Expat life
Living, working, house-hunting and raising a child in Seminyak.
Home Swapping for Bali
It’s not everybody’s thing mainly because of a privacy issue I guess. Although it is a fantastic idea and a dream way of getting good digs for your stay in Bali , on the other hand, you could end up…
The issue of land development in Bali
Buying land and building a house or a business is a dream for many people in Bali especially outsiders.
Free Bali real estate listings
The dream of owning real estate in Bali is shared by nearly everyone who visits the island.
Financing a mortgage in Bali
Foreigners to Bali often dream about owning their own home. It is possible but you have to get your paper work in order.
Bali Land For Sale
Ask any property man in Bali how the market is going and he'll tell you its flying! Good plots of land are getting snapped up like single women the evening before Nyepi.
Investing in property in Bali
Cashing your chips in at home and moving to Bali. Sounds like a dream come true, but how do you go about buying / building a house in Bali?
Bali Real Estate: Bali's leading fully integrated real estate agency
Owning a villa in Bali , either ready made or designed with your imagination can be a dream come true. It can also be a minefield if you don't go through a reputable company.
Seminyak Real Estate
Property in Seminyak Bali is hot property. With great weather all year round and all the fun you could possibly want, Seminyak could a great place to build a villa.
Internet in Bali
Here's an update on some of things happening in the internet access scene in Bali.
Bali Real Estate Agents
Here is a list of the top Bali Real Estate Agents , people you can rely on to get you the best properties on the ' best island in the world '. 2morrowland Indonesia Jl.
Bali villas and local laws
The property stampede that is gripping Bali creates ripples among the locals, who sometimes go 'money mad'.
Modern villa developments in Bali: Buyer beware!!!
With so many land development projects going on in Bali its hard to keep track of which ones are finished and which are sold out.
Baliblog guide to current real estate: September 2007
Here is a look at the state of Bali real estate development in September 2007. With so many projects going on its hard to keep track of which project has started, which ones are completed and how…
Dealing with Balinese traffic cops
This afternoon I had a blast from the past. Over the last 4 years the amount of police road blocks have decreased significantly, especially when compared to 2003.
Buying land in Bali revisited
Following last week's excellent article in Bali Discovery regarding the legality of foreigners buying land in Bali , there follows another related article, this one an interview with a respected…
Raising kids in Bali
Raising kids is something that most of us aren't trained for but have to deal with sooner or later.
Buying land in Bali: Watch your step
Buying land in Bali and building your 'dream house' is something many people consider.
Nokia Navigator: Genuine article or rip off?
My last trip to Singapore included picking up a Nokia Navigator at one of the many phone shops in Toa Payoh. Here's an update on how things are going with that device here in Bali.
Trying out a new ISP in Kuta Bali
Getting online in Bali has always has its challenges, ranging from slow connections to power outages. Things have gotten better though and the range of solutions has increased.
Bali vs. Jakarta expats
A Singapore visa run means running into other expats living in Indonesia. Often I see familiar faces on the plane or even in Singapore, other times I'll run into expats living in other parts of…
Buying a new cell phone in Singapore
Today I took my friend Fauzi's advice and went to Toa Payoh to look at cell phones. I'm not a gadget person and don't care about ringtones, video clips or playing games.
Sunday bloody Sunday in Semiyak Bali
Sunday evening in Bali and here is what this expat did today. Ika wants to learn to drive a car, so I spent an hour trying to locate a cheap rental, that we could take down to Serangan Island (plenty…
Indonesian relatives heading back to Java
Visits from relatives are always something to look forward to and my relatives from Java have been here for a few weeks.They are heading back to Semarang in Central Java today, content after having…
Life as a Bali expat
Quitting your job, moving to Bali and starting a new life is a dream for many people. Being one of those lucky enough to have experienced it I think I can offer a few thoughts on how things go.
BBQ's and relatives in Bali
Cross cultural relationships can be difficult and fun all at the same time. At the moment I have my in-laws from Central Java visiting.
BBQ: A great family activity in Bali
East meets west in many instances in Bali, sometimes in conflicts and sometimes on common ground. One of the better instances is the bbq, something that seems to transcend cultural boundaries.
Cars, motorbikes and Bali
America is the land of the automobile, cars are part of the culture. In Indonesia motorbikes, particularly the low power variety rangng from 100cc-200cc have become part of the modern day culture.
Jevon back in Bali
Jevon and Ika came back to Bali today along with the relatives. Jevon spent his 2nd birthday enjoying all that central Java can offer, meaning a huge birthday party, lots of kids and gifts.
Pembantus in Bali
Living in Bali long term means sacrificing things such as access to certain products and good roads, but there are other things that balance that out.
Recent thoughts on life in Bali
On any typical day one can go through the complete range of emotions living in Bali. Everything from total peace and tranquility, to total frustration or bewilderment.
Jevon getting into everything in Seminyak Bali
Jevon is almost 2 years old and grows with every passing month. As any parent will tell you, when kids hit 2 years it can be difficult to control them, as their ability to explore is growing but…
Trisna & Bert's wedding in Bali
Living in Bali often means getting invited to ceremonies and other events. Being a helpful fellow I try to do things for other people when I have the time, so when my Balinese friend Trisna called me…
Bali real estate a sought after commodity
The great thing about land is they aren't making any more it. When people decide a small island is the place to be, land prices soar and right now Bali is that place. Walking around Jl.
Internet in Semiyak Bali
This has been a challenging day to get online in Seminyak Bali. My home connection hasn't worked all day, the local cafes have a super slow connection.
Mick Turnbull returns to Bali
Australian Mick Turnbull, former Cathay Pacific engineer and all around good bloke, returned to Bali for a quick visit. Ika, Jevon and I met up with Mick at Warung Batavia in Kerobokan.
Walking on the beach in Seminyak Bali
Living in Bali offers certain advantages including proximity to the beach. Not being a beach goer, my tan is the same as it was back in England, but having access to the fresh air is a pleasant…
Goodbye 'Cripsy': Bali expat passes away
Mark Cripp ('Cripsy') from Australia, owner of Kangkung Cottages in Jasri , East Bali, passed away recently, while working on a freighter in Australia.
House for sale in Tampaksiring Bali
Sunday afternoon Ika, Jevon and I are heading up to Tampaksiring , close to Ubud to help a friend sell his house.
Seaside Sunday brunch Seminyak Bali
Sunday midday Ika, Jevon and I rode down to Jl. Double Six and ate Sunday brunch at Seaside restaurant (past Zanzibar, Blue Ocean etc.).
Sunday gardening activities in Seminyak Bali
Sunday came along and I set about cleaning up the alley close to my house. Wearing long cotton pants, hiking boots, a long sleeve t-shirt and hat, I was reasonably protected against whatever was in…
Gardening tools in Seminyak Bali
Gardening isn't the first thing you think of when you are a tourist in Bali. Expats however often take pleasure in looking after their garden.
Bali and the environment
Laying in bed last night, trying to figure out the answers to Bali's problems, my mind went to the subject of garbage once again.
Dummy wallet: Anti-theft device
A friend of mine who has being living in Bali for 20 years off an on, recently told me thefts have increased in Seminyak.
Doing the washing in Seminyak Bali
Low tech solutions are often the best. Here in Bali we employ various low tech methods that are cheap and effective. Today Ana was busy doing laundry in the garden.
Observations on Bali
Some of the slow changes that occur in Bali, are often more apparent to tourists than those of us who live here. Here are a few things I have noticed recently.
Education options in Bali
The number of people moving to Bali keeps growing. You hear it all the time, "I'm moving to Bali",I'm relocating to Bali", "I'm retiring and moving to Bali".
Made Wijaya: Tropical gardens and humor in Indonesia
Made Wijaya is the Balinese name of Australian Michael White, who came to Bali 30 years ago. Made is known nationally and internationally for 2 things, his humor and his tropical gardens.
Jevon heading for a playgroup in Kerobokan Bali
Raising kids in Bali is easier than you would think. Two factors including the climate and affordable help, mean you can actually do other things than haul around a bag of baby clothes all day.
Canggu: New expat's landing pad
Canggu is the coastal area NW of Kuta Seminyak. Not on the tourist radar for very long, Canggu has been on the surfer's radar for its beach breaks and in recent years, expat's radar for its rice…
Power outage in Seminyak Bali
Seminyak has a power outage this evening, at least the part of Seminyak north of Bintang supermarket, which includes the area in which I live. Since living in Bali the power situation has got better.
Problem solving Bali style
Life in Bali is very different from the place most expats originate from. Not just the climate or the scenery, but the whole mentality, priorities and thought process of the locals.
Mick Turnbull is a dad!!!
Latest news of former Bali expat Mick Turnbull (he's the handsome one in the Mr. Bean shorts), is that he is a dad.
Losing your cell phone in Bali
Sitting here in an internet cafe in Seminyak, a lady just ran in and asked if her cell phone was found.
Saturday afternoon in Seminyak Bali
Steaming hot after here on the Island of the Gods. Visiting my workout center on Blue Ocean beach, I observed some sweaty looking tourists, including older couples struggling with the high curbs and…
Traffic roadblocks in Kuta Bali
Back in 2003 when I moved to Bali, there seemed to be a police roadblock every few days. No big deal if your paperwork is in order, but some people have reason to sweat.
Ika's condition in Seminyak Bali
Ika's condition seems to be improving, although I want to see how she is in a few days, due to the cyclical nature of typhoid (fever, chills, headaches). Her sister Ningrum came over today.
Sick wife in Seminyak Bali
Ika is having more of her headache / fever / chills cycle today. I've spent time helping her and Jevon, which is like juggling balls.
Guitar lessons could be on the horizon in Seminyak Bali
Yesterday I purchased a soft guitar case at Matahari department store in Kuta. Its says 'Yamaha' on the outside (which is a brand of guitar), but the case is cheap and obviously not made by Yamaha.
Trail bike in Bali
Back to renting a scooter for while. This afternoon my friend Palu and I went along to meet the owner of the trail bike I was intending to buy. Having the money ready I was interested in his opinion.
Flu bug in Seminyak Bali
Illness an occasional fact of life in Bali. This weekend Ika has been down with a fever. She has a massive headache, fever interspersed with chills.
Trail bike in Bali
Here's a snap of the bike I intend to buy. Its a Suzuki TS 125, with a new engine. The owner told me she spends the extra money on maintenance and it runs unusually clean.
Looks like new wheels in Seminyak Bali
Today I had a surreal experience. You know one of those days where connections seem to be popping, you have choice but to go along with it. Let me explain what happened.
Mozzies hard on Bali newcomers
It takes a while to get used to a new scene, with a different set of problems to overcome. Yesterday I got a call from a newcomer to Bali, who complained about the mosquitoes out here.
Beer goggles in Bali
Men aren't the smartest creatures at times, especially after consuming alcohol. When guys go out to meet girls, they often have a couple of drinks at home, a couple of warm-up drinks at a bar, a…
Beggars in Kuta Bali
Bali has its share of poor people and some of the poorest show up where the richest live.
Jevon in bucket: Seminyak Bali
Enjoying the small moments of a kid's development, is what its all about. The other night, Jevon was banging a 10 inch tall drum, with a foot long plastic stick.
Le Jardin Boutique Villas: Jl. Sarinande in Seminyak
Le Jardin is a villa project located on Jl. Sarinande in Seminyak. The smart office is adjacent to the villa project that is ongoing.
Tropical garden in Seminyak Bali
Yesterday I had a nightmare. Not really a full on nightmare, but a memory from childhood, of waking up on a winter's morning, everyone trying to use the bathroom, getting ready to go to school.
Luxury apartments in Seminyak Bali
Seminyak may be too over developed for some people, but to others its still the place to be.
Sunday afternoon airport pick up in Bali
Just got an email from my friend Devin Skolnick (son of Barbara). He is arriving tonight at the airport and wants to join his momma, up in the cultural heart of Bali's shopping, Ubud.
Pembantu in Seminyak Bali
One daily scene that occurs at my house, is Ana the pembantu sitting in the shade washing clothes. In years past, I used to deliver my laundry to a local family on Jl.
Jevon now 19 months in Seminyak Bali
Jevon is now 19 months old, and an active little package he is. I remember the first couple of days he spent at home, and also the time before he could roll over.
Wayan: Waitress Kuta Bali
Interesting who you run into around Kuta. Today while checking out shops in Kuta, I walked past ESC, the 3 storey place across from Poppies Lane II.
Jevon: A kid's life in Bali
This morning Jevon and I went down to Cafe Seminyak for a coffee. More correctly, it was me hoping for a coffee, he just wanted to look at the motorbikes.
Euro smokers stinking out Bali
Society is changing and one of the things that is becoming taboo, is smoking in public places.
Saturday night in Seminyak Bali
As the sun went down in Seminyak, on a steamy Saturday evening, one feels a slight lift in the static, that's in the air.
Mother-in-law back to Java
Saturday morning I returned from the internet cafe, expecting to take Ika, Jevon, her mother and brother, to Warung Kolega, on Jl. Petitenget, in Kerobokan.
Owning land as a 'bule' married to an Indonesian
Owning land and building your 'dream home' in Bali, is a dream for many people. Some people try it and have success, others find it a frustrating experience, others still don't bother and simply…
Kids toys in Bali
Its photos like this, that make me realize buying kids expensive toys is a waste of money.
Nasi tumpeng: yellow rice for a birthday in Bali
This morning at 5am, the front door of my house opened, and in walked my mother-in-law. Sounds like a nightmare huh?
Jevon - A curious kid in Bali
Before I had a kid, I had little interest in having one. I liked kids, but really didn't feel the attraction of looking after one 24/7. Seems to me this might be the case with many guys.
A Western mentality in a Balinese society
Human beings can be their own worst enemy. People who seemingly have everything, often have the ability to screw things up for themselves, or talk themselves into believing they've got the short end…
Smokin' out the mozzies in Seminyak Bali
Sitting in my upstairs bedroom late this afternoon, I heard a sound that had made me run in the past.
Komang from Medewi Bali
This afternoon one of Ika's friends came over for a visit. Komang is 31, from Medewi Bali, and is single. She speaks fairly good English, is assertive and doesn't hold back with her opinion.
Seaside Gym: Legian Bali
Working out is one of my favourite parts of the day. The most time effective way I have found, that works for me, is to go to the gym. The gym I attend is Seaside gym, on Blue Ocean beach in Legian.
M-150: Getting jacked for a workout in Bali
Circle K here in Bali stocks a variety of drinks including 'energy drinks'. I'll try almost anything, if it seems like a good idea, so this afternoon I picked one up before hitting the gym.
Looking after kids in Bali
Britney Spears (Toby's favourite singer) was intending to adopt a boy from Bali (and we're not talking Kuta Cowboys).
New Years time in Seminyak Bali
New Years for me was a peaceful affair, that passed without even having to drink anything. No worries, I make up for it on other occassions.
Jevon: Progressing nicely in Bali
Jevon is almost 1.5 years and is progressing nicely. He seems alert, healthy, and likes to climb as any normal kid does.
Road rage in Bali
Road rage always seemed to me a pretty childish thing, something I'd never secumb to. Over the last week however I've been getting closer to the line.
December 26th 2006 in Kuta Bali
This evening is December 26th, the day after Christmas. A late afternoon storm cleared the air and left a lovely coolness. Streets are not flooded, but have other problems.
Downpour in Seminyak Bali
A hot, overcast, sweaty afteroon in Seminyak Bali, was followed by a torrential downpour. At 5pm 'boom' went the sky and down came the rain.
Jevon in Seminyak Bali
Jevon is almost 1.5 years old and is coming along nicely. He's healthy, alert and Ika has taught him to count to 10, and learn 14 letters of the alphabet.
Christmas eve bbq is Bali
Christmas eve saw my bbq get it's first outing for a long time. Toby was the real motivator on that front, bringing small bottles of Belizean rum and Belizean spices, plus habanero hot sauce.
Merry Christmas from Bali!!!!
Merry Christmas from Bali. Sitting here at a wf-fi place on Jl. Dhyana Pura in Seminyak, with my new laptop, there is no indication it is Christmas.
Attack of the grey concrete
One of my pet hates is grey cement / building blocks. Was there ever invented a more ugly thing?
Dealing with groups in Bali
My situation right now in Bali, is having friends visit, who like hving me show them around. I like exploring Bali and feel lucky to be here, but showing people around is exhausting.
Phone help from Ningrum in Bali
Phones in Bali are super easy. You buy a SIM card at one of the many places selling it, and together with some units of 'pulsa' (credit, available in 25,000rp, 50,000rp, 100,000rp blocks) can be in…
Meeting friends in Bali
Sunday afternoon I picked up friends from Oregon at Ngurah Rai airport. Flying in on Garuda, they were bang on time and a taxi office ticket for 60,000rp, got the 5 of us back to Seminyak and the…
Restaurant economy in Seminyak Bali
Saturday night I ate dinner at a small restaurant in Seminyak. While waiting for my food, I chatted with a Balinese lady, who herself owns restaurants in Seminyak.