Introduction
We have explored countless destinations around the world. But there’s one place that has always captured our heart and soul: Indonesia’s stunning archipelago. With over 17,000 tropical islands, this country offers a unique and diverse experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
From the bustling city of Jakarta to the remote beaches of Raja Ampat, Indonesia has something for everyone. In this post, I’ll share why a sea change in Indonesia’s archipelago should be at the top of your retirement destination list.
So get yourself a glass of wine, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this magical destination.
Indonesian Archipelago – 17,508 tropical Islands
Indonesia is a vast archipelago chain of 17,508 tropical islands, 6,000 of which, are inhabited and home to nearly 270 million people. Its 300 distinct ethnic groups speak 742 languages and dialects with the biggest group being the Javanese, who make up 42% of the population. It covers 1,904,569 sq km, making it the 14th largest country in the World and it sees the equator pass right through the nation, with 2/3’s of the archipelago sitting above and 1/3rd below.Bali is a sea change mecca for all beachgoers and retirees alike.
- Seminyak Beach
- Nusa Dua Beach
- Echo Beach (Canggu)
- Jimbaran Bay
- Pandawi Beach
- Melasti Beach
- Nusa Lembongan
- Thomas Beach
- Amed Beach
- Medewi Beach
- Padang Padang
- Karma Beach
- Kirta Beach
- Nusa Beach
- Sanur Beach
- Bingin Beach
- Balangan Beach
- Balain Beach
- White Sand Beach
- Dreamland Beach
- Seminyak Beach
- Keramas Beach
- Sunday's Beach
- Blue Lagoon
- Sulaban Beach
- Gunung Payung
- Lovina Beach
- Kelingking Beach
Situated only a 5.5-hour flight from either Sydney or Melbourne, it is no wonder Bali has been a retiree, family, honeymooner and surfer’s destination delight for several decades.
Location: Bali, Denpasar
Bali is a large island separated by the Bali strait from Java by around 2-3 km of sea.
Mountains range from the centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung as the easternmost peak at 3,301 m high an active volcano.
Over 40 plus beaches, bays and inlets dot the coastline, with access to almost 500 km of coral reef possible by boat.
Access: Bali, Denpasar
Numerous international visitors fly in directly from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Europe, the Middle East,
Japan, Australia, NZ, North America etc.
Buses, cars, taxis, motorcycle taxis, trucks and ride-sharing apps assist transport once on the island. There may be smaller ferries and fishing boats that help connect the 3 smaller islands and the main Java Island.
Manado: Another Indonesian sea change location to consider.
Popular Scuba Diving Sites
Manado has a large Christian population (68%) in this Muslim nation. Around 452,000 live in the picturesque city which is located on the Bay of Manado and surrounded by a mountainous range.
Direct access internationally by air is to the Philippines, Singapore, and China, as well as many domestic destinations. As the 5th most popular tourist destination, many transport options exist.
Manado, North Sulawesi
Manado has a tropical rainforest climate. January the wettest month, averages 465 mm (18.3 in) of rainfall with September being the driest with 121 mm (4.8 in). Monsoonal conditions bring rain.
Located near the equator, the hottest month is August averaging 26.6 °C (79.9 °F), while the coolest months are January and February which average of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F). Unlike other cities in Indonesia, the temperature seems to be cooler all year round and is quite pleasant albeit still relatively humid.
Regional Location
Padang as a sea change destination?
Padang is the 16 th largest (910,000) and most populous city in Indonesia and is the largest on the west coast of Sumatra. It is widely known for its Minangkabau culture, cuisine, and sunset beaches.
Climate wise, Padang has a tropical rainforest climate that is equatorial, making it one of Indonesia’s wettest cities, with frequent rainfall throughout the year.
It averages 4.3 metres of rain per year. Padang’s driest month is February, where 250 mm of precipitation on average is observed. Temperatures are very constant throughout the year, averaging 26 degrees Celsius.
Some of the many undeveloped stretches of beaches along Padang’s leafy and unspoilt coastline.
Cost of living in Indonesia compared to Australia.
When compared to Sydney the cost of living in Bali, Manado and Padang is 51%, 53% and 60% respectively cheaper and with Melbourne are 49%, 51% and 59% cheaper respectively. Click on the COL Calculator button below to access our retirement cost of living comparison calculator.
| Inside CBD | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali | $488 | $825 | $1,162 |
| Manado | $530 | $758 | $985 |
| Panang | $258 | $379 | $499 |
| Outside CBD | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali | $273 | $493 | $713 |
| Manado | $371 | $588 | $805 |
| Panang | $164 | $239 | $314 |
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If you’d like more information or have any questions, please feel free to call 1800-961-377 or email in**@re**********.au and let the team at Retire to Asia help make your dream lifestyle a reality.
Jeff Gill
With 25 years of travel experience to 73+ countries including SE Asia, Jeff now enjoys helping others retire there. He invites you to experience the people, culture, food and amazing landscapes of the SE Asia region for yourselves.
If you’d like more information or have any questions, please feel free to call 1800-961-377 or email in**@re**********.au and let the team at Retire to Asia help make your dream lifestyle a reality.
Jeff Gill
With 25 years of travel experience to 73+ countries including SE Asia, Jeff now enjoys helping others retire there. He invites you to experience the people, culture, food and amazing landscapes of the SE Asia region for yourselves.
