What is it really like to retire in Bali?
That’s one of the questions we hear most often at Our Year in Bali, so we recently visited Janine at her home in Sanur to hear about her experience firsthand.
Janine and her husband Glenn relocated to Bali from Australia after working with Our Year in Bali to plan their move. More than a year later, they have settled into their new life and say they have absolutely no regrets about making the leap.
In this Q&A-style interview, Janine shares her honest thoughts on retiring in Bali, including the cost of living, healthcare, community, lifestyle, and the surprises she encountered along the way. Her story offers valuable insights for anyone considering retirement in Bali or exploring whether a move overseas could be the right next chapter.
Prefer to watch instead? You can watch Janine’s full video interview on our YouTube channel.
A Holiday That Changed Everything
The idea of moving to Bali wasn’t part of a long-term plan. It started when Janine and Glenn visited friends who were already living in Bali.
The moment they stepped into their friends’ villa, they were struck by the relaxed lifestyle, beautiful weather, and slower pace of life.
Back home in Australia, Glenn spent much of his time working remotely and travelling interstate for meetings. Looking around Bali, they realised there was no reason they couldn’t enjoy the same flexibility while living somewhere they genuinely loved.
By the time they boarded the plane home, the idea of relocating was already taking shape.
Life in Bali Feels Like a Permanent Holiday
One of the questions Janine hears most often is: “How are you adjusting to life in Bali?”
Her answer surprises many people.”There really wasn’t any adjusting,” she says. “It just feels like being on holiday.”
While Glenn still works remotely, Janine spends her days enjoying a lifestyle that feels significantly less stressful than the one they left behind. The pressures, schedules, and everyday frustrations that once seemed normal have largely disappeared.
Instead, life revolves around simple pleasures—meeting friends, exploring local restaurants, enjoying the tropical climate, and deciding where to have lunch.
Why They Chose Sanur
When choosing where to live in Bali, Janine and Glenn settled on Sanur.
While areas such as Canggu and Seminyak are popular with surfers, digital nomads, and younger expats, Sanur offered something different: a relaxed coastal atmosphere, a strong expat community, and easy access to everyday amenities.
For retirees, Sanur offers several advantages:
- A flat 7-kilometre beachfront boardwalk
- Excellent cafes and restaurants
- Easy access to healthcare facilities
- A large international community
- A quieter pace of life
According to Janine, the area has everything they need while still being close enough to enjoy the rest of the island whenever they choose.
Building a New Community in Retirement
One concern many retirees have when relocating overseas is leaving behind family and friends.
Janine believes Bali makes building a new community surprisingly easy.
She describes an active social scene filled with dining groups, community clubs, music events, quizzes, sporting activities, and regular social gatherings.
She recently met an 82-year-old woman who had moved to Bali on her own and was already connecting with new friends within weeks of arriving.
For many retirees, that sense of community becomes one of the biggest benefits of living in Bali.
Everyday Life Is Easier Than Expected
Before moving, Janine assumed that living in a developing country might involve sacrificing convenience.
Instead, she found the opposite.
Apps such as Gojek and Grab allow residents to organise transport, food delivery, shopping, and household services with ease.
- Need groceries? Someone shops for you and delivers them to your door.
- Need furniture custom-made? Local craftsmen can often build it within days.
- Need laundry done? Collection and delivery services are readily available.
For Janine, many aspects of daily life are actually easier than they were in Australia.
Cost of Living in Bali
One of the biggest attractions for retirees is Bali’s affordability.
While everyone’s budget is different, Janine believes Bali offers options for almost every lifestyle.
Those looking to keep costs low can enjoy affordable local restaurants, inexpensive transportation, and reasonably priced household services.
At the same time, Bali also offers world-class dining, luxury accommodation, and premium experiences for those wanting a more upscale lifestyle.
The flexibility allows retirees to design a lifestyle that suits both their preferences and their budget.
Household Help and Lifestyle Benefits
One of the most significant changes for Janine has been access to affordable household assistance.
From housekeeping and gardening to laundry services and maintenance work, everyday tasks that once consumed time and energy can now be delegated.
This frees up more time to enjoy retirement rather than managing household chores.
“It’s a quality of life improvement,” Janine explains. “You spend less time doing things you don’t enjoy and more time doing things you do.”
Healthcare in Bali
Healthcare is often one of the biggest concerns for retirees considering a move overseas.
For Janine, the reality has been reassuring.
She describes quick access to specialists, modern medical facilities, and significantly shorter waiting times than she experienced in Australia.
The opening of Bali International Hospital in Sanur has further strengthened healthcare options available to both locals and expatriates.
Rather than waiting months for appointments, many specialists can be booked directly within days.
For retirees, this accessibility provides valuable peace of mind.
Would Janine Recommend Retiring in Bali?
Without hesitation, her answer is yes.
She encourages anyone considering retirement in Bali to spend time exploring different areas of the island, speaking with current expats, joining online communities, and visiting before making any final decisions.
Most importantly, she recommends learning from people who have already made the move.
For Janine, retiring in Bali has delivered something she didn’t fully expect—a simpler, more enjoyable, and less stressful way of life.
Looking back, her only regret is not doing it sooner.
Thinking About Retiring in Bali?
At Our Year in Bali, we’ve helped many retirees navigate the relocation process with confidence.
From understanding visa options and healthcare to choosing the right area and building local connections, we provide practical guidance to help make your move easier and more informed.
Book a free discovery call today and let’s discuss your retirement plans and whether Bali could be the right fit for your next chapter.
