Being an expat in Indonesia can be a daunting experience. Everything from the language barrier and the culture to the local cuisine, there are so many aspects and variables to adapt to. Here's how to avoid feeling lonely and isolated during your stay in Bali by developing your social network, made up of expats as well as locals.
Bali, a real melting pot!
Bali is a truly multicultural place, making it very simple for expatriates and locals to make friends. With a slower pace of life than in the West, the laid-back atmosphere, and the smiling faces of the locals, it is particularly easy for people to get acquainted with each other. The people from Bali are, by nature, very friendly and welcoming to foreigners. Since they are accustomed to the constant flow of foreigners, they are open-minded people.
To help you blend better into the Balinese lifestyle, it is important to understand local customs and culture. Start by smiling and using friendly body language when you meet a Balinese local. And whenever possible, exchange a few words of greeting in Indonesian to start a conversation. Keep in mind that most Balinese have a basic grasp of English, which means that you should have no trouble communicating with them.
Shyness is a local characteristic. So be humorous and force yourself to make the first move. This will undoubtedly earn you an invitation to join a Balinese family for a meal or a traditional family ceremony.
Professional networking in Bali
The workplace can be an excellent social binder. The Balinese people do not necessarily draw a clear line between private and professional life. In fact, it is not uncommon to meet with colleagues outside of office hours for dinner or to go to the movies. You just need to be friendly and open to such invitations!
As far as dating in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia is concerned, you should rely on the numerous specialized apps like Tinder, Ok Cupid, Badoo or Tantan.
Clubs and organizations in Bali
If you seek to work in Bali, you will have a much better chance of finding the job you want by getting acquainted with other local professionals, be they expatriates or Indonesian citizens.
The best way to develop your professional network in Bali is to join clubs or organizations focused on a particular activity. However, if you don't know where to start, check out the international organizations with branches on the island.
The Rotary Club is an internationally recognized organization that brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services around the world. Its Balinese branch is particularly active and holds regular lunchtime business meetings. For example, the English-speaking Seminyak Rotary is primarily composed of long-time expatriates who run businesses in Indonesia, as well as Indonesian business owners. Most of its members are directly or indirectly involved in the tourism industry, hotel management, catering, property management, etc.
The club meets twice a month at Trans Resort Bali for a lunch or dinner meeting. New members are always welcome, including non-members. So, if you wish to participate (for a fee) in these lunches or dinners, it will be a good starting point to get to know influential people in the industry. This will allow you to easily develop your network and, by extension, boost your job search on the island.
Skal International is another club dedicated specifically to tourism and travel professionals. It has more than 200 active members among the major players in the Balinese hospitality industry. The island branch is the third-largest club in the world, and the largest club in Southeast Asia.
Skal club members are business leaders and professionals in the tourism industry, as well as suppliers and entrepreneurs in the travel sector, like accommodation, tours, travel and transportation, marine and cruise tourism, media, etc. If you have already established a business in Indonesia or Bali, this would be a relevant way to expand your business, as the club's motto is to always do business with its own members.
Women in Bali also have their own professional network. The Bali International Women's Association (BIWA) enables women entrepreneurs from all nationalities to come together, network and improve the lives of those less fortunate. The organization was established in 1974 and has carried out many projects related to social welfare, education and improving the lives of disadvantaged people living in Bali. The association members meet every month, usually at a bazaar where other women can join. To become a member, simply visit their website and fill out the relevant form.
Coworking spaces in Bali
In case you don't want to join formal organizations, you can always choose to expand your network by joining coworking spaces, which have been blooming in Bali in recent years. These spaces often host free seminars and workshops on specific topics for the general public.
Sunset Road's Kembali Hub is Bali's official partner for Google developers and business groups, while Seminyak holds regular seminars on digital entrepreneurship, also in partnership with Google. Note that many of these events are not English-speaking ones, as they are mainly aimed at Indonesians. If you are fluent in Bahasa, this could be a good approach to penetrating Indonesian professional networks.
BWork in Canggu is another active coworking space with a variety of daily events. Many of them are dedicated to networking and knowledge sharing. In this sense, they are favored by many digital nomads in Bali who are looking for business opportunities on the island or elsewhere. These events are also a way to get into the local digital community, to learn and meet people.
If you are still unsure which club or organization to join, start by reaching out to others online through Facebook or LinkedIn based on your interests or industry. You can find several professional groups, such as the Hotel Human Resources Managers Association or Bali Food & Beverage Suppliers.
Also, feel free to browse sites such as Meetup or Eventbrite, which regularly post events focused on a variety of topics.
Building your social circle in Bali
Online
If you don't know where to start and don't want to engage in conversation with a total stranger, turn to social networks like Facebook and/or Instagram. Join online groups and communities based on your interests, hobbies, or your place of residence in Indonesia.
In Bali, virtual regional groups are very active on social media. So even if you live in Canggu, Sanur, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, etc., you will still be able to keep in touch with the locals. These groups often post public events, parties, and gatherings and organize networking events across Bali.
Event websites
Meetup.com and Eventbrite are other useful websites that will help you keep up with events in your area. They publish and advertise various social events, workshops, gatherings or classes on a variety of topics like free yoga courses, dance, poetry or programming classes, etc.
Whichever channel you prefer, try to be positively engaging. Try to demonstrate a relaxed body language and keep yourself open to anyone within your new social context.
Volunteering in Bali
Volunteering is another way to strengthen your position in your new social circle. Thanks to the presence of many local charities, charity events and visits to remote areas of the island are regularly organized. That can indeed be the perfect setting to extend your friends' list in Bali.
For instance, Komunitas Kanaditya is part of this network and conducts various activities, including cooking classes for prison inmates, reading and handicraft classes for underprivileged children in rural areas, etc. Likewise, the Bali Life Association works to improve the well-being of disadvantaged Balinese children. Both organizations are open to volunteers.
Sports activities in Bali
Your favorite hobby or leisure activity can be a powerful social medium in Bali. Whether it's sports, literature or travel, you will inevitably encounter associations and clubs that you can join on the island. If you like to do yoga, Bali has a plethora of yoga centers. If you're more into soccer, you will be happy to know that clubs like Klub Jimbaran in Jimbaran bring together players from all walks of life on futsal fields. If you are more of a surfer, then you head out to Canggu, Uluwatu or Bingin beach, among others.
Networking do's and don'ts in Bali
Respecting the hierarchy in Bali
Working in Bali is usually rather relaxed, but there are some things to keep in mind when interacting with your Balinese colleagues and the local population. Indonesia is a hierarchically structured society, with a particular emphasis on age differences and deep respect for the elderly. This is especially crucial in a formal meeting, such as a business meeting or networking event in Bali.
Since it can be difficult to ascertain the exact age of participants in a business meeting, play it safe by using honorific prefixes like "Pak" for men and "Ibu" for women. Once you get better acquainted with your interlocutors, you will use "Mas" for young men and "Mba" for young women. As you might have understood, it is considered impolite to address a stranger by his or her first or last name, especially at an official event. However, this rule is more flexible during Western-style business meetings.
Introducing oneself in Bali
In Bali, when meeting someone for the first time, be content with a handshake as a greeting. Hold out your right hand only, as the left hand is considered impure. Don't forget to throw in a smile as a sign of politeness. In the case of a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, wait for her to hold out her hand; otherwise, just nod and smile. Whatever the context, don't forget to hand out your business card, always with your right hand!
Dress code in Bali
As far as dress code is concerned, since most business meetings in Bali are considered formal events, it is best to follow the norm, and that includes Bali. This may entail formal cut clothing, but in a light fabric to accommodate weather conditions. When in doubt, wear something made of batik, a traditional Balinese fabric.
On professional evenings, men would usually wear a long-sleeved Batik shirt, whereas short-sleeved shirts are worn during the daytime. For women, it is better to opt for an elegant dress or a modest Batik blouse that covers the neckline. Avoid revealing or tight clothing at all costs, as the Balinese are relatively conservative.
What do we talk about in Bali (or don't)?
Entrenched in Indonesian culture are four topics of conversation that should be avoided at all costs in a public conversation. There is even a mnemonic way to remember them, and it is called SARA, for Suku, Agama, Ras Dan Golongan. These are topics related to religions, ethnicities, political affiliations, and beliefs. This is totally understandable, especially when one considers that Indonesia counts more than 17,000 islands, has more than 300 recognized ethnic groups, and 5 official religions. As such, the Indonesian population is indeed very diverse, and sensitivity levels can easily trigger tensions.
Each person is unique and proud of his or her religious, ethnic and political background. It is therefore impolite, for example, to ask about a person's religion at the first meeting. However, in the context of everyday life, it can be a way to break the ice.
Be aware, however, that given your expatriate status, your local interlocutor may, out of the blue, ask for your country of origin.
Otherwise, during meetings, avoid angry topics. Balinese and Indonesian society, in general, is communal and non-confrontational. In fact, it despises public confrontation. Conversations should, therefore, always be conducted in a gentle tone, with lots of smiles, and always in private.
The body language in Bali
There are also rules about body language to be mindful of in Indonesia. Since the head is considered a sacred part of the body, never touch another person's head or try to reach something by placing your arm over his or her head. Also, avoid aggressive body language, such as placing your hands on your hips or crossing your arms, both of which are signs of impatience and/or dissatisfaction.
Consuming alcohol in Bali
Depending on the composition of the crowd and the level of formality at a networking event in Indonesia, alcohol may or may not be available. For example, at a formal meeting where the majority of attendees are Indonesians, no alcohol will be served. However, in Bali, where there are many English-speaking clubs and organizations, like the Rotary Club or Skal International, alcohol is usually responsibly served during networking events that are mainly attended by expatriates.
Spoken languages in Bali
Since Bali is a major international tourist destination, the Balinese population is familiar with Westerners and their customs. As a matter of fact, most Indonesians and Balinese, especially those who work in the liberal professions, are fluent in basic English. At an international networking event, however, while English is at the top of the list, Indonesians are very appreciative of expatriates who make the effort to speak Bahasa Indonesian, which is considered very good for doing business.
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