Radical Retirement Communities - Bali

Tip! Nusa Dua is the newest luxurious resort area on the island, where you are more likely to find the most sumptuous Villas in Bali, including hotels, condos and other world-class facilities. The crystal clear water of this beach provides excellent diving and snorkeling, featuring also waves on the northern and southern area of the beach for surfing.

If you've retired anywhere outside the US, you've done the Radical Retirement. Disbelief from family and friends is proof enough. Today people everywhere are opting for radical retirement.

Take Bali for instance. Bali's weather is tropical with the warm ocean waters that you'd expect to find. There's a landscape of rice paddies at the bottom of volcanoes, an eclectic local culture and miles of extraordinarily beautiful beaches.

Exploring Bali will lead you to over 10,000 Hindu temples. Balinese music plays everywhere at night accompanied by dancing. The island has an active arts and craft scene and the best shopping and prices in Asia.

A cute 2 storey house with small plunge pool, 2 bedrooms, AC and 2 baths will cost you approx. $600+ US. a month. Apts. are even cheaper.

There are approx. 20,000 foreigners living in Bali, with a high concentration on the southern coast from Sanur to Seminyak and in the center of the island, in Ubud. The Ubud expatriates are for the most part artists, traders, and businessmen and women who offer services to tourists and the expatriate community.

People who live in Bali tend to be people who let life lead them rather than trying to control it. The Balinese don't have a word for future - they don't think about tomorrow the way we do. Sound familiar?

Expatriates living in Indonesia, have the unique advantage of being within a few hours flight or drive from beautiful pristine beaches, towering volcanic mountains, verdant rain forest, wildlife refugees and fascinating cultural experiences. All the normal activities such as golf, tennis and scuba driving are also available. The expatriate community is well organized and very sophisticate with many of the activities and groups you would find in most communities.

Tip! The development in tourism industry continues in progress for years, and the visitors of Bali can learn and explore more its unique places of interest, various typical local cultures, enjoy the hospitality of the people, as well as other tourist attractions such as diving, snorkeling, para-gliding, cruising, rafting and even sports. Besides, Bali Island is also an ideal place for having MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) and honeymoon.

When it comes to medical needs there are many small hospitals throughout the island and serious medical needs are usually referred to Jakarta. There are many public hospitals but you can also find many private hospitals. Medical coverage from private insurers is recommended.

One usually enters Bali with a temporary 30 day visa and it's a long and winding road to obtain a longer stay visa. One is advised to seek professional help to work your way through the immigration maze.

Tip! Indeed, Bali has a rich culture, making it distinctive from the rest of the islands in Indonesia.

Rachel Greaves, offers this advise to those considering this expatriate community. Make friends with the local people, learn the language, acknowledge the dangers, take care on the roads, accept the things you can·t change, embrace the challenges, explore the island and the culture, and be open to the intense spiritual energy here. Bali is full of magic and wonder, if you truly want to be here you will find a way to make it work. There are a lot of lessons to be learned on the way, but if you have a passion for Bali, the joy and rewards of living here are immeasurable.

Tip! The development in tourism industry continues in progress for years, and the visitors of Bali can learn and explore more its unique places of interest, various typical local cultures, enjoy the hospitality of the people, as well as other tourist attractions such as diving, snorkeling, para-gliding, cruising, rafting and even sports. Besides, Bali Island is also an ideal place for having MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) and honeymoon.

About Bali Island:

The Province of Bali comprise of several islands. Those islands are Bali, it self, the largest of the group, and the smaller islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, and Serangan island, as well as Menjangan Island. The Province of Bali comprise of several islands. Those islands are Bali, it self, the largest of the group, and the smaller islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, and Serangan island, as well as Menjangan Island. The island of Bali covers an area of 5,632.86 square kilometers with a population of 3,156.392. This averages to 517 inhabitants per km2.

on the southern side of Bali is Indonesian Ocean

on the western side of Bali, separated by the Bali Strait, is the Province of East Jawa

on the eastern side is the island of Lombok, across the Lombok Strait.

Tip! If you want privacy and an amazing vacation to remember, Bali villas are the way to go. These villas include air conditioned rooms, lavish bathrooms and dining rooms, complete with beautiful gardens and continuous service.

Administratively, the Province of Bali is divided into 9 districts (8 regencies and 1 municipality), 51 sub districts, 565 villages, and 79 local political districts. Geographically, the Province of Bali is situated 80-30'-40" to 80-50'-48" south of the Latitude and 1140-25'-53" to 1150-42'-40" east longitude. The relief and topography of Bali has as its main feature a mountain range that transverses the island from West to East. Among those mountains are two of significant size: the volcanoes of Gunung Agung ( 3.140 m ) and Gunung Batur (1.717 m). Besides these features, Bali also has four lakes: Lake Beratan (375,6 Ha), Lake Buyan (336 Ha), Lake Tamblingan (11 Ha) and Lake Batur (1.607,5). Rivers, which have as their source these lakes as well as forests, flow to the southern side of the island. Such rivers are; the River Unda, Petanu River, River Ayung, Pulukan River, Loloan River and many others.

Bali has a tropical climate, influenced by seasonal wind patterns, which alternate every six months. There are two seasons: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from October to April. Temperatures vary from 24.0 o C to 30.8 o C. Rainfall during the last five years ranged between a low of 893.4 mm and a high of 2,702.6 mm. Humidity averages 90%; during the wet season as high as 100% and in dry season around 60%.

Bali - A Lesson to Be Learned

Tip! Textiles, handicrafts, and garments are the backbone of the economy of Bali; they provide thousands of jobs and, when exported, these contribute about 45% to Bali's economy. The hotel and tourist industry in Bali also continues to boom as more and more people find Bali a totally relaxing tourist destination.

Bali. Indonesia. I wonder what the world's view of Bali is today.

Once, before October 11th, 2001 it was safe to bet that it was thought by many to be in the south pacific somewhere, courtesy of Mr. Rogers and Mr. Hammerstein from the musical South Pacific. After that date it was perhaps seen as a Muslim militant stronghold following the horrendous night of bombing that destroyed the lives of so any when the clubs Sari and Padi's were targeted. This was strengthened by the bombs of October 1 2005, when once again, tourists became the victims as two more sites were bombed.

As a long time visitor to Bali I have to say that both views are wrong.

For one thing, Bali is in the Indian Ocean, part of the Indonesian archipelago. Its people are predominantly Hindu although there is a small percentage of Muslims living seamlessly together.
Those of us who have chosen to make this island our home, are bewildered by the events of the last years. Most foreigners here, are engaged in some kind of business (although it is more a life choice decision to settle here rather than a commercial one), and all business here are ultimately affected by tourism. It has been hardest on the 3 million Balinese, many of course lost their jobs as businesses went to the wall. Even those of us who managed to keep going have been under pressure to keep jobs open.

Tip! In October 2002 and again in October 2005 Bali was frightened by a violence terrorist's attack, the boom blast that devastated the island of Bali and the international community. More than 200 lives were lost and hundreds more were injured.

The people of Bali are not militants. They have been the victims of the out rage as much as the innocent holiday makers who have been killed and maimed by a few extremists. Still they harbor no grudge against their Muslim brothers. It is refreshing to see in today's world that often is so intolerant of others different from ones self or others of a different faith than ones own, an easy acceptance that not all are evil. A lesson perhaps, many could benefit from learning.

I hope the problems will abate for Bali. I hope reason triumphs over fanaticism. I hope more people will come and see for them selves what this charming island has to offer.

I hope to see you here one day.

Bali - A Brief Travel Guide

Tip! Another remarkable mark of the Bali culture is the series of ceremonies and rituals known as the Manusa Yadnya. This marks the different stages of Balinese life.

Every year people go on luxurious vacations. Of course people tend to drift toward the tropical paradises - perhaps Hawaii or a Bermudian island. After all, when anyone travels they want to be in a relaxing environment. However, what people don't realize is that there is a secret tropical place that is not only beautiful but also possesses some of the best spas in the world.

Bali, an Indonesian island, is a great place for travelers who want amazing beaches, friendly citizens, and breathtaking scenery. With over three millions inhabitants, Bali is home to some of the greatest artwork in the world. From dancing to sculpting and painting, this island provides a wonderful easel for the most creative.

Tip! Natalie Aranda writes on family, travel and business. The island of Bali is located in the tropics, just about 6º South of the equator.

If you are considering a vacation to Bali, it is important to know that it is usually very hot the entire year. Therefore, it is essential that you dress lightly and be respectful with your clothing. Since Bali is all about prayer and tradition, you shouldn't show a lot of skin. For instance, if you are visiting a temple, you should wear a sarong to blend in. The last thing you want to do while you travel is disturb the peace.

Although there are hundreds of hot spots on the island, the best tourist locations are Kuta, Sanur, and Seminyak. If you are looking for a warm beach atmosphere, Kuta is the way to go. During your travel, it is important to note that the southern areas of Bali are warmer. There are dozens of lavish hotels right along the beach. These white sand beaches are amazing, especially with the abundance of coral reefs and marine life. It is a great romantic place to relax!

It is extremely important to know about the hotels when you travel to Bali. Fortunately, even if you do not have a lot to spend, there are hundreds of different options for your budget. If you are looking to save money, there are affordable Bali hotels that are still great. On the other hand, if you are looking to splurge, there are Bali villas and Bali rentals. Bali hotels are easier if you are looking for a lot of service and a great ocean view. However, there is not a lot of privacy and room service only satisfies to a point.

Tip! No matter what type of Bali villa or hotel you choose, you will have an amazing time. This crime free island will allow you to not only enjoy your vacation, but also relax on the white sand beaches with your drink in hand.

If you want privacy and an amazing vacation to remember, Bali villas are the way to go. These villas include air conditioned rooms, lavish bathrooms and dining rooms, complete with beautiful gardens and continuous service. This is great for a family who wants a private get away and does not have to even lift a finger. However, there are ways to save money if you decide to get a Bali villa. You can opt for a villa without around the clock service and can buy your own food from local shops. This will save a lot of money in the long run.

No matter what type of Bali villa or hotel you choose, you will have an amazing time. This crime free island will allow you to not only enjoy your vacation, but also relax on the white sand beaches with your drink in hand. It is a wonderful occurrence to be able to experience Bali's culture and volcanoes. Regardless of what type of vacation you want, Bali will provide it for you.

Natalie aranda writes on international travel and travel planning. Every year people go on luxurious vacations. Of course people tend to drift toward the tropical paradises - perhaps Hawaii or a Bermudian island. Bali, an Indonesian island, is a great place for travelers who want amazing beaches, friendly citizens, and breathtaking scenery. If you are looking to save money, there are affordable Bali hotels that are still great. On the other hand, if you are looking to splurge, there are Bali villas. Bali hotels are easier if you are looking for a lot of service and a great ocean view. However, there is not a lot of privacy and room service only satisfies to a point. If you want privacy and an amazing vacation to remember, Bali villas are the way to go. Tip! Nusa Dua is the newest luxurious resort area on the island, where you are more likely to find the most sumptuous Villas in Bali, including hotels, condos and other world-class facilities. The crystal clear water of this beach provides excellent diving and snorkeling, featuring also waves on the northern and southern area of the beach for surfing.