Jobs in Bali

Introduction

Famous for its beautiful nature and culture, Bali is Indonesia’s main tourist destination. In 2018, over 6 million foreign tourists and 9.7 million domestic tourists visited the island. Tourists from all over the world come to experience a tropical life here, from the rich culture, spiritual energy, beautiful beaches, diverse marine life, jungle-covered mountains, to its thriving nightlife, the island always has something to satisfy anyone. Bali is also home to a booming expat community because of its simple pace of life, job opportunities, Real estate and low cost of living.

Although tourism-related business makes up 80% of the island’s economy, agriculture is the biggest employer. The most important agricultural products are rice, tea, coffee, cacao, and tobacco. Fishing also provides numerous job opportunities. However, expats normally work in the tourism industry. Expats who want to work in Bali will find most job opportunities available at international companies, hospitality, as a specialist, or as an English teacher. Jobs for foreigners usually start at management level since lower-ranking jobs are not permitted for a non-Indonesian citizen. The government allows a foreigner to work in the country only if there are no Indonesian workers available.

Popular Areas in Bali

• Seminyak is an upscale neighborhood popular for its luxurious villas, stylish boutiques, and high-end restaurants. The area is overflowing with both expats and tourists. The beach clubs are known to be exclusive and popular among tourists. The most famous beach here is the Petitenget beach, it is quieter compared to other popular beaches such as Kuta.

• Canggu is known as expat home base as it is the most popular area on the island for expats to settle down. The area is made of small villages, paddy fields, and dark sand beaches. Thanks to its massive shore brakes, the beaches are great for surfing.

• Sanur is ideal for a family with kids and the elderly. The area is much more relaxed than other popular areas on the Island. The beaches are beautiful with relatively no waves, making it a safe place for swimming. The area does not have any nightlife except for living music in some restaurants.

• Ubud has a vast community of expats and retirees. The area still retains many aspects of traditional Balinese. It has numerous mountaintop villas and is the perfect area for anyone who wants to live closer to the astonishing nature and culture of Bali. Ubud is the place to go to if you are seeking a healthy lifestyle because the area has many spots for yoga classes and vegan food.

• Nusa Dua is the place for expats who want westernized amenities. The ocean here is calmer and offers dramatic scenery. The white sand beaches are particularly beautiful complemented by pristine water, making it the best place to relax by the beach.

Weather and Climate in Bali

The weather in Bali is mostly warm and comfortable all year round. The island experiences two seasons, April to September is the dry season, with June, July, and August as the driest months. The average temperature is between 23 °C and 31 °C. It is considered as the best time to visit Bali, so expect the island to be full of tourists from all over the world. The wet season runs from November until March and the average temperature is generally similar to the dry season, but the humidity will increase. December to January is the wettest season in Bali.

Getting Around in Bali

The main gateway to the island is I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, located 13 kilometers south of the capital city of Denpasar. It is the second busiest airport in Indonesia after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The airport serves both domestic and international flights. It connects Bali with Bangkok, Istanbul, Melbourne, Moscow, Guangzhou, and many other major cities.

Getting around Bali is fairly easy despite the traffic. There are various transport options at an affordable price and the fastest and cheapest option is by hiring a motorcycle, but if you don’t want to drive by yourself, you can opt for a motorcycle taxis known as a ojek. You can hail one from the streets or by using apps called Go-Jek and Grab, these are online hailing apps similar to Uber. The apps also provide private cars and food delivery.

Taxis can be found easily, except in places like Kintamani. The most reliable and safe taxis are the Bluebird taxis. The taxis are painted blue with a bird logo. Bluebird has an app which makes hailing a taxi easier. If you hail one from the street, be careful of other blue taxis because they are known to rip people off and refuse to use the meter.

Work Visas in Bali

Foreigners who wish to work in Indonesia need to obtain a work visa and a work permit. A limited stay permits or working visa known as KITAS. Since a work KITAS must be sponsored by an Indonesian company, it is best to already arrange a job before you come to the country. KITAS allows you to stay but not to work. To work, you need to have a work permit called IMTA. Working in Bali without IMTA is an illegal practice. Note that Indonesian Immigration rules are quite strict. If you get caught working illegally, you will get deported and also have to pay a fine.

Additional Information

1. Tourism is the driving force of Bali’s economy; the sector produces the largest GDP. Agriculture also gives a significant contribution. Indonesia’s economy has shown remarkable progress over the last two decades. It is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 16th largest globally.
2. The rupiah fell to its weakest position in 2018, but it has since made a stable performance against the US dollar. US$1 is equivalent to Rp14,247.
3. Indonesian is the official language. Many people in Bali speak Balinese, the island’s native language. English is widely spoken on the island due to tourism requirements.
4. Most Jobs in Bali have regular office hours from Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 5.00pm. Bali celebrates major religious holidays such as Nyepi (Silent Day), Eid Mubarak, and Christmas.