This Tropical Destination Is One of the Best Places to Retire for Affordability, Relaxing Beaches, and Stunning Natural Beauty

Stacey Leasca
·3-min read

Want to retire to a wam, tropical destination? Here's why you should consider retiring in Bali.

Westend61/Getty Images An older couple looking out at the ocean together in Bali, Indonesia

Westend61/Getty Images

An older couple looking out at the ocean together in Bali, Indonesia

If you're heading toward retirement and still thinking about where you want to spend your golden years, why not go somewhere warm, tropical, and filled with natural beauty?

In October, GoBankingRates shared its list of the top places to retire around the globe that offer "tropical paradise" vibes that are ideal for those who have plenty of time on their hands now that they are no longer working.

"Warm climates, stunning beaches, and interesting neighborhoods provide the perfect setting for a fulfilling retirement," the website shared about its list. "In 2025, several tropical destinations stand out for their affordability, quality of life, and overall appeal. Here’s a look at some of the best places to consider for a tropical retirement."

While the list wasn't in any particular order, the website did highlight Bali, Indonesia, as its first selection.

"Bali continues to be a popular destination for retirees seeking a rich cultural experience paired with stunning natural beauty," it explained. "Known for its lush landscapes and affordable cost of living, Bali offers a balance of relaxation and exploration. The island provides a range of health care options, from local clinics to international hospitals, ensuring retirees have access to quality medical care."

As Invest in Asia further explained, Bali makes for a fantastic retirement destination as it has a much lower cost of living compared to the United States, helping your dollar stretch further when you're not working. It also offers an array of living options, including everything from "tranquil villages, bustling beach towns, or vibrant artistic communities," so everyone can find the speed they're after. Not to mention, Bali is home to a vibrant culture that values great food, spending time together, and festivals galore. 

There are, however, a few essential visa requirements everyone should be aware of before booking their ticket to retirement. Bali.com explained that the basic requirement for the "Retirement Visa" (aka the E33F visa) is that the person must be 60 years or older, show a bank account statement with at least a $2,000 balance, and have proof of income of at least $3,000 per month.

There's also the (very cheeky) "Silver Hair" visa (aka the E33E visa), which requires the person to be aged 60 years or older "who will deposit at least $50,000 of funds in a state-owned bank account" and provide proof of income of at least $3,000 per month.

Want more options? GoBankingRates also shouted out the ever-popular Costa Rica as a perfect warm-weather retirement spot, along with Portugal's Algarve region (though, as a Portuguese resident, I will note it does get decidedly chilly here in the fall and winter), Malta, Panama, and Hawaii as excellent options too. See more about each selection at gobankingrates.com. 

Related: I've Been Traveling to Bali for Years — and It's Better Than Ever

Latest stories

  • Best Buffet Dining Promotion in Singapore: Carousel, Colony, Edge, Peppermint, The Line Buffet Prices (Nov 2024)

    Nothing gets Singaporeans going like a hotel buffet. After all, eating is our national hobby. The only problem? The cost. Aside from atas Michelin-starred restaurants, buffets are pretty much the most...

  • Planes used for world’s longest nonstop commercial flights are getting a makeover

    Singapore Airlines recently announced its spending around $821 million on a multi-year program to install new long-haul cabin products. Here’s what that means for travelers.

  • We got married at a luxury resort in Thailand. If I could go back, there are 5 things I'd do differently.

    Looking back, Ellie Furuya says her wedding reception in Thailand was too adult-centric. If she could go back, she'd make it more kid-friendly.

  • Earnings Miss: Singapore Airlines Limited Missed EPS By 48% And Analysts Are Revising Their Forecasts

    Last week, you might have seen that Singapore Airlines Limited ( SGX:C6L ) released its quarterly result to the market...

  • China says TSMC chip curbs undermine interests of Taiwan companies

    China's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday that a U.S. order to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co to halt shipments of advanced chips to some Chinese customers - as reported by Reuters - proved that the United States was "playing the Taiwan card" to raise tensions in the Taiwan Straits. Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the United States aimed to worsen the situation with Taiwan and that such a move undermined the interests of Taiwanese companies.

  • What is 'tourist syndrome'? Here are the top 3 offenses by travelers

    Travelers want to let loose on vacation, but it can result in offensive behavior known as 'tourist syndrome.' Here's why travelers like to act out.

  • How China reduced its reliance on US farm imports, softening trade war risks

    Since the U.S. and China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs in their trade war during Donald Trump's first presidential term, Beijing has taken steps to reduce its reliance on American farm goods in a wider effort to bolster its food security. That has put China in a better position to withstand tariffs of at least 60% on Chinese imports threatened by Trump, set to return to the White House in January, raising the prospect of Chinese retaliation again targeted at U.S. agricultural goods. In his first term, Trump slapped duties on $370 billion worth of Chinese goods.

  • 4 Travel Habits That Are Secretly High-Functioning Anxiety In Disguise

    Are you guilty of any of these? Here's how to let go so you can actually enjoy your trip.

  • Australian airlines cancel Bali flights after volcano erupts

    Several Australian airlines on Wednesday cancelled their flights to and from the Indonesian resort island of Bali, after a nearby volcano catapulted an ash tower miles into the sky.Australian tourists make up one of the biggest groups of tourists that visit the resort island every year.

  • US to award Akash Systems up to $18.2 million for chips production

    The U.S. Commerce Department said Wednesday it has agreed to provide up to $18.2 million in government subsidy funding to Akash Systems to support the construction of a 40,000-square-foot cleanroom space for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This proposed funding from the $52.7 billion semiconductor manufacturing and research subsidy program, will be combined with funding from California-based Akash, venture capital firms, and other private investors, to support a $121 million investment in West Oakland, California to manufacture various Diamond Cooling substrates, devices and systems at scale.

  • 6 things you might not have thought of to avoid seasickness on a cruise

    From seasickness tablets to eating the right foods, here is how to get your ‘sea legs’

  • Can I take on 2 separate jobs in the same company? Ask HR

    If you've been offered two roles in a company, an employer may see you as a great fit for multiple jobs and want to make the most of your talents.

  • Apple to introduce New AirTag Feature Allowing Airlines to Track Lost Luggage

    Apple's New AirTag Feature Lets Airlines Track Lost Bags, Rolling Out December

  • A Hilltop St. Barts Villa Overlooking the Caribbean Sea Lists for $26.6 Million

    Designed by local architect Johannes Zingerle, the breezy four-bedroom contemporary retreat is known as Villa Never Say Never.

  • Alibaba arms merchants with AI assistant to streamline cross-border sourcing

    Alibaba Group Holdings' international commerce arm on Tuesday unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant for merchants doing online sourcing, as the tech giant continues to use the technology to improve efficiency. The AI assistant, called Accio, is the latest offering from Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group (AIDC) that is aimed at streamlining international wholesale transactions for merchants on Alibaba.com, automating traditionally complex and time-confusing operations, acco

  • I'm in a Lower Tax Bracket Than I Was Last Year - Is This the Ideal Time for a Roth Conversion?

    It is often advisable to convert funds from an IRA or similar tax-deferred retirement account to Roth in a year when you are in a lower tax bracket in order to save money in the short-term. Having said that, there are other considerations. Many people like the idea of transferring IRA funds to Roth accounts […] The post I'm in a Lower Tax Bracket Than I Was Last Year - Is This the Ideal Time for a Roth Conversion? appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.

  • Spirit Airlines flight hit by gunfire while approaching Haiti's Port-au-Prince

    PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -A Spirit Airlines flight destined for the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince was struck by gunfire on Monday, forcing it to be diverted to the neighboring Dominican Republic. Spirit said in a statement that the plane had been damaged and taken out of commission upon landing in the northern Dominican city of Santiago. A flight attendant was injured in the incident, Spirit said.

  • 2025's hottest ticket: a new luxury Belmond sleeper train is coming to London

    Train travel looks a little different on board the Belmond’s new uber-luxury sleeper train, which will chug through some of the UK and Wales’s most breathtaking backdrops

  • China's tech firms fear bigger curbs as TSMC stops AI chip supply on US order

    Mainland China's chip design firms are anxiously waiting for any further updates from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), after the world's most advanced contract chip manufacturer paused 7-nanometre node services for some artificial intelligence (AI) chip clients in the world's largest semiconductor market by consumption. TSMC last week told graphics-processing-unit (GPU) and AI-accelerator clients on the mainland that their access to advanced processing services would be halted

  • Elliott calls for Honeywell split after $5B stake

    Elliott Investment Management has taken a $5 billion stake in Honeywell (HON) – calling for the company to split up its aerospace and automation divisions. The firm argues that Honeywell’s conglomerate structure no longer works for the company, pointing to inconsistent financial results and a underperforming stock price over the past five years.Yahoo Finance’s Seana Smith and Jared Blikre unpack the company's long-term performance and the rising restructuring trend that have also impacted companies like General Electric, which has split into GE Vernova (GEV), GE Healthcare (GEHC), and GE Aerospace (GE). For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here.This post was written by Cindy Mizaku.