When Kate and Leigh from Sydney first sat in an Erskineville café discussing Leigh’s upcoming long service leave, they never imagined it would lead to a life-changing 16-month adventure in Bali with their two children, Annie (12) and Flynn (15). What started as a conversation about taking time off work evolved into an incredible family sabbatical that would redefine their priorities and open their children’s minds to the world.
The Decision: From Panic to Paradise
“Leigh said that he was keen on taking his long service leave, and I was on a career break at the time,” Kate recalls. “I went into panic mode thinking about us both in some sort of early retirement situation, just bumping around Sydney together, sipping coffee and not doing much more.”
That moment of panic became the catalyst for something extraordinary. Both working in Australia’s tourism industry, Leigh with Tourism Australia and Kate taking a career break, they realized they had a unique opportunity to give their family something special.
Why Bali? The Perfect Family Destination
Their journey began with researching the famous Green School, though they ultimately chose a different path. Bali ticked all their boxes:
- Proximity to Australia: Close enough for easy access, but culturally different
- Quality international schools: Essential for their teenagers
- Affordability: Significantly cheaper than Australian living costs
- Gateway to Asia: Perfect base for exploring Southeast Asia
- Wellness culture: Abundant opportunities for health and fitness
The Planning Process: 3-4 Months of Preparation
The timeline from decision to departure was surprisingly tight:
- August 2023: Initial planning and consultation
- September 2023: Kate’s solo scouting trip to Bali, visiting five schools
- Late 2023: Visa applications, school enrollment, house preparation for Airbnb
- February 2024: Family departure to Bali
“We probably could’ve done with a bit more time,” Kate admits. “The heavy lifting was really getting out of our Sydney house and establishing another life in Bali simultaneously.”
School Choice: Canggu Community School
After Kate’s week-long tour of five schools across Sanur, Ubud, and Pererenan, the family chose Canggu Community School. The decision proved perfect both children settled in remarkably quickly.
“Our daughter had an instant group of friends. Her birthday was a month after we arrived, and she had 8-10 girls at her birthday party,” Leigh shares. “Our son found his gym, got into surf lessons, and eventually found his people.”
Settling In: The First Few Months
The Reality Check:
- Landing “pretty wrecked” from the relocation process
- About 2 months to find routines and favorite spots
- Children adapted much faster than parents expected
Transportation Evolution: Initially relying on Gojek and Grab, the family eventually embraced scooter life. Kate overcame her initial nervousness with scooter lessons, ultimately gaining the freedom she craved.
“I feel really safe out on the roads. When nobody’s going very fast because of the traffic, it’s actually quite manageable,” Kate explains.
Two Neighborhoods: Comparing Umalas and Canggu
The Umalas (First Location):
- Between Seminyak and Canggu
- More developed and residential
- A mix of expats and locals
- 5 minutes to the beach
- Close to school
Cibubining, Canggu (Second Location):
- Behind Canggu on Jalan Raya Pantai Berawa
- 70% locals, 30% expats
- More established long-term expat community
- Rice fields (though rapidly developing)
- Stronger community feel
- 10-15 minutes to the beach
Climate Adjustment: From Struggle to Success
The tropical climate proved challenging initially, especially for their daughter, who “was just a hot mess” when they first arrived. However, adaptation came within a month.
“I’m actually running again in the mornings now at 6:30 AM, which I would never have thought possible in the beginning,” Kate shares.
Wellness Revolution: The Anchor of Daily Life
Bali transformed the family’s approach to health and wellness:
- Daily gym sessions became routine
- Yoga, meditation, and breathwork practices
- Sauna and cold plunge experiences
- Surfing lessons (Leigh’s longboard dream partially fulfilled)
- Language learning – picking up Bahasa Indonesia
“Everything’s so close here. You can find all these things in Sydney, but they’re often quite spread out. Here, everything’s 10-20 minutes away,” Leigh notes.
Building Community: Quality Over Quantity
Contrary to concerns about making friends, the family found meaningful connections:
- The gym community became their primary social circle
- Facebook groups led to their “Bali besties”
- School connections provided a trusted support network
- Travel companions emerged naturally
“We found our best Bali friends through Facebook. A mom posted looking for a gym and activities for her 14-year-old son. I replied, and we ended up traveling together this year,” Kate explains.
Cost of Living: The Real Numbers
Accommodation:
- Budget villas: $25,000 AUD per year
- Luxury villas: $120,000-$140,000 AUD per year
- Mid-range new villas: $50,000-$60,000 AUD per year
- Long-term stays (3-5 years): Significant discounts possible
Daily Expenses:
- Local restaurants: 30-40% cheaper than in Sydney
- Warungs: $15 AUD for a family of four
- Laundry service: $5-7 AUD for the entire family
- Transportation: $1.20 AUD for a 3-4 km Gojek ride
- Household help: Included with villa rentals
The Hidden Benefits:
- Villa staff (cleaner 5 days/week, pool maintenance, gardening)
- Delivery services for everything via WhatsApp
- Affordable childcare and household assistance
Healthcare: Surprisingly Excellent
The family’s medical experiences exceeded expectations:
- House calls from doctors and nurses
- 24/7 WhatsApp access to healthcare providers
- Affordable procedures: $25 AUD for stitch removal
- Multiple medical centers within walking distance
- High-quality dental care
“The doctor’s nurse has been coming to the villa monthly for my injection. He’s been the best I’ve ever had, even compared to Sydney,” Kate reports.
Travel Base: Gateway to Asia
Bali’s location proved perfect for family adventures:
- Japan skiing trip – more affordable than from Australia
- Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam – all within hours
- Indonesia exploration – Komodo dragons, Manado, Gilis
- Cheap flights throughout Asia
“We probably haven’t taken as much advantage as I would have liked, but the proximity to Asia has been fantastic,” Leigh admits.
The Unexpected Lessons
For the Parents:
- Simplified living: Realizing how little you actually need
- Mental load reduction: Staff handling daily necessities
- Career perspective: 30+ years since Leigh had more than annual leave
- Cultural flexibility: Appreciating fewer rules and boundaries
For the Children:
- Global perspective: Mixing with international students
- Gratitude development: Seeing different ways of living
- Independence growth: Duke of Edinburgh camping, volunteering
- Cultural immersion: Like a “student exchange with parents”
Challenges and Adjustments
Initial Hurdles:
- Physical exhaustion from relocation
- Climate adaptation (especially for the daughter)
- Learning to accept household help
- Navigating cultural differences
Ongoing Considerations:
- Traffic congestion on main roads
- Rapid development affecting natural areas
- Balancing local vs expat communities
- Managing expectations vs reality
What They’ll Miss Most
Kate’s perspective:
- Freedom from excessive rules and boundaries
- Lighter mental load
- Household help and support
- Delivery convenience via WhatsApp
Leigh’s perspective:
- Living in gym clothes daily
- Simplified lifestyle with minimal possessions
- Easy access to wellness activities
- Proximity to everything needed
The Financial Reality Check
While accommodation costs have increased significantly (2-3x pre-COVID prices), the overall cost of living remains substantially lower than in Sydney:
- Transport: Incredibly affordable
- Food: Variable but generally cheaper
- Services: A Fraction of Australian Costs
- Help: Included household staff
- Activities: Abundant and accessible
Extended Stay: From 9 Months to 16 Months
Originally planning 11 months away (9 in Bali), the family extended their stay by almost 6 months because:
- Children’s successful school integration
- Desire to complete a full academic year
- Overall positive family experience
- Community connections formed
Advice for Future Bali Families
Leigh’s Message: “Just do it. If you can do it, make it happen. Don’t wait. It’s been an incredible experience for us personally and particularly for our kids – exposing them to different cultures and mixing with kids from around the world.”
Kate’s Perspective: “It’s like giving the kids a student exchange, but we get to come with them. Their level of gratitude for what they have and what they’ve seen has been extraordinary.”
Planning Your Bali Family Adventure
Essential Steps:
- Research schools thoroughly – visit if possible
- Choose a location based on school proximity
- Budget realistically for accommodation and lifestyle
- Prepare for a 6-month planning phase or more
- Embrace the wellness culture
- Connect with existing communities
- Use Asia as your travel base
The Verdict: Life-Changing Experience
As this Sydney family prepares to return home after 16 months, they’re taking with them more than memories. They’ve gained a new perspective on what’s truly important, simplified their approach to living, and given their children an invaluable global education.
Their story proves that with careful planning, an open mind, and a willingness to embrace change, a family sabbatical in Bali can be transformative. From the initial panic in an Erskineville café to sunset views over Canggu rice fields, sometimes the best adventures begin with a simple conversation about taking time off.
Ready to start your own Bali family adventure? The hardest part might just be taking that first step – but as Kate and Leigh’s story shows, the rewards are immeasurable.
Are you considering a family move to Bali? Share your questions and concerns in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to Our Year in Bali for more family stories and practical guides.
