I want out...

[harryopal1]

So what you guys are saying boils down to “nice climate, friendly people and cheap”? There are many alternatives then.

With world wide inflation the number of countries offering affordable rentals has seen Indonesia still to be one of the lower cost countries where residence is viable.

What are some of the many alternatives you suggest.

Another element is that while Bali is hardly free from crime, as far as my wife is concerned, it feels safer. And for me the convenient proximity of Bali to Indonesia enabled several visits before finally settling. Also in the event of serious health problems quick access back to Australia for free treatment under Medicare. I am enrolled with the local health system but there are many posts questioning the levels of expertise and possibility of misdiagnosis.

 

[jstar]

There are no countries that meet those criteria tout court. Nor does Indonesia. Only specific regions of certain countries.

Countries like The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, Columbia, Turkey, Nicaragua, South East Europe etc etc etc all have areas which could be considered with these specs. And some offer even more. But I do expect a bit more than friendly faces, cheap warungs and the heat.

As Harry is rightfully alluding to, access to medical care but also proximity of family & friends and the absence of religious fanatism and availability of good schools …. can be important. And so there’s more, depending on the person and his/her situation.

 

[Samoerai]

Don't forget Portugal.

 

[jstar]

True, the Algarve but even Lisboa and Porto (if you prefer city life) are nice places and relatively speaking rather cheap.

I really like Madeira. But the forest fires are somewhat of a turn off.

 

[Samoerai]

True, the Algarve but even Lisboa and Porto (if you prefer city life) are nice places and relatively speaking rather cheap.

Portugal has a nice climate, not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter. Plus golden visa and low tax rates.

 

[Jaime C]

Isn’t housing costs in the popular areas pretty expensive? I saw a “retire abroad” show last year, and thought the 3-4k monthly rental in popular cities a little steep for budget conscious people.

 

[Samoerai]

City life is expensive all over the world. But relatively compared to other European countries, living in Portugal is less expensive.

 

[Balifrog]

Having lived in most Asian countries, I consider Bali a decent compromise.
And at my age (71) I dont have the same expectations as 30 years ago.
Would I have settled down here at 40y old ? No, way too boring.
Traffic wise Sanur is still OK.

 

[jstar]

Within Sanur it’s not so bad, if (big IF) there are no ceremonies. But the moment you want to go to Denpasar / Kuta / … via the ByPass you’re screwed.

 

[Samoerai]

City life is expensive all over the world. But relatively compared to other European countries, living in Portugal is less expensive.

I just came across this ad ...

 

[John indonesia]

Dogs barking, kids running around, screaming .. just a bunch of loud people with no respect to others. And they are known for "ramah". Huh?

I'm in Jakarta so Bali doesn't sound like it's for me.
I have noise and crowds all day so I think I'll look at alternatives

 

[harryopal1]

There are still plenty of places in Bali without crowds and noise all day. Best to take a week or two and spend time here to look around.

 

[Samoerai]

I'm in Jakarta so Bali doesn't sound like it's for me.
I have noise and crowds all day so I think I'll look at alternatives

An apartment building not around jalan rayas and mosques. The area of Lotte mall in Jakarta is one of those areas, I think. You might run into snpark

 

[kripik-pisang]

Was the OP an employee of the forum? He checked out at post #20 but the discussion is still going strong 70+ posts downn the line.

 

[Samoerai]

Moving to Bali, you will be moving to a very crowded island... but that is the main areas where people cluster for conveniences of stores and whatever. Traffic arounds these areas now is diabolical.
View attachment 4236 This is the infamous "short cut" near Canggu.

Hmmm, I just read in Jakarta Globe that Bali will get a subway ... this project, estimated to cost up to $20 billion (Rp 324.4 trillion), will use "a non-conventional investment approach" (the use of 10 Tunnel Boring Machines), engaging the consortium to discuss and finalize business concepts, plans, and technical designs. The project will be completed in phases: the first from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Cemagi, the second from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Nusa Dua, the third from Central Parkir Kuta to Sanur, and the fourth from Renon to Ubud.

 

[jstar]

And with an expected implementation in 2032….

What many people don’t know is that all the phases the article mentions and the tracks of the subway, already exist….. by bus. So there’s a number 5 that goes from Jimbaran via Kuta Parkir Sentra to Sanur, a number 6 from Nusa Dua via the airport to that same central parking (at the IKEA), etc etc.

If you see who are using those busses; practically nobody. Some students and people for work. During the day there‘s only 1 paying (4.400 IDR fixed rate) customer on the bus and often they’re empty.

So no tourists. Who take a Grab or Go or InDrive or Maxim car or motorbike which are rather cheap. Will they use a subway? I also think it’s very questionable they couldn’t use electric buses (even Jakarta is switching) to at least profile themselves as eco friendly. These red busses from Trans Metro Dewata are in fact very new.

 

[Balifrog]

(the use of 10 Tunnel Boring Machines),

They don't know what they are speaking about....
And I have been in piling, foundations, subway for 33 years.

10 over 30 years maybe....

 

[Samoerai]

We use these in Holland ... I think 4 machines to dig a tunnel around The Hague.

 

[John indonesia]

Hmmm, I just read in Jakarta Globe that Bali will get a subway

Their sandwiches are nice but I'm not sure about value for money. I felt railroaded into buying one as I'd waited in a long queue.