Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
In an increasingly interconnected world, settling into a new culture can be both a challenge and an exceptional opportunity. Bali, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, has become a magnet for expatriates seeking not only an idyllic living environment but also enriching social connections.
Whether you’re looking for a friendly café to work in, events to build strong bonds, or support groups that share your interests, Bali offers a myriad of ways to integrate into dynamic networks.
Discover where and how to create your own expat community and transform your island adventure into a truly enriching experience.
Facilitating Social Integration in Bali
Facilitating social integration in Bali involves taking advantage of dynamic local initiatives, accessing specialized online platforms, and opening up to Balinese cultural practices. Many expatriates report that success comes from a combination of personal effort and collective resources.
Local Initiatives Promoting Expat Integration
- Regular community events (monthly meetups, themed workshops, cultural evenings)
- Various clubs and associations: sports clubs (yoga, surfing), artistic groups, environmental NGOs
- Coworking spaces organizing meetups for entrepreneurs or freelancers
- Wellness retreats and immersive courses in local culture
| Initiative Type | Description | Concrete Example |
|---|---|---|
| InterNations Evenings | Expat meetups around activities | Monthly happy hour in Seminyak |
| Yoga & Wellness Retreats | Open workshops mixing locals and newcomers | Stay at Yoga Barn Ubud |
| Professional Clubs | Networking among freelancers/entrepreneurs | Coworking at Hubud |
Online Platforms for Connecting
- Dedicated Facebook groups (“Bali Expats”, “Canggu Community”, “Ubud Community”)
- Specialized forums like InterNations offering private forums, practical guides, and local events
- Meetup platforms to find or organize social or professional activities
Essential Local Cultural Practices
For harmonious integration:
- Respect Balinese Hindu customs (modest attire during religious ceremonies)
- Participate in community rituals (daily offerings, traditional festivals)
- Be open to local cuisine when invited to locals’ homes
Recommended language skills:
- Mastering basics of Bahasa Indonesia greatly facilitates daily communication.
- A few common phrases are often enough to break the ice.
Example: Greeting with a “Selamat pagi” (“Good morning”) is highly appreciated.
Testimonials from Expats Who Successfully Integrated
“The mutual support within the InterNations network allowed me not only to quickly form friendships but also to better understand the subtleties of the local lifestyle.” — Ben F. Bagley
Some overcame the initial culture shock by regularly joining international events or getting involved in local volunteering; this facilitated their adaptation while building strong bonds with both Balinese people and other expatriates.
Practical Tips for Building Meaningful Relationships with Locals
- Actively participate in village festivities without remaining a mere observer
- Engage in a charitable association or local collective project
- Show humility in the face of cultural differences; honestly ask questions about social codes without judgment
- Frequent traditional markets or warungs rather than exclusively tourist spots to multiply authentic interactions
The key is therefore to combine active cultural openness, basic language learning, and regular participation in local community life so that every newcomer finds their place durably within the Balinese social fabric.
Good to Know:
To facilitate social integration in Bali, it is essential to participate in community events such as cultural festivals and craft workshops that engage both locals and expatriates. Joining clubs or associations, like volunteer groups or sports clubs, offers opportunities to network and learn more about Balinese culture. Online platforms like Facebook groups “Expats in Bali” and forums such as “Internations” are valuable resources for connecting with other expatriates and residents. Learning a few basics of Bahasa, the local language, greatly facilitates daily interactions and shows respect for the local culture. Testimonials from expatriates reveal that immersing oneself in the practice of Balinese courtesies, such as smiling and traditional greetings, was crucial for overcoming the initial integration challenges. Showing patience and open-mindedness, and accepting invitations from locals to traditional ceremonies, can foster meaningful and authentic relationships.
Discovering Expat Networks in Bali
Expatriate networks in Bali are numerous and varied, ranging from informal social groups to organized associations offering specific services. These communities facilitate integration, provide practical support, and allow for quickly building connections on the island.
Main Expat Groups and Associations in Bali
- Local Expats Bali: A dynamic community offering a membership card providing access to over 300 partners for discounts across the island (restaurants, spas, hotels, gyms). They also offer a directory of businesses useful to expatriates.
- International local NGOs: Several charitable organizations such as Bali Children’s Project or East Bali Poverty Project involve expatriates in social and environmental volunteering.
- Professional associations: Specialized agencies in legal consulting (Bali Lawyer), immigration (PT Citra Consultant Indonesia), or retirement facilitate common administrative procedures for newcomers.
| Network/Association Name | Main Objective | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Local Expats Bali | Facilitate daily life | Partner discounts, social events |
| YKIP | Health & solidarity education | Volunteering, fundraising |
| East Bali Poverty Project | Support for underprivileged families | Educational and nutritional projects |
| Legal/Immigration Agencies | Legal/administrative advice | Visa/regularization assistance |
Active Online Platforms
- Dedicated Facebook groups (“Expats in Bali”, “Canggu Community”, etc.) where daily practical advice and good deals are exchanged.
- WhatsApp Groups by neighborhood or theme (housing, international schooling…)
- Specialized websites like Localexpatsbali.com with local event announcements
Popular Physical Meeting Points
- Coworking cafés like Dojo in Canggu or Hubud in Ubud
- Bar-restaurants such as Deus Ex Machina (Canggu), The Lawn (Canggu), Genius Café (Sanur)
- Community spaces hosting collective workshops
Regularly Organized Events
- Weekly afterwork meetups in different neighborhoods
- Professional workshops on local taxation or digital entrepreneurship
- Thematic health/wellness seminars led by specialist members
- Charity days benefiting local associations
“Arriving alone knowing no one here two years ago, joining the ‘Local Expats’ group allowed me not only to meet my best friends but also to get all the necessary help with sometimes complex administrative procedures.”
— Clara G., settled in Seminyak
“Volunteering with the ‘Bali Children’s Project’ gave me a true cultural immersion while being useful locally.”
— Marc L., French expatriate since 2021
Major Advantages for Newcomers
- Immediate access to a supportive network ready to share practical experiences
- Professional opportunities through internal referrals
- Moral support during key steps: housing, health, children’s schooling
- Accelerated discovery of Balinese culture through shared activities
Joining these networks greatly facilitates social and professional integration while actively participating in the living multicultural fabric that characterizes the Balinese expatriate community.
Good to Know:
In Bali, expatriate communities are dynamic and varied, offering numerous connection points and support for newcomers. Groups like Bali Expats and the International Women’s Association Bali (IWAB) aim to integrate and support expatriates with regular events such as dinners, cultural workshops, and professional seminars. Popular online platforms, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, host these groups where useful information and practical advice are shared daily. Cafés in Canggu and Ubud, such as Dojo Bali and Outpost, have become favored physical meeting spots for networking sessions and co-working days. Some expatriates testify to the usefulness of these networks for discovering local culture and building lasting friendships, adding that joining these communities greatly facilitates adaptation to island life.
Facebook Groups for Expats in Bali
Facebook groups for expatriates in Bali offer numerous advantages, facilitating integration and daily life on the island. Here’s how these online communities can be useful:
- Quick access to practical advice (housing, health, administrative procedures)
- Recommendations for local professionals (lawyers, doctors, service providers)
- Sharing experiences among expatriates
- Information on social events and friendly meetups
- Professional opportunities and networking
Some Popular Facebook Groups for Expats in Bali
| Group Name | Main Purpose | Approximate Member Count |
|---|---|---|
| Living In Bali | Practical advice & daily life | ~90,000 |
| Expats Indonesia | General expatriate community | ~70,000 |
| Canggu Community | Local life and mutual aid in the Canggu area | ~60,000 |
| Sanur Community | Sanur neighborhood info & local activities | ~35,000 |
| Bali Expats and Community | Social exchanges/general mutual aid | ~25,000 |
These groups promote integration into the local community through:
- Announcements about community events (Indonesian language classes, cultural workshops)
- Sharing local volunteer or professional opportunities
- Connecting with Indonesians open to intercultural exchanges
Testimonials from Expats Who Found These Groups Useful
“I was able to find my first accommodation thanks to the advice shared in ‘Living In Bali’. The members are very responsive and supportive.”
“Arriving alone in Bali, I participated via ‘Canggu Community’ in a beach outing that allowed me to quickly make a circle of friends.”
“The ‘Expats Indonesia’ group helped me understand the procedures to get my long-term visa.”
General Rules Observed in These Groups
- Mutual respect: discriminatory or offensive remarks prohibited
- No spam or excessive advertising: only certain announcements allowed according to internal rules
- Confidentiality: what is shared in the group remains private
- Active moderation by a dedicated team to ensure a welcoming atmosphere
Thanks to this rigorous moderation and rule compliance by the majority of members, these groups remain welcoming spaces where everyone can ask questions without fear.
Good to Know:
Joining Facebook groups for expatriates in Bali offers many advantages, including access to practical advice on daily life and the opportunity to connect with other expatriates sharing similar interests. Popular groups include “Bali Expats” with approximately 100,000 members, focused on practical advice and social meetups, and “Bali Digital Nomads” with 50,000 members, which concentrates on professional opportunities for remote workers. These groups facilitate integration into the local community and help find professional or leisure opportunities. Several expatriates have testified to the usefulness of these platforms for adapting to life in Bali, whether for finding housing, discovering events, or simply getting recommendations. Administrators work to maintain a positive environment by enforcing clear rules, such as mutual respect and prohibition of excessive advertising, which helps make these groups a safe space to ask questions and share experiences.
Francophone Meetups and Social Networks in Bali
Francophone expatriates in Bali benefit from a rich ecosystem of groups and online platforms facilitating integration, experience sharing, and social connection building. Social networks play a central role in this dynamic, offering virtual spaces to get informed, meet up, and organize friendly or professional events.
Main Active Online Groups and Platforms Among Francophones:
- Specialized Facebook pages such as « Bali Francophone » or « Français à Bali » gather several thousand members around discussions about daily life, administrative procedures, or local good deals.
- Private WhatsApp groups created by neighborhood (Ubud, Seminyak…) or themes (business, expat families) promote quick mutual aid and proximity.
- Forums like Expat.com allow newcomers to ask specific questions about settling in Bali: housing, health, taxes… You can also find announcements to share a drink or organize a cultural outing.
- Instagram is used not only to share daily Balinese life but also to promote community events via accounts such as @balifrancophone.
Summary Table:
| Platform | Type of Exchange | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Public discussions | Practical advice & announcements | |
| Private chats/groups | Outing coordination & mutual aid | |
| Expat.com | Structured forum | Detailed Q&A |
| Visual sharing/announcements | Events & community |
Regular Events Promoting Networking:
- Weekly language exchanges where francophones and locals chat over a drink
- Monthly happy hours organized by Facebook group admins: relaxed atmosphere conducive to new friendships
- Professional workshops (coworking sessions, business conferences) allowing French entrepreneurs to build their network locally
The Importance of These Networks Is Highlighted by Their Ability to Offer:
- Immediate support upon arrival (temporary housing recommended by a group member)
- Tailored advice through shared lived experiences
- Facilitated access to an active social life despite geographical distance
Testimonials Collected from Expatriates Illustrate This Impact:
“Thanks to the WhatsApp group ‘Francais Ubud’, I found my roommate in my first week!”
“The business workshops allowed me not only to accelerate my professional integration but also to quickly make friends.”
“Participating in Friday evening happy hours reassured me about my decision to come live here—you never feel alone.”
These digital spaces are therefore much more than simple informational tools: they constitute the essential foundation of the francophone social fabric in Bali.
Good to Know:
In Bali, francophone expatriates can easily build connections thanks to several active communities on social networks and online platforms. On Facebook, groups such as “Francophones à Bali” or “Expats Francophones in Bali” are essential for mutual aid, sharing advice and local events. Language exchanges and monthly happy hours take place in Ubud and Seminyak, offering a friendly setting to create professional or friendly contacts. WhatsApp also hosts dynamic networks where discussions are lively around topics such as integration or discovering the island. Testimonials from many expatriates emphasize the importance of these social interactions that not only facilitate settling in but also enrich the daily living experience by providing support and camaraderie.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
