Living as an expatriate in Bali presents its own set of complexities. It’s not a one-size-fits-all label for everyone termed as an expat there. A key question is, “What does being an expat entail?”
The word ‘expatriate’ originates from Latin’ ex’ meaning ‘outside of’, and Greek ‘patriate’, which refers to ‘one’s native country’. It denotes someone living outside their country of origin. My family and I relocated to Bali in March 2023. From this experience, I have gained a significant understanding of the expatriate lifestyle in Bali.
In Bali, expatriates are often referred to as ‘bulé’, a term indicating non-Indonesians, typically of Caucasian or European heritage. While ‘bulé’ can sometimes carry negative connotations, it primarily signifies someone not Indonesian.
Experiencing life as an expat in Bali is uniquely personal and cannot be encapsulated in a single, all-encompassing description. We all have unique backgrounds, ambitions, and life experiences that shape our perceptions. As Margaret Mead eloquently expressed, we are “unique, just like everybody else.”
My personal take on living in Bali
Bali is both immensely frustrating and endlessly surprising to me. I often feel like I don’t fully understand it, yet it feels like home. There’s a sense of perpetual foreignness, as if I’ll always be an outsider, but simultaneously, I feel accepted and valued in some respects. Culturally, I am an outsider in Bali, but living here enriches my life experiences.
Patience is a remarkable aspect of Balinese culture. Road rage, for instance, is virtually non-existent. Even in chaotic traffic situations, where vehicles often stop abruptly, causing inconvenience, there is a notable absence of aggression or profanity.
This brings me to an essential aspect of living in Bali: leaving your temper behind. Expressing anger or frustration publicly is not well received, and you might find yourself feeling out of place for reacting negatively to situations. This aspect of Balinese culture is something I’ve come to appreciate greatly.
Another cultural norm in Bali is the modest display of wealth. Ostentatious behavior, or ‘peacocking’, is frowned upon. It prompts introspection about one’s need to flaunt material possessions. This is another attribute of Balinese culture that I find admirable.
In Bali, you are stripped down to your essence, devoid of your home culture’s influences, and left to either reinvent yourself or exist within a bubble distinct from the local environment.
Finding a place to live in Bali
As part of my transition to expat life in Bali, I embarked on the challenging yet intriguing quest to find a suitable place to live. This journey took me deep into the Bali property market. I focused on Bali rental properties and exploring the various villas for rent in Bali.
I began by thoroughly researching the Bali rental property scene. The diversity in housing options ranged from traditional dwellings to luxurious modern villas. Each offers a unique glimpse into the Balinese lifestyle. This research phase involved scouring online listings, connecting with local real estate agents, and tapping into the expat community for firsthand insights and experiences. The vibrant market for villas for rent in Bali caught my attention for their exquisite blend of style, comfort, and cultural elements.
The next phase was to physically visit these properties. Each villa I explored painted a different picture of life in Bali, from serene beachfront locations to quaint settings amidst lush rice paddies. It was crucial for me to assess the physical aspects of these homes, gauge the atmosphere, and envision myself living there.
A significant aspect of this process was understanding the legalities and cultural nuances of renting in Bali. I delved into lease agreement specifics, local laws, and customary practices unique to the Balinese property market. Consulting with legal experts and fellow expats who had navigated similar paths proved invaluable.
Ultimately, my decision was influenced by a blend of factors: the allure of the location, the comforts and aesthetics of the villa, the lease terms, and, most importantly, a sense of belonging. The villa I chose resonated with my vision of life in Bali – it was more than just a house; it became a home where I could immerse myself in the local culture while retaining the comforts I valued.