“Should I move to Bali?” might be the question you’re pondering. Before deciding to move it’s good to know the pros and cons of living in Bali. Living in another country is always different than vacationing there.

Assess the pros and cons to avoid the possibility of discovering that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits after relocating.

This blog post highlights the pros and cons of living in Bali to help you decide if it’s a suitable place for you.

Why did we choose to move to Bali?

During the pandemic, we started thinking about our future, hopes and dreams. We were both tired of forcing ourselves to get up at 5:30 am to go to a 9-5 job we were not passionate about. 

Our ultimate dream is to generate income online, affording us the freedom to travel and reside in different countries. Working remotely would also alleviate the challenges of navigating between our families who reside in separate countries.

To achieve this, we needed time and an affordable location to call home. Having previously visited Bali, we recognized its appeal as a budget-friendly, and livable destination.

Pros of Living in Bali

The People

Balinese locals are the friendliest people you will ever meet. Every local that you pass by will smile, wave, and say hello.

The majority of Balinese are Hindu and they believe in Karma – “A good deed will lead to a future beneficial effect, while a bad deed will lead to a future harmful effect.” This is why the locals are notably kind, helpful, and hospitable.

The Food

In addition to its delicious local cuisine, Bali has an abundance of restaurants featuring a diverse array of international fare, including Thai, Mexican, Italian, Indian, Japanese, and more.

Bali is a food lover’s paradise, with countless dining options to choose from. You’ll never have to worry about finding something to eat, your only challenge is selecting which restaurant to dine in.

Maintaining a healthy diet is a breeze in Bali, thanks to the low cost of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, the island is home to numerous vegan restaurants, making it an ideal destination for those adhering to a plant-based lifestyle.

Cost of Living

Bali is considered to be one of the most affordable places to live in the world! 

We find that we spend about 1/3 of the price we would pay in Canada for such things as food and rent etc.

Nature

There is so much to explore in Bali with its stunning rice terraces, towering waterfalls, tropical beaches, and dreamy sunsets.

If you love being in the jungle Ubud is the place for you! If you love the beaches then you’ll find plenty of tropical beaches south of Bali. You have the best of both worlds living in Bali.

There are also many islands to explore nearby that are only a boat ride away such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan as well as the Gili Islands.

In Bali you’ll always be on an adventure from finding waterfalls, walking around rice terraces, enjoying the beaches, shopping at markets to exploring new areas, and experiencing new things! 

Weather

Depending on your preference for warm weather, you might view Bali’s climate as a downside. Bali is humid and hot, with occasional instances of warm weather.

Even during the rainy season or in the midst of the jungle, Bali remains warm, and temperatures never dip to cold levels.

Cons of Living in Bali

Bugs

Many villas have outdoor kitchens and bathrooms and these areas attract bugs.

There are lots of ants in Bali and they will get into anything! Make sure you’re always storing food in the fridge or areas they can’t get to them.

During the rainy season, expect occasional termite swarms at night, when the air becomes filled with flying insects sporting long wings (flying termites). They are drawn to light, resulting in swarms.

The best course of action is to switch off all outdoor lights, particularly if you have an outdoor kitchen or bathroom. Otherwise, you might wake up to a scene of deceased flying termites and scattered wings.

Geckos may look cute but they make loud dinosaur-sounding noises that keep you up at night! They are everywhere in Bali.

Bali also hosts a considerable population of mosquitoes. To prevent bites, use mosquito repellent or wear clothing that covers exposed skin. Thankfully, there have been no reported cases of Malaria on the island, but incidents of Dengue Fever are common.

Bali Belly

Drinking tap water can make you sick. This is easy to forget, especially when brushing your teeth.

As a foreigner, experiencing “Bali Belly” is common. I suggest purchasing Travelan, as it helps reduce the risk.

Bring Imodium or Pepto Bismol to alleviate symptoms if you do end up with Bali Belly.

Rainy Season

Coming from Vancouver, where rainfall is abundant, the rainy season in Bali is not a hindrance for me. However, for those planning on travelling and exploring the island, the rainfall can be an inconvenience as there may not be many opportunities to venture out on pleasant days.

The rainy season in Bali is characterized by a lot of precipitation, resulting in limited activities. Nonetheless, this climate is beneficial for digital nomads who can concentrate on their work without distractions and not be tempted to explore the island.

Rubbish

Bali’s waste management system is inadequate, which is why you will come across a significant amount of litter on the roadside and beaches.

During the rainy season, this problem intensifies as rain and winds carry garbage onto the beaches.

Stray Dogs

The abundance of stray dogs in Bali is a noticeable issue. The sight of these malnourished and sickly animals can be heart-wrenching.

Busy Traffic

Traffic in Bali can be a significant challenge, as what would typically take 30 minutes might take up to an hour during peak traffic hours. This can be especially frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule, so plan accordingly. Be aware that popular tourist areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu tend to have the worst traffic.

After weighing the pros and cons of living in Bali, you may find yourself better equipped to answer the question: Should I move to Bali? Living in Bali is an adventure and I encourage anyone who is considering it to go for it. I even have A Complete Guide to Moving to Bali and A Complete Guide to Living in Bali so you don’t have to figure this out for yourself!