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Moving to Bali? Let’s take a look at the best places to live in Bali for expats.

Bali is larger than most people think with multiple towns that come with their own distinct character and unique offerings. Here’s a little summary of each town to give you an idea of what to expect and why they are the best places to live in Bali for expats.

Seminyak

Bali’s most “cosmopolitan” and fashionable city comes with exciting surprises in the form of world-class shopping, dining, pampering and entertainment. There is something for everyone and for all ages to enjoy, which is why it is one of the best places to live in Bali for expats. Seminyak Beach is a hub of activity and is a popular destination at sunset with trendy beach clubs and restaurants offering delicious cocktails, amazing food and toe-tapping music. Let’s not forget “Eat Street” with its plethora of incredible dining options! When looking for a Bali villa for yearly rent, remember that Seminyak would include the neighboring towns of Petitenget and Umalas.

Canggu

Once a quiet town teeming with rice fields and surfers, Canggu is now Bali’s most vibrant and exciting seaside town, filled with beautiful cafes, restaurants, beach clubs, shopping, spas, and a thriving wellness scene. It all began in Berawa but these days, all neighborhoods like Batu Botong, Tanah Barak and Batu Mejan, Tanah Lot and Mengwi are also considered Canggu. Expats looking for fresh and friendly vibes, amazing views, great surfing and pleasing aesthetics would love staying here. Everything is at your fingertips – great food for all dietary requirements, flashy outlets, co-working spaces, fun group activities and cool places to hang out, with pretty spas, yoga studios, gyms and wonderful beach clubs to suit all preferences.

Kuta

Kuta is ideal for expats who are looking for a place with a touch of nostalgia. Here is where it all began, and today Kuta is a thriving town with so much to see and do. Some might find it slightly overwhelming but it has a unique electrifying energy that attracts. In addition to the seemingly unending number of hotels and resorts, restaurants, warungs, pubs and cafes here, Kuta retains its original charms which can easily be found in its many narrow streets and alleys where one could find establishments that have withstood the test of time. Most notably, Kuta is the ultimate sunset destination in South Bali, for the most spectacular blazing red, pink and purple skies every day at sundown.

Denpasar

The capital of Bali is the center of commerce and education and the seat of the Bali government. The city is no Seminyak or Canggu, but it offers a mix of urban conveniences and traditional Balinese culture, making it ideal for expats who want to be in the center of it all. Being in Denpasar means close access to all schools, offices, markets and government offices. There is great value to be found here with lower costs of living and plenty of local establishments to explore and discover. Denpasar is also close to Sanur with its beautiful beaches, shopping and great dining and Renon, with its gorgeous and expansive park that’s ideal for morning jogs and afternoon walks.

Legian

Legian is the “entertainment capital” of Bali with non-stop partying, music, shopping and great food and drinks. Kuta’s sister town is also home to beautiful beaches with soft golden sands and a relaxed vibe. The town is pedestrian-friendly, meaning that you could walk to explore and discover gorgeous hidden gems along the main streets and alleyways. You’ll find new, aesthetically pleasing cafes as well as traditional Balinese venues with the charms of yesteryear. Just like Kuta, it’s perfect for expats who love a mix of the old and new and a pulsing entertainment scene at the iconic Legian Street, a pumping and thriving entertainment and shopping hub for both locals and visitors!

Ready to find your dream Bali villa for yearly rent? Bali Coconut Living offers beautiful villas for yearly rent, freehold, and leasehold in each of these prime locations. Contact us now. Bali Coconut Living is a leading Seminyak-based villa property agent ready to assist you in buying, selling, and villa maintenance.

Feel free to browse through our listings of freehold or leasehold properties, available for sale and for rent in all of the most popular areas including Seminyak, Umalas, Uluwatu, Jimbaran and Canggu.