{"id":53818,"date":"2023-06-29T19:54:38","date_gmt":"2023-06-29T17:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/vivir-en-bali\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T16:14:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T14:14:50","slug":"living-in-bali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/en\/living-in-bali\/","title":{"rendered":"Living in Bali long term: My personal experience and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Living in Bali: pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nusa Penida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before I begin telling you all of my tips about living on this amazing Indonesian island, I wanted to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of residing in Bali. There won’t be any surprises for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part of living in Bali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undoubtedly, the biggest pro about living on this island is the lifestyle you can have. The quality of life is superior due to a number of factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The cost of goods and services is one of the most obvious factors. Compared to western countries, it is far less expensive to go out to dine, get a massage, or enjoy a drink while watching the sunset on the beach. You will be able to afford to do these activities virtually every day as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Since we’re talking about eating out, it only makes sense to talk about the food. For those who enjoy eating and trying new foods, Bali will quickly become paradise for them. The island has a number of cafeterias and restaurants from all over the world, in addition to excellent local cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kindness of Balinese people<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Another of the many factors that influence the quality of life in Bali is the kindness of its people. Living somewhere with such genuine and kind people makes me happy. I can promise you that it is very difficult to glance at a Balinese without them greeting you in the morning. Being among folks who are like this makes your days happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Culture and Nature<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, it’s important to acknowledge that Bali is a true treasure in terms of its culture and environment. You’ll be able to ride a motorcycle around the area in your free time to discover some of its more picturesque locations. Be ready to take a stroll among rice fields, take a dip in a waterfall, or spend a morning or afternoon at the beach. To learn more about Balinese traditions, you can also visit some of the island’s most significant temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Finally, I should also mention that living somewhere where there are so many other people doing the same thing as you is highly fulfilling if you are a digital nomad and work online. You’ll be able to build lasting relationships and even gain a lot of knowledge from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cons of living in Bali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I can guarantee you that the pros outweigh the cons, but that does not mean you cannot dislike some aspects of Bali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traffic<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The traffic is one of the biggest disadvantages of living in Bali. I don’t only mean how crazy it is to drive there; I also mean how many vehicles and motorcycles there are everywhere. Living in areas like Canggu or Ubud would expose you to sporadic traffic jams. Additionally, this lowers the air quality. If you’re riding a motorcycle, I advise you to wear a mask whenever you’re on a busy street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Far from the rest of the world<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Another con about living in Bali is that you are quite disconnected from the rest of the world. It is practically in another part of the world. This can be good or bad. For example, if you have to return to your country for work or some emergency, it will take time to arrive, and, in addition, the flights are quite expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waste<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Also, get ready to see a lot of garbage and stray animals. Especially during the rainy season, the beaches of Bali can have plenty of waste that washes on the shore. Something that you can do is sign up for a “beach cleanup” to help collect everything that does not belong in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stray pets in poor condition<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are also a lot of stray animals, some in very bad shape. You will struggle if, like me, you are sensitive. You can, of course, help by getting in touch with and donating to groups like Mission Pawsible, Bawa, Villa Kitty, or Bali Paws. Additionally, you can buy animal feed and help those in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for living in Bali<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Next, I am going to tell you step-by-step what you need to know to live in Bali long-term:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Visa for Indonesia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mount Agung<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first thing that you will have to sort out in order to stay in Bali is the visa. There are several visas that allow you to be in Indonesia for a certain period of time. The two simplest visas to process are the VOA (visa on arrival) and the B211A (social visa).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The VOA is a visa that you can apply for upon arrival at the Indonesian airport or in advance. This visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for a total of 60 days. In principle, you are given 30 days, but you can extend the visa for another 30 days. After this period of time, you will have to leave the country with the possibility to re-enter if you want to stay longer in Indonesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The B211A is a visa that can be used for tourism or business purposes. This visa allows for a total of 180 days in Indonesia. In principle, the B211A allows you to stay in the country for 60 days, but this visa can be extended twice to for a total of 180 days. After that, you will have to leave or apply for another visa (without the need to leave Indonesia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my Indonesia visa guide, you can read more information about the requirements to apply for each of these visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking to stay in Bali for a longer period of time, you can find information about other types of visas, such as the KITAS (semi-permanent residence permit).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the requirements to enter Indonesia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working in Bali<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I would like to remind you that working in Indonesia is not permitted with a VOA or B211A visa. To be employed by a local business requires a visa, which is very difficult to obtain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most likely, if you plan on living in Bali long-term, you have funds or earn money through online employment outside of Indonesia. There is no issue in the initial scenario. As long as you do not get compensation from Indonesian businesses. Working online is not strictly regulated; however, you can be held responsible for violating your visa’s terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Best time to live in Bali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Amed Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you have the option to visit Bali whenever you choose, it is preferable to go at one of the ideal times to visit, taking into account the climate and the volume of tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, you should know that Bali’s dry season is from May to September and the rainy season starts in October and ends in April. Both April and October are still good months to travel to Bali in terms of weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, it’s important to take into account the island’s peak and off-peak seasons. Easter, Christmas, and summer vacations all fall within the months that have the most tourists visiting Bali. Prices rise and locations become more congested during these months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we take into account both factors, May, June, and September are the ideal months to visit Bali. These are the months when the chances of excellent weather are higher and the island is not overcrowded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do not worry if you are traveling to Bali during the rainy season. Heavy storms do not frequently last for long. In actuality, I have always visited Bali between the months of October and April (rainy season), and I have experienced numerous days of sunny weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re still unsure about the best time to visit Bali, don’t miss my article on the subject<\/a>, in which I go over the weather there month by month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Search for hotels in Bali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Nusa Lembongan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Deciding where to stay when visiting Bali may be one of the most challenging steps. The overwhelming options and the range of prices make it a challenging undertaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, I am going to show you which are the best areas to stay in Bali long-term and where you can book hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Areas of Bali where I recommend living<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you visit Bali, the finest areas to rent your villa are also the best areas to stay<\/a>. Next, I’ll list them for you in brief:<\/p>\n\n\n\n