When Simone visited Richenda’s home in Sanur, their conversation quickly turned to what life on the island is really like. Richenda shared her family’s journey of relocating, including the challenges of finding the right house, choosing schools, and adapting to a new culture.
But it wasn’t just about logistics. Richenda also spoke about prioritising work-life balance, spending more time together as a family, enjoying weekend adventures, and creating a sense of community. Frequent trips back to Australia for the family business help them stay connected while maintaining the flexibility and lifestyle Bali offers.
Watch the full interview:
Hear directly from Richenda in our video interview, where she shares her family’s relocation journey.
This conversation offers an honest, warm, and insightful look into the rhythm of expat life. Whether you’re considering a move to Bali or simply curious about daily life on the island, this Q&A gives a clear glimpse of the journey, balancing practicalities with the joys of living abroad.
Richenda, can you start by telling us a little about yourself and your family?
I’m in my 40s, originally from Melbourne, and my husband and I run a company together. We have two children, aged 10 and 5. For years, we dreamed of living abroad and having an adventure, but life kept getting in the way. Every time we came to Bali on holiday, I felt sad leaving—it just felt like there was something so special here. Eventually, we asked ourselves, “Are we really going to do this?” and decided it was time.
What made Bali, and specifically Sanur, the right choice for you?
Bali became the natural choice because we already loved it here. Otherwise, we would’ve just kept holidaying too much! In Sanur, we found a lifestyle that really suited us—walkable, accessible, and not as hectic as other areas. I love the early mornings here, and the sunrises over the beach are breathtaking. That simple ritual has become such a beautiful way to start the day.
How long did it take you to plan the move, and what was that process like?
It was about 18 months in the making, although really, the dream started five years ago. The reality is, it takes a lot of work and planning. We had spreadsheets, big checklists, and everything from fixing up our Melbourne home so we could rent it out, to selling our car, and even mapping out schooling options for our daughter years in advance.
Your advice, Simone, was so helpful because while there’s a lot of information online, it can feel like a rabbit hole. Having someone guide us made a huge difference.
Speaking of schools, how did you decide where your children would go?
About a year before moving, we came to Bali to visit different areas and tour schools. We looked at Bali Island School, Boundless Life, and a few others. In the end, we chose Boundless Life because everyone was new—it felt like a fresh start, with small class sizes and a strong sense of community.
I also learned it’s quite normal in Bali to try different schools, which is very different to Australia. Here, families sometimes move between schools until they find the right fit.
Many families wonder about balancing work with life in Bali. How has that been for you?
Honestly, it’s not just sipping coconuts by the pool! We still have very demanding jobs, so we’ve had to structure our days carefully. I work from Livit, a co-working space in Sanur, which has been fantastic.
The time zone actually works in our favor—when it’s 5pm in Melbourne, it’s 3pm in Bali, so I get extra time with the kids. The lifestyle feels more relaxed, but we do have to travel back to Australia every few months to keep the business running smoothly.
You even brought your whole team over for a retreat. How was that experience?
Yes! Normally we run our all-in meetings in Melbourne, but the costs were rising, and since we have more team members in Asia now, we tried hosting it in Bali. The co-working space here hosted us, and it was fantastic. It felt like a real equalizer because everyone was coming from somewhere else, and it turned out to be a really bonding experience.
What about the cost of living compared to Melbourne?
It’s a mix. Housing in tourist areas is expensive, but the quality of the homes is very different to what you’d get in Melbourne. Eating local food is extremely affordable—sometimes cheaper than grocery shopping. But if you’re eating Western meals with cocktails, it adds up quickly. The biggest thing is remembering: we’re not on holiday. During the week, we live our normal routine, then on weekends, we go exploring.
That sounds exciting! What does family life look like on weekends?
It’s amazing. Without all the commitments and schedules we had in Melbourne, we have so much more quality time together. We go on adventures, explore new parts of the island, and it never gets old to realize—we don’t have to fly home at the end of the trip!
And honestly, one of the biggest perks is laundry. Back home, it took up so much of my time. Here, I can drop it off for less than a dollar a kilo, even at the co-working space. It’s the little things that make a big difference.
Looking back now, what advice would you give to other families considering the move?
Do it—you’ll never regret it. But know that it takes time and planning. For us, it was two years of preparation. Get support where you can, because trying to figure it all out alone can feel overwhelming.
And also, be open-minded. If we’d tried to replicate our exact Melbourne life here, we would’ve missed out on the unique opportunities Bali offers—like different schooling styles, a slower pace of life, and more time together as a family.
Final thoughts?
We’re already loving this new chapter. The kids are thriving, our weekends are full of adventures, and we’ve found a balance between intense work and intense fun. Bali has been the perfect place for us to make this dream a reality.
