Where to live in Bali in 2024?

How would you like to live?

Bali is an island with many facets, and some areas will suit you more or less, depending on your preferences: quiet retreat or dynamic lifestyle. Popular areas such as Seminyak and Canggu are ideal for activity-lovers, Ubud is particularly popular with meditation enthusiasts in the heart of nature, while the Uluwatu peninsula is ideal for those looking for a quiet, luxurious expatriation.

‍Living in Seminyak

Nestled on Bali’s southwest coast, Seminyak is a seaside resort known for its trendy atmosphere and vibrant lifestyle. With its elegant boutiques, world-class restaurants and chic beach clubs, Seminyak has become a haven for expatriates seeking a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle in the midst of a tropical paradise.

Advantages :

– Expatriate community: Seminyak boasts a large and welcoming expatriate community, offering many opportunities to meet and network. This community can be a valuable resource for acclimatizing to Indonesian culture and customs.

– Luxury amenities: The region is renowned for its luxury amenities. You’ll find a plethora of high-end spas, gourmet restaurants and brand-name boutiques on your doorstep. What’s more, most people live in villas with private pools and tropical gardens, within reasonable distance of both the town and the beach. On another positive note, these villas represent a good opportunity to generate income while you’re away, as Seminyak is a very popular area for tourists.

– Lifestyle between beach and city: Located along the coast, Seminyak offers easy access to several magnificent beaches, including the eponymous Seminyak Beach. Whether you enjoy jogging by the sea, surfing or lounging with a cocktail, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location to live close to both the beach and the city.

Disadvantages :

– Cost of living: Reflecting its upscale atmosphere, the cost of living in Seminyak is higher than in other areas such as Ubud or Uluwatu. However, many expatriates find that the cost is justified by the quality of life and amenities on offer.

– Crowds: Seminyak is a popular destination for tourists, which means it can get very crowded, especially during the high season. Traffic can be heavy at times, and popular spots can be crowded.

– Noise: Related to the previous point, Seminyak’s popularity is also synonymous with noise, especially in the evenings. If you’re looking for more peace and quiet, other parts of Bali, such as Ubud or Uluwatu, may be more suitable.

When choosing Seminyak as your home, it’s important to weigh these factors against your lifestyle preferences. If you’re attracted by a cosmopolitan lifestyle, with easy access to the beach and a lively social scene, and don’t mind the hustle and bustle, then Seminyak could be for you.

Living in Canggu

Nestled on Bali’s southern coast, Canggu has grown in popularity in recent years among expatriates, particularly digital nomads. Having gradually adopted a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, this picturesque location offers a laid-back beach lifestyle, fantastic surf spots and a wealth of amenities with a vibrant nightlife and a range of health and wellness facilities.

Advantages :

– The beach and surfing lifestyle: Canggu’s appeal begins with its magnificent beaches. Places like Echo Beach, Batu Bolong and Berawa offer world-class surfing opportunities, attracting wave chasers from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, Canggu’s waters are suitable for all levels. But even if you’re not a surfer, the beaches offer a soothing ambience, and the spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean are simply unforgettable.‍‍

– Expatriate community and digital nomads: Canggu has a large expatriate community and is considered a hot spot for digital nomads. A growing number of co-working spaces offer high-speed Internet access and a conducive working environment, attracting teleworkers from all over the world. This sense of community offers excellent networking opportunities.

– Affordability: Despite its growing popularity and high-end facilities, Canggu is more affordable than Seminyak. Whether it’s accommodation, catering or general expenses, you can enjoy a high quality of life in Canggu without putting an excessive strain on your wallet.

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Disadvantages :

– Traffic: Traffic in Canggu is made all the more difficult by the region’s rapid development and growing attractiveness in recent years. With road infrastructure unable to keep pace with the region’s tourist numbers, traffic jams are a frequent occurrence. ‍

– Construction: Canggu’s rapid development has led to continuous construction work, which can sometimes cause noise and dust pollution. As a buyer, and especially if you’re planning to invest in rental property in Canggu, it’s important to be well advised, as many villa projects are being launched as a result of the region’s growing appeal.

– Overcrowding: Canggu’s growing popularity can lead to overcrowding, especially during the peak tourist season.

Living in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a coastal region of breathtaking scenery at the southernmost tip of Bali. This picturesque region is a popular resort for surfers and beach lovers thanks to its magnificent cliffs, pristine beaches and sparkling waters.

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Advantages :

– Magnificent scenery and ocean views: Uluwatu’s position in the south of Bali and its steep cliffs make it a unique place in Bali, where you can enjoy magnificent sunsets, the cliff-side temple of Uluwatu, and a peaceful life between jungles and beaches. Its topography also makes Uluwatu one of the best places to own a luxury villa with a sea view.

– The best surf spots: Uluwatu is Bali’s most popular destination for seasoned surfers, with spots such as Padang Padang and Dreamland.

– A little-known region with great potential: Uluwatu is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful, serene setting, because despite its attractions, the region is relatively unknown and much less frequented and touristy than other popular spots in Bali. This is also what makes Uluwatu a particularly attractive area in which to buy real estate: the region is even less developed than its neighbors Canggu or Seminyak, and offers great potential for the years to come.

‍Disadvantages

– A less populated part of the island: While Uluwatu is perfect for people who appreciate natural beauty and a slower pace of life, it may not be the best place for people who want a lively nightlife or quick access to major shopping and entertainment centers.

– Less transport: As Uluwatu is less developed, there are fewer transport networks. However, there are also far fewer traffic jams.

– Higher cost of living: Uluwatu is considered Bali’s “luxury” district, with upscale villas and restaurants. This makes the region less accessible to those on a more limited budget.

Living in Ubud

Ubud, a charming town in Bali’s highlands, is renowned for the richness of its cultural heritage and the beauty of its natural surroundings. The village is surrounded by magnificent forests, picturesque water temples and lush green rice paddies.

‍ Advantages:

– A verdant natural setting: the Ubud region offers a living environment surrounded by nature and Bali’s famous rice terraces. There are also many natural spots to visit.

– An artistic and cultural hub: Ubud is the perfect destination for those wishing to live amidst Bali’s traditions. The arts sector is also thriving, with a rich history on display in local studios, museums and galleries for visitors to explore.

– An “eco-chic” destination focused on well-being: Ubud is appreciated for its meditation centers, its wellness facilities in the heart of nature, and its relaxing atmosphere for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city centers.

Disadvantages

– Away from the beach: Ubud is located further north, in the center of the island of Bali, and is therefore nowhere near the beaches.

– Distance and traffic: The Ubud region is further from the airport and seaside facilities than Seminyak, Canggu or even some towns on the Uluwatu peninsula. Traffic can also be heavy during the tourist season.

– Limited entertainment: Ubud is less suited to those seeking a dynamic lifestyle. For this, it’s best to head for Seminyak or Canggu.

In short, the ideal place to live in Bali depends on individual preferences. There are several destinations on the island to suit different lifestyles, whether you like surfing, the beach, tranquillity or activity. ‍

If you want to move to Bali, you may be looking for a place to live. Osiris Investissements has a team on Bali that can offer you a wide range of villas to live in or invest in, and can take care of the rental management of your property in your absence.

Contact us now or see our list of available villas in Bali.