Bali Living: The Green School and the Community of Penestanan

As a multi-racial family and “global citizens”, my family has had the opportunity to live in different parts of the world, but nothing compares to the beauty and serenity we found in Bali and the Green School.

Kids playing in front of “The Arc” at Green School Campus

We had always dreamed of finding a place where we could raise our family and truly call home. As soon as we set foot on the Green School's campus, surrounded by lush tropical forests and mesmerizing rice paddies, we knew this was where we belonged. We found a community, a community of Green School families, a community of people who share our values, our hopes and our dreams. We found a place where we can be ourselves, where we can raise our children in a safe and supportive environment, where we can live in harmony with nature and with each other.

The Green School, A Pioneering Institution in Sustainability

The Green School, a school like no other, founded in 2008, a place where sustainability and environmental education go hand in hand, where children learn to live in harmony with nature, and where the gentle rustle of bamboo leaves whispers the secrets of a better world.

Penestanan, perfectly situated for Green School Families

I remember the first time I set foot on the Green School's campus, I felt a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose. This is where I belonged, this is where I wanted to raise my family. And so we moved to Penestanan, a village located just a 20-minute car ride from the school, a village that encapsulates the essence of Bali, a place where the simplicity of life meets the beauty of nature.

In Penestanan, we found a community, a community of people who share our values, our hopes, and our dreams. We found a place where we can be ourselves, where we can raise our children in a safe and supportive environment, and where we can live in harmony with nature and with each other.

Life in Desa Alam Indah (Eco Village)

Living in Desa Alam Indah, also known as Ubud Eco Village, has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. The community is incredibly friendly and welcoming, made up of people from all around the world. This diversity of cultures and backgrounds has made for a truly unique and enriching experience. The people living in the village are incredibly helpful and kind, always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear.

One of the highlights of living in Desa Alam Indah is the shared common pool, which is a gathering spot for many of the village residents. We often find ourselves lounging by the pool, chatting with our neighbors, and making new friends. The common area also has space for people to do yoga together, which is a great way to connect with others and stay active.

We feel incredibly lucky to have found such a wonderful place to call home, where we can be ourselves and live in harmony with nature and with each other.

Adapting to Change: From Hong Kong to Bali

Before the Green School, we used to live in Hong Kong, a place of concrete and steel, a place of chaos and noise. Moving to Bali was a change, a change that took time to adapt to, but a change that has brought us closer to ourselves, and closer to the world around us. Being an expat or a foreigner in Bali can be challenging but the community and the lifestyle makes it worth it.

The Food and Yoga Scene in Penestanan

The abundance of delicious restaurants in the area and the peaceful atmosphere of the various yoga shala’s have become a vital part of our lives, and a vital part of our journey. They are not just physical nourishment but also a spiritual one. The food scene in Penestanan offers a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Balinese to international favorites, it is a feast for the senses.

Smoothie bowl and decadent pancake stack at our favourite spot down the road

In conclusion, living in Bali and being part of the Green School community has been an odyssey of self-discovery, of learning to live in harmony with nature and of finding a community of like-minded individuals. If you are considering moving to Bali and looking for a sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle, good food and yoga, and an adventure of a lifetime, the Green School and the surrounding community in Penestanan is the place to be!