Wondering where the best place to live in Bali is located? Let's be honest with ourselves. Anyone who's found themself in Bali has toyed with the idea of moving here.
The charms of island life are everywhere, and when combined with abundant natural beauty, vibrant local markets and stunning beaches, it's easy to see why.
To live in Bali is to fall in love with Bali, but finding the perfect spot to call home can be a daunting task for expats. To make that chore easier, we looked at south Bali, the north coast, east coast and west coast for our top picks of where to live in Bali.
Here's where to reside in Bali if you're looking for a comfortable lifestyle and an affordable cost of living.
While stunning natural beauty, our easy-to-obtain tourist visa and close proximity to nearby islands are all great reasons to live in Bali, we know that's not enough.
We weighed up the following factors before deciding on our top picks. You'll find the below areas to have either all of these features or at least a healthy mix of them.
When it comes to the top areas to live in Bali, it almost always comes down to personal preferences.
Are you retired expats seeking a cultural heart? Do you want to be centrally located? Are you a couple of discerning art enthusiasts?
It's well within your right to want these things, but in our opinion, the right location should be timeless and safe to invest in. Here are our recommendations for wanting to visit Bali for a few weeks, a few months or live here forever!
Surprise, surprise... the real estate agency that specialises in Uluwatu recommends Uluwatu as the top area to live in!
Unbiased? Maybe not, but when it comes to being one of Bali's most stunning and underdeveloped areas, we can't help ourselves.
Bukit Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches and offers a laid back lifestyle with its charming beach clubs, yoga studios and wellness retreats.
It's become increasingly popular amongst expats due to its combination of modern amenities and natural beauty, and with water sports, scuba diving, surf breaks, boat trips and entertainment options at your doorstep, it's no surprise that Uluwatu is high up on our list.
Many retired expats live in the Seminyak and Petitenget areas, both of which strike the perfect balance of convenience, luxury and easy beach access.
Seminyak has become a hub for expats in south Bali, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle with its upscale restaurants, designer outlets, yoga studios and stylish villas – all of which come without the trappings of busy city life.
It's also close to Kuta, the original tourist hotspot in Bali, while still being affordable to live in.
Of course, it might be more crowded compared to other areas, but Seminyak and Petitenget are still popular choices amongst expats due to the eclectic local community, nightlife scene and international schools.
Located on the east coast of Bali, Sanur is a low-key, family-friendly area that offers a more traditional Balinese experience.
It's quieter than other areas and offers a slower pace of life, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment. Like white sand beaches, local food, yoga studios and fresh seafood?
Sanuar isn't exactly off the beaten path, but it's where most expats who value peace and privacy like to set up.
A big bonus of Sanur is that it's located near Denpasar airport. You can literally step off the plane and be in your private villa within 30 minutes.
The fact you needn't travel for a long stretch after disembarkation is a major plus for those with families or business travellers.
Ubud almost needs no introduction. It's the artistic center of Bali and an amazing place to live, and the cooler weather of the mountains makes it a bit different from the other areas on this list.
Close to rice fields and surrounded by traditional villages, it's perhaps the most traditional part of our small island where expats have settled. You're not close to surf breaks or water sports, mind you, but this area of central Bali has other charms.
Art enthusiasts will love what Ubud offers, and the fact you can easily avoid tourist areas thanks to a number of more remote nearby villages all but guarantee an easy, peaceful existence.
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Most foreigners in Bali live in the south, specifically the Bukit Peninsula, Canggu and Seminyak. However, there are also many foreigners living in Ubud and Sanur.
Yes, southern Bali in particular has white sand beaches, healthcare facilities, yoga studios and cold beer. What more could you ask for in a retirement destination?
Uluwatu, Ubud and Sanur on Bali's eastern coast are consistently ranked as the safest areas to live for both locals and expats, with low crime rates and peaceful surroundings.
There's no denying that Bali and nearby islands are becoming more and more expensive property-wise, but there are still pockets where affordable living is possible. Discover Bali's most affordable areas to invest in.
Easy! Articles like this are a good place to start, but if you want to make the most informed decision, we recommend visiting Bali and doing a day trip to each area. Most expats like to contact us before they start their search, too. This way you'll be able to get the most up-to-date price guides and local knowledge.
Embrace the spirit of this magical island and find your own slice of paradise in Bali. Whether you're drawn to the bustling beach life or the peaceful mountain towns, there's a place for everyone in Bali.
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