Wendy's Bali emigration story: rescuing animals

Meet Wendy. Wendy is an expat from the Netherlands who accidentally got stuck in Bali during Covid. Her life changed, without regrets. She enjoys the Balinese spirit, nature, beaches, but mostly her work with her own charity Bali Animal Care. Every day she's busy rescuing and helping animals on the streets of Bali. Read more about her emigration story and her work below. 

Motivation and experiences emigrating to Bali

What should people know about you to understand your emigration story?

I lived in different countries as a child and have traveled a lot in my later life. So I have always felt comfortable with different ways of life and with traveling.

Was there a specific moment or event that inspired you to emigrate?

Covid! I was supposed to go to Indonesia for a limited time, but because of Covid I ended up stuck in Bali. So I didn't prepare for emigration at all, because that was not my plan at all. I had also been traveling in Europe for a while. So I had already put my stuff in a storage box and sold my house, I thought I'll see what happens when I get back!

What does your life look like, what kind of work or activities make you feel like you are really 'at home' in Bali?

During the beginning of Covid, a lot of people left Bali - in a hurry and without their pets. There were already many stray dogs and cats, but that number increased enormously. When I came across Happy, the dog on the beach, emaciated and abandoned, my life changed. I couldn't leave him behind and managed to catch him and take him to a clinic. Happy eventually recovered and now he lives with me in my house. During that same year, 2020, I saved several rescues - dogs and cats - from the streets, had them treated in a local clinic and adopted them or found new homes for them. This was the start of Bali Animal Care, something that gives me enormous satisfaction.

How is your daily routine different from in the Netherlands?

My routine is completely different. In Bali you do everything on the scooter. In the morning I go to the beach with 3 of my dogs on the scooter and on the way I feed stray dogs. If animals need help, I have them picked up and then treated in a local clinic. Once in a healthy condition, I look for a new loving home or shelter for them. I am busy with that all day long. Sometimes I eat out or order something, but there are also many nice shops here with western food (such as sourdough bread) where I like to go and get healthy food.

Do you already have an idea about the future?

Then you are asking the wrong person. I have learned to live in the now (perhaps something I have retained from my time in India) and am therefore not concerned with the future. I will see about that later!

Culture and Social interactions

What was your first encounter with a local resident? How did that go?

The encounter with a local resident was very pleasant. The people are friendly, which is also deeply rooted in Balinese culture. You can easily make contact because locals usually speak a little English.

What is the best or most inspiring thing about your emigration?

That it was completely spontaneous and organic. No plan, it just happened. As I said, I don't really think about the future and I see how things go.

What is the funniest or most painful misunderstanding you have experienced due to language or cultural differences?

The most painful misunderstanding is that I cannot communicate when there is a problem because I do not speak the language well enough.

Have you adopted any local customs?

Not many because that is not necessarily necessary in Bali, but you can hardly avoid them as an expat - I also drive a scooter like everyone else here and have learned to drive like the locals. That takes some getting used to at first, but nothing ventured, nothing gained!

How do locals react to the fact that you now live and work here?

Bali has long been a popular place for foreigners. Locals always react positively to the fact that I live here and am from the Netherlands. If you also respect them and their culture, you will get that back.

What is your favorite local tradition/holiday?

Nyepi, Bali's New Year's Day - Silence Day is my favorite holiday. It is quiet on the entire island. The airport closes for 24 hours. No one is allowed to leave their house, no lights on or noise, no talking. A day for contemplation. Really special!

How does friendship here differ from how it is experienced in your home country?

People quickly call you a friend here. That is different with us. Another beautiful aspect of Balinese culture.

Did you learn the local language and if so, how?

I started learning Bahasa Indonesia via duolingo but after a while I stopped as didn't find enough time. Luckily we can use Google Translate these days, and most people around me speak some English.

How do you keep in touch with home?

Simple WhatsApp calls and messages. It's very easy nowadays!

What are some communication obstacles you've encountered?

It's important to be kind and patient while communicating with locals. Communication is different, sometimes people will say yes or maybe just to be polite, when they actually mean no. Or communication can be slow and unclear.

Challenges and growth during your move to Bali

Were there moments when you doubted your choice/emigration, or what disappointed you?

No, I never doubted, life goes as it goes and now I am here! I also did not experience any disappointments, of course you encounter things everywhere, but that is part of life.

What would you do differently next time and what would you advise others with the same idea?

If you are planning to move to Bali, make sure you have your scooter/motorcycle license, that will save you hassle!

What was the biggest culture shock?

That animals are often poorly cared for. You see so many animals here that have been abandoned, abused or simply not cared for properly at home. This is difficult to see.

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now that you are here?

Many things are well organised in the Netherlands, and having seasons is also wonderful!

Practicalities in Bali

How do you deal with the administrative hassle in your new country?

I have an agent for this! That is definitely recommended and saves a lot of hassle.

How did you find a suitable place to live? Was it difficult?

During covid I was able to easily find accommodation through a friend

What are the biggest differences in costs between this country and your home country?

The housing costs are a lot lower here, but also daily necessities and, for example, doctor visits. The costs have increased in recent years due to tourism.

Have you used local healthcare (GP, specialist, dentist, etc.) and what is it like? 

Yes, I have regularly used local healthcare (GP and dentist). The care is good and cheaper and I have good experiences with both - also with hospitalization. It is best to rely on the experiences of other expats, so which doctors they recommend. Make sure you have good insurance.

Enjoying expat life

Have you developed new hobbies or interests since living in Bali?

Rescuing animals in need, having them treated and trying to find them a new home gives enormous fulfillment.

What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your environment?

Yoga & meditation, listen to music, enjoy peace.

What local traditions or rituals have inspired or touched you?

The daily offerings at my house done by my landlord. Every day the locals bring offerings to the Hindu gods in a beautiful ritual with incense and flowers. It's an ancient ritual full of respect and beauty.

Business/charity

What kind of charity have you set up?

Due to my passion for animals, I set up Bali Animal Care during Covid. We are a charity for the many Bali animals in need and the work never stops. Every day we are busy helping animals and finding homes for them. You can read more, see the links, about our animals and us on our website and instagram.

We are completely dependent on donations and are therefore always looking for donors. The help we receive determines how many animals we can help. Sometimes people abroad adopt one of the animals, but this is quite a process (which I help and give advise on). In other cases people sponsor an animal with a monthly donation or with one-off donations until we find the animal a home. We always need help so take a look at the website or come visit us when you are in Bali!