Moving to Bali is a dream shared by thousands of families around the world, but few take the leap together as three generations. For one Dutch family, that dream became a reality in February 2025, when parents, grandparents, and children left their lives in a small village in the Netherlands and started fresh in Bali.
In this inspiring Q&A, we follow the journey of Jan and Wilma (65), their children Kiki and Rens, and Kiki’s own young family, Mike, Zoë, and Lily, seven people united by one shared vision: a simpler, warmer, more connected life. From the first spark that inspired their move to the challenges, cultural shifts, school choices, and the joy of living just minutes apart in Ungasan, their story offers a rare and heartfelt look into what relocating to Bali truly feels like.
Whether you’re dreaming of a big family move, considering Bali as your next chapter, or simply love reading about bold life changes, this story is filled with honesty, insight, and the kind of everyday magic that makes Bali so special.
Meet the Family: Life Before Moving to Bali
Hi! We are Jan (65), Wilma (65), Kiki (35), Mike (35), Zoë (7), Lily (6), and Rens (31) – three generations who made the big move from the Netherlands to Bali in February 2025.
We originally come from Someren, a small village in the south of the Netherlands. My dad, Jan, spent his whole life working in construction, my mom, Wilma, worked in elderly care, my brother Rens studied for years in Nijmegen, and my husband Mike worked as a painter and maintenance technician. I (Kiki) worked for many years as a flight attendant and later in customer service for a housing corporation.
When Did Your Bali Journey Begin?
We officially moved to Bali on the 1st of February, 2025. It still feels surreal that we’re really here!
After arriving, we took 6 weeks to explore different areas – Sanur, Amed, Seseh, and Ungasan – to see where we felt most at home. In the end, we settled in Ungasan, where we all live within just a few minutes’ scooter ride from each other.
Even though it’s still quite new, it already feels like home. The people, the rhythm of life, and the island’s warmth have made us feel incredibly welcome. We don’t have a fixed plan for the future – who knows where life will take us next – but for now, we’re so happy and enjoy every moment of our beautiful Bali life.
What Sparked the Decision to Relocate?
Our love story with Bali began back in 2014, when Mike and I travelled through Southeast Asia for six months. From the moment we stepped onto the island, we fell in love – the warmth of the people, the spirituality, the beauty of everyday life here touched us deeply. We promised each other that one day we’d return.
Over the years, that dream never faded. But after COVID, life in the Netherlands started to feel more disconnected. People seemed to focus more on success and possessions, and less on connection and joy. We longed for a simpler, more meaningful life – sunshine, family time, nature, and community.
When we shared our thoughts with my parents, they surprised us by saying they wanted to be included in our big plan. It became a shared vision, and that’s when our dream truly became a family dream.
We all live in Ungasan/Kutuh, in the south of the island. My parents and brother have their own places, but we live just three minutes apart by scooter – close enough to pop by anytime! It’s a nice area with a lovely mix of local families and expats, close to beautiful beaches like (Pura) Geger Beach and Pandawa Beach. We love going there to drink a fresh young coconut after a warm day!
Three Generations, One Island: How Did the Move Come Together?
It still feels quite unbelievable that we actually did it – three generations moving halfway across the world together.
For my parents, it’s the reward for decades of hard work – they now have time to enjoy life, sunshine, and simplicity. For Mike and me, it’s about giving our daughters freedom, happiness, and experiences that go beyond what money can buy. And for my brother Rens, it’s a chance to find his own path, free from the pressure of Western life.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare?
We each have our own routines, but we meet a few days a week for dinners, beach days, or just a quick chat. The best part is knowing that even on the other side of the world, we still have each other so close.
Many people think life in Bali is cheap – but it really depends on your lifestyle and choices. Because our youngest daughter has Skeeter Syndrome (an allergic reaction to mosquito bites), we chose a more Western-style closed home, which is more expensive. Schooling is also a big cost.
That said, daily living can be quite affordable when you eat local and live simply. We love eating at warungs during the week and sometimes having a little treat on weekends. My parents live comfortably from the proceeds of their home sale in the Netherlands, while the rest of us are still exploring online work, from freelancing and VA work to AI projects and small investments. It’s a journey, but we’re learning every day.
What school did you choose for your children, and why was it the right fit?
Our daughters go to Biosphere School in Jimbaran, and they absolutely love it. The school encourages creativity, curiosity, and respect for the planet – values that really align with how we want to raise them. They’ve picked up English and Bahasa Indonesia quickly, and we see how being around different cultures makes them more open-minded and kind. They spend so much time outside – at the beach, in nature, just being kids.
The downsides? Definitely the traffic and pollution. We drive scooters, so we’re always extra careful. Our oldest often notices how much construction is happening and feels sad about the disappearing green spaces – something we all feel strongly about.
What are some common misconceptions about Bali, and what would you say to set the record straight?
One big myth is that “Bali isn’t Bali anymore.”
Yes, some areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are busy and touristy – but that’s not the whole picture. If you venture north to Sidemen, Amed, or Munduk, you’ll find the authentic Bali still very much alive. The rice fields, the quiet temples, the kindness and humility of the people – it’s all still here. You just have to look beyond the Instagram hotspots and main attractions.
We’ve had the privilege of building genuine friendships with locals, especially Kadek, who we met 12 years ago when he was our driver for a day. Over the years, we stayed in touch, and now he’s one of our dear friends. We often visit his home, share meals, and recently we were invited to a traditional temple ceremony, fully dressed in Balinese attire. It was an unforgettable experience and made us feel part of something truly special.
What Cultural Experiences Have Stood Out Since Moving?
The Balinese have taught us so much about gratitude, patience, and the importance of living in the moment. Their joy for life is contagious, and it constantly reminds us to slow down and appreciate what really matters.
Your Best Advice for Families Considering a Move
Listen to that little voice inside – the one that tells you life could be different.
We never imagined we’d move abroad with our parents, but by sharing our dreams openly, it naturally evolved into something bigger than we ever could have imagined. Our advice: take your time to plan, be open to challenges, and involve your loved ones from the start. The journey might be overwhelming, but once you take that leap, you’ll realise how freeing it feels to live life on your own terms. It’s scary, yes – but also the most rewarding thing we’ve ever done.
Moving to Bali has been the biggest adventure and the most meaningful decision of our lives. There are moments when we miss home, but what we’ve gained – freedom, sunshine, time, and connection – outweighs everything.
Reflecting on Your New Life in Bali
Every morning, when we hear the birds and smell the incense from nearby offerings, we feel so grateful to be here together. Bali has taught us that happiness is not about having more, but about living more. It truly feels like we’ve come home.
If you ever have questions for us or simply want to follow along with our journey, you’re very welcome to join us on Instagram: @thefamilydream, where we share glimpses of our new Bali life.
