I recalled 2 years ago when my husband (boyfriend, at that time) asked me to move to live in Bali full-time with him. At first, I was hesitant to leave my comfort and routine in Jakarta. Fast forward 2 years later, we are living in Bali permanently and I can say that we had made a good decision to start and raise a family here.

It’s undeniable. Bali, though a small island compared to Jakarta (in mainland Java), feels much more spacious and less crowded. While the tourist hotspots can be bustling, we don’t live in those areas. Instead, we reside in a more tranquil countryside, just a short distance from Canggu. Every day, I’m greeted by the blue sky, vibrant flowers, lush green rice terraces, and a sense of happiness in the people around me—and that is truly priceless.

READ ALSO: A Weekend Getaway in The Tranquil Amed, Bali

5 Reasons Why Kuta Bali is Still Worth to Visit During Holiday

Another thing I love about Bali is being part of an international community. It’s easy to find international schools, playgrounds, and family-friendly restaurants or cafes here. Nature and incredible destinations are always just 1-2 hours away, making it convenient for weekend getaways. The options for family vacations and leisure activities seem endless. I’m planning to write a dedicated article on the best places to visit and things to do with kids in Bali, so stay tuned!

Work in Bali, Indonesia

Bali is often referred to as a digital nomad’s paradise. I used to be drawn to the idea of that lifestyle. Since 2017, I began to lose interest in corporate life, always seeking a better balance between work and personal life. While I no longer identify as a digital nomad, living in Bali gives me the flexibility and freedom to manage my time between work, business, my child, home, and travel.

When our daughter was born at the end of last year, our plan was to raise her on our own. However, it turned out to be more challenging than expected. Both of us are used to working full-time, and while we love what we do and earning a living, I especially need personal time to maintain my sense of identity. That’s why we decided to hire a part-time nanny Bali or babysitter from Bali.

Pros & Cons of Nanny in Bali, Indonesia

My experience with a nanny in Bali was a tough lesson—but hopefully, the first and last bad one. As a mixed Indonesian-French family living here, I offered a decent wage to a part-time nanny who cared for our baby, who was less than a year old. The pay was higher than the full-time nanny salaries in Denpasar and other areas of Bali, which typically range from IDR 1.5 million to 2 million per month.

However, she took advantage of our kindness by demanding a significantly higher wage, justifying it by claiming that another nanny in our neighborhood earned IDR 9 million per month as a part-time nanny for a Russian family. When I checked with my Russian neighbors, I found out this was completely untrue. It was a clear scam attempt—she and her friend assumed we were unaware of the local salary standards and tried to exploit that. On top of this, they harassed one of our staff and spread false gossip. Given her behavior—and the fact that she was often busy with ceremonies and personal matters like attending weddings—we decided to replace her with someone more reliable.

That said, just because this particular nanny (and her friend) tried to scam us doesn’t mean all nannies in Bali are the same. I’ve hired both Balinese and non-Balinese workers, and most of them have been honest, hardworking people supporting their families. Balinese women, in particular, are known for being soft-spoken, polite, and diligent. However, there are individuals who try to take advantage of expats or mixed-nationality families, so it’s important to stay cautious. Always verify claims by checking with friends or researching online.

As an Indonesian living in my own country, I refuse to be fooled by the same tricks they use on foreigners. For those looking to improve their financial situation by working for expat families, the right way is to seek opportunities with tourists, hotels, or Western families—through honest work, not deception.

Curious about my adventures in Europe and America ?. You can click the following links to see my traveling videos that have aired on Net TV :

1. Desa Hallstatt, Desa dengan Arsitektur Klasik di Pinggir Danau
2. Imutnya Park Guell, Dunia Fantasi Ala Gaudi di Barcelona
3. Ada Turki Mini di Bosnia Herzegovina
4. Nyobain Makanan Khas Bosnia, Kaya Rasa dan Pasti Halal
5. The Bean, Seni Kontemporer yang Ada di Film – film Hollywood

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