If you spend enough time on social media, Bali can start to look like a filtered fantasy: infinity pools, smoothie bowls, yoga at sunrise, and a life that feels permanently on holiday.
But if you’re considering relocating here, with children, a business, a career, or retirement, you need something deeper than curated imagery.
We asked expats and our clients who have actually made the move:
“What are some common misconceptions about Bali, and what would you say to set the record straight?”
Their answers reveal something far more layered, grounded, and honest.
“Bali Isn’t Bali Anymore”
One of the loudest narratives online is that Bali has “changed too much” — that it’s overrun, commercialised, and no longer authentic.
Kiki from the Netherlands offers a grounded perspective:
“One big myth is that Bali isn’t Bali anymore.
Yes, some areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are busy and touristy – but that’s not the whole picture.
If you venture north to Sidemen, Amed, or Munduk, you’ll find the authentic Bali still very much alive. The rice fields, the quiet temples, the kindness and humility of the people – it’s all still here. You just have to look beyond the Instagram hotspots and main attractions.
We’ve had the privilege of building genuine friendships with locals, especially Kadek, who we met 12 years ago when he was our driver for a day. Over the years, we stayed in touch, and now he’s one of our dear friends. We often visit his home, share meals, and recently we were invited to a traditional temple ceremony, fully dressed in Balinese attire. It was an unforgettable experience and made us feel part of something truly special.”
For families relocating, this is an important reminder: Bali is not one single place. It’s an island of micro-communities. Your experience depends greatly on where you choose to live and how deeply you choose to engage.
The “real Bali” is not gone. But you may need to look beyond convenience and trend.
“Bali Is Cheap”
Another widespread misconception is that Bali is universally inexpensive.
The Gilje Family from Norway puts it plainly:
“A common misconception is that Bali is cheap. While some things definitely are, the overall cost for a family can be high — especially housing and schooling.”
For expats planning long-term relocation, this is an important reality check. Yes, local food, domestic help, and everyday services can be very affordable. But once you begin building a real life here, the costs many families prioritise can look quite different.
International schooling, premium housing in popular areas, visas, healthcare, and lifestyle expectations can quickly shape a family’s overall budget.
Claudia from New York echoes the same sentiment from a business-building perspective:
“Another misconception is that Bali is cheap and easy. It can be affordable, but if you’re building a life or a business, it takes real commitment, adaptation, and respect for the culture.”
For some people Bali can be inexpensive — but for families relocating long-term, the key is understanding the real numbers before you arrive.
Before assuming Bali will be cheaper, make sure you’re working with clear figures and realistic expectations. Access our detailed Bali Cost of Living Spreadsheet in our Bronze Membership.
“Life in Bali Is Easy”
Another part of the same misconception is the idea that life here runs effortlessly.
From the outside, Bali can look like a place where everything simply falls into place — beach clubs, smoothies, sunshine, and a lifestyle that appears permanently relaxed.
But daily life works differently here, and adjusting to that rhythm takes time.
As The Gilje Family from Norway explains:
“Another myth is that life in Bali is effortless, but like any big move, it comes with challenges. Still, the positives far outweigh them, and it’s an amazing experience for the whole family.”
Lou and Ben from Sydney describe the experience honestly:
“That life in Bali is all beaches, smoothie bowls, and cheap living. Sure, the lifestyle can look dreamy. There’s a lot of navigation needed of how everything works here. WhatsApp becomes your life. There’s traditions and routines that don’t really make sense sometimes.
It’s not “easy”, it’s just different. If anything, Bali gives you the chance to work smarter, live better, and find a bit more balance, but only if you’re willing to adapt and figure things out along the way.”
Relocating anywhere in the world comes with an adjustment period. Many families who move to Bali spend their first 6-12 months learning how things work — from visas and housing to schools, healthcare, and building a community.
This is exactly where having the right guidance can make a huge difference.
Instead of spending months trying to figure everything out alone, many families choose to fast-track the process by working with people who already understand the local landscape.
At Our Year in Bali, we help plug families into Bali life quickly and fast-track the process by connecting them with trusted services, practical relocation advice, and the local knowledge that normally takes months to build.
If you’re seriously considering moving to Bali and want clarity on what the process could look like for your family, book a Discovery Call with our relocation expert. We’ll talk through your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand the best next steps for a smooth relocation.
“It’s Just a Holiday Destination”
Another common assumption is that Bali works beautifully for a short holiday or retreat — but not for everyday life.
Many people visit for a few weeks and assume the island functions primarily as a tourism destination. What they don’t always see is the large and growing community of families, professionals, and entrepreneurs who have built long-term lives here.
Claudia from New York touches on this misconception:
“One big myth is that Bali is only for Instagram influencers or digital nomads on a ‘permanent vacation.’ There’s a depth here — a spiritual current — that many people don’t see unless they slow down.”
Monika from the Netherlands gently challenges that idea:
“Bali isn’t just a holiday destination. Real life happens here: work, school, responsibilities. It’s not always easy, but if you come prepared and open-minded, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The Colley Family from New Zealand expands on what “real life” can actually look like:
“One of the biggest misconceptions about Bali is that it’s only for backpackers, influencers, or digital nomads passing through. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The Bali we’ve come to know is full of families, entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who have intentionally built their lives here.
It’s a community of people who value balance, freedom, and purpose—and who are designing lifestyles that blend work, wellbeing, and family in ways that would be almost impossible back home.
When we first arrived, our intention was to slow down and semi-retire early—to step back from the intensity of corporate and startup life, focus on our family, and enjoy a gentler rhythm. But what we didn’t expect was just how much opportunity exists here. Bali has this magnetic energy that draws ambitious, open-minded people from all over the world. Every week we seem to meet someone who’s building something innovative—whether it’s a wellness retreat, a tech startup, a design brand, or a villa development. The island has become a hub for global entrepreneurship, where ideas flow as freely as coffee and conversations.”
For many families, Bali becomes less about escape and more about intentional design — choosing a slower, more integrated way of living while still remaining ambitious.
If you’re considering relocating to Bali and want clarity before making big decisions, our Bronze Membership includes our comprehensive 40 chapters Bali Relocation Handbook.
It’s designed to help you move beyond surface-level information and plan properly, with practical guidance drawn from real relocations.
“Healthcare in Bali Isn’t good.”
Another concern many families quietly carry before moving is healthcare.
From the outside, people often assume that medical services in Bali may be limited or unreliable compared to what they’re used to in countries like Australia, Europe, or the United States. For parents especially, questions around hospitals, doctors, and emergency care can feel like one of the biggest unknowns.
But many expats find that their experience with healthcare in Bali is very different from what they initially expected.
Kate and Leigh, a Sydney expat we interviewed about their family’s experience living on the island, described their healthcare experience as “surprisingly excellent.” Some of the things that stood out most to them included:
- House calls from doctors and nurses
- 24/7 WhatsApp access to healthcare providers
- Affordable procedures — for example, around $25 AUD for stitch removal
- Multiple medical centres within walking distance
- High-quality dental care
As Kate explains:
“The doctor’s nurse has been coming to the villa monthly for my injection. He’s been the best I’ve ever had, even compared to Sydney.”
Other families share similar observations once they settle into life here. Bali now has a growing number of modern medical clinics, English-speaking doctors, and private hospitals that cater specifically to the expat community. For routine care, paediatrics, dental work, and wellness treatments, many residents find the services both accessible and efficient.
The Colley Family from New Zealand also reflected on how their perception of Bali’s infrastructure changed once they arrived:
“People also often assume Bali is chaotic, unstructured, or unsafe—but once you settle in, you quickly realise how organised, safe, and community-driven it really is. The infrastructure has improved massively in recent years, with modern medical care, international schools, strong internet connectivity, and a thriving small business ecosystem.
What truly stands out, though, is the sense of support and collaboration. The expat and local communities here are incredibly welcoming, and there’s this shared understanding that everyone is carving out their own version of balance and success. It’s an environment that nurtures creativity, resilience, and connection—and it’s inspired us to dream even bigger than we had planned.”
Of course, like anywhere in the world, understanding how the local system works is important. Knowing which hospitals to visit, how international insurance operates, and where to go in an emergency can make a huge difference in feeling confident about daily life.
For many families, once these practical pieces are in place, Bali begins to feel far less like an unfamiliar destination — and far more like a supportive place to build a life.
“Bali Is Just Yoga, Retreats, and Instagram”
Another common perception about Bali is that it’s purely a destination for yoga retreats, healing workshops, and spiritual seekers.
While those things certainly exist here, many expats quickly realise that Bali’s spirituality runs far deeper than the wellness industry often portrays.
Bambu from Spain shares a powerful reflection:
For me, Bali is not yoga, retreats, breathwork, cacao ceremonies, or cheap shopping. That’s not the real Bali. The real Bali is their people living daily aligned with their Balinese Hindu beliefs, and the powerful nature that we are now seeing destroyed because all these Instagrammers are showing a perfect, cheap place. I would love to go back in time and make that social media about places like this completely disappear.
Charlotte and Dan from Sydney speak to the deeper layer many newcomers miss:
“There’s a common idea that Bali is just for holidaymakers or party scenes, but it’s so much more. It’s a place of depth, spirituality, and community. If you come with respect and curiosity, you’ll find so much more than what’s on the surface.”
And Simon from London captures the balance beautifully:
“There is no perfect place in the world. Bali is not perfect. But it can be almost perfect, if you stay focus on the positive aspects, the lifestyle is pretty incredible. Bali is truly magical if you let go of your western principle and connect with the local culture and spirituality of the land.”
For expats, this may be the most important mindset shift of all.
Bali does not reshape itself to match Western systems or expectations. It asks you to soften, observe, respect, and participate. The magic is not performative — it is relational.
So, What’s the Truth?
Bali is not perfect.
It is not always cheap.
It is not always easy.
It is not a permanent vacation.
It is not just an Instagram backdrop.
For many of our clients, Bali ends up being much more than a temporary chapter. What was meant to be a trial year often turns into extended stays, new plans, and a lifestyle they hadn’t fully imagined before arriving.
We’ve seen it happen again and again. People come curious, sometimes cautious, planning to “try it for a while.” Then they settle in, build community, adjust to the rhythm, and something shifts.
Relocating to Bali isn’t about chasing an aesthetic or recreating what you’ve seen online. It’s about choosing a different pace and being open to living differently.
And as these stories show, once you move beyond the myths, what you find here is often far deeper and more grounded than the surface suggests.
If you’re seriously considering moving to Bali, don’t rely on social media narratives alone. Build your plan with guidance from people who live and work here, and who understand both the opportunities and the realities.
Book a discovery call with Our Year in Bali and let’s explore whether Bali is the right move for your family — and how to do it well.
Because Bali isn’t perfect.
But with the right mindset, preparation and expectations, it can be exactly right for you.
Before you make the move, take a moment to consider the details many expats only realise after they’ve already arrived.
We’ve seen relocations go beautifully. We’ve also seen people caught off guard by things they simply didn’t know to research.
That’s exactly why we created our free Move to Bali Checklist — to help you prepare for the reality, not just the dream. Join our newsletter for the latest updates on living in Bali and get your free checklist to start planning your move with confidence.
