{"id":92576,"date":"2015-06-12T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-06-12T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/for-a-simpler-life-head-to-bali\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:52:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:52:46","slug":"for-a-simpler-life-head-to-bali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/for-a-simpler-life-head-to-bali\/","title":{"rendered":"For A Simpler Life, Head To Bali"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever dreamt of swapping your drill sergeant alarm for waking to the sun\u2019s soothing rays streaming across your pillow? Kicking off your shoes and slotting on sandals? I know I did. I\u2019d slog out my nine to five, day dreaming on a sunlit slither peeking above my brick building view. My fingers may have been locked in a neverending tap dance clicking across the keyboard, but my mind was free, always roaming far away.<\/p>\n

Then, one day, my body caught up with my mind. I kicked the corporate bucket, fled from the gathering grips of yet another icy Cape Town winter and flew to Bali to work as a teacher.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two months on and my life is simpler, my soul rejuvenated and my daily cuppa caffeine has been replaced with fresh coconut water. Banishing my fears and breaking free of my comfort zone was the best gift I\u2019ve ever given myself! And I\u2019m here to help you do the same. Feel the island life calling your name? Here\u2019s all you need to know about making your move to Bali<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"You<\/p>\n

Visa and flights<\/h2>\n

With it\u2019s prominent position at the tip of the African continent, South Africa tends to be located a bit far from most popular destinations. But, although Bali may seem a lot more than a mere pebble\u2019s throw away, it\u2019s neither too difficult nor too costly to get there. For example, a flight from Johannesburg, connecting in Hong Kong then through to Denpasar, will cost about R14 000 return. But, if you are like me, then a single ticket in your pocket is all you need!<\/p>\n

With the recent rise of the digital nomad culture, many people can now choose to work from anywhere in the world. All you need is fast wifi and a comfortable seat of choice, beachside bean bag or hammock anyone? If you do plan to make your migration to Bali a permanent one, and will be looking to earn money while you are there, it is best to apply for a KITAS visa. Or, if you are simply going to check it out, with a few meetings or observations along the way, then a 60 Day Business Visa will suffice. \u00a0Alternatively, if you are just going for a jol, then you can buy a 30 Day Visitor on Arrival Visa when you land in Denpasar.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/h2>\n

\"Seaside<\/p>\n

Bali may be a small island (extending less than 150km at its widest point), but it is an island as diverse in its offerings as South Africa is a melting pot of culture. Choosing where to stay depends entirely on what experience you are after. Here\u2019s a quick lowdown on three of the most wellknown spots.<\/p>\n

Ubud<\/h2>\n

Ubud is known for its quirky esoteric shops and abundance of yoga studios. Many a pilgrim has trod its cobbled streets and meditated within its midst, searching for a deeper meaning to life. The lush inland town, surrounded by terraced rice paddies and tropical jungles with monkeys traversing the treetops, has become a mecca for hippies and hermits alike. Warungs (translated to \u201clittle shops\u201d) with nourishing organic and vegan delights, line the streets, some operating purely on trust based payment just stash your cash into a jar before you depart. Popularized by \u201cEat Pray Love\u201d, the town is home to throngs of trustafarians, so if this isn\u2019t your vibe you may want to consider setting up shack elsewhere on the island.<\/p>\n

\"Monkey<\/p>\n

The Bukit<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re searching for a surfer\u2019s paradise, then The Bukit is your treasure. Jungled cliff faces gaze down on a panoramic vista of turquoise ocean. White sandy beaches follow the trail of the warm tropical oceans. And surfer\u2019s boards glint in the setting sun\u2019s rays. You can stay in your own wooden bungalow with ocean view balcony at Bingin Beach for about R150 per person per night. Spend your day surfing or tanning, have an authentic Balinese massage, why not? It\u2019s only R60. And end your day with a fresh seafood braai, your toes buried in the sand. Long term rentals are also pretty affordable. But, if you are working in Denpasar, be ready for a bit of a commute.<\/p>\n

\"Bukit<\/p>\n

Kuta<\/h2>\n

If the hustle and bustle of a busy night life is right up your party central alley, then Kuta is absolutely buzzing. Bars and clubs own the sprawled out streets and beanbags line the beach. Plop down, grab a coconut, stick in a straw and suck in the simple pleasures of life. Kuta is by far the most popular tourist destination so come ready to meet various globetrotters with stardust in their eyes and some cool stories to tell.<\/p>\n

Not for you?<\/h2>\n

Maybe you\u2019re in search of a simpler existence of quiet and serenity. Well, Kuta may still be your answer. Head up North to peaceful Kuta Utara where you can set up home next door to a rice paddy villa or get a bunch of friends to rent the whole place out, full length swimming pool, sunset balcony and all.<\/p>\n

How to get around<\/h2>\n

“Be prepared to forget any rule of the road you have ever learnt. There\u2019s just no point gripping onto that security net.”<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Scooters<\/p>\n

The only steed to trust in Bali is the scooter. It is the king of transportation, roaring loudly through its zigzagged streets. All it takes to rent one is an International Driver\u2019s Licenses (IDL) and a South African scooter permit. The cost per month is around only R600, and petrol, poured from Absolut Vodka bottles on the sides of the streets, isn\u2019t expensive either! To buy a bike though you will need to be on a KITAS visa.<\/p>\n

If you do happen to get your hands on one of these zippy vehicles, be prepared to forget any rule of the road you have ever learnt. There\u2019s just no point gripping onto that security net. Get ready to cross on the inside, drive on the pavements, rumble over rubble and dart through red lights, following the flow of seamless traffic. There are no rules, but man, I have never seen traffic run smoother.<\/p>\n

Also read:<\/p>\n