What Its Like to Live in Bali? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re new to Kata Bella, you’re probably wondering what this website is all about. So hi! I’m Bella. I started this page as a blog to share fun and interesting things about life in Bali – the place I’ve called home for the past 12 years, as well as bits and pieces from my journeys outside Bali too.

I first moved here completely unplanned – I “accidentally” got a job while travelling. Yep, accidentally. I left my big city life behind and landed on this island with nothing but a small suitcase.

Wait…where is Bali again?

Bali might sound familiar – people talk about it all the time. But I’m no longer surprised that a lot of people still don’t know where it is (It’s okay, though. No judgement here).

So here’s a quick geography check: Bali is a small island in Indonesia, a country in Southeast Asia made up of over 17,000 islands. Despite all that competition, Bali has consistently been in the spotlight as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

You might also like this article: Things to do in Bali – Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit

The magic of Bali: what keeps people coming back

There are plenty of reasons! Surfing is a big one. Not for me, but a lot of the friends I’ve met here came for the waves and ended up never leaving. Bali’s got some legendary surf spots, especially for seasoned surfers, like the world-famous Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin.

Another major perk is the tropical weather. Bali has only two seasons: the wet season, usually from November to March, and the dry season for the rest of the year. Simple, sunny, and warm pretty much all year round – no winter coats needed! Beyond the beaches, there are some lush green rice terraces. You might recognise some of them from Eat Pray Love. Two of the most iconic ones are Tegalalang and Jatiluwih.

Jatiluwih rice fields – known for producing good quality organic rice

If you’re more into hiking, Bali’s got that covered too. The island is home to several volcanic mountains, with options for everyone – from casual hikers to hardcore trail runners. Mount Batur is a popular sunrise hike that’s beginner-friendly, while Mount Abang or Mount Agung offer a more challenging climb.

Ok next, chances are, you’ve heard that many people come to Bali to find healing, with plenty of spots offering spiritual journeys and wellness retreats. Honestly, the list is endless. Bali really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re into silent retreats and meditation or the party scene (I’ve been through all kinds of phases during my 20s here, hehe).

The highland areas of Bali, like Kintamani and Bedugul has cooler temperatures

But for me, it’s the local Balinese people who make Bali truly special. While they’re open-minded and influenced by Western culture, there’s still a deep-rooted sense of tradition, spirituality, and ceremony. It’s not unusual for your Monday morning commute to be paused by a temple procession right in the middle of the road – and that’s part of the charm. I often get invited to odalan (ceremonies), and I still remember getting my first Balinese attire. Next thing I knew, I had a whole collection in different colours for all kinds of occasions!

What to expect when you live in Bali

Living in Bali definitely has its perks – especially if you’re into that laid-back, but not too slow, kind of slow living. It’s not as fast-paced or hectic as Jakarta or other big cities, so if you’re all about climbing the corporate ladder, Bali might not be the best fit. But it’s not super quiet either – definitely not like a sleepy village. Bali strikes a nice balance between work and play, hustle and chill.

It’s a real perk to still have time for yourself after work

I said yes to my first job here because I was drawn to the work-life balance, the quality of life, and the lifestyle I wanted. Sure, work is still work – busy days happen just like anywhere else, but it’s the little things that make a big difference. Like riding your scooter to work and stopping by a nice little coffee shop (many open crazy early, like 6 or 7am – Thank you to the early-rising surfer crowd!). Or clocking out right on time at 5pm when the sun’s still shining, and having enough time to catch up with friends, go to my jiu jitsu class, or general errands.

It’s all about having the time and space to do more than just work – and being reminded every day that life’s meant to be enjoyed, not spent glued to a screen.

You may also like this article: Brunch in Bali – Rediscovering Legian through Farmer’s Daughter

Living cost in Bali: what you need to know

There’s really no right or wrong answer to this – it all depends on your lifestyle. Since Bali’s in Southeast Asia, things are generallypretty affordable. If you live like the locals do; eat at warungs (local eateries), rent in residential neighbourhoods, shop at traditional markets, and ride a scooter to get around – then yes, living in Bali can be really cheap. You could comfortably get by on a modest budget.

But if you’re chasing that dreamy Instagram lifestyle; private villas with pools, daily brunches at photogenic cafés, shopping at boutiques, and regular spa treatments, then Bali can get expensive quickly. Many of those things are priced for tourists and expats, not locals.

And let’s talk about extras: gyms, yoga studios, pilates, martial arts, CrossFit, dance classes, imported groceries, international schools if you have kids, all those things that have been brought into Bali from the outside are still considered “luxuries” here. So they’re priced accordingly.

So yeah, Bali can be as cheap or as pricey as you make it. It’s all about what kind of life you want to live. Let me break down the math for you.

Getting around Bali: scooters, taxis, and more

One of the first things you’ll notice when living in Bali is just how popular scooters are. Renting or buying a scooter is by far the easiest and most affordable way to get around the island. Just make sure you’re steady and confident enough to navigate Bali’s often chaotic streets – and always wear a helmet for safety!

If you’re not comfortable driving, it’s probably safer to avoid it. There are plenty of taxis available, and apps like Gojek or Grab make getting around affordable and hassle-free. Personally, I’m not a fan of traveling by car here because, aside from the highways and main roads, Bali’s streets are narrow and prone to heavy traffic – especially during peak holiday seasons. So, if you want to survive and thrive in Bali, a scooter is definitely your best friend.

Food scene in Bali: local flavours and international eats

Don’t worry – I didn’t forget to write about the food. Bali’s food scene is just as diverse as the island itself. You can eat like a local with nasi campur (rice with various side dishes), satay skewers, babi guling (suckling pig), or ayam betutu (Balinese spiced grilled chicken) at any warung (local food stall).

But does “Bali belly” exist? Well, it’s a valid concern – Balinese, or Indonesian spices can be a bit intense for first-timers, so go easy in the beginning and listen to your gut (literally).

If you’re craving something more familiar, Bali is a total melting pot. You’ll find just about every type of cuisine here; from Japanese and Italian to Middle Eastern, Indian, and more. There are also loads of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so no one gets left out at the table.

You might also like this article: Bali Home Bakeries to Sweeten Your Celebrations

Okay, so that’s a rough idea about Bali and what living in Bali is like – at least through the eyes of a girl who came for one year and somehow ended up staying for twelve (still here!).

In short, I genuinely love living here. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies, of course, especially when high season traffic hits – but hey, I am totally aware that I live in a holiday destination 😉

If you’re thinking about making the move or just curious about what it’s really like to call Bali home, stick around. I’ll be sharing more stories, tips, and guides to help you navigate island life with a little more ease and a lot more fun.

Matur Suksema for reading!

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26 Oct 2026 by Bella in Info

Rainy Season Guide: Indoor Things to Do in Bali

Indoor things to do in Bali Unlike countries with four seasons, Indonesia has only two: the wet season and the dry season. Both come with a tropical climate in most parts of the country, so expect warm temperatures alllll yearrr longgg, hehe. In Bali, the rainy season typically begins around October or November and lasts until February or March. While some travellers see the rain as a holiday hurdle, others welcome it as a chance to enjoy Bali at a slower pace, with cooler temperatures and a different kind of charm. And there are still plenty to do, even when it's pouring. From cosy cafes to creative workshops, here are some fun indoor activities to add to your Bali itinerary this rainy season. Indoor things to do in BaliA spa escapeA little sweat between feastsRecovery dayGet in touch with your artsy side!Play time for the little travellersCoffee and cosy cornersMake the most of your stay A spa escape Imagine this: rain pattering outside while you're tucked away in a cosy spa, surrounded by the soothing scent of frangipani or lemongrass. A Balinese gamelan plays softly in the background as you surrender to the goodness of a traditional Balinese massage, ahhh so good. And with many spas in Bali being very affordable, one spa day might turn into two, three, or who knows? When in Bali, let the pampering begin! A little sweat between feasts Holidays usually come with a little weight gain, but how about some muscle gains this time? hehe. Apart from endless cafes and restaurants, Bali has plenty of lovely gyms and studios offering everything from yoga and Pilates to HYROX, boxing, and MMA. Whether you're a fitness buff or just fancy trying something new, squeeze in a workout before heading off for that well-deserved buffet brunch..or lunch...or dinner...or all of them! My Go-To Gyms in Canggu for Strength Training, Classes, and Recovery Recovery day Rainy days are a pretty good excuse to take a break, especially if your body could use one too (after all the workouts!). Many gyms in Bali have recovery facilities like saunas, ice baths, steam rooms and pools. Some even have hammams, magnesium pools, infrared saunas and jacuzzis, while there are also wellness centres dedicated entirely to recovery! You'd be surprised how easily you can spend a whole afternoon just...relaxing. Get in touch with your artsy side! Bali has plenty of workshops to keep you busy on a rainy day, whether you're into painting, pottery, silver-making, or just want to try something for the plot. We've rounded up some artsy-partsy activities below. Go have a look, pick one, and make yourself a little holiday souvenir. Get Crafty: 8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali Play time for the little travellers If you're holidaying with kids, a little rain doesn't have to put a damper on the fun. From indoor playgrounds where they can run wild to museums where they can get curious, there are still plenty of ways to keep the little ones entertained. Some of the spots from our previous article below are fully indoors, making them perfect for rainy days. Have a browse and save a few for your next rainy-day adventure! Fun Kids Activities in Bali: A Little Something for Every Age Coffee and cosy corners There's something about rainy days in Bali that makes coffee taste even better. The sound of raindrops, a cosy corner by the window, and a good cup of coffee in hand. No rush, no plans, just you and your caffeine fix. There are soooo many lovely cafes in Bali to hide away in and romanticise the rainy season. Here are a couple of Kata Bella coffee lists featuring our picks around Canggu and Denpasar. Kata Bella's List of Good Coffee Shops in Denpasar Best Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas Make the most of your stay Very often, we pick a dreamy resort or villa for our holiday, only to enjoy it for a few hours because we're too busy exploring outside. But if you're visiting Bali during the wet season, take it as a sign to slow down and actually enjoy the place you're staying in. Snuggle up in that comfy bed, catch up on your favourite shows, order some comfort food from room service, or simply spend some quality time with your family or friends. If you're in Bali with kids, here are some ideas of hotels with family rooms to check out. Family Friendly Hotels in Bali with Adorable Family Rooms Rainy season doesn't have to ruin your Bali holiday. If anything, it's a good excuse to slow down, try something new, treat yourself to a massage, discovering new cafes, or simply enjoy that lovely accommodation you booked. Sure, you might have to shuffle your plans around a little (and keep an umbrella handy, hehe), but Bali still has plenty to offer when the skies turn grey. So, don't let the rain stop you from having a good time! Hope you find this article useful, and happy holiday!

18 Feb 2026 by Bella in Asia

How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days

If you’re Indonesian, you probably already know that Thailand is among the countries we can enter without a visa. But I only recently found out that not many people realise you can actually stay for a total of 90 days. You get 60 days visa-free when you first enter, and then you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office. At first, I thought I needed a visa agent because I’d never done anything like this before and was scared of getting rejected. But when I went to the immigration office in Chiang Mai for the first time, they happily explained the steps. It was surprisingly easy - and you can absolutely do it yourself. Check how many days you can stay in Thailand visa-free on Thai e-visa official website You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The first 60 daysArriving in ThailandAfter your first 30 daysApplying for your extensionFinal Thoughts The first 60 days After checking several trusted official websites, the rule (at the time I’m writing this) hasn’t changed. Indonesians can enter Thailand visa-free and stay for 60 days, despite the uncertain news you might have seen on social media. What shocked me was that during check-in at Soekarno–Hatta, when I showed my return ticket, the staff questioned my 60-day stay - even the immigration officer seemed unsure. But don’t worry. If you’re ever in doubt, you can check the official Thai e-visa official website and enter your nationality (if you’re not Indonesian) to confirm whether you can enter visa-free and how long you’re allowed to stay. Fill in TDAC online before you fly Arriving in Thailand Don’t forget to fill in the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) form before arriving in Thailand - you can do it a day before your trip to stay organised. In the form, you’ll be asked for your return flight details. When you’re in the immigration line, you just need to scan the barcode sent to your email. As long as you haven’t been going in and out of Thailand a suspicious number of times in the past few months, you should be fine. I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, and after scanning the QR code, they didn’t even ask me any questions. You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life After your first 30 days Depending on where you’re staying in Thailand, you can look up the nearest immigration office. I was based in Chiang Mai, and the immigration office there is conveniently located inside a shopping mall called Central Festival Chiang Mai. After you’ve spent a month in the country, or basically before your 60 days run out, you can apply for a 30-day extension. Here’s what you’ll need: Applying for your extension It’s actually pretty straightforward once you have all your documents ready. You can show up during opening hours, but like most administrative offices, I’d suggest going early. I’m not sure about other cities, but in Chiang Mai they’re closed for lunch from 12–1pm. When I arrived, an officer checked our documents first. They’ll let you know if you’re missing anything or forgot to fill in a section. If everything’s in order, they’ll sign it off and give you a queue number. After that, you just sit inside and wait for your number to be called. When it’s your turn, hand over the checked documents and pay the 1,900 Baht fee in cash. Then you wait another 15–30 minutes (depending on how busy it is). Your name will be called, they’ll take a quick photo of you, and hand back your passport with a new stamp giving you another 30 days to stay in this beautiful country. In my personal experience, I wasn’t asked a single question, and the staff were actually pretty nice - you know how immigration offices can sometimes feel a bit intimidating? Anyway, that’s it. The whole process was done in one day, which was great and super efficient. Final Thoughts So yes, staying in Thailand visa-free for 90 days is completely doable for Indonesians and many other nationalities, and you don’t need an agent to make it happen. It might feel intimidating at first (especially with all the mixed information online), but once you understand the steps, it’s actually very manageable. My biggest tips are to double-check official sources, prepare your documents properly, and go early to the immigration office. That’s really it. Hope you find this article useful and happy holiday!

29 May 2026 by Bella in Info

Things to Do in Canggu: Where Every Plan Turns Into Three More

Things to do in Canggu Here we are on another article about Canggu, because things to explore in this little bubble are endless. I have written a few articles about Canggu restaurants alone, and then a guide for first-timers, and now, onto a deeper dive, things to do in Canggu. Or maybe more like, what do you actually do when you live here? The funny thing about Canggu life is how quickly you realise that people here are somehow always busy doing absolutely non-urgent things haha. One person is heading to pilates, another is rushing to Hyrox, another is getting ready for an ice bath, while someone else is already on their second iced latte discussing “creative burnout” at 10am. If you feel attacked, don’t worry, I’m one of these suspects too lol. Ok, so here’s the best that I can do to summarise the fun things to do in Canggu. Eat absolutely everything One of the best things to do in Canggu is simply eating your way through it. The food scene is insanely diverse. In one day you can have Indonesian warung meals, Australian brunch, Japanese ramen, Italian pasta, French pastries, Mexican tacos, aaaaand more, aaaaand somehow all within 10 minutes of each other. Dangerous for both your wallet and your self-control, I guess. You can read my articles about Canggu restaurants here: My Little Canggu Restaurant List - Part 1 My Little Canggu Restaurant List - Part 2 Breakfast Spots in Canggu Worth Waking Up Early For Vegan Cafes in Canggu: 5 Nice Spots for your Daily Greens Bali on a Budget: Cheap Eats in Canggu for Under 100K What else is there to do but eat? From left to right: Muda by Suka, Soogi Roll, Cure Welcome to Bali’s Capital of Wellness I wasn’t joking when I mentioned about people going to Hyrox because I feel like the wellness era never ends here. I’m interested to know how many regular gyms there are in Canggu alone, not to mention yoga and pilates studio, jiu jitsu and MMA gyms, padel courts, and other sports centre for other types of sports. Canggu is the it place for wellness activities whatever you like it or not, and so that’s why "wellness" sits at number two on this list. My go-to gyms and some recommendations: Woven Jiu Jitsu (Jiu Jitsu and mobility) Wellness Gym (Weightlifting, pool, sauna, and magnesium pool) Alpha Gym (Weightlifting and sauna) BYND Fitness Club (Weightlifting and lap pool) Undefeated Gym (Weightlifting, pool, sauna, steam room, and ice bath) Recovery but make it social Recovery culture in Canggu deserves its own category because people here recover harder than they party. Ice baths, steam rooms and saunas, sports massages, IV drips, breathwork - you name it. Recovery spaces have also become such a social thing here. Sometimes people don’t even go because they’re sore, they go because their friends are there, and afterwards everyone gets smoothies together. A very Canggu thing to do. My go to recovery spots: Amo Spa (Sauna, ice bath, steam room, jacuzzi, pool, hammam) The Block (Sauna, ice bath, jacuzzi, pool) Island Spots Club (Sauna, ice bath, jacuzzi, pool) Air Seseh (Sauna, ice bath, pool) Recovery, lift, recovery. From left to right: Bynd, Wellness, Air Seseh Catching (or Watching) Waves I don’t surf, and ironically I’m kind of just okay with beaches. But surfing is basically the unofficial daily ceremony of Canggu. People either head out super early in the morning or go for a sunset surf session in the afternoon. If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry, there are plenty of surfing lessons around Canggu too. So you can absolutely live out your surfer life for a day if you want. Question, though…what do these surfers do for a living that they have all the time in the world to be at the beach every single day? Because I want that job. Beaches I go watch people surf: Berawa Beach Batu Bolong Beach Echo Beach Pererenan Beach Cafe hopping like it’s a full time job Ok this one, I do a lot. There are cafes absolutely everywhere, some are for working, some are for people-watching, some are for post-workout matcha, and some are clearly designed for someone to sit dramatically with a laptop answering emails. I would say, spending a slow morning cafe hopping is one of my favourite things to do in Canggu. Good coffee, good food, good weather, and nowhere particularly important to be. My regular coffee spots : 7AM Bakers Monsieur Spoon Fine by Satu Satu Two Face Coffee Baked Final Thoughts I feel like this is why so many people end up staying in Canggu longer than planned even though it's crazy busy. The lifestyle here has a way of pulling you in. Your day starts casually with coffee, and before you know it, you’ve somehow been out all day doing a bunch of other things, hehe. Hope you find this helpful and thank you for reading!