One of the things people often say after moving to Bali is that you don’t really have to “find” the culture here. It’s already around you.
You start to notice the small daily rituals outside homes and shops, the temples quietly woven into neighbourhood streets, and the ceremonial decorations that appear throughout the year. Even the gentle scent of incense in the morning becomes part of the rhythm of the day.
For many expats, this constant but unforced presence of culture becomes one of the most meaningful parts of living in Bali.
Balinese Culture Is Part of Everyday Life
In Bali, spirituality is not separate from daily life. It shapes it in visible and invisible ways.
Ceremonies can pause traffic. Entire communities prepare together for temple festivals that have been passed down for generations. You might notice shop owners placing morning offerings before opening their doors, hear the gentle sound of gamelan practice drifting through the afternoon, or see families dressed in traditional attire heading to the temple at sunset.
Even the calendar moves differently here. Full moon and new moon days, local ceremonies, and Nyepi (the Day of Silence) all influence the rhythm of the island in ways many newcomers don’t initially expect.
At first, this can feel unfamiliar, especially if you’re arriving from a fast-paced Western city. But over time, many families find this slower, more intentional rhythm quietly begins to influence their own pace of life too.
Steven and Lillian from Sydney, Australia described this shift beautifully after settling into their life here:
“We feel like culture is so deeply intertwined in everyday Balinese life that you don’t need to seek it out. It’s there in the Canang Sari offerings that are placed around the garden every morning, the temples we see on every corner, the towering Penjor hanging over cafes and shops, and the generous attitude of the local people.We have definitely learnt to slow down, go with the flow, minimise the need for material things, and to be grateful for more quality time and simple pleasures.”
That idea of naturally slowing down is something we hear often from our expat clients who immerse themselves beyond the surface level of living here.
Beatriz from the USA shared how actively participating in ceremonies and connecting with locals deepened her understanding of the island:
“We’ve immersed ourselves by attending local ceremonies, exploring temples, and engaging with the community. We’ve learned so much about the importance of community and spirituality in Bali, and it’s been a beautiful experience to witness how people live with deep respect for tradition and nature.”
Thinking about relocating to Bali?
We cover what daily life really looks like in our Bali Relocation Handbook inside our Bronze Membership. From practical logistics to cultural expectations and choosing the right area, it is designed to help you prepare with clarity and confidence before you make the move.
Start planning your Bali transition the right way, explore the Bronze Membership.
Community and Tradition: What Expats Notice Most
One of the strongest impressions newcomers often share is how deeply connected the community is here.
Ceremonies are rarely private. They involve families, neighbours, and the wider banjar. Traditions are not something separate from daily routines. They are woven into them. This can feel very different from the more individualistic lifestyles many expats are used to.
Josh from Perth, Australia offered thoughtful advice for anyone considering the move:
“New expats should take time to embrace the Balinese culture and understand their way of life. The values and lifestyle of the Indonesian people often differ with those of the Western world, emphasizing different priorities and a live a slower pace. It’s essential to acknowledge and respect these differences and be grateful to the Balinese for their welcoming attitude towards newcomers.”
Even those who have travelled extensively in Asia often realise that Bali has its own unique customs and traditions that require a fresh understanding.
Julia from Germany reflected on how her expectations evolved once she began living here:
“From my previous travels, I knew about Asian customs like removing shoes outside and not handing things over with the left hand. However, I was unfamiliar with Bali’s many holidays and traditions. I appreciate how religion and spirituality are integral to daily life here, unlike in Germany, where work often takes precedence. In Bali, family and traditions play a larger role, which I find appealing. We celebrate some ceremonies like Ogoh-Ogoh with the locals and find the traditions very fascinating.”
Learning the Culture Through Real Experience
For many expats, understanding Balinese culture does not come from reading guidebooks or online forums. It happens through everyday experiences and personal connections.
This is especially true for those relocating with children, who often integrate surprisingly quickly and open doors into the local community.
Kyla from Spain shared how naturally her family became involved during their stay:
“Our kids befriended everyone we met and so it was easy to integrate and become involved!
Our first week involved joining several fire shows. The locals and staff in home stays and hotels taught our kids about their culture, my eldest daughter dressed up in their local clothes and learnt how to cook authentic dishes at some of the kids clubs we attended too.
The locals were so impressed when we spoke the few words we knew in Balinese. You could tell they were so appreciative!
Our kids learnt more in our 4 months away than they will ever learn from a book at school.”
For those planning a longer-term relocation, spiritual traditions often become part of the normal rhythm of life rather than something observed from the outside.
Aline and Bernard from Switzerland described how quickly these traditions became part of their family’s experience:
“Our children do the full moon prayer at school and we have already been invited to join a Karya ceremony which only takes place every forty years. The incredible devotion to detail of the Balinese people and how they manage to pass on their cultural traditions through generations is unique.
We also enjoy the offerings and the smell of incense sticks which can be found everywhere and are looking forward to experiencing the day of silence Nyepi.”
Not sure how to prepare for cultural differences in Bali?
Explore our Balinese Culture and Language page to better understand local customs, key ceremonies like Nyepi, temple etiquette, and the small but important details that make daily life here smoother and more respectful.
Respecting Balinese Customs as a Foreigner Living in Bali
If there is one theme that consistently comes up from expats who feel settled and happy here, it is respect.
Understanding that you are stepping into an established culture, rather than expecting it to adapt to you, makes a significant difference in how smooth the transition feels.
Steve, who retired to Bali but originally from Brisbane, Australia, shared his perspective after watching many ceremonies and engaging with the community:
“As with any new country, respect for local customs and culture is critical. Adapting was easy for us because we were prepared, and it is what we hoped for. We have watched in awe as many ceremonies of different types take place.
Balinese are polite and friendly people, more so than perhaps many expect, and also compared to western countries. We try to speak Balinese and they appreciate the efforts. We are their guests, not the other way around.”
Some newcomers also admit that their understanding of Bali changed significantly once they experienced daily life here firsthand.
Christianne, a retiree from Switzerland, described how quickly her assumptions shifted:
“I was lucky to very quickly meet Balinese people who taught me what their culture and their beliefs. I love their spirituality and their beliefs and I found their traditions very enriching. I attended several celebrations, visited families in villages, and shared meals with local families.
Thinking that Bali is an underdeveloped country and everybody lives at the primitive society level. However, civilization here is everywhere – you can find anything your want it. The people are very smart and very aware of the latest technologies. Internet is everywhere and everyone offers free internet for their customers.”
Bali is deeply traditional, but it is also modern and connected. That balance often surprises those arriving for the first time.
The Lifestyle Shift Many Expats Experience in Bali
Over time, many expats describe a subtle but noticeable shift in themselves.
There is less rushing and more noticing. More appreciation for daily rituals. More time spent outdoors. More awareness of nature and community.
Libby from Beijing, China reflected on how these small daily moments changed her family’s perspective:
“We loved to smell the incense and see the daily offerings being put out each day. It was such a peaceful ritual to mark the day. My son and daughter were fortunate to study Bahasa at school as well as learned about Indonesian culture and history which really made us feel more like a part of the island rather than “vacation-ers”. Personally, I felt living so close to nature was a beautiful lesson in itself.
There are so many good things about living in Bali. For me, there are very few places as special as Bali in the world. The people and the beauty of the island are magic. We loved exploring different areas of Bali- snorkelling, hiking, surfing- there are so many adventures to have with your family… and these memories will last forever.”
Bali is known for its beauty. But for many expats, what truly changes them is not just the landscape. It is the daily exposure to devotion, gratitude, community and a slower way of living.
Giving Back: A Deeper Way to Connect in Bali
For many expats, feeling truly connected in Bali goes beyond observing ceremonies or learning the basics of local etiquette. Over time, some people find that getting involved in the community, whether through volunteering, outreach, or simply building genuine relationships, becomes one of the most meaningful parts of living here.
One of our clients, Roberta and Zac, originally from Brazil and New Zealand, shared how giving back naturally became part of their Bali experience:
“We’ve made a conscious effort to engage with the local community. We’re involved in several outreach programs, including visits to orphanages, prisons, and communities living in extreme poverty. One thing we’ve learned from the Balinese is their deep joy and contentment, even when they have so little material.”
Stories like this come up often. Many people arrive focused on the practical side of relocating such as housing, visas, and schools. But what tends to stay with them long term is the warmth of the people, the strong sense of community, and the perspective shift that comes from experiencing daily life more closely.
Learning the Language Opens More Doors
Another thing many expats don’t expect is how much of a difference learning even basic Bahasa Indonesia can make. You don’t need to be fluent, but making the effort often changes the quality of your day to day interactions quite quickly.
Several of our clients say that starting before arrival, then continuing once on the ground in Bali, helped them feel more connected and confident much faster.
The Gilje family from Norway, shared how language learning naturally became part of their cultural immersion:
“We’ve visited several temples, especially in Ubud, where our guide taught us about Balinese traditions and religion. We’ve also learned some Bahasa Indonesia — our daughter practices with our driver Wayan while we are driving in the car, and she also learns more at school. The Balinese people have been so kind and welcoming, always sharing stories about their culture and daily life.”
For many newcomers, the shift happens in small everyday moments. Ordering at the laundry, greeting neighbours, chatting with drivers, or helping children engage more deeply at school.
Another client from Australia, Rebecca, reflected on how meaningful this simple effort can be:
“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.
Thinking About Moving to Bali?
Relocating to another country is a big step, and understanding the culture is just as important as finding the right home or choosing the right school.
At Our Year in Bali, we support retirees, professional couples, remote workers, and families through every stage of the relocation journey so you arrive informed, prepared, and genuinely connected to life here.
If you are seriously considering living in Bali and want clear, honest guidance on daily life, cultural expectations, and the practical logistics behind the move, we are here to help.
Get in touch and book your free 30-minute discovery call with our relocation expert to start planning your Bali move with confidence.
