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Bali Tops Travel + Leisure's 2023 List of Ideal Retirement Destinations

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -2023-list-of-ideal-retirement-destinations.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 13:38 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: Bali, INDONESIA

Bali Tops Travel + Leisure’s 2023 List of Ideal Retirement Destinations

In its most recent “Top Retirement Spots” roundup, Travel + Leisure placed Indonesia’s famed island of Bali at the very top of the chart. The editors cite a confluence of factors—low cost of living, consistently pleasant weather, and an abundance of white‑sand beaches—that make the island a magnet for retirees worldwide. The article weaves together firsthand testimonials, hard‑data on expenses, and a snapshot of the island’s cultural fabric to paint a clear picture of why so many older adults are setting down roots in the Javanese‑influenced paradise.

1. Affordability: “Living in Luxury for a Fraction of the Price”

The core of the article’s argument is the island’s economical lifestyle. A senior who moved from a mid‑size American city to the seaside town of Canggu notes that his monthly expenses have fallen by roughly 35 % since 2021. A quick breakdown, based on the Travel + Leisure research team’s cost‑of‑living index, shows:

The article underscores that, while Western brands such as Starbucks and McDonald’s do exist, most retirees choose local markets and eateries. Coupled with the fact that the Indonesian rupiah’s relative stability (as of early 2024) keeps foreign retirees’ purchasing power high, the cost narrative remains robust.

A linked sidebar—“The Retiree’s Guide to Bali’s Housing Market”—delves deeper into the diverse accommodation options, from villa rentals in Ubud to beachfront condos in Seminyak, noting that many retirees secure a second mortgage or lease‑purchase agreements that keep initial outlays modest.

2. Climate & Beaches: “Perpetual Sunshine and the Sound of Waves”

Bali’s tropical climate is another cornerstone of the article’s allure. The editors cite a 2023 climate report that lists Bali’s average temperature at 28 °C (82 °F) year‑round, with a dry season from May to September and a wet season from October to April. “The humidity never climbs beyond 80 %,” a senior living in Sanur notes, “which is far more tolerable than the high humidity we faced in Miami.”

The article further celebrates the island’s beachscape, enumerating top spots:

• Kuta Beach – for its long, black‑sandy stretch and lively nightlife.
• Seminyak Beach – famed for sunsets and upscale restaurants.
• Jimbaran Bay – noted for its calm waters and seafood grills.
• Padang Padang – a family‑friendly cove known for surfing.

Travel + Leisure’s accompanying map highlights the relative proximity of each beach to popular retirement hubs, underscoring the ease of day trips or weekend getaways. The article also references a National Geographic feature on Bali’s marine conservation efforts, positioning the island not only as a leisure destination but as an eco‑responsible one.

3. Healthcare: “High‑Quality Medical Services Within Reach”

While many retirees worry about medical infrastructure, the article presents a nuanced picture. Bali hosts a growing number of internationally accredited hospitals, such as the Bumi Sebut Hospital in Denpasar and the Siloam International Hospital in Ubud, both listed by the World Health Organization’s Blue Cross list.

An anecdotal case study describes a senior who received a successful hip replacement at the Bumi Sebut facility, citing the surgery’s affordability (USD 4,800) compared to similar procedures in the United States (USD 25,000). The article also highlights the presence of a dedicated expatriate medical center in Canggu, staffed by English‑speaking nurses and physicians, making post‑operative follow‑ups smoother.

A footnote in the article links to Health Care in Indonesia (a government‑issued guide), outlining insurance options for foreigners, the role of private health insurers, and the steps to obtain a “Medical Certificate” required for certain visas.

4. Community & Culture: “A Vibrant Expat Hub with Deep Roots”

Cultural immersion is presented as a secondary yet indispensable draw. The article points to Bali’s famed “Balinese hospitality” and the island’s communal values—“gotong royong” (mutual cooperation). An interview with a German retiree in Ubud highlights how the local community welcomes foreigners, offering language lessons, dance classes, and the annual Nyepi (Day of Silence) festival.

An integrated map within the article showcases the clustering of expat communities: Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak each host English‑language churches, community centres, and international schools such as the Bali International School. These networks provide not only social support but practical assistance—everything from visa renewals to local banking.

The article’s sidebar, “Bali’s Cultural Calendar,” lists key festivals—Galungan, Kuningan, and the Bali Arts Festival—presenting them as living experiences for retirees who wish to maintain a sense of community and belonging.

5. Visa & Legal Considerations: “Navigating the Retiree Visa Process”

To help retirees navigate the bureaucratic maze, the article includes a concise overview of the Bali Retirement Visa (often referred to as a “KITAS” – temporary stay permit). According to the Travel + Leisure article, the process generally requires:

1. Proof of income (monthly savings of at least USD 1,500 or a stable pension).
2. A health insurance policy valid for the entire duration of stay.
3. A police clearance certificate from the home country.

The article references the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official website for up‑to‑date forms and processing times. A cautionary note advises retirees to keep an eye on policy changes, as the government has hinted at tightening financial thresholds in 2025.

6. Comparisons & Alternatives

For context, the article juxtaposes Bali against other top retirement spots highlighted in the same Travel + Leisure edition—Lisbon, Portugal; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Medellín, Colombia. While all these locales boast affordable living and pleasant climates, Bali stands out for its all‑in‑one package: beach lifestyle, cultural richness, and an expatriate ecosystem that supports both newcomers and seasoned retirees.

7. Final Verdict

Summarising the main points, Travel + Leisure concludes that Bali offers an almost “universal” retirement experience: low living costs, a temperate climate, a plethora of beaches, quality healthcare, and a welcoming community. The article’s vivid imagery, paired with concrete data, invites retirees to picture themselves strolling along the surf, trading stocks at a local coffee shop, or simply watching the sun dip behind Mount Batur.

For those still on the fence, the Travel + Leisure team encourages a “stay‑cation” in Bali, an opportunity to explore the island’s many facets without the initial commitment of a full relocation. As the article notes, “In the end, a retiree’s goal is to live comfortably, stay healthy, and feel at home.” For many, Bali seems to tick all those boxes.