If you’re living on or frequently visiting Indonesia’s stunning islands beyond Bali—like Lombok, Komodo, or Raja Ampat—and are now considering a move to Singapore, this practical expat guide is for you. Moving to Singapore from Best Islands in Indonesia Beyond Bali: Expat Guide explains the key steps: work visas, property options, cost of living, and how to maintain your Indonesian island lifestyle while building a new life in Singapore. Homejourney, a trusted Singapore real estate platform focused on user safety and verified information, helps you make confident decisions whether you’re relocating for work, investment, or a fresh start.
Why Expats from Indonesia’s Best Islands Choose Singapore
Many people from Indonesia’s beautiful islands beyond Bali—Lombok, Komodo, Raja Ampat, and others—are drawn to Singapore for its stability, world-class healthcare, excellent schools, and strong job market. While life on these islands offers incredible nature, diving, and a relaxed pace, Singapore provides better infrastructure, higher salaries in many sectors, and easier access to international travel and business networks.
For expats and investors, Singapore is also a gateway to Southeast Asia. The city-state’s transparent property market, strong legal system, and ease of doing business make it attractive for those who want to keep ties to Indonesia while building a more structured, secure life. Homejourney’s platform is designed to support this transition, offering verified property listings, clear market data, and tools to help you compare options safely.
Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work, and Cost of Living
Work Visas for Expats from Indonesia
To live and work in Singapore, you’ll need a valid work pass. The most common options are:
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives. As of 2025, the minimum qualifying salary is around SGD 5,600 per month, with higher thresholds for older applicants and certain sectors. You must have a job offer from a registered Singapore employer.
- S Pass: For mid-skilled workers. The minimum salary is lower than the EP, but still substantial, and there are quotas and dependency ratio ceilings that employers must meet.
- EntrePass: For entrepreneurs starting a business in Singapore. This is ideal if you’re running a tourism, hospitality, or digital business connected to Indonesia’s islands.
For family members, Dependent’s Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) may be available once you hold an EP or S Pass. Always check the latest requirements on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) websites, as rules change frequently.
Cost of Living: Indonesia vs Singapore
The cost of living in Singapore is significantly higher than on most Indonesian islands. Here’s a rough comparison for a single professional:
- Lombok / Komodo / Raja Ampat: Monthly expenses (rent, food, transport, utilities) can range from IDR 10–25 million (approx. SGD 850–2,100), depending on lifestyle and location.
- Singapore: A comfortable monthly budget for a single expat is typically SGD 4,000–7,000, including rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and some leisure.
Rent is the biggest difference. A 1–2 bedroom condo in a central area like Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, or Marina Bay can cost SGD 3,500–6,000/month, while similar units in non-central areas (e.g., Tampines, Jurong East, or Woodlands) may be SGD 2,500–4,500/month. Homejourney’s property search lets you filter by budget, location, and size to find realistic options.
Community and Social Life
Singapore has a large Indonesian community, including many from Lombok, Flores, and other islands. You’ll find Indonesian supermarkets (like IndoMart, Indo Grocer), restaurants serving Lombok ayam taliwang, Komodo seafood, and Raja Ampat-style grilled fish, and community groups on social media and WhatsApp.
Joining expat and Indonesian associations, attending cultural events, or volunteering can help you build a support network quickly. Many expats from Indonesia’s islands appreciate Singapore’s safety, cleanliness, and ease of getting around, even if the pace is faster than island life.
Property for Expats from Indonesia’s Best Islands
What Foreigners Can Buy
As a foreigner, you can buy:
- Private condominiums (freehold or leasehold)
- Executive Condominiums (ECs) that are at least 10 years old
- Commercial properties (e.g., shophouses, offices)
You cannot buy HDB flats (public housing) unless you’re a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) or citizen. Most expats from Indonesia’s islands choose private condos for their flexibility, amenities, and resale value.
ABSD for Foreign Buyers
Foreigners buying residential property in Singapore must pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). As of 2025, the ABSD rate for foreigners is 60% of the property price or market value, whichever is higher. This is a significant cost, so it’s essential to factor it into your budget.
For example, on a SGD 1.5 million condo, ABSD would be about SGD 900,000. Homejourney’s projects directory and market insights help you understand pricing, ABSD impact, and long-term value before committing.
Popular Areas for Expats from Indonesia
Many expats from Indonesia’s islands prefer areas with good transport links, international schools, and access to nature. Popular choices include:
- Orchard / River Valley: Central, convenient, many condos with pools and gyms. Close to shopping, dining, and business districts.
- Tanjong Pagar / Marina Bay: Modern high-rises, great for professionals working in the CBD.
- Bukit Timah / Holland Village: More residential, green, and family-friendly, with good schools and Indonesian/Asian restaurants.
- Tampines / Jurong East / Woodlands: More affordable, with good MRT access and Indonesian communities nearby.
Homejourney’s property search lets you explore these areas with filters for price, size, and amenities, helping you find a home that feels like a comfortable upgrade from island life.
Rental Market Overview
If you’re not ready to buy, renting is a great way to settle in. Rental yields in Singapore are moderate (around 2–3% gross), but the market is stable and well-regulated. A 1–2 bedroom condo in a central area typically rents for SGD 3,500–6,000/month, while similar units in non-central areas may be SGD 2,500–4,500/month.
Homejourney’s rental listings include verified units, clear terms, and photos, so you can compare options safely. For long-term stays, many expats eventually buy, especially if they plan to stay for 5+ years and can handle the ABSD.
Practical Settling-In Guide for Expats
Banking and Finances
Opening a bank account in Singapore is straightforward with a valid work pass and passport. Major banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB) offer accounts in multiple currencies, including SGD and IDR, which is useful for managing money between Singapore and Indonesia’s islands.
Homejourney supports users with multi-currency tools and links to current bank rates and mortgage information, so you can plan financing for property purchases with confidence.
Healthcare and Education
Singapore’s healthcare system is world-class. Public hospitals (like SGH, NUH) and private hospitals (like Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles) offer high-quality care. Most employers provide medical insurance, and expats often top up with private plans.
For families, Singapore has excellent international schools (e.g., UWCSEA, SAS, ACS International) and local schools. Many expats from Indonesia’s islands choose international schools for their children, especially if they plan to return to Indonesia or move elsewhere in Asia.
Transportation
Singapore’s MRT and bus network is efficient, clean, and affordable. A monthly travel card (EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay) costs around SGD 100–150 for regular commuting. Taxis and ride-hailing (Grab, Gojek) are also widely available.
If you’re used to scooters or boats on Indonesian islands, the MRT might feel very different at first, but it’s extremely reliable and safe. Many expats appreciate not having to deal with traffic jams or parking issues.
