Bali's Evolving Landscape: From Expat Haven to Crowded Metropolis

Christin Baumgarten, a German expat who has called Bali home for the past decade, shares her firsthand account of the island's transformation. From an emerging startup hub to a bustling tourist destination, Bali's rapid development has brought both opportunities and challenges for those seeking a slower-paced, idyllic lifestyle.

Navigating the Changing Tides of Bali's Expat Experience

Bali's Startup Boom and the Lure of a Slower Pace

When Christin Baumgarten first arrived in Bali in 2014, the island was quickly gaining recognition as an emerging hub for startups. Drawn by the promise of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and a more relaxed way of life, Baumgarten initially planned to stay for just a three-month internship. However, as she immersed herself in the local startup scene, she found herself captivated by the island's allure and decided to make it her long-term home.Baumgarten's journey took an unexpected turn when she landed a full-time role as a social media marketing manager at a local business communication company. Over the years, she has witnessed the evolution of Bali's startup landscape, with the island being compared to Silicon Valley by the BBC. Baumgarten's own career trajectory has also shifted, as she now serves as an operations manager for the same company.

Navigating the Expat Experience: From Loneliness to Family Life

Baumgarten's initial experience in Bali was not without its challenges. She found it difficult to build lasting connections, as many expats tended to stay for only a few months. It wasn't until she took a course in the local language and started to integrate into the community that she began to feel more at home.The turning point came when Baumgarten met her now-husband, an Indonesian local, in 2014. Their relationship and the subsequent birth of their two children have transformed Baumgarten's expat experience. She now feels deeply integrated into the local community, with her husband running a café and a guesthouse in his home island of Sumatra.Baumgarten has found that raising children in Bali has its advantages, as the local culture is known for its warmth and acceptance towards families. She has been pleasantly surprised by the accommodating nature of restaurants and the overall support system for parents.

Weighing the Options: Staying in Bali or Returning to Germany

In the early years of her Bali adventure, Baumgarten and her husband had considered relocating to Germany, where she is from, when their children reached school age. The prospect of free education in Germany was appealing, but the language and visa requirements posed significant challenges.More recently, however, Baumgarten has discovered a range of international education options in Bali, which has made the idea of staying on the island more viable. While the cost of living in Bali has increased, Baumgarten believes that by the time her daughter is old enough for school, they may find a suitable option that aligns with their family's needs, potentially eliminating the need to move to Germany.

The Changing Face of Bali: From Tranquility to Crowded Metropolis

Baumgarten has witnessed firsthand the transformation of Bali over the past decade. What was once a small, tranquil town has now become a more Westernized and crowded destination, with the area she lives in, Renon, undergoing significant changes.The influx of tourists and expats has driven up the cost of living, making it increasingly challenging for local residents to afford their lifestyles. Baumgarten has noticed the prices of essential goods, such as chicken and vegetables, rising at the local markets. The proliferation of new hotels and large restaurants has further contributed to the increased demand and cost of living.Baumgarten also laments the disappearance of rice fields and the growing number of houses, villas, and commercial establishments that have replaced the once-serene landscape. The increased traffic and congestion have added to her frustration, as she finds herself feeling annoyed when navigating from one place to another.

Considering the Future: Staying or Seeking Greener Pastures?

Despite the changes, Baumgarten and her family still find Bali to be a great place to raise their children. The warm and welcoming local community, as well as the overall environment, continue to be appealing factors. However, Baumgarten is not certain that they will remain in their current area, as the increasing crowdedness and touristy nature of the region have become a concern.Baumgarten has considered the possibility of moving to other parts of Bali, such as the less touristy areas in the east and north of the island. Alternatively, they have contemplated relocating to the island of Sumatra, where her husband's family is from. However, the availability and quality of schools and healthcare facilities in Sumatra may not be as robust as in Bali, which is an important factor for the family.As Bali continues to evolve, Baumgarten and her family will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of staying in their current location or exploring other options. While Bali will always hold a special place in their hearts, the changing landscape may ultimately lead them to seek a new chapter in their expat journey.