Insights from Simone Collins, Founder of Our Year in Bali, as featured on Expat Focus
For many people, Bali starts as a holiday dream. You land on the island, feel the warmth, slow down, sip a coconut by the beach and suddenly you’re wondering: Could I actually live here?
That question is exactly what Simone Collins once asked herself.
An Australian mum and founder of Our Year in Bali, Simone didn’t just daydream about island life. She researched, budgeted, planned — and then packed up her family and moved to Bali for what was meant to be a one-year gap year. That year turned into two, and along the way, Our Year in Bali was born.
In a recent interview with Expat Focus, Simone shared what living in Bali is really like — beyond the Instagram highlights. From visas and schools to healthcare, housing, and cost of living, this is an honest, practical look at what it actually takes to build a life in Bali.
From Holiday Dream to Real Life in Bali
Like many Australians, Simone had visited Bali countless times on holiday. But moving there was different.
Bali stood out because it offered:
- International schooling options
- A safe and family-friendly environment
- Strong infrastructure for remote work
- A lifestyle that felt like a holiday — but worked for everyday life
To document the experience, Simone started a blog called Our Year in Bali, sharing the realities of schooling, culture, budgeting, and daily life. As more people followed along, it became clear there was a gap: people wanted real, lived experience, not generic advice.
By the end of their second year, Simone realised she had built something more than a blog. She had created a roadmap — and today, Our Year in Bali helps families, digital nomads, and retirees plan their own move with clarity and confidence.
Why Simone’s Family Eventually Left Bali
Simone share’s that Bali was never a forever home for her family and that is was a planned gap year. Despite loving life on the island for what ended up as two years, Simone and her family ultimately returned to Australia.
The reason wasn’t lifestyle — it was education.
While Bali offers many international and alternative schooling options, Simone’s son reached a point where he wanted a different educational environment. Bali’s transient nature can make long-term friendships and structured team sports more limited, especially for older children.
For families with younger children, Bali can be an amazing place to settle. For Simone’s family, the timing felt perfect to make the move. “If my son hadn’t spoken up, we probably would have stayed another year or more,” Simone admits. “Bali offers a wonderful chapter—whether it’s for a year or several—and stepping out of your comfort zone to live somewhere new is truly a rare and rewarding opportunity.”
Who Is Bali Best Suited For?
Based on years of experience working with hundreds of clients from over 55 countries, Simone sees clear sweet spots:
✔ Families with children under 10
Younger kids adapt quickly, benefit from international communities, and thrive in Bali’s slower, outdoor-focused lifestyle.
✔ Digital nomads & remote workers
Bali offers coworking spaces, entrepreneurial spirit, strong expat networks, and visas designed for offshore income earners.
✔ Retirees (55+)
Bali is becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination, thanks to affordable living, accessible healthcare, and retirement-specific visas. Add in great weather, close proximity to Asia and Australia, a friendly culture, and a welcoming community, and it’s easy to see the appeal. For retirees and young families alike, the availability of domestic help, like cleaners, makes day-to-day life much easier and more relaxed.
Visa Options for Living in Bali
One of the biggest surprises for many people is how accessible Bali’s long-term visas are.
Retirement Kitas Visa
- Eligible from age 55
- Annual, multiple-entry visa and renewable
- Converts to a 5-year visa after 4 years of living in Indonesia
- Requires health insurance and proof of stable income
- Visa costs approx. AUD $1,300 per year (13 million)
- Allows bank accounts, local rates, and long-term living
Remote Worker Kitas Visa
- For those earning income offshore
- Requires proof of approx. USD $60,000+ per year in a work contract
- Annual, multiple-entry visa and renewable
- Ideal for digital nomads and online business owners
- Visa costs approx. AUD $1,300 per year (13 million)
- Allows bank accounts, local rates, and long-term living
“Indonesia actually prefers you earn your income offshore,” Simone explains. “It’s one of the easiest setups for remote workers.”
Can Foreigners Buy or Rent Property in Bali?
Yes — but differently than in many Western countries.
Leasehold Property (Most Common)
- Long-term lease terms (25–30 years)
- Paid upfront
- Remaining lease years can be resold
- Accounts for ~80% of foreign property arrangements
- Lower barrier to entry
Freehold Property
- Only can be purchased by setting up a foreign-owned company
- Not personal ownership
- Longer-term land rights (up to ~80 years)
- More expensive
Renting is straightforward (can be done on any visa), but budgeting for upfront payments and maintenance is essential — Bali’s tropical climate comes with its own challenges.
Where Do Expats Actually Live in Bali?
While tourists flock to places like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta, long-term residents usually choose quieter areas.
Popular expat areas include:
- Sanur – Flat, accessible, close to hospitals and the airport (popular with retirees and families)
- Ubud (outer areas) – Jungle living, wellness-focused
- Uluwatu / Bukit Peninsula – Clifftop views, surf, strong community
- Amed, Lovina, Candidasa – Slower-paced coastal towns
Choosing where to live depends heavily on:
- School location
- Daily commute tolerance
- Transport preferences (scooter versus car)
- Infrastructure
- Lifestyle goals
- Beach versus jungle
Getting Around & Accessibility
Bali is not a walkable island.
There are limited footpaths (often not paved well), and most people rely on:
- Scooters
- Ride-hailing apps (Grab & Gojek)
- Cars or Hiring Full-time Private drivers
For older residents, transport independence is one of the most important considerations.
That said, Bali excels at bringing services to you:
- Doctors and nurses make house calls
- Medicine delivered within the hour
- Food, groceries, cleaners — all on-demand
- Online shopping
Healthcare & Health Insurance in Bali
Good health insurance is essential.
Key points:
- There is a strong difference between Travel Insurance and Health Insurance
- Evacuation cover is strongly recommended
- New international-standard hospitals now operate in Bali
- Doctor and dentist visits and medications are very affordable
- Vaccinations like Dengue vaccination are encouraged
Many 24/7 clinics also offer WhatsApp-based medical support — something many expats find surprisingly advanced.
Language & Daily Life
English is widely spoken across Bali due to its tourism-driven economy.
While learning basic Bahasa Indonesia is encouraged, most expats navigate daily life very comfortably in English. International schools also offer language and cultural immersion for children but are all taught in English.
Cost of Living: How Much Do You Really Need?
There’s no single number — but on average:
Most expats report living 20–40% cheaper than in Australia, Europe, or the US.
Your costs depend on:
- Location
- Housing type
- Lifestyle choices
- Length of lease
- Education
You can live simply — or very comfortably. The biggest shift many people notice isn’t just financial, but emotional: more time, less stress, and a slower pace of life.
How Our Year in Bali Helps
Simone supports clients at every stage of their journey — whether they’re dreaming, planning, or ready to move.
Support includes:
- Free 30-minute discovery calls
- Visa guidance
- Housing and location strategy
- School consultations
- Budgeting tools, guides and spreadsheets
- Bronze, Silver & Gold support packages
Clients stay connected through consultations and WhatsApp support, making the process far less overwhelming.
Is Bali Right for You?
Living in Bali is very different from holidaying here.
But with the right preparation, realistic expectations, and local insights and connections, it can be one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.
If you’ve ever wondered “Could I really live in Bali?” — this might be the sign to explore it properly.
👉 Book a free discovery call with Our Year in Bali and start planning your next chapter.
