Our year in Bali

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Our year in Bali Dreaming of Bali? You’ve got this 🌴
We’ll back you up with visas, housing, schools & more. From first steps to settling in, we’re here to guide you. Great!

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Live boldly, move smart — Bali awaits. Book your FREE 30-min call Discovery call I started this website to record our experiences during our gap year in Bali. We were so happy in Bali that our gap year turned into an amazing two-year family adventure that changed our lives. Now back in Australia, I continue my love for the Bali expat life by providing a relocation service with essential living resources to help other families make the move too! BALI OFFERED EVERYTHING OUR FAMILY WANTED IN OUR GAP YEAR:

- An Australian School System with the same curriculum and school calendar
- Only one or two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time, making it easy to work remotely
- Reliable internet access with free wi-fi widely available (our villa internet worked well)
- Regular flights to Australia and Singapore for easy trips home and visa updates
- More family leisure time as we didn’t need to wash our clothes, clean the house, cook and commute to work
- Lower cost of living allowing us to frequently enjoy restaurants, movies and travel
- A diverse culture and island life with a religious Hindu population and their customs, language, food, festivals and ceremonies
- A tropical climate where the forecast everyday is very warm!
- Travel opportunities with many diverse places to explore in Bali, on nearby islands and in neighbouring Asian countries
- A diverse expat community and opportunities to form new friendships and connect with people and entrepreneurs with a similar mindset
- Delicious food including exotic fruit and vegetables, affordable Indonesian and international cuisine and an incredible health food scene too! Another big factor when relocating with children is the education they will receive. Bali offers many schooling options , including International pre-schools and schools (you may have heard about the famous Green School), family-based homeschools, distance online learning and even world schooling. During our time in Bali, I was intrigued by the stories of my fellow expats so I started interviewing friends and publishing their stories. I continue to publish inspiring interviews most weeks. This growing interview collection takes us into the homes and lives of expat families living in Bali. Most recently, I have consulted families from the USA, Canada, Bahrain, India, Singapore, UK, Brazil, Croatia, Dubai, New Zealand, Colombia and of course Australia. Surprisingly, many of these families have never been to Bali before. On the flipside, many are regular visitors to Bali. Either way, they reach out to me for my comprehensive service to gain the confidence they need to make the move. We all go through a learning curve when relocating somewhere different, but by using my ‘Move to Bali’ consulting service you will have the necessary tools to speed up the process so you can relax a whole lot quicker. Keen to find out more about living in Bali? Email me your details so we can set up a free 30 min Zoom call to discuss your plans and learn how I can help. I look forward to helping you live your best Bali life!

Preparing your child for university while living in Bali? Extracurricular activities can be an important part of that jo...
19/09/2026

Preparing your child for university while living in Bali? Extracurricular activities can be an important part of that journey.

University preparation isn’t just about grades. Activities outside the classroom can help students develop curiosity, initiative, leadership, practical skills and a sense of purpose.

And Bali offers plenty of opportunities for students to explore their interests in meaningful ways — from internships and passion projects to volunteering, marine conservation, fundraising, academic clubs and leadership roles.

But it’s not about joining as many activities as possible.

Depth matters more than breadth. A student who spends several years developing a genuine interest and taking on increasing responsibility can build a much stronger story than someone who simply joins lots of clubs for a short time.

The most important thing is to encourage children to explore what they genuinely care about and find ways to take those interests further.

Our latest article looks at how extracurricular activities can support university preparation, along with some of the opportunities students can explore while living in Bali.

Read the full article here: https://ouryearinbali.com/extracurricular-activities-bali-for-university/

And if you’re considering moving to Bali with your family, book your free discovery call and walk away with a clear, personalised plan.

Book Now: https://calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min

16/09/2026

One of the biggest surprises for Ella after moving her family from Australia to Bali was the variety of education options available for her children.

Before relocating, Ella assumed they would eventually return to Australia once her children reached school age. But after exploring the schools and different educational approaches in Bali, her perspective has changed.

“I’d actually like my daughter to go to school here.”

From British and Australian curricula to International Baccalaureate (IB), Montessori, nature-based learning and more, Bali offers families a wide range of educational approaches. For Ella, one of the biggest benefits is being able to find an environment that can suit each child’s individual needs, interests and personality.

“There are so many different ways of thinking that you can really tailor education to your child.”

For families moving to Bali, choosing the right school is an important part of the relocation process. There are many schools across the island, each with its own curriculum, teaching style, location and community.

Explore our Bali School Guide:
https://ouryearinbali.com/bali-school-and-education-guide/

Read Ella’s full family relocation story:
https://ouryearinbali.com/moving-to-bali-with-kids-ellas-family-relocation-story/

Considering a move to Bali with your family? You can also book a free discovery call with Our Year in Bali to get personalised guidance on your relocation; https://calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min

Thinking about moving to Bali? The part nobody really prepares you for isn’t always the visa, the house, or the school.I...
13/09/2026

Thinking about moving to Bali? The part nobody really prepares you for isn’t always the visa, the house, or the school.

It’s everything that comes after.

You can spend months researching, saving Facebook posts, asking questions, comparing options and trying to work everything out from thousands of kilometres away.

But once you arrive, you’re still making important decisions in a completely new environment, often without knowing who to ask, what advice to trust, or what you might have overlooked.

That’s why relocation support is about more than simply giving you information.

It’s about having someone you can turn to throughout the journey — someone who understands the process, knows the local landscape, and can help take some of the mental load off your shoulders.

We’ve seen this make a real difference for families, couples, professionals and retirees who have made the move to Bali with us.

Learn More: https://ouryearinbali.com/moving-to-bali-with-support/

And if you’re considering your own move to Bali, you don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out.

Book a free discovery call with Our Year in Bali and let’s talk through your plans and where you’re at in the process.

Book Now: https://calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min

What is it really like to move to Bali with two young children?Simone, founder of Our Year in Bali, recently sat down wi...
12/09/2026

What is it really like to move to Bali with two young children?

Simone, founder of Our Year in Bali, recently sat down with Brad and Grace to hear about their first six months of building a new life in Bali with their two sons. They moved from California to Sanur after spending years thinking about what kind of life they wanted to create as a family. When they first started exploring the move, they had plenty of questions — from schooling and where to live to what everyday life in Bali would actually look like.

Sanur wasn’t even on their original list. Today, it’s home. Their experience has been a mix of beautiful moments, unexpected challenges and plenty of learning along the way. They’ve had to adjust to local systems, find the right schools for their two very different children, manage their expenses, build a new community and learn that things don’t always happen the way they did back in California.

But they’ve also discovered the things they love about raising their family here — from their children learning Bahasa Indonesia and exploring their neighbourhood to having more time outdoors and experiencing Indonesian culture as part of everyday life.

In our latest article, Simone shares the full conversation, including what surprised Brad and Grace, what challenged them and what they’ve learned since making the move.

Read the full story: https://ouryearinbali.com/moving-to-bali-with-kids/

Thinking about moving to Bali? Book a free Discovery Call with Simone to talk through your plans and next steps: calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min?

11/09/2026

Not everyone moves to Bali for the hustle and bustle.

For Kendal and Vickie, choosing where to live was just as much about knowing what they didn’t want.

They weren’t looking to recreate the fast-paced lifestyle they were leaving behind. They wanted somewhere calmer, more relaxed, and better suited to the life they wanted to build — which is what drew them to Sanur.

Away from the chaos and constant hustle of some of Bali’s busier areas, Sanur offered the slower pace, community, and sense of ease they were looking for.

Sometimes, moving to Bali isn’t about choosing the most popular area. It’s about finding the place that actually feels right for you.

And that’s where having the right local guidance can make all the difference.

Confused about choosing the right area to live in Bali? Visit our website to explore the different areas across Bali: https://ouryearinbali.com/where-to-live/

or simply book a free Discovery Call with us: https://calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min?

10/09/2026

Moving to Bali isn’t about recreating the life you had back home.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned at Our Year in Bali is that Bali works differently — from the pace of everyday life and how things get done, to community, family life, schools, housing and building your support network.

Trying to make Bali fit exactly into your old routine can leave you frustrated. The real magic happens when you arrive with open expectations and start creating a life that works with Bali, not against it.

Whether you’re coming for a few months, bringing your family, working remotely or planning a long-term move, the goal isn’t simply to move to Bali. It’s to create a Bali life that’s right for you.

Our relocation packages are designed to help you navigate the practical side of that journey, with guidance on the things that matter most before and after you arrive.

Ready to start creating your Bali life?

Explore our packages: https://ouryearinbali.com/our-services/

What does it really look like to move to Bali with your family?Leontine and Leonard made the move from Amsterdam to Bali...
10/09/2026

What does it really look like to move to Bali with your family?

Leontine and Leonard made the move from Amsterdam to Bali with their two boys, looking for a different pace of life and more time together as a family.

As part of their move with Our Year in Bali, they had to work through many of the practical questions that come with relocating abroad, from choosing the right school and finding the right area to live, to adjusting to a new routine, building a community and balancing work with family life.

Today, they’re settled near Ubud and have found a lifestyle that gives their family more time outdoors, greater flexibility and a strong sense of community.

But their experience also highlights the realities that don’t always make it into the picture: being further away from family and friends, adapting to a different rhythm, and understanding how much your choice of location can shape everyday life.

Their story is a useful perspective for anyone considering a move to Bali with children — especially those trying to understand what life here looks like beyond the holiday experience.

Read the full story: https://ouryearinbali.com/moving-to-bali-from-netherlands-with-kids

Considering a move to Bali? Book a free Discovery Call to discuss your plans, priorities and what you need to consider before making the move: https://calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min

08/09/2026

Moving to Bali can mean learning to embrace a completely different way of life.

For Brad and Grace, one of the biggest lessons has been letting go of the expectations they had about how things should work and becoming more comfortable with the slower pace, local culture, community and everyday realities of living in Bali.

Life here isn’t always convenient, and it isn’t a permanent holiday. But when you learn to embrace the differences, even the unexpected moments can become part of the experience.

Their story is a great reminder that moving to Bali with a family is about more than finding a beautiful place to live. It’s about adapting to a new culture, being open to change and creating a lifestyle that works for your family.

Planning a move to Bali? Book a free Discovery Call with Our Year in Bali to get guidance on your move.

Book Now: calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min?

From California to Bali: The Reality of Moving With KidsAfter leaving California and moving to Sanur with their two chil...
08/09/2026

From California to Bali: The Reality of Moving With Kids

After leaving California and moving to Sanur with their two children, Brad and Grace have spent the past six months adjusting to a completely different way of life.In our latest interview, they share their first-hand experience of making the move, from choosing a home and finding schools to building a new community and adapting to everyday life in Bali.

They also discuss the realities that are often overlooked when considering a move abroad, including the cost of living, rainy seasons, traffic, different systems, household responsibilities, and the importance of adapting to the local culture. For their children, the move has also brought new experiences, from visiting local markets and experiencing Balinese traditions to learning Bahasa and discovering a different pace of life.

If you're considering moving to Bali with your family, this conversation offers an honest look at both the opportunities and challenges of making the transition.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mFWDK3Z5RCQ

Planning your own move to Bali? Book a free Discovery Call with the Our Year in Bali team to discuss your relocation plans, budget, visa options, schooling, lifestyle goals, and the best areas of Bali for your family.

Book a Free Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/ouryearinbali/30min?

Thinking about moving to Bali with your children and wondering whether Green School Bali could be the right fit?Green Sc...
06/09/2026

Thinking about moving to Bali with your children and wondering whether Green School Bali could be the right fit?

Green School is one of those schools that families tend to have a strong reaction to. Some visit and immediately think, “This is exactly what we’ve been looking for.” Others love the philosophy but realise another school may suit their child better.

With its bamboo campus, outdoor classrooms, nature-based learning and focus on sustainability, Green School takes a very different approach to education.

But what is it actually like, and who is it really right for?

We’ve visited the campus more than a dozen times and spoken with the Director of Admissions, Head of Lower School and Head of Upper School. We’ve also filmed in-depth interviews with each of them.

In our latest article, we bring everything together, including:
• What makes Green School different
• The Lower and Upper School experience
• The Greenstone programme
• Admissions, fees and practical information
• Which children tend to thrive there
• What families should consider before enrolling
• University pathways and qualifications
• Other nature-based schools around Ubud

There isn’t one “best” international school in Bali. The right choice depends on your child, your family and the kind of education you’re looking for.

Read our latest Green School Bali guide for an honest, in-depth look at the school and whether it could be the right fit for your family: https://ouryearinbali.com/green-school-bali-guide/

If you’re researching international schools in Bali, read our latest Green School Bali guide to get a clearer picture of what the school offers and whether it could be a good fit for your family.

And if you’re comparing Green School with other international schools in Bali, our School Consultation can help.

We’ll talk through your child’s age, learning style, your family’s priorities, and the different school options across Bali, so you can make a more informed decision.

Book a School Consultation with Our Year in Bali: https://calendly.com/ouryearinbali/bali-school-deep-dive-discussion-clone

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