Retirement in Bali

Aptly nicknamed the Island of the Gods, Bali is one of Indonesia's most beautiful islands. Its dream beaches, unique flora and fauna and friendly locals make it a first-class destination. Bali has also become the choice of many expatriates to spend their retirement. The pace of life here is relaxed, not to mention the relatively low cost of daily living, which boosts the purchasing power of foreign retirees.

Bali, a little corner of paradise

When you hear “Bali”, the first thing you think of is beautiful beaches and turquoise seas. And it’s thanks to the beauty of its coastline that the island has built its reputation as a dream destination. Although the currents and waves can be quite strong, the scenery on Bali’s beaches is simply amazing. Some of the island’s best spots include Pirate Bay, with its virtually crystal-clear waters, Padang Padang, with its surf spot, and Jimbaran Beach, where the water is calm enough for a leisurely swim. The central lands are also full of sights, and here we move into a completely different register, as a verdant landscape awaits us, with rice paddies and jungles. Ubud, the island’s cultural capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts visitors with its peace and quiet, its many centers for personal development: yoga, Ayurvedic medicine… and its walks through sumptuous landscapes.

A friendly and engaging population

When you decide to retire in a foreign country, the mentality of the locals is a factor not to be taken lightly. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time with the local population, isn’t it best to have as much information as possible to avoid unpleasant surprises? From this point of view, you’ll have nothing to worry about if you decide to retire in Bali. The Balinese are known for their great kindness and helpfulness. What’s more, they’re great ice-breakers with foreigners, so the Balinese easily strike up a conversation with expats in line to pass the time.

A very low cost of living

Financially, living in Bali is relatively easy for a retired expatriate. The cost of living is around 50% lower than in France, allowing retirees to double their purchasing power. As an example, a 3-course dinner in a restaurant costs around 130,000 Indonesian Rupiahs, or around €9.

This makes Bali one of the best places in Indonesia to settle down after retirement. And to take full advantage of the benefits the island has to offer, or simply to feel more at home, it’s best to buy a property here. Osiris Investissements, for example, offers 100m² villas with swimming pool from €150,000, or 160m² custom-built villas with swimming pool from €220,000.