Indonesia
Profiled in Bali · East Asia
Bali runs on rice terraces and reef breaks, warung lunches and clifftop temples, all of it lived at a warm barefoot pace.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Local warungs cost a few dollars, but western Canggu and Seminiak prices climb fast.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Bali
- Tanah LotA sea temple perched on a rock, best at sunset.
- Uluwatu TempleClifftop shrine with a fiery evening kecak dance.
- Tegallalang Rice TerracesThe postcard emerald terraces just north of Ubud.
- Tirta EmpulHoly spring temple where locals do purification rituals.
- Sacred Monkey ForestMossy Ubud jungle sanctuary full of cheeky macaques.
- Besakih TempleThe mother temple on the slopes of Mount Agung.
- Mount BaturA pre-dawn volcano trek to a sea of clouds.
- Ulun Danu BeratanA serene lake temple reflected in the highland water.
- Sekumpul WaterfallA tiered jungle cascade in the green north.
- Seminyak BeachLong sunset strand lined with beach clubs and warungs.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Nusa PenidaA short boat hop to Kelingking cliffs and manta snorkeling.
- Gili IslandsCar-free sandy islands off Lombok with clear turquoise water.
- UbudThe cultural heart, thick with rice terraces, art and yoga.
- Nusa LembonganMellow island vibe, mangroves and easy surf breaks.
- Labuan BajoA quick flight to Komodo dragons and pink-sand beaches.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Revolver EspressoA tucked-away Seminyak institution for serious coffee.
- Crate CafeThe buzzy Canggu spot every surfer seems to pass through.
- Seniman Coffee StudioUbud roaster geeking out over single-origin brews.
- Kynd CommunityPink and plant-based, a Seminyak Instagram favourite.
- Milk & MaduFamily-friendly Canggu cafe good for a long lazy morning.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- LocavoreUbud's celebrated tasting-menu kitchen built on local produce.
- Merah PutihModern Indonesian under soaring Seminyak architecture.
- Mama SanColonial-chic room turning out bold pan-Asian plates.
- Ku De TaThe original Seminyak beachfront club for sunset dining.
- Naughty Nuri'sSmoky Ubud warung famous for its pork ribs and martinis.
- La LucciolaLong-running beachside Italian with a killer sea view.
- Babi Guling Ibu OkaThe Ubud legend for Balinese suckling pig.
Morning
Best breakfast
- SisterfieldsThe Seminyak brunch benchmark, expect a wait for a table.
- NookBig breakfasts served over open Canggu rice fields.
- The Shady ShackLeafy Canggu veg cafe with hearty plant plates.
- WatercressReliable all-day brunch with Ubud and Canggu rooms.
- Betelnut CafeBamboo Canggu landmark for smoothie bowls and eggs.
- Clear CafeWhimsical Ubud spot with a huge healthy morning menu.
- AlchemyRaw-vegan Ubud pioneer with a build-your-own salad bar.
- Sea CircusColourful Seminyak diner doing a punchy brunch.
- Cafe OrganicBright bowls and pancakes at this Canggu health cafe.
Residency
Most newcomers arrive on a B211A visit visa, then move to a KITAS limited-stay permit tied to work, retirement, investment or the newer remote-worker and second-home routes. A KITAS can lead to a longer KITAP permit after several years of continuous residence.
Tax
Spend 183 days or more in a year and you become an Indonesian tax resident, taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 35 percent. Certain skilled newcomers can be taxed only on Indonesian-source income for their first four years, so it is worth planning your setup early.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Indonesia residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Indonesia tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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