Bali is often seen as a dream destination — palm trees, warm weather, and a slower pace of life. But what is it really like to move to Bali with children, build a routine, find the right school, and create a sense of home far from where you started?
For Zach and Roberta Rea and their three children, moving from New Zealand to Bali wasn’t about chasing a permanent holiday. It was about finding a better way of living — one with more balance, stronger community, and the freedom to work remotely while raising their family in a global environment.
In this article, the Rea family shares their honest relocation journey: why they chose Bali, how daily life works as a family, what surprised them most, and what it took to truly settle in — from schooling and housing to community and giving back.
Watch the full video interview on YouTube to hear the Rea family share their story in their own words, including behind-the-scenes moments of family life, school routines, and what living in Bali really feels like after more than a year on the island.
If you’re considering relocating to Bali — especially with children — this story offers real insight into what to expect, what challenges may arise, and why so many families ultimately decide to stay.
The Pull of a Different Life
The decision didn’t happen overnight. Bali stood out first for its weather — long days, sunshine, and an easy connection to nature. But beneath that was a deeper desire.
“We were looking for a better lifestyle,” they explain. “Not just for us, but for our kids.”
With both parents working remotely, the idea of choosing a place based on quality of life rather than geography became possible. Bali offered flexibility, affordability, and a slower pace — without sacrificing opportunity.
What began as curiosity slowly turned into commitment.
Settling Into Daily Life on the Island
Life in Bali looks different from the outside than it feels on the inside.
Mornings start early. The children are dropped off at school between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m., often squeezed onto a scooter — three kids and two parents, a scene that quickly became normal. Living close to school was intentional, removing long commutes and giving the family back precious time.
Once the kids are settled, Zach and Roberta begin their workday from home. But the rhythm is gentler than what they were used to.
In Bali, meeting friends for lunch midweek isn’t unusual. Neither is stepping away from the laptop for a paddle game or a walk along the beach. Many people work remotely or run their own businesses, creating a shared understanding that life doesn’t have to revolve around rigid schedules.
Afternoons are filled with after-school activities — paddle, football, and play — while evenings and weekends are spent with friends, often without planning too far ahead.
“It’s a full life,” they say. “But it feels balanced.”
Finding the Right Place to Call Home
Before settling where they are now, the Rea family explored several areas of Bali. Each neighborhood had something to offer, but not all of them worked for daily family life.
Eventually, they found what they were looking for in Umalas — central, connected, and close to everything that mattered most: school, sports, and community.
Finding a villa can be overwhelming for newcomers, but the process was surprisingly smooth.
“Simone helped us connect with the right agent and guided us through everything,” they recall. “That support made all the difference.”
Rather than navigating unfamiliar systems alone, they had someone who understood the landscape and helped them make confident decisions.
Building a Community From the Ground Up
Starting over socially as adults isn’t easy, and the family was aware of that.
“You really do have to put yourself out there,” they admit.
Fortunately, Bali has a way of making that step feel less intimidating. Many expats on the island share a similar story, leaving their home country in search of something different. That shared leap creates openness, curiosity, and warmth.
The Rea family found connections through their children’s school, church, paddle courts, and cultural groups. Little by little, familiar faces turned into friendships.
After a year and a half, they felt something shift. “We realized we weren’t just meeting people anymore, we had a community.”
The Children’s School Journey
The children’s adjustment was one of the family’s biggest concerns — and also one of their biggest lessons in patience.
The first school experience was difficult. The commute was long, the environment unfamiliar, and the transition emotionally challenging. Those early months tested everyone.
Everything changed when the children moved to Sunrise School.
“They settled quickly. They made friends. They love the location.”
Now, the idea of leaving Bali feels unimaginable to them.
“They don’t see themselves anywhere else.”
Falling in Love With Bali’s Culture
More than the beaches or lifestyle, it’s the people that truly anchor the family to Bali.
“The Balinese culture is something special,” they say. “The kindness, the positivity — it’s everywhere.”
Having traveled extensively, the family recognizes how rare that sense of openness is. In Bali, they feel welcomed not as outsiders, but as part of a larger community.
Giving Back as a Way of Life
Over time, the family’s connection to the island grew deeper — and so did their sense of responsibility.
Community outreach became a natural part of their lives. Through church, school parents, and friends, Roberta helps organize donations of clothes, toys, furniture, and essentials, delivering them directly to families in need.
The family also travels to East Bali and North Bali for outreach programs, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by many local communities.
Roberta teaches English to street children whose parents often have no safe place for them during the day.
“It’s not something we planned,” she shares. “It’s just something that became part of our life here.”
Working With Charities Across the Island
Their involvement has extended to working with local charities such as Rescue 2000, which builds homes for families living in extreme conditions.
Traveling through remote villages and mountainous regions opened their eyes to realities far removed from the tourist image of Bali.
“It’s humbling,” they say. “And a privilege to be involved.”
A Sense of Safety They Didn’t Expect
One of the biggest surprises of living in Bali was how safe the family feels.
Coming from New Zealand — widely regarded as a safe country — they didn’t expect this shift.
“Here, people look out for each other,” they explain. “They’re always willing to help.”
That sense of collective care has changed how they experience daily life, creating a calm and security they hadn’t realized they were missing.
The Importance of Support When Moving Abroad
Looking back, one thing is clear: support matters.
“When we first arrived, there were so many things we hadn’t even thought about — banking, visas, schools.”
Through Zoom calls and ongoing check-ins, Simone from Our Year in Bali helped them navigate both the big decisions and the small details that make relocation smoother.
“Just knowing we could reach out to someone who understood the system made a huge difference.”
Would They Do It Again?
The answer comes without hesitation.
“Yes. Do it.”
The family often reflects on their decision, and every time they reach the same conclusion: moving away from Bali would mean giving up a life that feels richer, calmer, and more connected.
For the Rea family, Bali isn’t an experiment or a phase.
It’s home.
