After more than a decade of holidaying in Bali—sometimes visiting up to three times a year—Keith and Christine Hamilton from Cairns, Australia, always felt a deep connection to the island. In late 2024, after selling their long-standing retail business, they saw an opportunity to trade routine for a slower, more meaningful lifestyle. Just a few months later, they relocated to Bali, spending their first months in Ubud before settling into the beachside charm of Sanur.
Today, Keith and Christine balance semi-retired living with running their online wholesale business, Bali Homewares, while also giving back through their support of the Bali Children’s Foundation. From morning walks and leisurely lunches by the beach, to learning Bahasa and experiencing cultural festivals, their life in Bali is one of both discovery and fulfillment.
In this interview, they open up about what inspired their move, how they’ve adapted to island life, and what advice they’d give to other Australians considering retirement in Bali.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are originally from?
We have moved to Bali from Cairns in North Queensland. We had holidayed in Bali for over 10 years, with as many 3 trips a year.
We sold our retail business in October 2024, so it released us to consider new options. The one we chose was to establish our on line wholesale business Bali Homewares from Bali.
When did you move to Bali?
We moved to Bali in January this year. We resided at a resort Adil Villas and Resort in Mas, Ubud for three months before moving to Sanur (beach side, yea!) in late March.
What inspired your move?
Mainly business, but we have fallen in love with the Balinese people and the lifestyle of Bali, so an easy decision.
How did you come across Our Year in Bali, and why was the service valuable to you?
My son-in-law actually found Simone’s site, from which we made contact. Simone has provided us with valuable contacts that have helped with the establishment and compliance of our new business in Indonesia. She also provided us with contacts to get our KITAS and contacts to assist in finding accommodation.
Where do you live in Bali?
In our many travels to Bali, we have stayed at many locations on the Island, but Sanur has been the standout. We were fortunate to secure a villa on the beachside of the bypass at Sanur, which provides us with walking access to restaurants, shopping, and most importantly, leisurely lunches at the beach.
Do you work in Bali? Please share your business and also the great charity that you do!
Yes, we have established a business in Bali, as mentioned above, balilhomewares.com, where we offer a range of over 400 artisan homewares products to retailers in Australia.
Our point of difference is that our customers can buy in small lots, have the product shipped from our warehouse on Bali immediately, and finally, our pricing covers everything to their door. We organise it all, including import applications into Australia, along with courier delivery to their door.
From our previous retail business in Australia, where we contributed to the Bali Children’s Foundation, our new venture also continues to contribute 2.5% of sales to this worthy cause that is providing Balinese children the opportunity to life-changing education.
How does the cost of day-to-day life in Bali compare to Australia?
Accommodation costs were more than we expected, but on par with our experiences in Cairns. Food can be more expensive for imported products, particularly dairy. Local products are more economical, with our regular visits to supermarkets less than we would have in Australia. Fresh fruit and vegetables from local markets are very cost-effective.
What’s been your experience with healthcare in Bali?
We have not had to use medical services as of yet. I have used dental services a couple of times and found the service to be excellent and very
economical. We have made a conscious decision not to take any cover.
What does a typical day look like for you now in retirement?
My wife and I have a simple life. We may eat out 3-4 times per week, mainly leisurely lunches, but have found some good Warungs with live music. There have been some unsteady walks home late in the evening! I guess we are semi-retired, with no particular regular daily plan.
I enjoy a long walk most mornings, which ends up being a journey of discovery. It is amazing that you can walk or drive past places many times and miss things! I enjoy a good massage and have found a Spa (Pure Bliss) 50 metres from our Villa, which I go to 2-3 times a week.
What are some of the common myths about Bali that you’d like to correct?
Getting about seems to be an issue for some people moving here. A bike was not an option for us, even though I will catch a GoJek, I do not have the desire to ride myself. We thought about a car, but have realised that using BlueBird Taxi’s are very economical, even having the driver wait on the meter for all the locations we seek to stop at on a given day.
What cultural experiences have you enjoyed since moving to Bali?
Our previous trips to Bali were all what we call “drop and flop” holidays to recharge the batteries. We have experienced far more this year, enjoying the Ogoh-Ogoh festival in the village of Mas in March. Experiencing Nyepi (Day of Silence), and a cultural experience here in Sanur. We look forward to experiencing more in the coming months.
More importantly, we have taken some Indonesian Bahasa lessons in the last couple of months to assist our basic conversation. It is amazing the reaction you get when you speak a few words of Bahasa back to the locals!
Advice for others considering making Bali their home?
It’s a great lifestyle, you have to learn to slow down, because things happen as they will, patience, grasshopper!
Is there anything else about your Bali experience you’d love to share?
No regrets, if anything, I wish we had moved to Bali in 2007, instead of buying a business in Cairns.
