Our year in Bali

The wonderful community spirit in Bali awaits you! 🏝️

I was so excited to receive a wonderful photo from two San Diego families who became my clients. One family is planning for at least a gap year and the other has sold up everything and starting fresh. Both families are arriving in Bali next month and looking to live around the same area! I introduced them, and they ended up having a BBQ and swimming together in their hometown. It’s the first time I’ve connected clients before they have even landed in Bali, and they hit it off right away.

This lovely connection is just a preview of the amazing community experiences waiting in Bali. 🌟

What are some of your favourite community moments in Bali? Share your stories below!

The Adventure Cycle! 🌍

Make your Bali dream a reality in these five simple steps:

👏 Decision Made: Congratulations! You know Bali is the next chapter for you!

📲 Discovery Call: Set up a free 30 minute Zoom with me to discuss your plans and get your questions answered.

🥇Pick a Package: Perfect support awaits with a choice of the Bronze, Silver, or Gold packages to support your move.

🏝️ Further Support: We will delve deeper into your goals and connect you with further contacts in Bali.

✈️ Smooth Move: Enjoy a seamless transition as we do all the thinking for you.

Head over to my bio to find to start our journey together!

Life As A French Expat Mum In Family-Friendly Sanur. 🏝️

Meet Laura, a French mother of two living in beautiful Sanur, Bali! Discover her journey from a planned year-long adventure to making Bali her home.

Laura shares tips on raising kids in a culturally rich environment, highlights the perks of affordable living, and offers a glimpse into her daily routine filled with beach walks, work, and family time. She also talks about the challenges, from healthcare concerns to adapting to the local climate. ☀️

Read Laura’s full interview on my website and get an insight into expat life as a mum in paradise!

“”The essence of Bali is found in its simplicity.” ☀️

Share your favorite Bali tradition in the comments below!

“Simone has exceeded our expectations, helping to make our family’s transition to Bali as smooth as possible. She is a natural connector and genuinely cares that each connection creates the conditions for reciprocal relationships to flourish so that they also positively contribute to the greater communities existing on island.” - Ben Link, USA

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Introducing Kyla and her young family on a 3-month adventure. 🏝️

I first connected with Kyla in 2023 as she mapped out her family adventure to Bali. Travelling with 3 children under the age of 6, her story is an inspiration for other families hoping to go on similar journeys.

Kyla’s words resonate: “Our kids learned more in our 4 months away than they will ever learn from a book at school.” ☀️

Read their full story over in the bio.

“Bali is a reminder that life is beautiful and the world is waiting for you to explore it.”

Comment below your favourite thing about the Bali lifestyle . 🌴

“Simone has been amazing helping us land in Bali. She has provided us with tons of valuable information on Bali life, gave us Visa advice and got us into contact with the right people such as: school principals and real estate agents. Strongly recommend working with her when considering a move to Bali!”

- Leontine Leeuwenburgh, The Netherlands

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“Bali is not just a destination: it’s an experience that leaves an everlasting imprint on your soul.”

Comment below 3 words that describe how Bali makes you feel. ✨

Australian Couple Makes Bali Their Retirement Paradise! 🏝️✨

Meet Dean and Kylie, who after celebrating their wedding in Bali, decided to retire in their dream destination! Leaving behind their Gold Coast life, they now enjoy surfing, yoga, and renovating their Balangan villa.

With the help of Our Year in Bali, their move was seamless, proving that retiring in Bali is more than just a dream – it’s a vibrant reality! 🌺 Read their full story over on oour website. (Link in bio)

Hey everyone! I’m Simone, the founder of Our Year In Bali. Firstly, congratulations! If you’re here, it means you’re considering Bali as your next life chapter, and that’s super exciting!

Over the years, I’ve assisted families, couples, and retirees from over 55 countries in transitioning to this beautiful island. Just this week, I’ve had insightful conversations with people eager to begin their Bali journey from countries such as the USA, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and the Netherlands. 🌏

Having personally relocated my family, I understand the importance of dependable and trustworthy recommendations to help you make well-informed decisions. By establishing a comprehensive network throughout Bali, I have the knowledge and resources necessary to offer reliable assistance with important processes.

For example, I can help support you in acquiring the appropriate visa, securing optimal insurance, locating suitable housing or investment opportunities, launching a business, and navigating international schooling choices.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation where we will discuss your specific needs and requirements. Given the unique circumstances of each individual, I provide three packages—bronze, silver, or gold. Each package offers the essential tools you need to feel more at ease and confident in your transition to Bali. 🏝️

Click the link below for further details. Together, let’s make your dream a reality!

https://linktr.ee/ouryearinbali

Bali's diversity offers something special for every visitor, with each region boasting its own unique character. 🌎

Here's a glimpse into some beloved areas favoured by expats:

Canggu: A vibrant mix of nomads, families, and couples flock to Canggu for its beachside charm and bustling vibe.

Uluwatu: The picturesque Bukit area is a haven for surfers, with stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches.

Ubud: Nestled in lush nature, Ubud is Bali's cultural hub, attracting retirees, singles, couples, and families with its serene pace and vibrant healthy food scene.

Umalas: Inland and away from the beach, Umalas offers wonderful amenities like cafes, restaurants, schools , and more.

Sanur: Just a 30-minute drive from the airport, Sanur's tranquil beach town vibe appeals to retirees, expats, and families alike.

No matter where you settle, Bali's expat community thrives, making it easy to forge meaningful connections.

Which area of Bali intrigues you the most? Let us know in the comments! 👇

German Mother-Daughter Duo Embrace Bali: Peace, Culture, Adventure 🌴

Meet Julia and her daughter Amelie from southern Germany. Julia left the corporate world for Bali’s vibrant culture and serene landscapes. From their quaint town in Germany to the spiritual haven of Ubud, they found their home in Bali for the past seven years.

Read their full story here - https://ouryearinbali.com/german-mother-daughter-embrace-bali-adventure/. 👩‍👧

Comment below if you have a relocation success story you would like to share!

I first spoke to Kyla in March 2023 when she was planning her 3-month Bali family adventure. This journey was part of a fantastic itinerary that also included time in Thailand and Vietnam.

Be inspired by Kyla who decided to go to take her small family across the globe from Spain and embark on this amazing adventure!

So it is a big yes when it comes to deciding if you can travel with very young children!

As Kyla expressed so eloquently, “Our kids learned more in our 4 months away than they will ever learn from a book at school.”

Read interview: https://ouryearinbali.com/spanish-family-travel-with-young-children-for-3-months-in-bali/

Deciding to retire in Bali involves a lot of choices. Our services offer the tools, resources, and information you need to make informed decisions.

Carol, thanks for your kind words. Helping you with your retirement plans was a pleasure.

https://ouryearinbali.com/retirement/

Embracing Bali: A European Family's Journey

In January 2023, we embarked on a discovery call with Aline and Bernard from Switzerland, envisioning their relocation to Bali for a two-year work and family opportunity.

Fast forward to August of the same year, and Aline welcomed me into her beautiful Sanur villa a short bike ride to the beach.

Now, after over six months of Bali living, we're thrilled to reconnect and share their unique expat journey.

Also learn how much the children enjoy going to for their Bali school life.

This interview becomes part of over 120 expat stories on the website found in Life in Bali.

https://ouryearinbali.com/from-swiss-countryside-to-balinese-bliss/

No matter where to travel around Bali you will find these small temples with offerings to the gods.

Balinese Hindus believe that these spirits inhabit the land, water, and mountains, and the small temples act as a bridge between the physical and metaphysical realms.

Take a moment to appreciate these small temples and the offerings laid with love.

This one is in beautiful Sideman - East Bali.

Over the years we have asked for testimonials for the website and now started to gather google reviews too.

Here's to 50 more glowing reviews and countless moments of satisfaction! 🥂 Thank you for being a part of our journey – your satisfaction is our ultimate reward.

Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to share your positive experiences with us. Your support means the world!

Testimonials - https://ouryearinbali.com/testimonials/

Embarking on a tropical escape in Ubud! 🌴 Join Lisa, a property entrepreneur from Melbourne, her artist husband Roger, and their 15-year-old daughter Skye on a six-month adventure managing Eden Yarra Valley remotely. 🏡 Hear about their journey, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the poignant reasons that led them to embrace Bali's vibrant lifestyle. 🌺 Discover how Lisa and Roger made a pivotal decision for Skye's education with a unique micro-schooling option , witnessing her thrive in a personalized academic environment recommended by Simone. 📚

https://ouryearinbali.com/melbourne-to-ubud-six-month-family-adventure-high-school-for-teenage-daughter/

Spoke to these lovely clients from Denver, USA last month who are coming to Bali later in the year, and it has been so wonderful to receive this feedback.
Thank you!

"Simone is a great bridge to moving to Bali. She takes care into learning what you would need and what you are looking for and helps make it come together with her knowledge and contacts. It is difficult to navigate moving to another country but she helps you feel more confident and prepared. I had felt unsure and anxious but it was night and day after talking to her as I felt like I could see more clearly about who, what, where and how. And she really gets the ball rolling for you in terms of connecting you to the right people who have all been helpful and nice. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about moving to Bali. She can help you navigate through the process."

For more testimonials - https://ouryearinbali.com/testimonials/

Starting February 14, 2024, the Bali Government is introducing a new tourist tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approx. AUD$15 or $10 USD) for foreign guests. 🇮🇩✈️

This initiative, in conjunction with the existing e-visa on arrival, is designed to support environmental and cultural conservation efforts on the island. 🌏💙 Your contribution will help enhance service quality and safety standards for a more enjoyable Bali experience.

💸 Funds raised (estimated $185,000 daily) will be dedicated to conservation projects, services, and safety improvements for our visitors.

🌐 Paying the Tourism Levy is easy:
📲 Visit LOVE BALI's website or mobile app
💳 Choose from payment options like bank transfer, virtual account, or Qris
📝 Provide essential details: name, passport number, email, and arrival date

💌 Upon payment, receive a voucher via email for easy scanning at entry checkpoints.

💳 Cashless payments are also accepted at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and other harborside entry points.

🔗 For more details and to pay the tourism levy, visit https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/

Let’s contribute to the beauty and sustainability of this paradise together! 🌺🌴

In this interview, we sit down with , a clinical psychologist and couples therapist, along with her husband Andy, a digital marketing professional.

Originally from the Mornington Peninsula, Australia, they made a life-changing decision to move to Bali in February 2023. Trading the hustle of their busy psychology practice for the serene landscapes of Bali, the couple embarked on a journey to redefine their lives.

In this candid conversation, they share their motivations, challenges, and the transformative impact Bali has had on their personal and professional pursuits. From adapting to local customs to creating evidence-based online wellness programs, the Stirlings provide insights into their daily life, the vibrant expat community, and the enriching experiences that come with embracing Bali as their new home.

Interview on the Our Year in Bali website -(Life in Bali - Expat stories) https://ouryearinbali.com/melbourne-family-bali-transformation-wellness-bliss/

Living in Bali as an expat often means navigating a new and unfamiliar environment. The daily ritual of gratitude becomes a comforting anchor, a universal language that helps bridge cultural gaps. Witnessing the locals express their thankfulness for the beauty that surrounds them serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of cultivating gratitude in their own lives.

Thrilled to assist this South African family during their 3-month Bali stay. Appreciate your kind words, Kyla!

The Bronze package that they enjoyed included the following:

Practical living guide: A jam-packed resource to kickstart your journey (plus a great place to start).
Essential planning - packing and pre-departure lists: Handy lists to ensure a smooth transition.
Cost of living guide/budget (excel spreadsheet): An invaluable tool for financial planning.
Housing Inspection checklist: providing careful considerations for finding the right home.
Local Recruitment Guide: Understand staff expectations and salaries
School and education guide: Insights and information on schooling options.
Language Guide: A useful resource to help you navigate the local language.
Settling in checklist: Hit the ground running with this itemised list to use when you arrive.

Over 18 months ago, I had a detailed discussion with Steve regarding his retirement plans in Bali.

Our conversation spanned various aspects, including the retirement visa, housing, insurance, medical considerations, cost of living, and more.

Steve opted for the Gold package, to provide him with comprehensive information essential for his upcoming expat life and video support.

With our trusted providers we organised the correct visas for both Steve and his wife Miri, as well as securing a yearly lease for a beautiful home in Sanur.

The couple arrived in August, and it’s truly heartening to witness their successful transition into their new retired life in Sanur.

Dive into this enlightening interview on the website where Steve generously shares insights into his motivations to move to Bali, the vibrant Sanur community, a typical day in his retired life, considerations for retirement, and valuable recommendations and tips.

https://ouryearinbali.com/brisbane-couple-retires-to-sanur/

Subscribe to our newsletter (www.ouryearinbali.com)
and receive a complimentary download - The essential checklist to move family to Bali.

Explore the crucial steps before your Bali move with us! We provide a comprehensive checklist of 100 items!

Ensure a smooth transition by creating a timeline that works backward from your departure date. Let the anticipation grow for your upcoming Bali adventure!

In October 2022, I had a discovery call with Mehwish regarding her family's decision to relocate to Bali for the long term. With the challenge of bringing her 16-month-old triplets, there was much to discuss, and they were in need of extensive assistance.

Mehwish and her family, who had arrived from the UK in August, benefited greatly from our Silver package. This comprehensive package facilitated various aspects of their relocation, including visa arrangements, securing a one-year lease in Sanur walking distance to the beach, and connecting them with necessary staff and medical contacts.

It was a delightful experience to catch up with Mehwish and her family in Sanur shortly after their arrival.

They in the process of settling in and were in the midst of searching for a nanny to care for the triplets.

To read more testimonials - https://ouryearinbali.com/testimonials/

Kim, an Canadian expat, scheduled a call with me last October to discuss her intentions of relocating to Bali following eleven years of teaching in Vietnam.

Shortly after the call she became a client and purchased the Silver package. It was a delightful experience to enjoy a dinner together in Sanur a few weeks after her arrival in August.

In her interview, Kim discusses her initial experiences during the first few months of settling into a long-term relocation in Sanur with her dog. For the first year she will study a Masters in Character Education and then look for job opportunities.

https://ouryearinbali.com/from-a-teaching-career-in-vietnam-to-thriving-as-a-solo-female-expat-in-sanur-bali/

🌟 Exciting Update! Our New Website, "Our Year in Bali," is now LIVE! 🌟

After weeks of hard work, we're thrilled to unveil our latest endeavor. Explore the beauty of Bali with us at www.ouryearinbali.com

What awaits you on our website?

🌴 New Content: Dive into a treasure trove of fresh material, including an exclusive section on the ins and outs of moving to Bali and thriving in Bali.

🌐 Our Services: Navigate seamlessly through our services as we break down our packages and outline the step-by-step process of working with us.

🌟 Inspiring Expat interviews: Immerse yourself in over 100 expat stories, offering inspiration for every journey, whether it's a brief escape or a long-term relocation leading up to retirement.

BONUS - Additionally, for those who subscribe to our newsletter, enjoy an extra perk – receive a complimentary essential moving checklist tailored for families. 📦📋

We can't wait to hear what you think!

Thank you for being with us on this exciting adventure!

Eight months ago, Kylie and Dean tied the knot in Bali! According to Kylie, "we should have stayed and never returned to Australia." Fortunately, the good news is that just a few weeks ago, they returned to Bali to retire, selling all their belongings in Australia.

It has been delightful assisting them with items like their visas and insurance and providing all the necessary information for their life in Bali.

We are eagerly anticipating seeing them settle into their beautiful home in Jimbaran next week.