What living in Bali is REALLY like in 2023: Rents, Visas, Misbehaviours etc - & ways to cope.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hey guys! Just to be clear, the message of this video is NOT “Bali is no longer worth visiting” - that would absolutely be a pity because u will be missing out on one of the most special, peaceful and beautiful places I’ve ever come across in all my travels. I’m writing this currently from Bangkok btw 😅😊, and I’m looking forward to flying home to Bali soon! Point of the video, and u can see it from comments below, is that all these “smart foreigners” come to Canggu/Ubud and to them, that’s “Bali”. But that’s pretty bollocks cos Bali is a pretty large island and there’s much much more. Most of the issues highlighted in this video are endemic to Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and to some extent now Uluwatu alone. These together make up like i dunno 10% of Bali. The rest of the island is still a magical place - just move away and out of these areas guys!

[@martinherald6492]

Sorry but "just to be clear," "Bali is no longer a place worth visiting" is exactly what this video sounds like. I'm based in Cambodia, things haven't all gotten a lot more expensive here after covid. And with all the new complaints about and suggested changes affecting tourists there, it sounds as though the authorities there are over tourists. To some extent this happens everywhere and is why Siem Reap, in this country, is my least favorite place to visit, despite having free first class accommodation there whenever I want it. I don't go to places and especially not whole countries, that sound like they really don't want me there. Fake smiles don't do it for me I'm afraid, that's why I left Bangkok (the land of smiles) years ago.

[@martinherald6492]

Oh but Terima Kasi for the video : )

[@stevenponte6655]

I agree. I recently returned from Bali. I spent most of my time up north, which was great. But in the few days I spent in Ubud and Canggu I really did see alot of entitlement from the tourists. Some really rude and obnoxious behaviour. It was quite embarrassing especially considering how kind and gentle Balinese usually are. I hope this changes.

[@hughjass1044]

That's been going on in Thailand for years now and it's ruined the place in my opinion.

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

Money Made pople Rude and corup

[@rebeccal.672]

I really hope that future visitors remember that they are VISITORS and should respect the people and culture of where they are going. That is what it means to be a good tourist. You follow the rules and above all RESPECT to the people.

[@hughjass1044]

You'll find sh*theads like that in every tourist trap in the world and they don't even respect their own culture where they came from.

[@dansauer4712]

Yes, while in Rome, do as the Romans do attitude.

[@surlespasdondine]

I do not understand how people don't get this.

[@peterg6344]

Thanks for a very helpful and considerate video, Jean. I was in Bali for 2weeks in June and enjoyed both Ubud and Kuta, despite the traffic. Very friendly people and lovely places to visit. I was disappointed and puzzled though, why so many westerners seemed to spend so much time in expensive western-style bars, restaurants and cafes (and watching Aussie Rules matches on TV they could have stayed home for) instead of visiting the local Warung family-run restaurants which offered high quality interesting food and drinks for very affordable prices. Am also worried that self important westerners are turning Bali into a gigantic theme park with the white water rafting, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safaris reminiscent of Jurassic Park tours, etc - changing the island into an experience they want, not the experience the existing culture offers.

[@fansmilitan2701]

if you plan to live in Bali for a long time, my advice is to approach local residents to find a cheaper place to live, if you can get it, the consequence is usually the location is a suburban area and you must follow the rules that apply in that area ( don't make noise, polite and caring about local people )

[@nantambusatchldananda4513]

Jean it happened. I just got to Bali on April 20th. Walked around a lot, view the Kachak play 3 times. Then Wayan my guide on scooter went to the Bali swing the Rice Terrace, the Coffee plantation and the Holy water Temple. All done on the 24 th. I then booked an 8 day stay in Bedulu with the hope of finding an affordable place to stay for a year (B211A). Well guess what? The owner just rented me a 3 bedroom, 4 toilets with showers, Kitchen with stove, free Wi-Fi, free electricity, and a large planted garden with more space for planting for $1000 US dollars. Jean I want to thank you. I watched a lot of your videos on Bali and it really gave me the courage to come to Bali. Thank you again.

[@rinciel4999]

best of luck from Bali

[@angelariungu6717]

Very good video. Thank you for the updated. The misbehaving tourist should be banned from coming back to the country.

[@pieter5567]

Absolutely ... yes

[@RedbadvanRijn-ft3vv]

There should be a world wide visum for that. The same as a pasport. If a country take your visum,your not welcome for the next 10 years,in any country,except for work.

[@jonb3189]

I recall it was 2015 when I went to Bali, stayed in a Bed and Breakfast at the time in Sanur (just moved from Kuta). Cost was under $10 a night, and included a few eggs, and butter / toast. Found it just by asking my then taxi driver to show me a few nice, cheap accommodations to stay. Was two blocks from the beach. Really hope places as those still available, granted not that hopeful.

[@VKjk]

I feel very sad for the Balinese to have to ensure all these entitled tourists. They’re an embarrassment and should be banned for life from entering into Bali. My husband and I traveled to many different countries and Bali remains our top pick. It has everything and I love the Balinese especially. I feel generally, they’re the kindest, warmest and helpful people on earth. Thank you for your updates and lovely videos as always 🙏🏻😘

[@dansauer4712]

Apparently the local Government isn't putting up with this behavior anymore. I just watched a video of a local vlogger, and he said they just finished deporting 70 people over the last 3 plus months. So, they're cracking down!!

[@krisb-travel]

i dont know, i used to go for a month, twice a year, for about 4-5 years, a few of the aussies were poorly behaved in the bars but that was about it, never saw any other problems.

[@christineflygirl]

Great video. I really feel sorry for the Balinese who have to put up with traffic and bad behaviors, they are such wonderful people, always smiling and welcoming. Of all the places we have visited, Bali is the one that has touched us the most, probably because of the people. We leave part of our hearts behind every time.

[@JeanVoronkova]

They r indeed the loveliest… lucky for them outside of the tourist hotspots life still goes on as normal more or less…. Within the hotspots like Canggu etc tho things r quite a struggle I think

[@andytan489]

Great update. I think you could do this like a yearly review, as the things are certainly changing very rapidly over in Bali. Your videos are always very refreshing, looking forward to the next.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thanks Andy! Hopefully things adjust back more towards normal over time as Bali authorities work to improve the situations within tourist hotspots!

[@DaveMani]

Great info! The digital nomad life is Bali is truly the dream!

[@JeanVoronkova]

yeah... a dream that's getting increasingly costlier these days, but the dream nonetheless :)

[@mrkitty8397]

I was really hoping that Bali would be a perfect place for me to retire, but the rental prices and the visa restrictions, would made it impossible. Thanks for a beautiful vlog in a beautiful place.

[@JeanVoronkova]

If ure on the ground it’s much more feasible to find a nice place and really if u even lived in places like west bali or Amed or anywhere not in the hotspots rents r much more manageable! Don’t lose hope! We love living here!

[@sosoanngeyoutube]

If you are on your retirement, believe me, you don't want to live in Canggu or Seminyak 🙂

[@alexlainlain6875]

I am in Bali right now. The intention was to stay for years. Indonesian visas change by the week, and the whole setup is a scam. I have been coming to Indonesia for 35 years and I am leaving. I have had enough of being screwed. The whole system is a complete mess. These people are incapable of organising anything at all.

[@Sara-dz1kg]

@@alexlainlain6875 What happened?

[@jenniferp.633]

I just returned from Ubud and rent is triple for an equivalent villa where I am from in Canada. Seemed to be the case regardless of whether I looked on Facebook groups or Airbnb. After leaving an Airbnb accommodation with a bedbug problem, the only suitable accommodation that I could find for myself and my young son was at a hotel villa (where I experienced so much of the Balinese presence and kindness). In the end, it cost so much more to live in Bali than it does back home that I decided to leave earlier than expected.

[@krisb-travel]

Hey Jennifer, im looking to stay in canada for 1-2 months in a monthly airbnb/apartment. Do you have tips on location? Im looking for the best prices i can get in a location that still has an outdoors vibe, eg mountains or river or forest. Is there a location in canada that is known to be a cheap holiday spot?

[@joyluke10]

we have been travelling once a year to Bali since 2014 outside of the pandemic and can't wait to return to celebrate with our Balinese family. We saw so many rude tourist over time so it is great to read the governor is enforcing changes. Even at the beach because we must pay such a small price some times, tourist leave there garbage, we as tourists picked it up. There should be fines for leaving anything behind, thank you for your insight on many things

[@JeanVoronkova]

Lovely, thanks Joy glad u enjoyed the video

[@kenbuck5607]

My first time in Bali was 39 years ago when I was twenty six years old it’s was such a A culture change has been a young Australian it was absolutely incredible boy has it changed The people there are incredible so welcome and always try to do their best to make you feel comfortable I just hope in years it doesn’t become out of reach of the working man but I think it probably will in the next five years time hopefully I’m wrong

[@JeanVoronkova]

no worries - there'll always still be budget offerings I believe since they love catering for the full spectrum of things... maybe this right now is just a bubble reaction to the end of the pandemic hopefully

[@gregdavidson3986]

My first trip to Bali was 37 years ago, on a uni break where I was studying Bahasa Indonesian. Went all over the island, got to see some incredible events including the burial and cremation of a Balinese prince, meeting the ‘creator’ of the modern Indonesian language and visiting a very strange secluded tribe on the shores of Lake Batur. Also remember that not all locals are Balinese, there are many ppl living in Bali from other parts of Indonesia esp Java.

[@mark_______]

Great clip Jean. Bali still looks great and you nailed it with a very much inappropriate sense of entitlement. Carry the same values and enact them where ever you are. Be kind, be respectful, smile....and you will be repaid 10 fold. 🙏

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thanks Mark totally agree yeah, really can’t understand why foreigners wd travel half the world to be here and then be unpleasant and rude 😖😫

[@jlvandat69]

I'm guessing most of the negative developments mentioned, e.g., rapidly-rising rents and entitled, rude tourists are localized in the more densely populated areas in the south. I have been staying (mostly) in the western regions and on Nusa Penida and have found hotel costs stable (not sure about rental costs) and virtually no serious incidences with "Karen-type" tourists. As is usually the case, the further you get away from the crowds, the less problems you'll encounter.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Well done u! We also like the lesser trodden paths of Bali - that’s why I recommended in the video to get out of the foreigner village bubble of Canggu n Seminyak - but cos we r fundamentally surfers we r located in Uluwatu

[@JeanVoronkova]

But we still mostly hang out in the more rural quiet places even in Ulu

[@core.cultures]

Absolutely, I moved to a local Perumahan in north Seseh, the neighbours are lovely (helps me improve my bahasa too) +, the area is local and there are still rice fields (for now) the crazy increased priced mainly apply to the tourists areas in my opinion... And for the life of me I can't understand why someone would pay an inflated price to be in the middle of that mess anyway 😅 madness.

[@ignatiusryd2031]

To be honest the rent price for villas/houses in Bali were indeed jump very dramatically but mostly its centered at the southern part of the island while on the other part of the island where tourism and development is not as intense as in the south the rent were roughly bit same but you can expect a slight jump between 10-20 percent on northern part of the island compared with the price during the pandemic. Probably because its not as overlydeveloped like in the south. And yes...i do feel very irritated with the unruly tourists that were now plagueing the island, domestic and international tourists alike. Both were very shameful on their own. I might be kinda bit in favor to advise the foreigners that were coming to Bali and planned to rent a motorcycle/car to had proper driving license + wear helmets and proper clothings when ride a motorcycle (rent a car if you can't stand the heat of the tropical sun in Bali) and drive very carefully. I mean, when in Bali, try to put yourselves as the ambassador of your own country/provinces and try to not make people (mainly locals) had any bad toughts/images about the fellow people from your country.

[@hannapineda6292]

Thanks for sharing this informative video -how you enjoy your life in this land.

[@rosskennedy3987]

Bali's most beautiful expat.

[@JamesMcCoy-dv9px]

I’m presently in Bali right now staying in Ubud for work for a couple months. I first came to Bali in 1986 and have been coming here every year since except for Covid. I of course have seen a lot of changes in 38 years. I agree with you on 100% on everything you have commented on. I have a Bali driver’s license for motorcycle s and the biggest problem on the roads driving is tourists and 16 year old boys. Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@cosmaszunnah89]

Hi hope all is well. I have a question for you if you don’t mind you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the area. In your opinion what would be the best city to live simply and safely with a family of 5?

[@unsaltedbeurre3411]

We'll be in Bali in June and we're definitely avoiding Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Legian. We'll probably stay in Sanur and then Gianyar. I want to stay at that Ecolodge you did a video on last year coz it looks so good! I also want to venture out to the north and west side of the island and maybe do some island hopping on one of those live aboard boats. Have you done it before?

[@unsaltedbeurre3411]

@PregoJoker Coz I’ve been to Bali many times and those places are good for a few days. There’s so much more to see and experience Balinese culture and nature.

[@alohamorski8691]

Hey! Since you've decided Sanur & Gianyar, i suggest you continue up north to Klungkung, Selat, Sidemen, Manggis (Karangasem area) IT'S HEAVEN!

[@unsaltedbeurre3411]

@@alohamorski8691 Thank you! Yes, I'm looking at Sideman. Haven't heard much at all of Manggis but I'll definitely check it out :)

[@nusantararaya3244]

it seems that the friendliness of local residents is underestimated. they forget, they are on vacation not colonizing. Indonesia does not need funds from unscrupulous tourists. It's not about money, it's about mutual respect.

[@hubertcumberdale2651]

"colonizing" lol. Don't resort to hyperbole bucko. Chill.

[@jamesreed4483]

Thank you for the video! We were thinking about traveling to Bali but now will stay in Thailand. Those prices are as high as in the US. Thailand prices have gone up but not that much.

[@littlespeck8998]

Well done.An interesting , informative video.Emirates is starting its A380 flight from Dubai to Bali on June 1st 2023. No other airline has flown an A380 to Indonesia.It's just one of the 5 daily flights that will originate from the Middle East to Bali and most passengers are expected to be Brits, the Germans etc . Lets see how it goes.If the main Bali hotspots continue to be very overcrowded ...then it may not be wise to vacation in Bali . There are so many other wonderful places in Indonesia where one can work,enjoy and retire!

[@JeanVoronkova]

Wow! Nice to know. Sounds like a posh flight from Dubai im sure the local scene will be glad for the high end tourists…. Many lovely places in Indo yes, but many ppl r conscious that only Bali is a Hindu island

[@leilinovianto6982]

Visit Lombok please... only 30 minute flight from Bali. Very beautifull, white beaches... I am Indonesian, only 2 times go to Lombok. But o my god it was amaaaaziiinnnggg... much better that overcrowded Bali.

[@amandad7121]

A really good and professional video highlighting so many important changes, thank you. I'll be there mid June and hope to spend time in the real Bali that I love.

[@JeanVoronkova]

thanks Amanda! its real busy now in June-ish period i hope u manage to avoid the hordes!

[@amandad7121]

@@JeanVoronkova I won't but I was there last June and so quiet due to COVID, now we will see if its worse than it was before COVID. We have our favourite places and will visit with love anyway

[@VK4VO]

Monthly rental is of course way over the top. On the other hand, a 25 year or more leasehold villa, will set you back around $200k AUD for a nice 1 bed with a pool. If you want long term its very cheap, good for retirees

[@JeanVoronkova]

True, although 1 bedroom w a pool is usually rather small and for long term people prolly need more space i guess

[@leilinovianto6982]

If Bali getting boring, please jump on small boat to Lombok Island. That's like go to Bali circa 90's. Very beautifull, less crowded, but yeah less accomodation.

[@lindysutherland4563]

Great vlog Jean! We moved here in July 2021 and we have definitely noticed prices of a lot of things increasing!!!!

[@JeanVoronkova]

yep.... thankfully not w the daily life stuff n groceries save for the things most affected by transport costs... but yeah we just put down a deposit for a car cos the rentals over the next 4 years wd amount to the cost of owning one now anyway... ah well.

[@davidmaib677]

Hi Jean, Thank you. I always enjoy what you have to share. Looks like I might be moving my trip up if possible May-June, so hoping to run Tino you all and buy you a coffee. Take care and I look forward to your next video.

[@rodneyfaulkner7453]

Thank you Jean for your InSite into Bali and its changes, you are so fortunate to be living there , hopefully I will visit Bali again soon

[@mbronti]

Have lived here for 7 years. Last 4 in sanur, where i have paid the same rental price on our detached newish house here. Thats to do with not being in the silly areas, and a decent landlord..but yes rentals and buying property in those areas has jumped ridiculously. Greed plus making up for loss during covid. Market dictates prices in these tourist areas.

[@mikepark3747]

Hi there! Is Sanur great for babies/toddler ages kids? Is it a quiet less busy place?

[@mbronti]

@mikepark3747 yes, if I had kids of a young age, sanur is where i would want to be. Its going to be a lot busier soon though with the new international hospital and new mall nearing completion. Sanur is a more peaceful area than seminyak, kerobokan, legian etc.

[@mikepark3747]

@@mbronti Thank you for your reply! My wife wants us to all move there! It seems like it’s getting so popular now.

[@MA-RI-A999COSMIC.DRAGON.TEMPLE]

This video was very useful, I'm grateful for you sharing this information. Bless you and your family living your best life in bali! ☀️✨️

[@JeanVoronkova]

Glad it was helpful! 🌻

[@pameladarling5497]

I lived in Bali over 30 yrs ago even built a house there. A big mistake. Thinking of returning. I'd really appreciate your opinion of who to contact for visa information and help with finding a place to live. Want to live a calm, safe life,,,a simple life. I've been watching your video for more than a year and trust your info.

[@m32m1m]

Thanks for the warning! I’ll look into other areas of the world to visit!

[@JeanVoronkova]

it's still an amazing destination to experience - just respect the local culture and look in advance for reasonable rentals hopefully :)

[@sukayahramli4343]

Hi Jean, I was in Bali last week, my french husband has an ex colleague who came to Asia. Decided to bring him to Bali. Thought I was not keen on going, eventually I did. My husband said, traffic for day trip to Ubud is horrible, and Canggu has developed so much since a year ago. Many shops set up. I met up with a guy who used to have a beautiful sandal shop in Canggu and since closed during the pandemic. He told me shop rental prices are meant more for foreigners and too expensive now. Uluwatu beach is beautiful. But soon will be as expensive as Canggu. I spent my time talking to local people who have small businesses.

[@JeanVoronkova]

yeah I never fancy a drive into Canggu esp these days..... n all the padi fields from 8 years ago in Canggu area have basically disappeared due to the redevelopment. ah well.

[@dominichill1492]

This is a wonderful beautiful new video of you in Bail of 2023. Jean the video quality and is good, and the sound quality is good too. I always love the tips and advice you you're audience like us subscribers. I really wish to meet you one day in Bail. Because I will visit Bail in June or July. You are my favorite KZbinr Jean sweetheart, and I'm always here to support you sweetheart.

[@tonywatson5704]

Prices aren’t rising so much as returning to normal.

[@BikramSingh-eo7pf]

I guess most of rentals are not only up in Bali its everywhere globally from US,OZ and neighbouring country like Singapore. Remember the rents in 2021 was 40-60% pre pandemic hence obviously when tourist are picking up renters will need to pick up the prices where they left. ( nothing rocket science). But remember the areas that skyrocketed are those touristy areas like canggu, seminyak, kerobokan, uluwatu etc so long rentals will need to compete with short term rentals too. There are always others place to look at too but overall Bali is Bali. No place can compete with what the people, culture and sight seeings places they offer. Its about time Bali need to move up the ladder too and should not be a cheap destination to sty.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Actually if ppl just move past a little bit outside the boundaries of official Canggu apparently rents will start dropping back to reasonable levels - that’s word on the street. But u need to be willing to drive the extra mile to save the dollar I guess 😅

[@BikramSingh-eo7pf]

@@JeanVoronkova the dollar petrol increases but the the rent far away. compensates. Eg you can sty in kedungu or kababa but yet hang out in canggu its between 13 to max 17 mins ride. Besides the scooter takes Ron90 a subsidise gasoline roughly 65 Cent a litre.😊

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

Thailand has announced taxing expats, so we will live outside Thailand for 6 months. A quick Facebook check on monthly rentals, i found REDICKULOUSLY high...we will stick with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Philippines. Like Bali but no no no bye bye bali

[@onehappykamper]

Greetings from Thailand. I like your videos very much.. Informative and clear... with incredible production quality!

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you! that's so kind John. U hv a nice Saturday!

[@RiamCute]

Wow!....this Is the topic that im waiing to reviewed....Especially about the bike regulation. Thank you.😊🙏

[@JeanVoronkova]

ahaa i seriously dont think that's really gonna actualise to be honest... so no sweat on that account. I just think the governor's proposal is not realistic and will infringe too much on local Bali bike rentals' interests. There's like a million bikes here for rental by Balinese businesses!

[@elizagal7451]

Very kind of you. Thank you. Might change my plans 😊💚

[@MsVivi66]

Just came across your channel thank you for this in-depth video with everything I was needing to know 😊 Also when I was over there in December I was embarrassed by the way the tourists dressed and behaved. Some of the women have no self respect in the way they dress, and the men who just acted like rude Yobbo's was terrible. Add alcohol to the mix & it triples that behaviour. If you did that here back home you'd be kicked out of restaurants or Hotels. It's very sad that people think it's ok to treat another country with such little regard for their culture and traditions, and rules. 😢

[@frankwener7865]

Great Video Jean, I have been following your videos and getting the updates on Bali. I plan on retiring in Lombok and currently looking at places as we speak. I do plan on visiting Bali one of these days. The cost in Bali was so very helpful, that way I can compare it to Lombok.

[@JeanVoronkova]

hi Frank, thanks for the kind note. Glad the video helped. We are also looking at exploring Lombok! and Sumbawa. We surf so definitely wanna explore the surf there and also thinking of eventually of maybe a quiet life on Sumbawa perhaps if Bali gets too busy.

[@richardwilliams9246]

You are spot on with your comments.

[@harnitraveling5262]

Great fair analysis of current events on the ground there.

[@karenellaway869]

Great information, thank you ☺

[@Teamshmo]

The rent seems super expensive now. If you are already renting can they increase prices on your or is there rent control there?

[@brendanfox1787]

first time i have seen your message All i can say is well said and well put to all. I learnt a little from you and look forward to following your messages thanks Jean I am looking at retiring to Bali in the next couple of years so please keep the information coming

[@JeanVoronkova]

that's a nice plan Brendan, good luck with that. We'll keep the updates coming :)

[@LenBranson]

I've been coming back and forth since 2000 and i've seen a lot change for the worse because of tourism.... not that much for the better... I hope Bali becomes less trendy and all the parasites flock somewhere else... Thanks for the video though and the update... really appreciated!

[@JeanVoronkova]

Low end tourism does wreck a lot of havoc in general - Cambodia Vietnam Thailand all stand testament… which I guess is also why about 10 months or so ago the Bali governor was also caught making some statement about refusing backpackers. They all wanna turn about to high end tourism but it’s a brain scratcher as to how. Ah well.

[@LenBranson]

@@JeanVoronkova feeling the ‘ahwell‘ 😉 I do hope to return soon to my old neighborhood in nyuh Kuning. I miss my local people!!

[@TravelingWithTheDon-xz8xb]

Thanks for the updates. Plus you have a very beautiful smile. Cheers

[@ronaldneehao9723]

Thanks again jean you would be an awesome ambassador for Bali tourism take care 😅

[@chocolatecookie8571]

I'm not a fan of Bali but I think Indonesia is intending to turn Bali into a rich-only resort.

[@orangejuice9445]

As much as enjoy the video, I found it's a bit misleading to say the price of accommodation had gone up massively as you only starting living in Bali mid of 2021, which is the era of pandemic. Has it really gone up massively or bounce back? Giving the constant change of currency, constant hike of fuel and electricity prices one can only do the math of soaring living cost and everything else.

[@harrikangur]

The prices have risen 2-5x compared to prepandemic era. Without reasonable justification, since the overall quality has actually gone down. It's massively overinflated right now, while the already long standing issues (garbage, noise, infrastructure, etc) have only gotten worse.

[@Benshafran]

wow amazing, riding a motorbike with your husband wearing a helmet... this is what other tourists have to do, respecting the laws of the country visited..you ara amazing jane..!

[@JoeAction]

Hi, guys...nice vlog, thank you for sharing video

[@JeanVoronkova]

thanks a lot Joe so kind!

[@scke3717]

My visit in January, I was shocked that so many people seem to accept being in areas that fully resemble any trendy Western coastal city, with prices and congestion to match. Personally, I travel to experience alternatives to my Western lifestyle; the last thing i need, for example, is being around rude entitled Eastern Europeans (you know which country!) harshing my vibe. I feel for those who have lived in Bali for years and see much of the good things slipping away. I will return (in May) but I will focus on north Bali, the Nusas and Lombok.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Yeah good plan. We’re planning to suss out Sumbawa and Lombok ourselves in bit more detail ❤

[@davidbarrett8058]

Well said you nailed it.. I was there in December/ Jan as I was considering moving overseas.. I really didn't enjoy myself for those reasons. The traffic was also ridiculous.

[@limchbg1217]

Inflation is all around the world.... Just need to keep a close lookout on the money spending...😢

[@jammyhumardani1119]

EXCELLENT VIDEO VLOG 😁👍👍❤

[@dbibbyma]

Hey, timely video. I am retiring soon and thinking about Bali. Sorry to hear though about he rise in prices

[@alohamorski8691]

Oh wow funny i just had this exact conversation about Canggu! As an Indonesian myself, i dont really enjoy Canggu. I recently stayed there for a few days so i can explore the area, but at the end of my stay, i was like: i did not like this place. Now i really see Canggu as a huge nest for digital nomads, influencers and likeminded people and i totally have no business there lol. A short visit is still nice tho, they got interesting cafes / beach clubs, but other than that, nope. It's very western i cant even feel the charm of Bali / Balinese. I wouldnt even recommend ppl to stay there unless they're digital nomads trying to build network. What makes it even worse is the location. It's quite far from the centre and even further from up north, the traffic is frustating if you want to explore the island. At the end of the day, Seminyak is still the best deal. Lots of options and easier for you to get around since it's pretty much in the centre.

[@JeanVoronkova]

high five mate I felt exactly the same way about Canggu. It's pretty cool to hang out there for a couple of hours to see that tremendously hipster vibe but man is it crazy busy and so super white. Like some say, it literally is a foreigner village bubble unto itself. I'm happier in the kampung side of uluwatu lol

[@alohamorski8691]

@@JeanVoronkova true true. And since i am literally in my country, if feels weird and surreal to be in Canggu like i am so out of place. but it is what is. Glad you found a place in Uluwatu. And if i were to live there i'd def go for Sidemen, no doubt!

[@kristystupka9519]

This is a GREAT video! Well said on many points. I’m a “white privileged” who adores and respects what Bali has given me. I am WITH you on siding with the locals regarding the rude af entitlement!

[@krisb-travel]

You're a white privileged? But the Asians and blacks are not?

[@weetak]

i find your little laughter "herher" in between sentence endearing, 可爱又温心

[@JeanVoronkova]

Haha I’m glad it’s endearing instead of annoying! 谢谢哦！

[@weetak]

@@JeanVoronkova to me, absolutely....tell me a wee bit about your personality. I have a bit of the same in me hence can relate to that

[@eddyshawnkoh4536]

Amazingly informative Jean. TQVM❤

[@umbertoverbita6653]

Thank you JEAN for your vlog. Very informative.

[@queenb4765]

Hi Jean! Thanks for the informative 2023 Bali update. I just discovered your channel and have a follow-up question: In the less touristy towns you recommend, how commonly is English spoken?

[@sabrinafink3371]

I really like your video. So authentic and honest. I totally understand to avoid the crowd. How is it to work as a digital nomad in the more local areas? Are there also good vibes and networking possibilities? Co-working spaces? As I heard that Canggu and Ubud is great for that. I wanna live there for three month. But I also dont want to have this super super tourist crowded places. Can you also see a change in the season? As I wanna come in March is it even then super crowded nowadays?

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi March is gonna be hot - this low season in Bali is one of the hottest in years everyone's saying. Canggu and Ubud will be the most crowded places but there are plenty of coworking spaces everywhere these days with good internet even outside of these 2 spots so don't worry about being limited to those areas.... Uluwatu is getting busier these days but a nice compromise from the traffic jams of Canggu and Ubud. Or there's always corners in Seminyak and Jimbaran to chill in.

[@poochthedog8079]

Great video! You definitely make me want to move there.

[@romankacin8365]

Great video. Fair and balanced. Misbehaving foreigners is a topic upon itself. What gets me is the lack of interest by the local government to tackle the infrastructure problem. Traffic is out of control and they really missed a golden opportunity during the lock down to do something about this. It always makes me laugh about the grand plans for Bali; this time, health tourism. In the past it was a focus on attracting more high end tourists. If you can't get from point A to point B in less than 2 hours even if it's just down the road, how are you going to attract these high end visitors?

[@JeanVoronkova]

we saw them building new roads in some areas.... but yeah in Canggu I think its a bit too late to replan the urban set up

[@CastelWalking]

Hello Jean ! 👋 Thanks for all these informations ! 😁 Now, i can come in Bali ! 😁

[@donroy7825]

Hello dear Jean 👋😊 !! A very good video - a lot of very beautiful footage and editing, great information ℹ️ (not too long 👀) !! So good to have this well balanced update on so many crucial matters concerning your amazing island home. Your happiness with your situation shines through 💁🏻‍♀️👍 !! Disappointed to hear about selfish visitors and poor behaviour, I’m with you on that one ☝️😢 !! In the UK 🇬🇧 we are experiencing high inflation too, so important plan and to be ‘hedged’ against it 😮!! We continue to travel, off to Mainland Spain 🇪🇸 next month for some good sunshine and luxury 🛥️🌊🌊🏰🏨 👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻 ☀️ !! Best wishes to you both, cheers, Don 👨🏼‍🦳👍🏼 !

[@astridgustiar83]

Hey Jean, try Tanah Lot area, slight further away from Kedungu, in Ciputra Beach Resort a newly developed housing complex. So tranquil, not far from the beach, with rice paddies all around.

[@JeanVoronkova]

ooh yeah love Tanah Lot Temple and i do remember its a pretty tranquil drive to the area!! nice! but we are firmly situated in Uluwatu cos we love the surf!

[@etienne8382]

Wonder what the impact is on the locals. I know the rental market in Australia is extremely tight at the moment and people are struggling to find accommodation. I assume Bali would have a similar dynamic and the additional cost for mortgages gets past onto the consumer.

[@sashaw8236]

Great video! I'd love to see a video of your favourite (less popular) places to visit.

[@JeanVoronkova]

That’s a great idea thanks so much! We’ll work on that n put it out in a bit

[@robertstewart6505]

Excellent vid...factual, entertaining and generally positive. Great work Jean. I just subsribed. TY

[@JeanVoronkova]

Awesome, thank you!

[@damondominique]

THANK YOU! Planning a trip and this is all super helpful! Chat GPT can only go so far 🤣

[@damondominique]

...for now

[@JeanVoronkova]

I'm glad - good luck w the trip planning!

[@truestory923]

Have you watched any of the documentaries on the garbage situation there? Maybe you have... This is my first time watching your channel. I was in Bali in 1989, and found it too touristy at that time, so had to move to Lombok... I'm guessing my expectations would be too high now 😉

[@chaslearned4192]

Mahalo for the honest review, the congestion looks pretty bad, the air pollution from those bikes as well. I guess I will stay content with my Hawaii life. I hope they are finding ways to stay on top of all the trash that is being generated by this tourist activity.

[@harrikangur]

They absolutely are not. In Uluwatu area you can smell burning plastic garbage every afternoon. It's horrendous. Burning it between the thousand dollar villas, poisoning anyone around them. Not to mention all the garbage at roadsides, beaches, everywhere. I really don't understand why visitors are willing to pay such high prices for such low quality in return. The infrastructure is appalling as well.

[@yokibw]

Love your video, as always 😀

[@edsedlak6827]

Thank you, as always, for the helpful video. I am thinking of travelling (from Canada) to Bali in January and February of 2024. I am not crazy about crowds and prefer a more peaceful existence. Can you recommend a few places I could stay? I am thinking perhaps 2 one month stays in different places and excursions from there.

[@JeanVoronkova]

You could consider staying in quieter areas and then just making small trips into the busy places like Canggu and Ubud and Seminyak to suss out the vibes - or just be on the move every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks in the diff areas of Bali (incl quieter places like Jimbaran Uluwatu Amed Sidemen Lovina Tabanan even West Bali if you like) before zeroing in on where you like best and spending the rest of your time there. But beware its big distances cos Bali is not actually a small place - just most everyone goes in and gets stuck in Canggu or Ubud ..... n then they think Bali is just that.

[@cassiexx1896]

Such a great video and love the balanced view and level of detail in all your videos. I just spent 3 weeks travelling around and I loved the balance between being in Canggu but then staying out in Ubud Hills, Kintamani and Lembongan. Such a nice contrast where the feeling is very different. I did see some rude behaviour which is disappointing and unfortunately it stands out in your memory but it really was the minority on reflection. I think as disappointing as villa increased prices are, the low prices of the pandemic was not sustainable and a bonus for those there. Would be interested to know how much that villa in Uluwatu was pre pandemic. Understandably they are making up for lost revenue while they have the chance. As it could come down after all the tourists return to more usual travel. Loved the video so much! Thank you

[@daisyroman_xo]

I wanted to visit Bali BUT I might have to wait. I wanted to take a break from many “entitled disrespectful” people but sadly most of these people are destroying the peaceful places such as Bali as well. Im not shocked that one day, there will be mote restrictions for other travelers.

[@SGTonyOng]

Hi Jean, saw Myanmar appeared twice in "do not need Visa" & "Visa on arrival US35", if not wrong, ASEAN states do not need Visa...

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Good video and you present very well

[@kennethhaggarty]

OMG you are so cute! Great energy, I just subscribed, hope to visit Bali the next time I’m in Southeast Asia. TY

[@JeanVoronkova]

thanks! Yes Bali will be waiting for you! :)

[@margaretburnham5683]

I was very interested in going there and making it my escape throughout the year from the US but I will not go anywhere in the world that requires PCR test and or vaccinations

[@JeanVoronkova]

hi Margaret, word on the street is that customs has not been checking the vaccination certs on arrival at bali's airport but airlines still ask u to produce a cert before you board to fly to bali cos its technically still a necessity. I dunno how that info can help lol but i just thought ill share

[@anhe3409]

I’ve been there in 2013 and I’m afraid to go back. It must have changed so much…not for the better.

[@michaelamuro]

i love your videos and sharing. one day i would definitely visit there with my wife. thanks for sharing good vibes.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thanks for watching! Glad u found value in our sharing 🤗

[@sksun7112]

Great video!

[@christinenobles]

I just came back from Bali... Spent all November there... Gosh the prices... Including airtickets it's been $3500 AUD for a month. I don't think I been spending or doing that much but jeeeezzzz didn't expect such a number 🤣🤣🤣 About the accidents - I have a full licence on a motorbike in AU and never had an accident however the scooter been rented to me wasn't serviced and it had robbing & stucking wheel that got me slipped on a road and injured... However can't consider it being my fault 😢😢 Also got burnt skin on several places from this weird bug 🪲 with lifetime scars... That was unlucky... 😅 I loved my stay over all but it was definitely challenging 🫣🫣🤓🤪❤️🏖️

[@philippayne2443]

I have definitely fallen out of love with Bali, it is now crowded, dirty and quite expensive. It is no longer a tropical paradise. I still live in Indonesia and I transit through Bali or visit for golf or meetings but I would no longer visit Bali for leisure. Very sad that Bali's popularity has destroyed it. Agree with other comments that self entitled and rude tourists should be banned.

[@JeanVoronkova]

I think Bali is still a paradise shd u either keep off the beaten path like we do or hang out in the lesser known places. We love golf at Handara in Bedugul! It’s just the over killed areas esp Canggu n Ubud that’s bit much these days

[@rob3774]

I agree, it was so much better, cleaner and more beautiful back in the early and mid 2000s. Also the growth and development is staggering. It's still a beautiful island but Bali is nothing like it was before and never will be again.

[@royalladin5276]

I have never been to Bali. People from my circle of acquaintances advised me to do so. Although I can see through tubes that Bali is a beautiful island with lovely people, it does not appeal to me to get there. I call Bali the Ibiza of Asia. Money and commerce will make Bali unattractive and ruin it.

[@surlespasdondine]

Yet Ibiza is a party island and that's not how I see Bali. The way you feel about Bali is the way I feel about Dubai no interest whatsoever to go there.

[@jyotirajput2743]

🥰

[@lukeridley3207]

Hey sorry I know this is an older video but full vaccination is no longer required.

[@garrethg6268]

Yup canggu up, but rest of area die off such as seminyal, kuta dan sanur

[@JeanVoronkova]

sanur still v busy when we went recently for pottery! nice vibes tho still laidback heh

[@AsyahStreams]

Hey i really appreciate your channel. Where do you suggest for a family of 3 that is outside of the tourist areas?

[@frogfoot1653]

Love your content

[@JeanVoronkova]

thanks froggie!

[@krisna5725]

thank you Ms. jean