If you are planning to relocate to Bali, housing is a critical part of your project. So how do you find your home on the island of the Gods? Do you want a traditional house in a quiet village, or a beachside villa? What neighbourhoods are going to be best suited to your needs? These are all key questions to answer, which will ultimately shape your search. Here's some useful tips and advice.
Life in Bali for expats
Bali is undoubtedly one of the most popular places in Indonesia. This is true both for tourists and expatriates. The island does not lack charm, with its welcoming inhabitants, its rich culture, its relaxed atmosphere, its many activities, its gourmet addresses, and its international schools. For several years now, the Island of the Gods has been witnessing exponential development, especially in terms of real estate. There are now many options for those who wish to settle in Bali, from villas and apartments to houses with gardens, duplexes, and more.
Good to know:
Bali is the ideal land for expats. This goes for single candidates as well as those who move in with their family, since nannies and babysitters' fees are very affordable.
Regarding healthcare, the number of hospitals and medical facilities on the island has increased. Be aware, however, that the public healthcare standards in Indonesia are far from being up to Western standards and that medical services in private clinics are quite expensive.
Therefore, make sure that all members of your family are covered by a solid health insurance.
How to choose accommodation in Bali?
Air conditioning is available in most accommodations in Bali. This is an essential feature, namely for expatriates who find it difficult to adapt to the heat and humidity of the country.
Keep in mind, however, that electric power distribution in Bali can be somewhat erratic. For this reason, it might be wise to check whether your future home is equipped with a generator and an inverter. The same goes for the telephone: check for an existing connection, as it can be quite difficult to get a new landline installed in some Balinese areas, namely those far from the major urban centers.
Renting accommodation in Bali
One can easily find accommodation in Bali for all budgets, even the tightest, without necessarily sacrificing comfort or location. The island has many luxury, Western-style apartment complexes, which will allow you to rent a property, for example, before buying on a lease. As a matter of fact, according to local laws, foreigners are not entitled to full ownership in Indonesia.
Most apartments are rented with hotel-like services and offer all the necessary modern amenities. For instance, you could already be equipped with cable TV, a shared swimming pool in some cases, along with cleaning services, an Internet connection, and sometimes even cutlery!
If you are on a tight budget, you can always rent a kost. This is a small apartment with one or two rooms arranged around a central courtyard and is often very modest in size, usually more or less than 9 or 10m虏 . In that case, don't be too picky about the location or the amenities, and be prepared to borrow or buy furniture, as most of these units are not rented furnished.
Most kost rentals are to be paid on a weekly basis. Otherwise, you will have to pay the full rental fee for one or two years from the moment you sign the rental agreement, just as is the case for other rental contracts in Bali. But you might also be able to negotiate to make monthly payments. Bear in mind that kost rentals start at around IDR 500,000 per week, but most of the time at such price, these accommodations are very poorly maintained.
For basic monthly rental fees, you should expect to spend at least IDR 500,000. Also, be aware that there are luxury kosts that have sprung up all around Bali in recent years. They are more spacious, more comfortable and fully equipped, and are ideal for single expats. They come with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, bathroom, and water heater, as well as common facilities such as a balcony, kitchen, and laundry room. The rent revolves around IDR 3 million per month, and in some cases, even more. Meanwhile, the apartments, which are becoming increasingly common in Bali, are usually Western-style. Most are fully equipped, rented with maid service, Wi-Fi, and a small pantry included, and are available from IDR 7 million (USD 415) per month.
As for the high-end villas and estates that Bali is famous for, they usually offer spectacular ocean views and are leased with pools and staff. These units are, in most cases, one to two-story homes and feature an aesthetically pleasing traditional Balinese design. Rental contracts can vary from one night to three years. For a two-bedroom villa with a pool located near the beach in the Canggu area, expect to pay a minimum of IDR 300 million (about USD 17,822) per year. For the most luxurious villas, expect to pay over IDR 500,000 million annually. You should also know that not all villas in Bali are available for long-term rentals. Many are reserved for tourists, and rental is payable per night.
Keep in mind that in Indonesia, you will usually be required to pay your rent in advance, or at least part of it (usually half), for the lease duration. For example, for a two-year contract in Canggu, expect to pay at least US$20,000 before you move in.
Since villa prices are quite high, you can opt for villa sharing. This system involves renting a room in a shared villa. For this option, expect to pay around IDR 7 to 10 million (USD 350 to 600) per month, depending on the size and facilities offered.
Within the last few years, due to the growing popularity of the startup culture and digital nomads in Indonesia, many coworking spaces have sprung up in Bali. Some of them offer accommodation to their members, based on a mode of living space sharing known as coliving.
Choosing your neighborhood in Bali
Kuta
Before the island opened to tourism in the 1970s, the district of Kuta was nothing but a tiny township with muddy rickshaw lanes. However, with the arrival of the first surfers and a constant flow of visitors, the Balinese district has become one of the busiest, liveliest, and noisiest places on the island. Traffic jams are constant, as is the noise from the many clubs that line the streets.
Since it is a shopping district, many expats tend to flock to Kuta upon arrival, even though the district has the reputation of being a noisy and chaotic place. The main reason behind this is that one can find five-star hotels alongside budget guesthouses, as well as high-end restaurants like Jamie Oliver Kitchen, rubbing shoulders with modest 1-course-menu local establishments (warung), or even an award-winning shopping mall. In short, whatever your budget, the district of Kuta can be a good place to start your Balinese trip before taking the time to better know the island and settling in.
Seminyak
Seminyak is nicknamed "Kuta's poshest sister". As a matter of fact, the area was first established as an extension of Kuta, accommodating those who could not settle there. Although only 15 minutes from Kuta, Seminyak has a more upscale, and therefore more expensive, lifestyle. From lavish hotels to gourmet restaurants, great roads and a wide selection of designer boutiques, Seminyak is definitely a class above.
Many beautiful villas with pools and stunningly maintained gardens are to be found there. However, if you're planning a long-term move to Bali, it can be complicated to buy a new villa in Seminyak due to the overwhelming demand. As for rentals, prices are higher than in other areas, as tourist activity is also high in this area.
In tourist areas, prices also tend to be high too. Therefore, if you are looking for affordable rent and meals, step out of Seminyak!
Additionally, expat families in Bali may find it difficult to pick an international school in the Seminyak area. In that case, try exploring other regions like Canggu, Umalas or Denpasar.
Canggu
Currently, Canggu seems to be the hottest trend in Bali, to the point, however, that it may sometimes feel too westernized for some people. For that reason, it is nicknamed "Kampala Bule", or foreigners' village, and incidentally, this reflects in the prices, which are slowly closing in on European standards. As such, if you want to mix with locals when moving to Bali, Canggu will not be your best option.
Many young expats prefer Canggu for its eco-friendly, multicultural and laid-back atmosphere, in addition to its surf spots, which are among the best on the island. The district is also a place where it is easy to find organic grocery stores, world-class beach clubs, and foreign restaurants.
Thanks to its many coworking spaces, high-speed internet connection and networking opportunities, Canggu is also renowned for attracting most digital nomads in Indonesia. Moreover, when it comes to accommodation, there is no shortage of options. They range from modest homestays to luxurious private villas with swimming pools. And if you're looking to stay on a budget, consider villa sharing or other places that offer accommodation as well as coworking spaces.
Sanur, south of Denpasar
You will find many places to rent in the Sanur area just south of Denpasar. The area has a more tranquil environment compared with other neighborhoods like Canggu and Kuta mentioned above, and it's very close to beaches and international schools. Because of its relaxing surroundings and relatively affordable prices, it is proving to be a popular area for retirees. Being on the coast, Sanur also offers good ferry links to nearby Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, as well as Lombok. It remains close to the airport, which is only a 30 minute drive away.
Nusa Dua and the Bukit area
Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and the Bukit area extend to Uluwatu, and are more family-oriented areas. These regions have many luxury hotels and resorts, especially in Nusa Dua and the Uluwatu area.
This area features Indonesian-style residential complexes as well as luxurious villas that are generally cheaper than in Canggu and Seminyak. One should expect to pay around IDR 4 million (235 USD) for renting a charming house with a small garden, and if you add another IDR 2 million, you will be entitled to maid service. In fact, to live comfortably, one should budget at least IDR 8 million (475 USD) against IDR 14 million (830 USD) for a shared villa in Canggu or Seminyak. Otherwise, because Jimbaran and Bukit are partly westernized and partly local, they have some typical restaurants where you can eat nasi campur (rice-based) for as little as 2 USD per meal.
Along the shoreline of the Bukit area lie some of Bali's most idyllic white sand beaches. Waves are known to attract surfers, and this affects the general vibes, guaranteeing a completely laid-back atmosphere! On the other hand, the roads are empty only from 9 pm.
Ubud
Ubud is referred to as the capital of yoga. In Bali, it is the preferred destination for those seeking tranquility and closeness to nature. Located in the Gianyar area, Ubud is surrounded by a lush forest where the sacred river Ayung flows peacefully. Although experiencing a massive influx of tourists, Ubud has retained its charm and is generally quieter than its southern counterpart. With many vegan/vegetarian restaurants, yoga studios, and meditation and healing spaces, it is the perfect place for those who want to relax.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is the capital of Indonesian surfing. It is a place of unparalleled natural beauty with impressive cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean and a huge variety of waves for all surf levels. Many warungs (Balinese family businesses) are perched on the cliffs, sometimes in a rather improbable way. The beaches at the foot of these imposing rock walls are beautiful, especially on the side of Padang-Padang. At the top of the cliffs, you will not only find excellent bars/restaurants such as the famous Single Fin but also other beautiful villas and more affordable accommodation.
If none of these places appeal to you, head north or east of Bali, where there are far fewer expats and where you can enjoy a much more traditional Balinese lifestyle.
Otherwise, you can always join Facebook groups and communities, such as Canggu Community, where expats often share information about rooms for rent in their villas. As for The Bali Advertiser, which is published every two weeks and is available for free, it is considered a valuable guide for expats as it contains classifieds and advertisements for properties available for rent or purchase in Bali. Alongside the estate agents mentioned above, you can also take a look at and , which offer plenty of Bali listings.
Ask around if you like the concept of homestay. You could then benefit from a night or a week's accommodation at a low price.
If you prefer to live away from the city, the beach and areas with a high concentration of expatriates, head to Denpasar, which has an increasing number of modern and affordable kost.
On the other hand, the most luxurious and expensive accommodations in Bali are often found in gated communities. Some of the most beautiful and exclusive gated communities include the beautiful Perum Nusa Dua Hill, Ketut Lunas, Guru Pindekan, Westcome Community, Kwrobokna Townhouse, and Twenty Nine House, to name a few. Most of these controlled access neighborhoods are located around Denpasar, but there are others all over the island.
Rental conditions and requirements in Bali
Under Indonesian law, it's quite difficult for foreigners to hold full property ownership, so many choose to rent and lease.
There are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to renting a property in Bali. Typically, there'll be an expectation of upfront payment. That means your contract will require an advance payment that covers the full lease term (or at least half of it), rather than monthly payments that are the norm in other places. You might be able to negotiate and get monthly payments agreed, but it depends on the property owners. In terms of duration, this varies from really short-term (a nightly price for villas), up to mult-year leases, with two-year contracts being quite a normal base point.
Some rentals will come with a maid service, as well as Wi-FI and cable TV, the kitchen basics and furnishings, but you need to check and confirm all of this in advance. Make sure it's clear what is and what isn't included in the agreement. You'll also want to check on things like backup power, how the internet connectivity is, what the risks of flooding are in the wet season, etc. 鈥� the kind of things you might not think to double check back home.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
