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Bali Beyond Youth

Bali Beyond Youth

A Bali Travel Guide for the Mature Traveller

Travel deeper, stay longer, live wiser.

Moving to Bali

  • Writer: Desmond Breau
    Desmond Breau
  • Oct 2, 2025
  • 7 min read

Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Mature couple unpacking boxes in a Balinese villa with rice-terrace and pool view at golden hour — moving to Bali


A Step-by-Step Guide for Mature Travellers Planning the Big Move to Bali

 

For many, Bali isn’t just a holiday—it’s a dream lifestyle. 

The island’s culture, spirituality, and slower pace of life have long drawn mature travellers who want more than just two weeks on the beach.

 

But if you’re serious about moving to Bali, there are practical steps to consider before you pack your bags. From visas to shipping, housing to staff, the logistics can feel overwhelming.

 

So we here at Bali Beyond Youth have put together this guide to help you understand exactly what’s involved in a move to Bali, and we’ve provided some leads to get you started on your exciting journey.





Step 1: Choosing the Right Visa for your Move to Bali


Before you can even think about moving to Bali - shipping your belongings or finding a home - you’ll need to decide which Indonesian Visa best fits your needs. Assuming that you’re NOT moving to Bali for work, here are the main options:

  • Visa on Arrival (VOA): Valid 30 days, extendable once. No preparation needed for this Tourist Visa. Issued automatically to citizens of most countries upon arrival at the Bali or Jakarta airport. Good for short explorations, but not a solution for a long-term move to Bali.

  • Social/Cultural Visa: Allows longer stays (up to 6 months with extensions). Often used by those who are just testing the waters and are not yet sure that moving to Bali permanently is for them.

  • Retirement Visa (KITAS): Valid one year, extendable annually. For travellers over 55–60 (depending on agency). Requires proof of income and a lease. Perfect for those who have decided to make a permanent move to Bali, not for months but for years. 

  • Second Home Visa: A newer option, designed for those with sufficient financial backing who want to base themselves in Bali long-term.

 

To explore the Visa that’s right for your Bali move, we recommend the following Trusted Visa Agents: 

  • Bali IDE Visa Services (trusted with retirement visas)     balidjscorp.com

  • LetsMoveIndonesia (Jakarta & Bali-based, very experienced)     letsmoveindonesia.com

  • Bali Visas (well-reviewed among expats)     balivisas.com

  • Bali Legals (our favourite, highly recommended for a stress-free experience)     balileagals.com





Step 2: Logistics of Moving to Bali (Bali Moves Made Simple)


Once your visa is sorted, it’s time to consider how to move to Bali:

  • Customs & Shipping: Indonesia is strict on imports. You can’t just pack a container and hope it clears.

  • What you can bring: clothes, books, personal electronics, household items.

  • What you can’t bring: alcohol in bulk, drugs (severe crime), pornography, certain restricted electronics.

 

For advice on how to move to Bali and the customs regulations that affect Bali moves, we recommend the following Trusted Movers specializing in Bali relocations:

  • Asian Tigers (handles moves from North America, Europe, Australia)     asiantigersgroup.com > indonesia

  • Crown Relocations (global reach, strong in SE Asia)     crownrelo.com > indonesia

  • Allied Pickfords Indonesia (winner of customer choice awards in Asia-Pacific region)     allied.co.id  

💡  Tip:  Many mature travellers choose to leave furniture behind and rent fully furnished villas or suites in Bali. It’s simpler, faster, and avoids customs headaches.



Step 3: Finding Your First Place to Live when you move to Bali


Here’s where your Bali move gets real: where will you live when you first arrive?


Long-Term Villa Leases

  • Contracts typically run for 1–3 years;

  • Upfront payment is usually required for the full term; and

  • 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.

 

This route works well for retirees or professionals who are sure that they’re moving to Bali permanently, but it’s a big leap if you’re just testing the waters.

 

For more information about villa leases and arranging house tours, we recommend the following Trusted Real Estate Agencies specialising in long-term villa rentals:

  

The Soft Landing Option

For many who have have just made a move to Bali, signing a multi-year lease agreement and hiring Balinese staff feels far too heavy. Instead, they look for a month-to-month rental immediately after moving to Bali. This gives them time to explore their options before getting involved in long-term commitments and large cash outlays.

 

HERE’S THE CATCH:  True monthly rentals can be very hard to find in Bali.


  • Long-term Villas offer leases of 1-3 years, and typically expect upfront payment for the entire lease period.

  • Hotels and Guest Houses accept month-to-month payments, but charge “holiday rates” far above local prices.

  • “Co-Living/Co-Working spaces“ offer monthly rental suites at reasonable rates, but they are extremely youth-focused. Designed specifically for young “digital nomads,” they provide communal work areas and lounges for late-night socials - and are usually located near nightclub hubs to attract their target crowd. These places are great for 20- and 30-somethings chasing Wi-Fi and nightlife, but less suited for mature

    adults who value calm and cultural depth.


So you may be wondering how to move to Bali and find a “flexible option” that won’t break the bank.

 

We at Bali Beyond Youth had the same question. and we discovered one place that makes Bali moves for mature travellers a real breeze :   

  • 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 late-night parties — just peace, privacy, and community with like-minded mature adults.


Elegant living room and shared villa space at Gilded Palms

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.

💡💡  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!

 

   💡  Tip:  The most practical place we found in Bali for mature travellers not ready to lock into a 2-year villa lease.



Step 4: Hiring Staff & Settling In


Part of moving to Bali is embracing the lifestyle of local support staff — but it can feel intimidating at first.


Common Staff Roles:

  • Housekeeper / gardener / pool attendant (often shared).

  • Driver (worthwhile outside the main towns).

  • Cook or chef (optional, but life-changing).

💡 Tip: Properties like Gilded Palms already provide this, which removes the stress of hiring right away.



Step 5: Community and Belonging


A move to Bali isn’t just about logistics — it’s about belonging.


Many expats in Bali find community through:

  • Yoga and wellness retreats.

  • Art classes and cultural workshops.

  • Co-Living/Co-Working spaces (for younger travellers).

  • Boutique residences like Gilded Palms (for mature adults seeking connection without chaos).




Final Thoughts on Bali Moves and How To Move To Bali

 

First ask yourself: Is Moving to Bali Right for You?

 

For retirees, sabbatical-takers, or mature travellers considering a new chapter, Bali offers both challenges and rewards.

 

The idea of a move to Bali is exciting - but like all Bali moves, it requires careful planning. From visas and shipping to finding the right place to live, every step matters.

 

If you feel certain that a move to Bali is what you want, then consider how you’d like to start your life here.

 

Are you ready to jump into a multi-year villa lease for 1 to 3 years?

Or do you want a soft landing at a place like Gilded Palms Co-Living Residence 

that lets you ease into Bali life with comfort, community, and flexibility?

 

Because moving to Bali isn’t just about finding a place to stay - it’s about finding a place to belong.




Frequently Asked Questions

Q : What do I need to know before moving to Bali?

A : Before moving to Bali, research visa options, shipping rules, and housing. Many mature travellers choose a soft-landing rental first before committing to a long-term lease.


Q : How can I move to Bali legally?

A : To move to Bali legally, you need a valid visa. Options include retirement visas, second home visas, or social/cultural visas. Work with a trusted visa agent for smooth processing.


Q : What are the visa options for moving to Bali?

A : Main visas include Visa on Arrival (short stay), Social/Cultural Visa (up to 6 months), Retirement Visa (1 year, extendable), and Second Home Visa (for financially eligible travellers).


Q : How much does it cost to move to Bali?

A : Costs vary. A one-month soft-landing rental may start around €780 / $900, while long-term villa leases require upfront payments of thousands of dollars. Shipping and visa fees add extra.


Q : What is the best way for mature travellers to move to Bali?

A : The best way is to start with a flexible rental designed for 40+ adults, such as Gilded Palms Co-Living Residence. It offers month-to-month or short leases, community, and all services included.

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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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