out.
Bali has many things families enjoy. There are schools for kids from different countries. There are parks, playgrounds, and fun activities. You can eat healthy food and enjoy the outdoors all year round. Many other families from around the world live in Bali too. It’s easy to make new friends.
But moving to Bali is a big step. You need to think about some important things. Where will your children go to school? Is the doctor or hospital close and good? Is the area safe? Will your kids enjoy living in Indonesia ? These are all good questions.
In this article, we will talk about what it’s like to live in Bali with kids. We will share tips to help you decide if moving to Bali is the right choice for your family. Let’s take a closer look at life in Bali for families!
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Is Bali a Good Place to Live for Families?
Looking for a wonderful place to live with your children? Bali might just be that place! Life here is slower and more relaxed. Families that live here enjoy their daily life by spending more quality time and exploring nature. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
In Bali, many parents say they feel less stress and more joy. Kids get to play outside all year round, and there are lots of fun activities like surfing, dancing, art, and yoga. You might even find yourself walking barefoot more often!
Worried about meeting people? Don’t be. Bali has a big expat community, and they’re very welcoming. Families have a group where they help each other, and playgroups for the kids. It’s easy to make friends who understand your journey.
And the neighbourhoods? Some are perfect for families! Convenient public spaces are nearby, lots of international schools, and great local communities. Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Dua are the most popular areas for families.
So, are you interested in calling Bali your home?
Safety Considerations: Is Bali Safe to Live?
The first thing to note when moving with children to a new environment is safety, right, parents? This is the most important part to consider. But the good news is, Bali is mostly a safe and gentle place for families to live in. The island has great communities with a typically slow-paced lifestyle. This is due to the island’s culture, which allows people to connect and their surroundings. But just like in any other place, taking precautions is necessary. So what do you need to know?
First things first, know where you can access healthcare. Bali already has lots of good-quality healthcare centres. Complemented with good doctors who have already speak excellent English. You don’t have to worry about getting lost on this one, because they are also easily accessible. Especially if you live in the main city. Now this sparks another question: where is the best place to live?
For families, most people choose areas with easy access to schools, public places, and a good expat community. You must’ve heard areas like Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Dua being the most popular. These locations are surrounded by essential places you need. Especially for families.
Since Bali is a pretty small island, the roads are also mostly small. You will need to ride motorbikes to get around, especially if you’re exploring the island. Thus, you need to keep yourself safe by always wearing a helmet!
By all means, Bali is pretty much a safe place to live with your family (plus the natural wonders, it only gets better!).
Cost of Living: Is Bali Cheap to Live?
First, your nest. Renting a nice, comfy home for your family can cost around $800 to $1,500 a month. This is for a two-bedroom villa in Canggu or Sanur. Groceries? Local fruits, veggies, rice, and eggs are super cheap. They can cost maybe $30 a week if you shop at the local markets. If you like imported snacks, they can cost a lot more. But local snacks are delicious too!
School needs a big plan, tho. International schools in Bali can cost $3,000 to $15,000 a year for each kid.
If you compare Bali to fancier cities like Singapore or Dubai, Bali is a lot cheaper. You can get proper housing and food expenses for way less than in these fancy cities. But what to keep in mind is the big supermarkets and hospitals aren’t always nearby, so you gotta pick your location wisely.
Always write down your budget each week to keep your money in check. Buy local, cook at home, and look for villas a little outside of the tourist spot for a cheaper price.
Living in Bali as an Expat Family
Moving to Bali with your little ones? Don’t worry, you won’t be alone! Bali has big, happy expat communities where mamas, papas, and kiddos can make lots of new friends. If you go to Facebook, people usually have groups for the community where they live. This can be very helpful to find information about what you need.
You’ll never run out of fun activities in Bali. Try visiting the monkey forest, go to recreation clubs, join art classes and many more. Some cafés even have playgrounds or babysitting so grown-ups can sip coffee while the kids play.
Now, life in Bali might feel a little different from back home. Things move more slowly here. People smile a lot, and there’s not as much rushing around. One thing to note is that the traffic can be very busy, you might notice a major difference on this one, so be prepared.
But still, with all the pros and cons, lots of families love living in Bali. And the best part? You’ll have a village of friendly faces to help along the way!
See Also : Ultimate Guide To Live As Bali Expats
Living in Bali as an Australian Family
Now that you know Bali is full of friendly faces and fun things to do, let’s talk about something special: what it’s like for Aussie families! If you’re moving from Australia, you’ll feel right at home in many ways.
Bali is super close, it’s just a few hours by plane from Perth and not too far from Sydney or Melbourne. That makes it easy to pop back for holidays or have family come visit.
Lots of Aussies live in Bali, so your kids might even meet classmates from back home. Some international schools follow the Australian curriculum, which makes learning nice and familiar. There are also Aussie-friendly doctors, dentists, and even community centres where parents can chat, kids can play, and everyone can feel a little more at home.
So if you’re looking for sunshine, community, and a soft landing far from home, but not too far, Bali could be just the spot. With a big Aussie crowd already here, you and your little ones will settle in like cuddly koalas in no time!
How to Make a Living in Bali
Alright, let’s talk about something important. How do parents earn money while living in beautiful Bali?
Some families move here with remote jobs. That means they work on laptops from home, a café, or even by the pool. These folks are called digital nomads. Maybe Mum’s a graphic designer, or Dad works in marketing. As long as there’s Wi-Fi (and Bali has lots of it!), they can do their job from anywhere.
Others open small businesses like cafés, yoga studios, or shops. But be careful! If you want to start a business in Bali, follow the rules. That means getting the right visa and work permit. No sneaky shortcuts, okay? Talking to a legal expert or visa agent before making big plans is always best.
Some jobs in Bali are only for locals, like driving taxis or working in stores. So expats usually stick to online work or open businesses that help the community and bring in tourists.
Tip time! You can’t work legally in Bali on a tourist visa. Nope, not even a little. If you plan to earn money here, you’ll need a proper visa, like a business visa or KITAS. The rules can be tricky, so ask for help and double-check everything. Read more about the visa here.
With the right setup, many families enjoy a lovely balance, earning a living while still having time for beach days, scooter rides, and snuggles with the kiddos.
See Also : Why Starting A Business In Bali Through Villa Rentals Profitable ?
Educational Opportunities for Kids
Let’s talk about school and all the learning choices you’ve got in Bali.
There are international schools where teachers speak English and follow curricula from Australia, the UK, or other countries. These schools are popular with expat families and have cosy classrooms, fun field trips, and even swimming lessons! Some even teach the same stuff your child would learn back home, which makes moving super smooth.
There are also local Balinese schools. These are more affordable, but classes are in Indonesian, and the learning style is different. Kids wear uniforms, and things can feel a little more formal. It’s a great way for children to learn the language and dive into the culture, and it may take some adjusting.
Want to stay home and learn in your jammies? Homeschooling is also an option in Bali. Some families follow online programs, others join co-ops where kids learn together a few times a week. There’s lot of freedom to make learning fun!
No matter what kind of school you choose, Bali is full of exciting extras. Kids can join art classes, music groups, soccer teams, surfing lessons, or Balinese dance! And guess what? Many schools teach Indonesian and other languages too. So your little learner can become a mini language superstar.
Healthcare and Well-being in Bali
Healthcare in Bali is pretty much accessible. However, Big hospitals are only available in big cities like Denpasar. But health clinics with complete amenities are also nearby, whether you live in Ubud or Nusa Dua. There are also 24-hour clinics that can accommodate your emergency needs. Getting health insurance (that is applicable internationally) is also recommended, many clinics in Bali are open to this option.
What about common health problems with living in bali? The sun is hot-hot-hot, so wear hats, drink lots of water, and use sunscreen every day—yes, even on cloudy days! Mosquito bites? Nope, no thank you! Make sure to always use mosquito repellent, especially when you’re out in nature. And be careful with food and water—stick to bottled water and eat at clean places to keep those tummies happy.
What about our hearts and minds? Good news! Bali has friendly counsellors, family therapists, and wellness centres to help with stress, homesickness, or just needing someone to talk to. Maybe try Yoga and meditation, they help!
Healthcare in Bali might be a bit different from back home, but that does not mean it’s not good. You can still maintain a healthy and happy life.
Conclusion
With all these considerations mentioned, Bali is indeed a great place to love and grow with your lovely family. The activities are endless, the schools are accessible, and many more helpful stuff you can earn from the great community.
If moving right away sounds too bold, you can try by taking a short visit to the island. It’s like having a small overview of what your next home’s vibe would feel like. So, would you picture yourself living in Bali? Because many people already have!
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