Bali is an island full of riches with an area of 5,780 km2. It consists mainly of rice fields, valleys with trees, jungles but also beautiful lakes and 4 volcanoes. It is a beautiful place to explore from North to South and from East to West where you will find all kinds of beaches ranging from white sand and turquoise waters to steep cliffs and black sand beaches. But what makes Bali so special are its people with their ancient culture.
The place you choose to invest in Bali will depend above all on your objectives. Do you want to settle down? If so, do you have children? Do you prefer nature and calm or rather the proximity of all shops and international schools? Is your objective to make a good investment and to benefit from an income thanks to the renting of your vacation home?
To begin with, you should know that about 80% of Bali’s tourist activity and expatriates are concentrated in the south of the island. Mainly around the cities of Seminyak, Kerobokan and Canggu where not far from the international airport you will find both beaches (known for their beautiful sunsets), the best restaurants and beach clubs on the island, the most beautiful stores, a lively nightlife but also all the activities necessary to enjoy a family stay. The geographical location of this region is also a strategic starting point for any excursion on Bali without forgetting that it is one of the sunniest areas of the island. All these assets make it by far the best place for a profitable real estate investment.
SEMINYAK
It is the oldest touristic district of the Golden Triangle (Seminyak-Kerobokan-Canggu). It has been more than 20 years since the “first” expatriates started to settle in Seminyak. Here you will find many international hotels, an incredible concentration of the finest restaurants like nowhere else on the planet with cuisines from all over the world, all kinds of smaller restaurants with delicious flavors, famous bars and chic boutiques. All this, of course, by the sea, where you can enjoy lazing around on a sunbed or sipping a cocktail in one of the many beach bars with your feet in the sand. The place being very strongly frequented by tourists and close to the airport, property prices are high and properties for sale are rather rare.
KEROBOKAN
Just north of Seminyak, Kerobokan has also developed thanks to some expatriates who were looking for a quiet place while remaining close to the airport and the activities of Seminyak. Balinese villages still dominate the landscape and you will sometimes find beautiful rice fields. A rather residential environment with better controlled development. French people living in Bali especially appreciate this area for its quality of life but also thanks to the French school which is installed in Umalas. Not to mention the many restaurants and Monsieur Spoon, a French bakery. Wherever you are in Kerobokan, the beach is rarely more than 10 minutes away. In recent years the area has exploded, especially in the area of Bumbak which connects Canggu and Seminyak.
Like everywhere in Bali, property prices continue to rise but remain reasonable in this area. The area is ideal for year-round living, but you will also find many properties for seasonal rental that have very good rental yields due to their lower sale price.
CANGGU
Canggu is the area that has developed the most in the last 10 years. Starting with the Berawa area which is adjacent to Kerobokan and then you will find Batu Bolong and Echo beach. In these areas of Canggu, the prices of properties for sale are in line with the incredible potential of this place which has become one of the most popular destinations on the planet. Very modern atmosphere, young people trendy “sustainable future” and healthy food but also many incredible places for night owls or simply to enjoy the sea, all very close to the rice fields.
More quiet but accessible in a few minutes by car or scooter (the most popular and fastest way to get around the island) you will find the districts of Asaman, Padonan and Babakan. Because of the relative distance (10 to 15 minutes from the beaches), real estate prices are lower. A destination in the middle of rice fields and ideal for people who want to afford a tropical house to settle down or invest in Bali in a villa to benefit from rental returns on the year-round rental market.
UBUD
Although Balinese culture and traditions are present all over the island, Ubud has always been the cultural center of Bali. A colorful hilly village with many museums, art galleries and other sights. Some of the tourists pass through Ubud, very often for the day only. The climate is less sunny and cooler than in the south of the island with much more frequent rainfall. It is possible to invest in Ubud at a lower cost around the village but the distance from the centers of interest forces tourists to motorize.