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A Queensland couple has discovered the secret to the ‘perfect life’ after selling up in Australia and moving to Bali for the ultimate family adventure.

Under pressure from demanding jobs and increasing expenses, Chad, 40, and Mia Dickson, 38, moved their family to Sanur, 20 minutes south-east of Bali airport, last Christmas after spending a month there in August.

The Dicksons had taken an extended holiday for Chad’s 40th birthday before falling in love with the idea of living in Bali ‘for real’ with their three sons, aged 18, 13 and nine, and seven-year-old daughter.

They have been documenting their journey as expats on social media, where they have a growing audience of followers who are inspired by their island lifestyle.

But they also have their fair share of critics who warn it’s just a matter of time before they end up back in Australia or ask for help on GoFundMe when things go awry.

A Queensland couple has discovered the secret to the ‘perfect life’ after selling up in Australia and moving to Bali for the ultimate family adventure

After spending a month in Bali in August last year for Chad’s 40th birthday, the Dicksons (pictured) went home, sold their belongings, then moved to the Indonesian island iconwin in December

The family’s remarkable story began after their Bali trip for Chad’s birthday.

Upon their return, they were halfway through a lap around Australia in a caravan when they decided to turn around and move to the Indonesian island for good.

‘We didn’t want to go home,’ Mia told FEMAIL.

‘We came home and sold the car and caravan,’ she added. ‘The kids were already being home-schooled and we worked online so we didn’t have much else to sort out.’

Selling their home on wheels gave them a nice ‘nest egg’ to start their lives in Bali. This, in turn, helped them secure a long-term rental.

‘You have to pay a year’s worth of rent up front, and it can be anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 in this area for a three-bedroom villa,’ Mia said.

They also had to pay for their visas – two of the most costly elements of their move.

The Dicksons, who are on a two-year visa, are six months into their stay and are unsure if they will head home or not.

Mia and Chad said their work-life balance had never been better since moving to Indonesia

The family spend just $200 per week on groceries and can ‘eat out for $40’

‘We don’t want to put an end date on it; we aren’t missing anything from Australia,’ she said.

‘We miss family, but most of them have already been to visit.’

The couple said living in Bali had given them the best work-life-school balance they could wish for.

‘We are getting to really know our kids,’ Mia said. ‘We are so lucky to be able to hang out with them every day.’

Home-schooling is flexible and as long as they get the work done they can skip ahead or put it on hold as needed.

‘We just did a mini lap around Bali for a week, so we didn’t do any school work then,’ Mia said.

They are also spending a lot more time with their children than they did back in Australia

‘And this week we will do bigger days so that we can have time off when my parents are here. We are heading to Kuala Lumpur later this week and we will do the same thing.’

Most weeks the kids and their parents end up doing school and work for two or three days and ‘hang out’ for the rest.

‘We also do lots of other things like dancing lessons, which we could never do before in our small town,’ Mia said.

Mia is also learning how to make jewellery alongside her 18-year-old son.

The family said living in Bali was certainly possible on a budget, especially if you avoid imported goods.

Mia’s family is involved with many extra-curricular activities; she is learning to make jewellery

‘We are having a lot of fun trying the Indonesian version of all the groceries,’ Mia said.

The couple spend about $200 per week on groceries and cook at home most nights.

When they do dine out, they can feed their family-of-six for $40.

‘If we spend $100, it is a really fancy restaurant,’ Mia said.

‘We are also sober, so that helps, you could spend a lot more if you were going out.’

They also try to ‘live a local life’.

‘We remember we aren’t here on holiday – we live here. We don’t have to see every waterfall in the first week,’ Mia said.

Because they don’t drink and aren’t craving ‘Australian food’, they can be extra frugal – though they are happy to splash out on necessities.

‘We have a nice coffee every day, and that costs us $6 for two. Sometimes we have two a day,’ Mia laughed.

The family have Indonesian motorcycle licences, so they can get around like the locals and avoid paying for drivers.

There have been some huge adjustments for the family, however.

‘It is hard to get things done or know who to contact for things. Like, if you have a problem with the electricity, plumbing or need a handyman, the same guy will come. But we will get to know these things,’ Mia said.

In Indonesia, power is pre-paid and vouchers are purchased at local convenience stores – similar to pre-paid credit for a mobile phone.

The children study online and their course runs in line with the Queensland education department, which means they can ‘slot back in’ if the family decides to go back to Australia

They have also all had ‘Bali belly’, but say as long as you have Gastro-Stop and probiotics on hand ‘it will be okay’.

‘The doctors come out to your villa, take your bloods, put in drips, the full service, and it costs about $120,’ Mia said.

‘It’s so affordable and they really look after you instead of seeing you for all of five minutes and charging you $180 before Medicare like in Australia.’

EXCLUSIVE

I’m 32 and couldn’t afford to live in Australia anymore so I went on a ‘holiday’ to Bali and never came back. Life has never been better

They haven’t had to use the dentist yet but are confident it will be fine. They say everything is just as clean as back home – only cheaper.

The couple are particularly excited their 18-year-old decided to head on the adventure with them, and want other families to know ‘how easy’ it is to live and work from Bali.

‘We have never had a better lifestyle,’ Chad said.

‘We love the freedom of time and space, And you could move here with nothing as long as you can work online to make ends meet.

‘You don’t need a nest egg – it was just our choice to do that so we wouldn’t have to stress about money – and I can pick and choose jobs I want to do.’

People who don’t have enough cash to pay for a whole year’s rent upfront can move week-to-week or month-to-month.

‘It is so doable. and we don’t have to do the nine-to-five grind and miss out on watching our kids grow up,’ they said.

The family ‘don’t really miss anything’ about Australia and haven’t decided on an ‘end date’ for their holiday

They say their kids are benefiting from spending so much quality time together

The Dicksons are sometimes criticised for their decision to move to Bali – with some trolls claiming they will inevitably have to set up a GoFundMe at some point due to injury or illness.

These insults stem from a spate of high-profile incidents of Australian tourists and expats requiring urgent help after finding themselves in strife overseas.

In 2023, kind-hearted Aussies shelled out millions on GoFundMe campaigns set up in the wake of sudden deaths or to repatriate desperately ill people from places as far afield as Thailand, Bali and Taiwan.

When asked about the trolling, the family told FEMAIL: ‘We ignore that. We have the right insurance and have done everything we can to avoid that.’

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Miss Universe contestants in the national costume round

Post By Jayden Tran Disease & Illness, Colon Cancer ICONWIN No Comments

Women from all over the world have dazzled in elaborate gowns during the ‘national costume’ round of the 71st Miss Universe Competition.

Almost 90 women took part in the competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center in Louisiana, ICONWIN paying homage to their countries.

Miss Great Britain, Noky Simbani wore an elegant white and gown with silver and sapphire diamante detailing and lavish velvet emerald cape with fur trim. The 26-year-old from Derbyshire also wore a small silver crown, which looked like it could have been referencing the late Queen Elizabeth II as she represented Great Britain to the world.

Elsewhere, Miss Paraguay, Lia Aymara Duarte Ashmore appeared on stage dressed in a luscious ruby cape and full lion’s mask, the animal aligned with the nation, and Miss Italy, Virginia Stablum dressed in full Venetian regalia complete with a Venetian mask.

Yes, Your Majesty! Miss Great Britain Noky Simbani looked regal on stage during the 71st Miss Universe Competition’s national costume round. Noky, from Derbyshire paid homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II in an emerald velvet cape with fur trim and stunning silver crown

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Lady in pink! Miss Laos, Payengxa Lor stunned as she took the stage in an extravagant beaded headdress. Following with textures, Miss Laos’ traditional pink dress, was full of pom poms, tassels and even more beads in all shades of pink

Now you see me! Miss Italy, Virginia Stablum took a progressive approach when she stepped out in full male Venetian regalia, complete with a Venetian mask

In full bloom! Looking to the coast of her country Miss Bulgaria’s Kristina Plamenova dressed as a sand lily, which are commonly found along parts of the Bulgarian coast line

Waffley cute! Paying a rightful tribute to the humble stroopwafel, Miss Netherlands, Ona Moody fashioned it as a tutu. And if that wasn’t enough she wore a teapot on her head to compliment

Working the sass! Toshami Calvin, Miss Jamaica, put on a feisty display as she appeared on stage with stag sword and blowing horn. She was dressed in extravagant emerald green feathers and sequins

Reclaiming identity! Miss El Salvador, Alexjandra Guajardo Sada appeared on stage dressed as a colón, which was the currency of El Salvador from 1892 until 2001, when it was replaced by the US dollar during the presidency of Francisco Flores

Warrior the water! Laksmi De Neefe Suardana, Miss Indonesia wore a stunning gold embellished leotard and incorporated many aspects into the rest of her outfit – On her shoulders and above her head she wore spectacular golden sea ship, with sails and her hand held a mighty spear

Golden angel! Walking on stage in a stunning intricate golden sari, Miss India, Divita Rai also added a brilliant pair of shimmering golden angel wings

Fiery and feisty! Miss Colombia, Maria Fernanda Aristizabal (left) wore a magnificent firebird outfit, in shocking shades of yellow, orange and red. Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez (right) stepped out in a golden feathery creation, which could have been referencing the Dominican Republic’s national bird – the palmchat

And while there were some fiery explosions of colour, flames and wings, other women took a subtler approach to their gowns, opting for a more ethereal dialed back tone.

Miss Iceland, Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir, for example, walked on stage in a strapless white gown with a full skirt, detailing illustrations of her country. And Miss Costa Rica, Maria Fernanda Rodriguez Avila walked on stage as sultry, hummingbird in deep blues and greens.

Miss Cayman Islands, Chloe Powery-Doxey and Miss Haiti, Mideline Phelizor both attempted to incorporate plants and earthly elements into their national dress.

Elegant and etheral! Miss Iceland, Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir wore a simple white strapless gown with a full skirt and train as she walked on stage. The train however detailed stunning illustrations of her country

Mother nature! Miss Haiti, Mideline Phelizor walked on stage with her country. As she spread her arms she held out a wonderful green landscape picture of the country. She also wore a stunning headdress of ferns

Ready for spring! Miss Costa Rica, Maria Fernanda Rodriguez Avila walked on stage as sultry, hummingbird in deep blues and greens. Her navy leotard, fish net tights and platform heels were all adorned in silver sequins.

At one with nature! Miss Belize, Ashley Lightburn (left) not only wore the jungle on her right shoulder, but also the moon on her left. Her leotard was fashioned with a leopards face that ran down into a half skirt. While Miss Cayman Islands, Chloe Powery-Doxey (right) also wore parts of the local horticulture but also paid homage to the islands extensive water activities by dressing in a sea blue leotard with sequins shimmering like the ocean

The European countries decided to add some sparkle and mystique into their gowns at Miss Universe. Miss Germany, Soraya Kohlmann walked on stage with a fake white cat, dressed as a seductive magician.

Miss Finland, Petra Hamalainen, on the other hand, donned a one shoulder floor length, deep green sequin gown, complete with black feather gloves up to her elbows.

However, Miss France, Floriane Bascou went all out in the nation’s colours, in an extravagant outfit that could slot right into Emily in Paris.

Ornamental! Miss Guatemala, Ivana Batchelor chose an extravagant golden masterpiece for her gown. The intricate detailing featured birds, masks and stairways all in exquisite diamonds and jewels

Stylish in sequins! Miss Germany, Soraya Kohlmann (left) walked on stage with a fake white cat, dressed in a sequin leotard with over the knee black boots and matching tailored jacket. Miss Finland, Petra Hamalainen (right) donned a one shoulder floor length, deep green sequin gown, complete with black feather gloves up to her elbows

Emily in Miss Universe Competition! Miss France, Floriane Bascou stepped out in an extravagant feathery number, complete with the Eifel tower on her head

Perfectly poised! Miss Canada, Amelia Tu put on a beautiful ballet display, when she entered the stage in her ruby red tutu and crown

Patriotic! Mouketey Lynette Monalisa Jellym Miss Cameroon, incorporated many elements of her nation into her outfit. She wore a basket on her back, highlighting that there is still work to be done to achieve equality for women in the country

Feathers were also popular at the event in New Orleans; Miss Nigeria, Hannah Iribhogbe walked on stage dressed as a white bird and holding red sculpture of a traditional face.

Miss Argentina, Barbara Cabrera also dressed in white features, with huge plumes coming out of her head dress, while Miss Kyrgyzstan, Altynai Botoyarova wore a floor length white gown for the competition, which was full of tulle ruffles and a delicate feather design from the bodice down to the skirt.

Where some of the women wore white, a symbol of peace, other’s used the competition to voice political concerns.

Not only did Miss Paraguay, Lia Aymara Duarte Ashmore wear a lion’s head for the competition but her outfit also featured the sign ‘Paz Y Justicia’, which is a Human Rights Non Governmental Organisation in Latin America.

Miss Armenia, Kristina Ayanian walked on stage in a regal crimson cape and gown, adorned with jewels. She also held a matching shield and in her right hand held a sign saying ‘Armenia for the right to live’ referencing recent disputes in the country over ownership of land

A mermaid’s tale! Miss Brazil, Mia Mamede stepped on stage as a blue and purple mermaid. She also wore a pearl on her head and a shell cape that she could wear up or down

Waving the white flag! Miss Japan, Marybelen Sakamoto wore a long white dress with gold and silver shards around the skirt when she stepped out at the national costume round of the competition

Hear me roar! Not only did Miss Paraguay, Lia Aymara Duarte Ashmore wear a lion’s head for the competition but her outfit also featured the sign ‘Paz Y Justicia’, which is a Human Rights Non Governmental Organisation in Latin America

Traditional! Miss Korea, Hannah Kim wore a traditional hanbok dress, in an array of peach, pink, red and lavender shades. The bodice was a silky burnt orange

Sparkles galore! Miss Nicaragua, Norma Huembes wore a purple jump suit covered from head-to-toe in sequins and beads. Her elaborate cape and train was in the same style and her headdress featured Nicaragua’s national flower the sacuanjoche

Full of feathers! Miss Nigeria, Hannah Iribhogbe (left) walked on stage dressed as a white bird and holding red sculpture of a traditional face. Miss Argentina, Barbara Cabrera (right) also dressed in white features, with huge plumes coming out of her head dress

Looking all white! Miss Kyrgyzstan, Altynai Botoyarova wore a floor length white gown for the competition, which was full of tulle ruffles and a delicate feather design from the bodice down to the skirt

Fighting for rights! Miss Armenia, Kristina Ayanian walked on stage in a regal crimson cape and gown, adorned with jewels. She also held a matching shield and in her right hand held a sign saying ‘Armenia for the right to live’ referencing recent disputes in the country over ownership of land

Going all out! Miss Ghana, Engracia Mofuman wore a golden gown, with a jeweled bodice and on the skirt illustrations of the people of Ghana

A Greek goddess! Surprisingly it isn’t the large peacock on Miss Greece, Korina Emmanouilidou’s shoulder that you first notice when you see her outfit. But her bodice appears to be a light with flames or power

A display of colour! Miss Aruba, Kiara Arends (left) wore a huge golden sun hat. She opted for a skimpy bikini top decorated with star fish and a bright neon ruffled skirt. Miss Mexico, Irma Cristina Miranda Valenzuela (right) while wearing a mainly black dress coat and sombrero spiced her outfit with many colourful roses embroidered on the back of her dress on the rim of the hat

Precious in pastels: Miss Australia, Monique Riley walked out in a strapless floor length chiffon gown, in an array of cute pastel shades – including blue, green, pink and yellow

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We quit Australia and moved to Bali with our four kids

Miss Universe contestants in the national costume round