From Germany to Ubud: A Family’s Journey to a Slower Life in Bali

After visiting Bali for the first time in late 2024, Sandra and Sebastian returned to Germany with a feeling they couldn’t shake — a part of them had stayed behind on the island.

Back home near Oldenburg, life was comfortable and familiar. Their children had friends, school, hobbies, and a busy routine, and the family enjoyed a beautiful home with a garden. But their time in Bali had opened their eyes to a different pace of life — one with more nature, more freedom, and more time together as a family.

Less than a year later, they decided to make a big change and move their family to Ubud.

In this story, Sandra and Sebastian share what inspired their move, how they discovered Our Year in Bali, what it’s like raising children in Bali, how daily life compares to Germany, and what their new chapter on the island looks like.

For families thinking about moving to Bali, their story offers a personal and honest look at what this journey can be like.

We originally come from Germany, from a small town near Oldenburg. Before moving to Bali, we lived a very typical family life there – balancing work, school, and all the routines that come with everyday family life.

We had a large house with a beautiful garden where we spent a lot of time together. Our children spent their early years there, growing up surrounded by friends, hobbies, school, and many activities with other families. It was a familiar and comfortable life, and in many ways it felt good.

In October 2024 we visited Bali for the first time on vacation. At the time, it was simply meant to be a trip. But when we returned to Germany, we quickly realised that a part of us had stayed behind on that island. The feeling never really left us, and deep down we knew that we wanted to go back. This time, not just for a holiday.

In May 2025 we packed our suitcases and moved to Bali. From the very first moment, it felt like the beginning of a completely new chapter for our family.

We wanted more. More than doing the same thing every single day. More than living inside routines where it often feels like someone else decides how life should look. We wanted to show our children that there is more to the world than grades, sitting still, following strict rules, and living within a system that tells you exactly what to do and when. We wanted freedom. For our children, but also for ourselves.

More time together as a couple. More quiet moments as a family. More space for creativity, curiosity, and learning things simply because you are interested in them. Not fast. Not under pressure. But slowly and peacefully. We longed for more nature, the ocean, and warmth. Warm air, warm people, and a place where life feels lighter.

We discovered Our Year in Bali on Instagram while we were deeply researching the idea of moving to Bali. During that time we were trying to collect as much information as possible about schools, neighbourhoods, and what everyday family life on the island might look like.

Hearing from other families who had already taken this step and having access to reliable information helped us a lot while planning such a big life decision. Having someone who already knew many of these answers and experiences gave us a lot of clarity. We were able to learn so much from that. No question remained unanswered, and that gave us a sense of confidence while making this big move.

We live in Ubud, often called the creative heart of Bali. It is surrounded by palm trees, jungle, waterfalls, and beautiful rice terraces. The climate here is a bit different than near the ocean. It is slightly cooler, more humid, and there is more rain. But we actually love that. The rain keeps the air fresh and everything stays incredibly green. In the evenings, after a hot day, it often becomes very comfortable.

We love the streets of Ubud, the traditional markets, and the many spiritual places you can discover everywhere. The people here are incredibly kind, helpful, and open. That made it very easy for us to feel welcome in our new neighborhood.

Even the schools here are special – many of them are built from bamboo and designed in a way that feels very open and connected to nature. At the same time, we also love the ocean. Luckily, it’s only about a 30-minute drive away, so we can easily enjoy the beach whenever we want.

A big change like this is never completely easy, especially for children. That’s why it was important for us to arrive slowly and first create a small home for ourselves here. Our children immediately loved the pool – it is never too cold to swim. Together we explored the surroundings, slowly settling into our new life. We quickly met other families, and sooner than we expected, Bali started to feel like home. Our children discovered new hobbies, continued old interests, and developed many new ideas and passions.

School was also important to us. As a family we visited different schools and let our children help decide which one felt right for them. Here it is common that children can try schools and activities first before deciding. Through everyday experiences – walking in nature, diving with turtles, talking with local people – our children have already learned so much about nature, culture, respect, and tolerance. For them, Bali has not only become a home, but also a path toward their own personal freedom.

How does the cost of day-to-day life in Bali compare to Germany?

Bali offers many different ways of living. You can live in beautiful modern houses where rent can sometimes even be higher than in Germany. But there is also a more simple and traditional side of Bali. It all depends on the lifestyle you choose.

One big difference is that there are no heating costs here, which reduces expenses significantly. Many people also don’t need a car. A scooter makes life on the island flexible and easy, and fuel is very affordable.

What fascinates us the most are the prices for fresh and healthy food. Bali offers an amazing variety of local fruits, vegetables, and dishes that are very affordable. Imported products can be more expensive, but eating out, hiring a driver for a trip, or enjoying a fresh coconut at the beach are often surprisingly affordable.

For our children we chose a private school, which can be more expensive, but prices vary depending on the school. Overall, we feel that we receive more quality of life here. More fresh food. More nature. More freedom.

Are you working in Bali? 

Of course we still work here. We have our responsibilities and projects just like before. The difference is that we are now our own bosses. We decide when we work and how we structure our time. This gives us something incredibly valuable: time.

Time for personal interests, for new ideas, and for development. We have learned many new things and even started new professional paths. We also enjoy our time as a couple more – breakfast together, walks through the rice fields, or sometimes visiting a spa. At the same time, personal time is important too.

Sports and personal projects play a big role in our lives. And friendships have become more present again because there is time to meet without stress. As a family, we experience more meaningful moments together than ever before.

What does a typical day look like for you and your family in Bali?

There is actually no “typical” day anymore. Many things happen spontaneously depending on what we feel like doing or what needs to be done. We often start the day with breakfast together, feeding the animals and discussing our first ideas for the day.

Then we bring the kids to school, riding our scooters through Ubud. Even after a long time, it still feels like freedom – the fresh air, the smell of incense in the morning. When the kids are at school, we plan our morning: working, spending time together, or focusing on personal projects. We often meet for lunch before picking up the kids again.

Afternoons are usually spontaneous – playing with friends, meeting other families at cafés with playgrounds, or attending hobbies and activities. Evenings are family time: dinner together, games, talking about the day, cuddling, and sometimes jumping into the pool before ending the day peacefully.

What are some common misconceptions about Bali, and what would you say to set the record straight?

Bali is seen very differently by many people. Some talk about problems like waste, and yes, that exists. It’s something the island is working on, and something people living here must learn to handle responsibly. Others focus on the party areas and tourism. But there is also another side of Bali – spiritual places, peace, nature, kindness, and an incredibly warm culture.

Like everywhere in the world, no place is perfect. What matters is how we choose to experience it. When you live in another culture, it means living together with respect, patience, openness, and flexibility. And everyone should create their own impression of the island. Because whether someone comes for peace, nature, family life, food, the jungle, or the ocean – everyone can find their place here.

How have you immersed yourself in the local culture?

From the beginning we were deeply impressed by Balinese culture. You can feel it everywhere. You can hear it, see it, and even smell it through incense and temple rituals. The people here are incredibly kind and welcoming.

Bali is very spiritual and religious. Traditions are not only remembered – they are actively lived every day. You see it in the ceremonies, the clothing, the offerings, the music, and the many festivals. It is beautiful to see how children grow up learning values like respect, gratitude, and community. For our family this has been a very enriching experience.

What should other families think about before making the move?

Our biggest advice is: truly experience Bali. Come with an open heart and allow yourself to go deeper than just the tourist experience. Be open to the culture, the people, and the different way of life. Most importantly, come with respect.

Bali is not only a travel destination – it is home for many people and a place with deep traditions and values. If you approach the island with openness and gratitude, it can give you so much in return.

For us, Bali has become much more than just a place to live. It is a place where our family can grow, where we can slow down, and where we can focus on what truly matters. We have found more time for each other, for personal development, and for living more consciously. Bali has shown us that another way of living is possible. But it is also important that everyone who comes here – whether for a visit or to live – treats the island with respect.

Bali has a deep culture, strong traditions, and a beautiful spirit. And looking back today, we can honestly say: We do not regret taking this step for a single moment. In fact, it has enriched our lives in ways we could never have imagined. For us, Bali has become a place that feels like home.