When you think of Bali, the first thing that comes to mind may be the blue sea and blue sky, essential oil massage and vacation paradise. But in recent years, the small Indonesian island has attracted more and more visitors from China.immigrantsThe digital nomads and entrepreneurs - they are no longer tourists, but "new islanders" who are actually living on the land. So is moving to Bali worth it? And what is the real life like? This article brings you closer to the Chinese community inImmigration to Indonesiaof life everyday and the path of cultural integration.
I. Why are more and more Chinese choosing to settle in Bali?
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Pleasant climate + slow pace of life
Bali enjoys year-round summer, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C. The island is also known as the "Bali Island of the Year". For Chinese people who are used to a fast-paced life, the leisurely pace of life here is a healing harbor for the soul. -
Low Cost of Living + Real Estate Investment
Compared with the tens of thousands of rents in Beijing and Shanghai, the monthly rent for a two-bedroom villa in Bali is only RMB 3,000-6,000. Renting or buying a property (through an Indonesian company) has become a new option for many people to live as "semi-immigrants". -
Fertile ground for entrepreneurship and remote work
In recent years, Bali has developed a thriving digital nomad culture. Programmers, designers, and entrepreneurs who run yoga studios and cafes are all making their homes here. Long-term legal residency is possible with a KITAS work visa or startup visa.
II. The Chinese Life Circle: Familiar and Strange at the Same Time
Bali has a well-established Chinese community, especially around Denpasar, Kuta and Ubud, with Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and dental clinics.
✅Real experience shared:
"I didn't speak the language when I first arrived, but the locals are very friendly and I can find help for any problem in the Chinese community. From renting an apartment to children's schooling, the step-by-step adaptation is faster than expected." -- Ms. Ye from Shanghai, who has lived in Bali for 3 years.
Nevertheless, differences with the local culture remain objective. Frequent religious ceremonies, loosely organized road traffic, and inefficiencies may make therecent immigrantsAt first it was "confusing". But it is this "difference" that makes Bali so uniquely inclusive.
III. Children's education and health care: real challenges that cannot be ignored
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International schools are plentiful but expensive
International schools such as Green School and Canggu Community School are popular, but the annual tuition fee is generally between US$8,000 and US$15,000. They are suitable for better-off families. -
Limitations of the healthcare system
Public hospitals are poorly equipped, while private clinics such as Siloam and BIMC are of better standard but costly. Most Chinese tend to seek local treatment for minor ailments and fly to Singapore or return to their home countries for major ailments.
IV. Cultural integration: "Coexistence" rather than "adaptation"
Most of the local residents of Bali practice Hinduism and have a strong sense of religion and rituals. Road closures and temple bans are frequent during festivals. But as long as they remain respectful, outsiders can soon find their rhythm.
For example, participating in the "Welcoming Festival", learning a few phrases of Indonesian, or sharing an idyllic B&B with locals can greatly bring cultures closer together. For Chinese people, "being a low-profile outsider" is a comfortable way to live together.
V. Are you suitable to move to Bali? Quick assessment advice:
prerequisite | Suitable for people | unsuitable people |
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operating mode | Telecommuting, self-employment | Strong reliance on corporate systems |
Educational needs | Expenditure on internationalized education | Strictly high school route families |
Expectations of the state of mind | Freedom and slow life | Pursuit of efficiency and institutional rigor |
living budget | More than RMB 10,000 per month | Those with high medical/educational needs |
VI. Conclusion: Living in Bali is not just an "island dream".
Immigration is not about escaping, nor is it about blindly chasing after "cost-effective" living costs, but more importantly, whether you can find new values and a sense of belonging in a foreign culture. For many Chinese, Bali may not be the end of the road, but it is definitely a new beginning worth trying.


"Is moving to Bali worth it?" The answer may be hidden in your inner redefinition of life.