After decades of busy working life on Australia’s Gold Coast, Kylie and Dean Mallosvik decided it was time to trade early alarms and endless routines for sunshine, surf, and simplicity. In 2023, they made the leap to retire in Bali, and haven’t looked back since.
Now settled in Bingin with their two beloved dogs, the couple has fully embraced the island’s laid-back rhythm, from morning market runs and beach walks to yoga sessions and sunset surf checks. Between connecting with the local community and exploring Indonesia’s hidden gems, Kylie and Dean have found a lifestyle that’s active, fulfilling, and full of gratitude.
In this Q&A, they share what life is really like as expat retirees in Bali, the challenges, the highlights, and why they believe there’s no better time than now to start living your dream.
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and where you’re from?
Kylie:
Hi, I’m Kylie, and this is my husband Dean. He’s 63, and I’m 55. We’re originally from the Gold Coast in Australia.
I was self-employed back home and still travel there every couple of months to see my kids and do some work. We moved to Bali nearly two years ago now.
Dean:
I worked for the council (the Banjar), driving trucks, maintaining beaches, and enjoying outdoor life. But when the time felt right, we decided to retire and move here permanently.
What made you decide to move to Bali?
Kylie:
We decided to retire 2 years ago, I think everything for us we were just alined, like, We’d always said we’d move to Bali one day, we just didn’t know when, or how. Everything fell into place in australia for us, yes we just made our minds up after we got married in Bali. Six months later, we came back, this time to stay for good.
Dean:
We’d both been coming to Bali for years and loved the culture, people, and pace of life. It felt like the right place to start our next chapter.
Where do you live now, and what do you love about your area?
Dean:
Nyang Nyang is our favorite place in Bali. We live here and we love the beach there, and it’s really close to Uluwatu, Bingin, and Balangan, all the spots where we surf. We also have two dogs who come everywhere with us. They’re like our kids and part of everything we do.
What does a typical day look like for you in Bali?
Kylie:
We’re early risers, usually up around 4 a.m. We go to the local market just up the road here, for fresh produce, then head to the gym in Ungasan for an hour or two. Afterwards, we might grab a coffee with friends or pick up more supplies on the way home.
Dean often goes surfing while I do yoga on the rooftop. Around lunchtime, we either eat out or cook at home, then take a little siesta, it’s hard not to with the heat! In the afternoons, we’ll head back to the beach with the dogs or watch the sunset.
Dean:
That’s our routine, pretty much every day, seven days a week. It’s a healthy lifestyle. The food here is amazing, and there’s always a cold beer waiting at the end of the day.
How did you find your home in Bali?
Kylie:
Our home here in Nyang Nyang — we moved in about a year ago. Before that, we tried living in other areas like Jimbaran and Ungasan, but they didn’t feel quite right. So we decided to take a long lease here — 25 years.
The place has been a bit of a challenge, but I’ve always believed that if you have a dream, you just keep working at it. My advice for anyone considering buying or leasing in Bali is to really do your research — check your notary, work with a trusted lawyer, and make sure your developer is reputable.
Dean:
Other than that, we sometimes take little trips to Nusa Penida, Sumatra, or Lombok. It feels like having a holiday after a holiday!
What inspired you to retire early?
Kylie:
Ever since I first brought Dean to Bali about 10 years ago, we’ve talked about retiring here. I actually called Simone from Our Year in Bali a couple of years before we made the move — without telling Dean — and had a chat with her on the phone. So maybe I was planning it for a few years!
When we sold our house and everything started lining up, I said, “Let’s just do it.” We’re healthy, active, and these are our best years. Why wait until we’re 75 and can’t surf or travel anymore? I felt like this was the right time — the best time — to really live our dream.
Dean:
Exactly. We can enjoy retirement now and slow down a bit. Back in Australia, we were always working, taking care of things, maintaining our home — there was always something. Here, we can actually retire properly and enjoy the experience.
We still love exploring and plan to travel to other islands around Bali — there are so many beautiful places nearby. That’s what keeps you young and healthy, keeping your mind active and having little challenges along the way. For us, retirement means finally having the time to do what we love.
What do you love most about Bali?
Dean:
Everyone here is so friendly and open — locals and expats alike. People come to Bali for a reason. Whether they’re retiring or not, working or not, they come here to have a good time. Everyone just seems to want to live happier, simpler lives.
Kylie:
I love the balance. We’re a little bit older than most people here, but you know, Dean still goes surfing with them once a week — they just sort of accept you. I think there’s a great energy here for where we’re at in life right now.
What I love most about Bali are the morning markets. I’m probably the only foreigner up there at that hour, but I love the warm welcome we get and the little interactions. Even though I don’t speak much Bahasa, we always practice with the locals — and they try a bit of English too. We love our sate, little pancakes, and all the delicious food they cook there. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
Dean:
My favorite part of the day is going to the gym, grabbing something to eat, and taking the dogs out on the bike. Kylie usually relaxes at home while I take the dogs for a surf check and a little run, chatting with the Balinese people along the way. Then I head down to Padang Padang Beach — especially down that corridor — where I like to surf. If there aren’t enough waves there, I’ll go to the cliffs and let the dogs have a little run while I check the surf again before deciding what to do.
That’s my morning routine, and I really enjoy it because it’s peaceful, quiet, and still cool before the day starts to heat up.
How is the Balinese community? Have you embraced Balinese traditions?
Kylie:
Everyone here is so open and friendly — it’s really easy to make friends. We’re all like-minded, even though everyone’s a little different. People in this area are different from those in Canggu or Kuta, and that’s what makes it special. You eventually find your place with people who share similar values.
Our neighborhood is beautiful — we know the people down the road, and the shop owners know us. It’s such a nice feeling when everyone greets you with a smile or a hug.
We’ve also met a lot of expats. Funny story — we met Jill and Denis in Balangan by chance, and only later did we realize they were also part of Our Year in Bali! They have a villa in Bingin, and now we catch up every month. Jill came up to me one day and mentioned she used Our Year in Bali, and I said, “So did I!” It was such a lovely coincidence.
As for the local community, we respect them very much. We do what they ask, and if they need help, we’re always happy to lend a hand. Our house and bike have been blessed, and we’ve been invited to a local wedding in a couple of weeks — we’re really looking forward to it. It feels so special, and we feel very lucky to be part of it.
Dean:
Everyone here is so familiar, tranquil, and easy-going. There’s such a relaxed vibe — that’s the beauty of the Bukit area. It reminds me of being a kid again, when you didn’t have any preconceived ideas about anything — you just joined in, talked to people, and enjoyed the moment.
We’ve taken part in local ceremonies, like the clifftop and purification rituals in Melasti. The culture here is incredible — full of respect, family, and community. It’s something we really value.
How does the cost of living compare to Australia?
Kylie:
Living here is definitely more affordable, though it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re out at beach clubs or fancy restaurants every day, it can add up. But if you live more like a local, it’s very manageable.
Dean:
Australia’s gotten really expensive. Here, we have peace of mind and time. We’re not stressed about bills or work. Food, cafes, and beer are cheap. The pricier items are imported things like spirits, wine, sunscreen, and cheese.
Kylie:
But you can easily live without those! Everything’s so fresh here, and the locals cook with love.
What are your favorite things to do in Bali?
Kylie:
I love going to the morning markets. We’re probably the only foreigners there most days! The locals are always so welcoming, and we have so much fun learning new words and laughing together.
Dean:
For me, it’s those quiet mornings after the gym, taking the dogs for a surf check, chatting with people, and watching the waves. Everyone knows our dogs now. It feels like home.
Have you explored other parts of Indonesia?
Kylie:
Yes! We’ve been all over Bali, Amed, Candidasa, Lovina, and Menjangan. The snorkeling in Menjangan was like Finding Nemo!
We’ve also been to Lombok and the Gilis. When friends visit, we love showing them around, though it’s always nice to come home to our dogs afterward.
Dean:
They’re always waiting at the door for us — tails wagging.
What do you love most about your life in Bali?
Kylie:
The simplicity, the sunshine, and the sense of community. Every day feels full — but not rushed.
Dean:
It’s peaceful. We wake up happy and go to bed happy. We couldn’t ask for more.
