Making the decision to move your family to a small island in Indonesia is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. We’ve spoken to many families who feel deeply aligned with Bumi Kecil international school, but aren’t sure where to start when it comes to making the move. This guide is here to gently walk you through those first steps, from visas and accommodation to preparing your children for this new adventure.
Starting With the Practicalities: Visas
One of the first questions families ask is: how long can we actually stay? Most families don’t start with a long-term solution right away. Instead, they begin by coming to Indonesia for a shorter period to explore and see how it feels.
A Visa on Arrival allows you to stay for up to 60 days and is often the easiest way to take that first step. Others choose a B211A visit visa, which can be extended monthly and allows for a stay of several months, giving you more time to settle in and experience daily life on the island.
For families who decide to stay longer-term, a KITAS (temporary stay permit) can be an option, but it’s important to know that it’s not always straightforward. In many cases, it requires setting up a PT PMA (a foreign-owned company) or having a specific type of sponsorship.
Because every situation is different, and regulations can change, most families find it helpful to work with a trusted local visa agent who can guide them through the process step by step.
Finding a Place to Call Home
Once the idea becomes more real, the next question is usually: where will we live? Gili Air offers a range of options, from simple bungalows to private villas and longer-term rentals. Many families start by booking something short-term and then look for a more permanent home once they arrive.
The island works a lot through connection. Facebook groups like Gili Air Community, Gili Air Pinboard, or local WhatsApp groups are often the best places to find available homes. Word of mouth is just as powerful, sometimes the best places are never listed publicly.
If you’re planning to work remotely, it’s worth checking internet reliability before committing. And if possible, visiting first can make a big difference in finding the right fit for your family.
Understanding the Cost of Living
Life on Gili Air can be beautifully simple, but it’s still important to plan ahead. Your main expenses will typically include accommodation, school fees, food, health insurance, and travel to Lombok or Bali when needed. While local food and services can be very affordable, imported products and certain lifestyle choices can quickly increase costs. Every family experiences this differently, depending on how they choose to live.
Healthcare and Peace of Mind
There are small clinics on Gili Air for day-to-day needs, but for more comprehensive care, families usually travel to Lombok or Bali, and occasionally Jakarta for more specialized treatment. For this reason, most families choose to have international health insurance, offering peace of mind while living on the island.
Preparing Your Children
For children, a move like this can feel like a big adventure, but also a big change. The most helpful thing you can do is involve them early. Talk about what life might look like. Show them photos of the island. Let them imagine their new daily rhythm, barefoot walks, ocean swims, new friendships.
Keeping small familiar routines or bringing meaningful items from home can help create a sense of continuity. And while every child is different, we often see how quickly they adapt, especially in an environment where learning is playful, social, and connected to nature.
Education at Bumi Kecil
For many families, the school is at the heart of the decision. Bumi Kecil is an international, Reggio Emilia-inspired primary school on Gili Air. Our approach is play-based, child-led, and bilingual in English and Bahasa Indonesia. We focus not only on academics, but also on curiosity, creativity, emotional development, and a deep connection to nature and community. With small class sizes and close relationships, children are truly seen, and supported in becoming confident, independent learners.
Work, Rhythm, and Letting Life Slow Down
One of the biggest shifts for many families is not just where they live, but how they live. Many parents here work remotely, run their own businesses, or freelance. The infrastructure is there, but it’s not always perfect. Internet can be less stable than in cities, and power outages do happen. But in exchange, life offers something different. A slower rhythm. More presence. More time outside. More connection.
The Community You Step Into
What often surprises families most is the sense of community. Gili Air is small, and that creates something special. People know each other. Children grow up together. There’s a natural sense of support, openness, and shared experience. It’s a place where children spend their days outdoors, form close friendships across ages and cultures, and feel part of something bigger.
Starting With a Visit
If you’re feeling the pull but aren’t sure yet, the best first step is simple: Come and experience it. Spend some time on the island. Visit the school. Meet other families. Feel the rhythm of daily life. Because in the end, no guide can replace that feeling of this could be home.
Final Thoughts
Moving your family to Gili Air is not just a logistical decision, it’s a lifestyle choice. It asks for flexibility, openness, and a willingness to step into the unknown. But for many families, it becomes one of the most meaningful decisions they’ve ever made. If you’re considering joining Bumi Kecil, we’d love to support you on this journey. Reach out, book a visit, and take the first step.