Bali attracts many digital nomads, influencers and entrepreneurs to the island. The south is full of it and that is reflected in the many emerging co-working places and coffee shops. Due to a large number of Western ex-pats and tourists, the Balinese culture on the island is lost here and there.
For culture, traditional villages and the peaceful and tranquil setting, consider settling in the north of Bali. The lifestyle in the north is quite simple, so don’t expect smoothie bowls and sushi but local specialities and lots of nature.
Culture
The atmosphere here is warm, welcoming, relaxed and carefree. The people are warm. Because the Balinese culture is located even deeper here than in the south, there are several cultural things to take into account. Life is the way it is and you have to be able to improvise well. This is because there is no planning and people live here day by day. Problems are approached, viewed and solved differently. Not everything has to be solved by the minute and there is rarely rush or stress.
Much of this Balinese culture will already be felt in the south of Bali, but because this part is already westernised by now, many Western norms and values have already been accepted there and incorporated into corporate cultures. Culture is not necessarily about hard work or being the best, but more about trust and mutual respect.
During a conversation, the main goal is getting to know each other more often than discussing important matters. This overall culture is a little different from the Western one, but many people believe it has enormous benefits. Living in the structured chaos with less workload, haste, directness and stress makes many people happier in a way and even more productive in the end. If you are of western origin, it is good to take into account that the locals find you a special appearance in the north and that you are looked at crazier compared to the south. However, this is a matter of getting used to and will not take long.
Nature
Via the narrow roads through mountains and villages, you reach beautiful natural beauty. The black beaches, rainforests and waterfalls are a feast for the eyes. Between the rice fields and greenery, impressive archaeological remains and temples with stone carvings can be admired. What dominates here is space and tranquillity. Wherever you go there are beaches and mountains to be admired almost everywhere. Nature clearly prevails here.
Cost
The cost of living in the North is much lower than living in the South. Just renting a house for a month costs around IDR 8 million. The food, a cleaner, the rental of a vehicle or the cost of a driver are almost outrageously low here. Locals eat red, yellow or white rice with vegetables and tempeh, tahu, fish, meat or egg three times a day. Expect a lot of Indonesian food here for little money at local warungs. There are local markets and groceries here and a few larger supermarkets for groceries so you can put together your own meals.
Safety
The infrastructure is not perfect here, so it is good to take this into account when driving, especially in the dark. At night, big trucks can also tear over these roads at high speed. As in many other places, it is also wise not to show all your money open and blood. In general, the locals are very friendly and open, so there is no reason to worry about crime. In the field of health, there is a hospital in Singaraja and there are a few smaller private hospitals. For larger complaints or incidents, it is advisable to visit a hospital in the south.
With all said above, if the Balinese culture appeals to you, and you see yourself living in a house surrounded by nature, then leaving for the north of Bali is definitely something for you!
