In our continuing series exploring expat life in Bali, we’re delighted to share the experiences of a Swiss/Chinese family who traded their European lifestyle for a year of tropical living. This family of four—with two young children—embarked on their Bali adventure in September 2024, choosing the welcoming community of Sanur as their temporary home.
Their journey offers valuable insights for families considering a similar move, especially those with young children. From navigating the housing market and finding appropriate schools to establishing daily routines and managing expectations, their candid reflections highlight both the joys and challenges of relocating to Bali. Join us as we discover how this family has embraced Bali’s slower pace, affordable childcare, and family-friendly culture while maintaining perspective about their long-term plans.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you originally from?
When did you first arrive in Bali, and how long do you wish to live here?
What motivated you to move to Bali, and how did you go about making the decision to do so?
Climate, friendliness of the people, affordable child care, lower cost of living, slow and healthy lifestyle, googling places to stay long term (Sanur), finding a year in Bali was a great idea for our young family.
How did you hear about Our Year in Bali, and what was your experience with Simone’s support?
Where in Bali do you live? Describe the neighbourhood, community, things to do etc.
As a family, how has the transition been, and what benefits do you think Bali provides the family?
What school is your daughter going to? How has school life been in Bali so far?
Our oldest daughter attends Rumah Kecil in Sanur. A little more structured than our daughter was used to from Germany but she likes the new input she gets.
How has the cost of living compared to back in Switzerland? What are you able to afford that you wouldn’t normally, for example?
Overall cheaper, housing not so much as we are staying under a year and dont get a better discount. Having a full time nanny is definitely very affordable here as opposed to home. It’s also a higher quality of child care we can get here. Health/spa/beauty treatments is also something we enjoy very frequently here.
How has living in Bali influenced your personal and professional life, and what opportunities have you found here?
We came with an open mind but quite quickly decided that we would not stay long term. I am going back to a part-time government job back in Switzerland and we want to stay close to our parents to allow them to have a relationship with their grandchildren. Bali has allowed us to enjoy free time as parents of young children and that would be a reason to stay longer but we are setting priorities. We also came to let our children, especially our daughter experience another culture and learn English. It is great she is even picking up Bahasa!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
The rainy season this year was full on so that was a challenge for the whole family. It also affected the housing situation. Almost every week the handy man had to come to fix something. Often the underlying problem was not fixed but just painted over. Staying under a year you make your home liveable but not the same way you would if you stay longer term. Especially with our baby we need to watch him closely to keep him safe.
What are your favourite things to do in Bali? Any new hobbies and interests?
Swimming, doing yoga, walking along the beach, reading. For me nothing new but more frequently. My husband started surfing.
What is a day in a life?
My husband takes our daughter to her Kindergarten in the morning while I go for a long walk with our 1 year old. My husband then goes to a co-working space or café for work. When I get home I do some household chores and play with our son until our nanny arrives at 9.30am. I then head out for yoga/gym followed by lunch outside. My husband usually picks up our daughter at 2pm and then we spend the afternoon at home swimming in our own pool. The evenings are spent at home. Once a week my husband and I enjoy a date night while our nanny stays with our children.
How has the work/life balance been for you?
It has been great, also because I am on leave and don’t have to juggle work and family time. I can focus on doing things that I want to do. At home it was just work and taking care of kids non stop. If I would work here than my life would also look a lot differently.
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about Bali, and how would you correct them?
What has been some of your favourite discoveries so far in Bali and perhaps beyond?
The friendliness of the people, especially towards children. It’s not uncommon that waiting staff will entertain your children so you can eat in peace. We will definitely miss that so much.
What key considerations should families evaluate before relocating to Bali?
Schooling, the health situation of all family members, how important is community to you, what do you prioritize (close to beach/mountains etc)
