In this insightful interview, Simone from Our Year in Bali chats with Kate and Leigh, a couple originally from Sydney, Australia, who decided to take a transformative family sabbatical in Bali. With careers in the tourism industry and two school-aged children, they embraced a slower pace of life by relocating to Bali in early 2024. Initially planning an 11-month stay, they extended it to 16 months after falling in love with the lifestyle, community, and opportunities the island offered. They share their motivations for moving, the rewarding experience of enrolling their kids at Canggu Community School, and the lifestyle perks, like affordability, cultural immersion, and personal growth, that made the journey so enriching.
Their honest reflections offer practical advice and relatable moments for any family considering a similar leap.
Here’s their story in their own words.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves? Where are you originally from?
Kate and Leigh are both from inner-city Sydney, Australia (Erskineville). Kate is originally from Melbourne, and Leigh is from regional Queensland, though he spent his childhood in Papua New Guinea as an expat kid. Both of us work in the tourism industry in Australia. We have two children—Flynn (15) and Annie (12).
When did you first arrive in Bali, and how long do you plan to stay?
We arrived in Bali in February 2024 with the intention of staying for 11 months. However, we extended our stay by another 5 months, making it a total of 16 months.
How did you hear about Our Year in Bali?
We first heard about Our Year in Bali through a long-term expat living in Bali. We connected through a mutual friend.
What motivated you to move to Bali, and how did you make the decision?
It was about stepping back and taking a break. Leigh had the opportunity to take long-service leave, and Kate had recently wrapped up a demanding career role. After decades of only getting four weeks off a year, it felt like the right time for an extended pause. A serious health issue also played a role, sort of a wake-up call. Simone’s insights were very helpful during the planning phase. Eventually, Kate flew up to visit schools, and once we felt confident they met our expectations, we committed to the move and started preparing in earnest, including sorting out leave arrangements.
Where in Bali do you live? Can you describe your neighbourhood and community?
We’ve lived in two areas. First, Umalas (near Canggu Community School) for 10 months, and now in Tibubeneng (off Raya Padonan, behind Canggu) for the past 6 months. Umalas is well-located—close to Seminyak, Berawa, the beach, shops, and restaurants—but it’s become quite developed and busy. We’ve preferred living off Raya Padonan. It has more of a village feel, with a mix of locals and expats, and a stronger sense of community. The downside is being north of Raya Canggu, which makes traffic trickier and places like the beach a bit farther away. That said, there are still rice fields nearby, and the roads are generally quieter than in Umalas.
You’re sending your kids to Canggu Community School. How has that experience been?
The kids have loved it from day one. Annie quickly bonded with a great group of local girls in Year 6 and has continued those friendships in Year 7. Flynn took a bit longer to find his circle, but now he’s thriving and doesn’t want to leave. The teachers and the overall education here have exceeded what we experienced in both public and private schools back in Sydney. The school has a great vibe, the teachers are passionate, the learning environment is positive, and communication is consistent. Both kids have flourished here. No complaints!
What benefits has Bali brought to your family?
Time away from the hectic pace of city life, exposure to different cultures and perspectives—especially valuable for the kids, travel opportunities, a chance to focus on health and wellness, learn to surf, pick up a new language, and more.
How does the cost of living compare to Sydney? What can you afford here that you couldn’t back home?
We’d say it’s about 30% cheaper than Sydney, though it varies depending on lifestyle; it could be 50% less or even more. You can afford help that often comes with villas, or get laundry done for $5 a load, washed, dried, and folded. A villa with a pool here costs about the same as a basic apartment in Sydney. Eating out is significantly cheaper, $3 for a beer, for example.
You’re on sabbatical from your role as General Manager at Tourism Australia. How has Bali influenced your personal and professional life?
This time has been more about personal growth than professional. Living in one of the world’s most unique tourism hubs has been fascinating; it’s chaotic and unstructured, but somehow works. While I haven’t pursued professional opportunities here, I’ve quietly taken in how tourism functions and who Bali attracts. Mostly, though, the goal was to fully disconnect from work, and that’s been invaluable.
What have been your biggest challenges?
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Understanding the Balinese mindset is important, so communication requires sensitivity.
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The pace—things are either extremely slow and bureaucratic or chaotic (especially on the roads).
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Traffic
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Humidity
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Ceremonies—beautiful, but frequent
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Food safety (Bali Belly, etc.)
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Villa security—petty theft is an issue. We’ve had four credit cards compromised in just over a year.
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Navigating the tiered economy—local, expat, tourist, and more
What are your favourite things to do in Bali?
Surfing, breathwork, yoga, HIIT, pump classes, ice baths. We also love exploring, favourites include Amed, Nusa Lembongan, Sanur, Uluwatu, Ubud, Medewi, Candi Dasa, and Sidemen. Each offers something unique.
What are some common misconceptions about Bali, and how would you clarify them?
Many people assume Bali is overcrowded, polluted, overpriced, or even “ruined.” And yes, some areas can feel that way. But Bali is also full of contrast—it can be peaceful, stunning, affordable, and full of unexpected beauty. It really comes down to where you go and when. While rapid development and unsustainable growth are real concerns, there are still plenty of places that defy the stereotypes and offer an incredible lifestyle.
What’s the best part of living in Bali?
Living in activewear, every day, everywhere, even when going out!
And having support with daily tasks like cleaning and laundry lightens the mental load and frees up more time for what matters.
What should families consider before moving to Bali?
School choice and location are critical. Traffic can be intense and time-consuming, so living close to your chosen school makes a big difference. Where you live will shape your experience, so put real thought into choosing the right area for your lifestyle.
Any final thoughts on your Bali experience?
If you can make it happen, do it. You’d be mad not to. The upsides far outweigh any of the challenges, and you’ll return home as better people, with unforgettable memories and new perspectives.
