Zoning Regulations in Bali, Desirability, and Investment Profitability

19.02.2025
0 Comments

I’m sharing this information for those who may not be familiar with it. Zoning is the process of dividing land into various zones, each subject to specific rules regarding use and construction. On Bali, these rules are especially crucial because they help preserve the island’s natural beauty, protect its cultural heritage, and manage urban development. There are five zoning types on Bali:

  1. Agricultural Land (Green)
    This is meant for farming and not suited for building villas. Strict regulations are in place to protect these farming areas.
  2. Residential Land (Yellow)
    You can build villas here. However, there are different sub-types: some areas allow fewer buildings, others allow more. You’ll need to research carefully to understand which type suits your plan.
  3. Commercial Land (Red)
    This is designated for businesses, not villas. However, it’s important to be aware of nearby commercial zones so you can understand the local economy and your potential clientele.
  4. Tourist Land (Pink)
    This is an excellent place for building villas, especially if you want to accommodate tourists. These areas are designated for establishments such as hotels and villas, making them ideal for your villa project.
  5. Commercial & Residential Land (Orange)
    These areas contain a mix of businesses and housing. They can be a great choice because you can cater to both locals and tourists—an attractive option for building villas.

If you take a look at Bali’s property zoning, it becomes clear that, according to the regulations, pink zones are generally the safest for building villas. Figure 1 below shows a sample zoning map in Ubud. Your next important step is to pinpoint the specific location within this pink zone where you want to invest.

Figure 1. Zoning in Ubud


Choosing the Perfect Spot: Where Zoning and Desirability Intersect

Analyzing Airbnb Reviews: A Strategic View

In the digital travel world, insights often come from experiences shared by fellow adventurers. Figure 2 provides a window into the southern region of Bali, illustrating a mosaic of Airbnb reviews. The visual language is straightforward: the larger the bubbles, the more reviews there are; the color spectrum, ranging from purple to green, indicates the level of guest satisfaction. Red signifies less enthusiastic 4-star ratings, while green denotes glowing 5-star reviews. Investors scouting for promising locations naturally gravitate toward those bright green bubbles, which signal high popularity and a positive guest experience. This data-driven approach offers vital guidance, providing valuable clues about a region’s appeal and its potential for Bali villa investments.

Figure 2. Airbnb Review Distribution in South Kuta


Navigating Bali’s Villa Investment Landscape: Airbnb Review Insights

For investors seeking the best opportunities in Bali, the Airbnb review map serves as a valuable guide. Imagine yourself in the buyer’s shoes, eyeing the appealing pink zones on the map. A natural question arises: “Which specific spot within this pink area holds the greatest promise?” The answer is surprisingly simple: look for pink zones adorned with large green bubbles. Those vibrant green bubbles—indicating satisfied guests—are a reliable signal of strong appeal.

As an example, consider the property zoning in Badung, Bali (Figure 3). The pink shading indicates that this area is suitable for villas and hospitality-related buildings. To assess its appeal, we consult Figure 4—a comprehensive Airbnb review map. By combining the pink and green markers, we highlight the area labeled “A.” This zone draws a notable influx of Airbnb guests, suggesting high demand.

Figure 3. Zoning Regulation in South Kuta
Figure 4. Area Marked as “A” Based on Airbnb Reviews in South Kuta

While this observation is promising, it would be unwise to base an investment decision on it alone. What additional factors should investors consider? Let’s delve deeper to make an informed choice.


Maximizing Returns: Unraveling the ROI Puzzle

Once you’ve identified a pink zone featuring a green bubble, the next crucial step in your Bali villa investment journey is understanding Return on Investment (ROI). ROI measures the annual profit you can expect from a specific location. Multiple factors—land cost, operating expenses, villa construction costs, and occupancy rates—directly influence this figure. This is especially pertinent in areas marked as “A,” where calculating ROI becomes essential. If you want to crack this financial code, reaching out to Bukit Vista would be a smart next move.


Conclusion: Your Investment Journey and Bali Villa Investments Begin Here

In the grand tapestry of Bali’s real estate market, property zoning forms the initial brushstrokes, desirability adds the vibrant hues, and ROI completes the masterpiece. Armed with this knowledge, you are more than just an investor—you’re a strategic player in Bali’s evolving real estate arena. Let’s embark on this journey together.