Living in Bali is this magical mix of paradise, patience, and beautiful chaos. Tourists might fall in love with the beaches and smoothie bowls, but expats? We stay for the weird little moments that make island life unforgettable.
If you’ve been here long enough to stop checking weather apps, instinctively carry a poncho, and accept that time is a flexible concept… this one’s for you.
- You’ve Mastered the Art of the Scooter
You now glide through Bali traffic like it’s a dance routine. Swerving past potholes, stray dogs, offerings in the street, and entire families in one bike? Easy. You’ve probably balanced a surfboard or three bags of groceries on the back while doing it. And let’s be honest, you feel kinda cool every time.
- You Measure Time in Ceremonies and Full Moons
“Let’s meet after Galungan” or “I’ll do it next full moon” totally counts as a timeline here. Days blur together when there’s a temple ceremony down your street or yoga class gets canceled because someone’s uncle is getting blessed. You lose track of time, but somehow, everything still flows.
- Gojek Is Your Ride, Your Lunch… Basically Your Soulmate
Seriously, what did we do before Gojek? You can get a motorcycle ride, your favorite nasi goreng, medicine, groceries, even a new charger all without moving from your bean bag. Some days, you open Gojek more than Instagram.
- You’ve Become a Part-Time Tour Guide for Visiting Friends
The moment people hear you live in Bali, they start planning their “quick little visit.” Suddenly, you’re booking villas, recommending beach clubs, and trying to sound excited about going to Monkey Forest for the sixth time. You secretly have a favorite monkey now (his name is probably Kevin).
- You Have a Favorite Warung That Knows Your Order Before You Sit Down
They greet you with a smile and say, “Nasi campur, no sambal, ya?” and your heart just mets a little. The food’s great, but it’s that feeling of being known that makes it special.
- You’ve Stopped Flinching at Geckos on Your Ceiling
They used to scare you. Now they’re your tiny housemates. They chirp in the middle of your Zoom calls, they occasionally fall off the ceiling, and honestly, you kinda love them. They eat mosquitoes and mind their own business. Respect.
- Your Flip-Flops Are Basically Formalwear
Yes, they’re rubber. Yes, you wore them to brunch, the co-working space, and maybe even a beach wedding. You’ve got a “fancy pair” and a “rainy day pair,” and honestly, you feel personally attacked when someone suggests closed shoes.
But real talk, if you’re going to the immigration office or any official government building, wear closed shoes. Even if it’s 35°C outside. Even if you’re just picking up a photocopy. The flip-flop rebellion ends at the front desk.