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Bali Beyond Youth

Bali Beyond Youth

A Bali Travel Guide for the Mature Traveller

Travel deeper, stay longer, live wiser.

Living in Bali

  • Writer: Desmond Breau
    Desmond Breau
  • Oct 3
  • 5 min read

Updated: Oct 5

A Practical Guide for Mature Travellers looking to Live in Bali


Peaceful Ricefield in Ubud

Bali isn’t just a holiday spot — it’s a lifestyle. From sunrises over rice terraces to temple ceremonies at dusk, living in Bali means trading routine for rhythm, and rushing for reflection.


The decision to live in Bali is not just about finding a tropical escape. It’s a place to slow down, embrace culture, and even reinvent your life.


If you’re wondering: “How can I live in Bali?”, then read on. We’ll walk you through the essentials, and give you the low-down on how to live in Bali permanently.





Visas: The Foundation of Living in Bali


“Can I live in Bali permanently? The answer is ‘yes.’

 

But before you can settle in, you’ll need the right paperwork. Living in Bali permanently depends on securing a visa that fits your lifestyle:

  • Retirement Visa (KITAS):  For those 55+ (some agents set 60). Requires proof of income and a lease. Renewable annually. Perfect if you’re ready to make Bali your home base.

  • Second Home Visa:  For financially qualified travellers looking to establish a long-term life in Bali.

  • 6-month Social/Cultural Visa:  Great for those testing out life in Bali.

  • 30-Day Visa on Arrival (VOA):  Issued at the airport upon arrival. Not for permanent stays, but good if you’re exploring before deciding.



 


Daily Life: What it’s like Living in Bali - How to live in Bali as a local.


Living in Bali isn’t just about where you stay — it’s about HOW you live in Bali.

  • Staff & Support:  Most expats have staff — a housekeeper, gardener, and driver.

  • Cost of Living:  From €600–1,700 per month / USD $700-2,000 per month, you can live comfortably with housing, food, and local services.

  • Community:  Yoga, art classes, language schools, and expat groups make it easy to connect.

  • Healthcare:  Bali has excellent private clinics and hospitals in Denpasar and Ubud, with international doctors available.

 

For many expats, “Living Bali” means balancing local culture with modern conveniences - staff, affordable living, healthcare, and strong community ties.



 


Housing: Finding a place to live in Bali


Can I live in Bali without a villa lease? The short answer: ‘yes.’

 

You’ll see two common housing paths:

  1. Long-term Villa Leases


  • Contracts typically run for 1–3 years.

  • Upfront payment is usually required for the full term.

  • Responsibilities fall on you - paying utilities and internet, routine maintenance, managing staff.

 

The reward is absolute privacy, but there’s a big financial outlay required:

e.g. A 2-year contract for a house with a monthly rent of €1,525 / USD $1,790 would require an upfront payment of approximately €36,600 / USD $42,100 + security deposit – then you’d need to factor in your monthly costs for utilities, maintenance, and staff.

 

  1. Suites at Hotels and Guest Houses

 

Some will accept monthly payments, but charge “holiday rates” far above local prices. Not a viable option for long-term stays (in our opinion).





If you’re like many new arrivals, you may be looking for a “western-type” of rental that you can pay on a month-to-month basis. Sadly, however, true monthly rentals can be very hard to find in Bali.

 

But, with that said, we at Bali Beyond Youth went looking, and we turned up one accommodation that is perfect for mature travellers newly arriving in Bali . . .

 

Gilded Palms Co-Living Residence (Payangan)    gildedpalmsbali.com 

The only accommodation in Bali designed exclusively for mature travellers!

 

This luxurious boutique villa in Payangan (just 25 minutes north of Ubud) is the only property in Bali intentionally created for 40+ travellers. No children, no parties — just peace, privacy, and community with like-minded mature adults.

 

Gilded Palms Villa Payangan – adults-only co-living for mature travellers

What makes it different?

 

  • Just 4 elegant private suites (max 8 guests) in a luxurious villa – where you can have privacy when you need it and community when you want it – where you can live independently but never be alone.

  • Adults-only environment, tailored for meaningful grown-up connection – Without kids or disruptive nightlife, a place where calm replaces chaos, and conversation flows naturally among 40+ adults.

  • All your daily needs under one roof: chef-prepared meals, barista and bar service, massage, spa treatments, gym, swimming pool overlooking rice terraces, touring services, onsite driver, daily shuttle to Ubud –  and even a concierge to help you get acquainted with your new island-home.

  • Location in the authentic cultural heartland of Bali - rice terraces, waterfalls, temples, and traditional villages at your doorstep – within easy reach of the word-class dining, performances and spas of Ubud.

  • Minimum stay: 1 month.

  • Flexible leases of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months.

 

For those still exploring how to live in Bali permanently, Gilded Palms offers flexible monthly and long-term leases.

💡 Why it works: Mature travellers can test the waters with a one-month stay, and extend if they wish.

 

And bonus : A six-month lease at Gilded Palms meets the accommodation requirement for an Indonesian Retirement Visa!

 

This is the most practical place we found in Bali

for mature travellers not ready to lock into a 2-year villa lease.


Final Thoughts on Living in Bali

 

The idea of living in Bali may sound dreamy — but with the right visa, housing, and support system, it’s completely achievable.

 

If you want a sabbatical, a retirement retreat, or a permanent new home, Bali delivers culture, comfort, and community in equal measure.

 

Whether your goal is to live in Bali short-term, or you’re planning on living in Bali permanently, the island offers options for every lifestyle.”

 

The real secret?

Living in Bali isn’t about “escaping” your life — it’s about creating a new one.


Trusted Bali Visa Agencies

specialising in Indonesian Visas

Trusted Movers specializing in

Bali relocations:

Trusted Bali Real Estate Agencies

specialising in villa rentals

Recommended Accommodation for Mature Travellers

Gilded Palms Co-Living Residence gildedpalmsbali.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : Can I live in Bali permanently? A : Yes. With a Retirement Visa or Second Home Visa, mature travellers can live in Bali permanently with the right financial and lease requirements.


Q : How much does it cost to live in Bali per month?

A : Mature travellers typically spend €600–1,700 / USD $700–2,000 per month in Bali, including housing, food, and staff.


Q : What visa do I need to live in Bali long-term?

A : Options include Retirement Visa (KITAS), Second Home Visa, or a Social/Cultural Visa for shorter stays.


Q : Is it easy to find housing when living in Bali?

A : Villa leases are usually 1-3 years & require upfront payment. Flexible options like Gilded Palms Co-Living offer month-to-month payments, or short-term leases of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.


Q : How can I live in Bali without committing to a lease?

A : Stay at Gilded Palms Co-Living Residence in Payangan. It offers 1–12 month stays, full services, and community — perfect for a soft landing in Bali.

 
 
 

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BALI BEYOND YOUTH
A Bali Travel Guide

Our team is a lucky collection of long-time residents who have called Bali home for 10, 20, even 30 years. We range in age from 35 to 75, and we know first-hand what it’s like to build a life, or a long stay, here.

 

With that experience, we help you navigate the best choices when planning a sabbatical, retirement trial, or a permanent move to Bali.


Whether you’re preparing for a long-term stay, or already living here as an expat, our mission is to share insights and guidance that speak directly to your needs.


This is Bali — beyond the youth scene. And it’s exactly where you belong

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