New Bali expats - how to spot them

New Bali expats - how to spot them

Twenty years ago people came to Bali to surf, backpack, travel, holiday and a variety of other reasons. They liked what they saw and decided to stay. They were the Old style Bali expats, they inter-married, learned the language, got to know the locals and learned about the culture.

Over the last 10 years a new animal has arrived in Bali. The New Bali expat. The reasons for coming, staying and multiplying are completely different from the Old style Bali expats. The New Bali expat is motivated by 1 important factor...MONEY.

Here are a few identifying traits of this new arrival.

1. Acts like he's still in San Diego
2. Dresses like he's still in San Diego.
3. Drives an SUV
4. Is never without a laptop
5. Will never visit a Balinese village unless land for sale is available.
6. Will never go to a Balinese ceremony (why would he, there's no money to be made).
7. Minimizes the amount of Balinese locals he knows (they're a waste of time and time is money), except for servants.
8. Eats lunch at Bali Deli.
9. Works out at the Canggu Club
10. Parties at The Living Room
11. Has a translator accompany him as he does not speak Indonesian.
12. Talks about giving 'opportunities' to local people by buying up their land and offering them service jobs at his villa complex.

Have you seen this creature in your Bali travels?

For visitors on a short stay in Bali, check out the affordable Bali hotels in Denpasar, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, Tanjung Benoa, Tuban, Ubud, Uluwatu and Umalas For visitors on a longer stay in Bali, check out the affordable Bali hotels in Amed, Candi Dasa, Canggu, Lombok, Lovina, Nusa Lembongan, Tabanan and Tanah Lot.