Exploring Expat Life in Bali

Embracing the expatriate life in Bali brings with it unique challenges and experiences. It's a diverse experience, differing for each individual categorized as an expat. An important consideration is the true essence of an expatriate's life.

The term 'expatriate' has its roots in Latin 'ex', meaning 'outside of', and Greek 'patria', referring to 'one's native country', indicating someone residing outside their homeland. In March 2023, my family and I moved to Bali, which has greatly enhanced my understanding of the expat life here.

In Bali, the term 'bulé' is often used for non-Indonesians, usually indicating Caucasian or European origins. While this term can have varied connotations, it mainly identifies someone as non-Indonesian, a perspective largely shared by locals.

The expatriate experience in Bali is a deeply personal one, with no singular narrative that can define it. Our individual histories, ambitions, and life stories shape how we perceive and experience life here. As Margaret Mead said, we are each "unique, just like everybody else."

From my perspective, life in Bali is a mix of frustration and awe. It feels alien yet familiar, like an everlasting role of an outsider who is also somewhat embraced. As a cultural outsider, I find that Bali enriches my worldview. Despite this, I anticipate returning to the U.K., where I feel a deeper connection.

In the U.K., blending in is the norm, with infrequent spontaneous smiles. Conversely, in Bali, smiles are a common, warm gesture, which sometimes makes me feel undeserving. This underscores a cultural variance - in my homeland, acknowledgment is earned.

A notable aspect of Balinese culture is their patience, especially evident in their road etiquette. Even in hectic traffic, there's a remarkable absence of anger or aggression.

Living in Bali requires adapting to the local temperament, particularly avoiding public displays of anger or frustration. This cultural trait is something I've grown to appreciate.

Another cultural aspect here is the modesty in wealth display. Ostentatiousness is not well-received, prompting reflections on the necessity of flaunting wealth. This humility is another admirable trait of the Balinese culture.

In Bali, you find yourself stripped of your home culture's influence, left to either reinvent yourself or live distinctly separate from the local milieu.

Finding a Home in Bali

My journey as an expat also involved finding the right place to live. I delved into the Bali property market, particularly the diverse range of rental properties and villas available.

My initial step was extensive research into Bali's rental market. Options varied from traditional houses to luxurious villas, offering glimpses of local life. This involved online searches, connecting with real estate agents, and insights from the expat community. The Bali villa rental market, with its stylish and culturally infused properties, particularly intrigued me.

Visiting these properties was a vital part of my search. Each villa had its unique charm, from beachfront serenity to idyllic rice paddy settings. Assessing the feel of these places and envisioning living in them was crucial.

Understanding Bali's rental legalities and cultural nuances was significant. I looked into lease details, local laws, and practices unique to the Balinese property market, aided by legal experts and experienced expats.

Building relationships with landlords and property managers was key. This helped in negotiations regarding lease terms and maintenance, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and understanding with property owners for favorable rental terms.

My choice was influenced by various factors: location appeal, villa comfort and design, lease terms, and a sense of community. The chosen villa was not just a house but a home that reflected my vision of life in Bali, a place to embrace the local culture while maintaining my personal comfort.

This journey in securing a residence was intertwined with my broader experience of adapting and integrating into Balinese life. It was as much about finding a physical abode as it was about connecting with and understanding the community and culture of Bali.