The Untold Side of Investing in Bali, What No One Mentions On Social Media

Every time someone lands in Bali, a quiet dream begins.

It starts with a sunset over Uluwatu cliffs, a coffee in Canggu
or that one perfect morning in Ubud where life feels slower, softer, and more intentional.

For some, the dream becomes louder:
“What if I lived here? What if I built something here?”

And that’s how most investors begin not with spreadsheets or legal documents, but with a feeling.

But feelings don’t build villas. And they definitely don’t save you when government officers show up with demolition notices.

Because while Bali is full of opportunity, it’s also full of investors who lost everything, not from bad ideas, but from skipping the boring (but essential) part: doing it legally.

The Reality Nobody Talks About

In the first half of 2025 alone, Bali saw an 11% rise in international visitors and a 58% increase in foreign investment.

More people are building villas, launching cafés, opening beach clubs, and buying land faster than ever.

But then, something else happened! Bulldozers showed up in Bingin. Villas, cafés, beach lounges gone. Not because the designs were bad. Not because business was slow.

But because permits weren’t in place. Because someone said, “We’ll legalize it later.”

That "later" never came.
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So what actually goes wrong?

Here’s the truth most newcomers don’t know: Bali isn’t just governed by Indonesian law.

It has two systems running at the same time:

• National law:  what the government requires.
  
• Customary law (Hukum Adat): what the local village allows.
  

You need both. Miss one, and your investment stands on shaky ground, even if it looks perfect on Instagram.

How Smart Investors Do It Differently

Before they fall in love with the infinity pool or rice field views, they start with the foundations:

They check the land.
They check the zoning,
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(because only pink and yellow zones can be developed,
and green zones never will be).

They ask, “Does this villa have the right permits?”
They work with a notary and local banjar, not “someone who knows someone.”

They don't build and hope.
They plan and protect.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Bali isn’t the wild west anymore.

Tourism is booming. Investment is booming. Regulations are tightening.
Villages are more protective than ever of their land and traditions.
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And here’s the shift:

The island is no longer looking for more buildings, it’s looking for responsible owners. People who respect the rules, work with the community, and build something that lasts.
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Not just for profit, but with purpose.
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If You’re Ready to Build Something Real

You don’t need to know everything.
You just need to know the right steps and the right people.

That’s where we come in.

At Uluwatu Property & Advisory, we work with investors who want to do things properly  legally, ethically, and sustainably.

We help you:

• Choose the right land.
  
  
• Make sure it’s buildable.
  
  
• Set up the right company structure.
  
  
• Get your permits approved.
  
  
• Protect your investment long-term.
  

So your dream doesn’t get stopped by paperwork.

Let’s Build Something That Lasts

Bali doesn’t just reward big ideas, it rewards those who build them on solid ground.

If you're ready to invest with clarity, not guesswork.

Let’s talk.

Start your journey here:
‍www.uluwatuproperty.com/legal
www.uluwatuproperty.com/accounting