What happens when a family decides to let go of the old plan and embrace a slower, more flexible way of living? For Rebecca, her husband, and their two boys, a short stay in Bali turned into a life-changing experience focused on family, education, and community.
In this Expat Story, Simone, Founder of Our Year in Bali, reached out, met Rebecca in Uluwatu, and interviewed her about life in Bali. From discovering the perfect schools and building a welcoming community to learning Bahasa Indonesia and immersing themselves in Balinese culture, Rebecca shares the highs, surprises, and lessons of living in Bali with kids.
Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel to hear Rebecca’s story firsthand.
Read on to discover how this family found balance, adventure, and connection — and why their story might inspire your own family’s move to Bali.
From Australia to Bali: Choosing to Try Something Different
Rebecca and her husband had already spent several months living in Mentawai the year before. When they returned home to Australia, something had shifted.
They realised they didn’t need to be there.
Remote work made location less important, and Indonesia had always held a special place in their hearts. Rather than over-analysing the decision, they chose a simpler approach.
“Let’s just do it,” Rebecca explains. “Let’s go and see what happens.”
They arrived in Indonesia in April, initially spending time back in Mentawai. But when their boys began asking to start school again, the family knew it was time to look more seriously at Bali.
That’s when education became the deciding factor.
Finding the Right Schools — and Why Uluwatu Felt Like Home
Before arriving in Bali, Rebecca had already connected with Our Year in Bali to explore schooling options. Together, they researched different areas — Sanur, Canggu, and others that are often popular with expat families.
Uluwatu wasn’t originally on their radar.
But sometimes the best decisions are the unexpected ones.
Through Simone’s recommendation, they discovered a school in Uluwatu that aligned beautifully with their values — particularly as a family deeply connected to the ocean.
“We’re a surfing family. We love the beach, the ocean, that whole lifestyle,” Rebecca says.
What they found was more than just a school. It was a community.
Their eldest settled into Uluwatu School, while their youngest joined Bali Life School. Both boys quickly found their rhythm — and their happiness.
“That was it,” Rebecca says simply. “It just worked.”
What was meant to be a year may turn into longer. For now, they’re happy to let the experience unfold.
default
Daily Life in Bali: Remote Work, Surfing, and Slower Days
With Rebecca’s husband working remotely and business commitments based in Australia, flexibility became one of the greatest gifts of their move.
Work still happens — but it no longer dictates the entire day.
Mornings might include school drop-off, followed by surfing, the gym, or focused work time. Afternoons often revolve around school pick-up, beach time, and family routines that feel less rushed and more intentional.
“And we’ve skipped winter for the first time in our lives,” Rebecca laughs.
It’s a small detail — but one that symbolises a bigger shift in how they’re choosing to live.
Building Community as an Expat Family
One of the biggest concerns families often have when moving overseas is community.
Will the kids make friends? Will we? Will we feel at home?
For Rebecca, this was one of the most surprising parts of the journey.
Community came faster — and more naturally — than she ever expected.
Both schools were welcoming not only to the children, but to parents as well. Weekends quickly filled with beach days, shared trips, birthday parties, and spontaneous connections.
“My youngest went to a school birthday party on the weekend,” Rebecca shares. “That made everything feel real.”
Back home, their friendships were tight and deeply rooted. Finding that sense of belonging again in a new country changed everything.
“It made us feel more comfortable,” she says. “And more open to staying longer.”
Flexible Schooling and Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of Rebecca’s biggest frustrations with schooling in Australia was rigid attendance rules.
Time together as a family — travelling, exploring, learning outside the classroom — often felt discouraged.
In Bali, that changed completely.
At Uluwatu School, flexibility isn’t just allowed — it’s supported. When the family plans to travel back to Mentawai, the school happily prepares project-based work that ties real-world experiences into the curriculum.
Learning doesn’t stop — it simply expands.
“He can step straight back in when we return,” Rebecca explains. “And even share what he’s learned with the class.”
This approach — blending education with life experience — has been one of the most meaningful differences for their family.
Learning Bahasa Indonesia and Embracing Balinese Culture
The longer Rebecca lives in Bali, the deeper her appreciation grows.
Learning Bahasa Indonesia was another recommendation from Our Year in Bali, and it quickly became something she genuinely enjoys. From trips to the laundry to everyday conversations, practising the language has opened new doors.
“It feels respectful,” she says. “Rather than expecting locals to accommodate me in English.”
Cultural immersion has become part of daily life. Ceremonies, traditional dress, offerings, and celebrations are woven into the rhythm of the island.
At school, the boys are learning Indonesian too. Rebecca’s youngest even sings the Indonesian national anthem at home — and proudly wears traditional dress on Thursdays.
Watching her children engage with Balinese culture has been deeply rewarding.
“It helps them understand what it really means to live here,” she says.
What It’s Really Like Working with Our Year in Bali
Rebecca first connected with Simone over a year ago — after returning from Mentawai and asking a simple question:
“What are we doing next?”
That initial call brought clarity. Questions were answered immediately, followed by detailed relocation resources that Rebecca could work through at her own pace.
“It was a lot of information — in a good way,” she laughs. “I’d come back to it piece by piece as we needed it.”
What mattered most was knowing someone was there.
From school decisions to logistics, contacts, and checklists, having personalised guidance removed much of the overwhelm.
“I honestly don’t think we would have found our way as smoothly without that support,” Rebecca reflects.
Advice for Families Considering a Move Overseas
Rebecca’s biggest lesson?
You don’t need a perfect plan.
“Our plan was to have no plan,” she says. “We just felt it out.”
What mattered most was how their boys settled — happiness at school, friendships, and community. That was always going to be the deciding factor.
So far, Bali has delivered all of it.
For families wondering whether Bali could work for them — from schooling and visas to lifestyle and support — Rebecca’s story offers something rare:
An honest look at what life can become when you slow down, stay flexible, and choose connection over certainty.
Start Your Own Bali Journey
If you’re considering a move to Bali, a family gap year, or a more flexible way of living abroad, Our Year in Bali offers personalised relocation guidance for families, professionals, and retirees.
Book a free consultation with Founder Simone and explore whether Bali could work for your family.
Follow along for more real Expat Stories from families living in Bali.
