Changu: a developed hub for entrepreneurs and digital nomads
The pros and cons of Changu
Ubud: the cultural and spiritual heart of the island
The pros and cons of Ubud
Bukit: the best surf spots and luxury resorts
Kuta: the perfect place to hang out
Uluwatu: a resort paradise for surfers
Nusa Dua: an elite resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean
Seminyak: fashion center and alternative to Kuta
Sanur: a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle
Bali’s Tourism Boom: How the island is becoming an increasingly popular international tourism destination
In 2024, Bali is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And yet, over the past few years, the island has become more than just a resort. Thanks to the active influx of expats, remote workers and startups, its own mature infrastructure is being formed here: coworking, international schools, clinics, and business communities.
Coupled with a mild tropical climate, a developed service sector and transport accessibility, Bali is increasingly positioning itself as an ideal place for digital nomads to live, and the high and stable demand for rental real estate makes the island an interesting investment location.
There are more and more opportunities for comfortable relocation to the island every year, so in this article we will look in detail at which area is better to live in Bali in 2024.
The cost of real estate in the best areas of Bali
District
The average cost in dollars
The minimum cost in dollars
Changu
160 000 $
110 000 $
Nusa Dua
300 000 $
232 000 $
Ubud
318 000 $
$ 72,000 — apartments
$ 108,000 — villas
Sanur
400 000 $
328 500 $
Uluwatu
221 000 $
119 000 $
70 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 150
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 270
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
Changgu and its surroundings today attract a very fashionable and advanced audience. Entrepreneurs, digital nomads, families and couples are all eager to settle in the area. If Changu used to be an ordinary fishing village, now it is a whole cluster of several settlements: Berava, Batu Bolong, Babakan and others.
As Changu itself becomes more crowded and expensive, expats are exploring nearby quiet locations or moving to other, more peaceful regions of Bali. We are talking about Pererenan, Tumbak Bayukh, Seseh beaches, Chemagi, Nyanyi — not so active, but still well-equipped places.
In addition to beach holidays, Changu is full of life: there are a lot of amazing cafes, restaurants, yoga studios, fitness clubs, bars and coworking. There are supermarkets, round-the-clock clinics, international schools, kindergartens and nurseries.
The area is great for both active youth and freelancers, as well as for families. Good transport accessibility, well-developed infrastructure and picturesque beach landscapes make Changu one of the best options for relocation to Bali in general.
The pros and cons of Changu
Positive
A strong international community has been formed here, which facilitates integration and the search for like-minded people for newcomers. A lot of yoga studios, fitness rooms, healthy eating establishments to maintain an active lifestyle, so popular with local expats – all this creates the image of Changu as one of the best places in Bali to live and relax.
At the same time, Changu perfectly balances between a calm, measured rhythm and a stormy social life, so you definitely won’t be bored.
Minuses
The rapid growth of popularity and the development of Changu have led to a noticeable increase in tourist traffic, especially in high season. There is little left of the atmosphere of serenity that once existed here – many expats prefer to go to Ubud or Sanur.
The cost of living in the area is steadily rising. Rental housing, services and other expenses are becoming more expensive. This may scare off the budget segment of tourists, as well as those expats who expected a quieter and more inexpensive place.
Nevertheless, Changgu’s dynamic lifestyle and stunning natural beauty continue to attract expats from all over the world. After all, this place embodies the very essence of Bali — the harmony of tradition and modernity against a backdrop of truly magical landscapes. This is largely why many digital nomads, choosing where to live in Bali, stop in Changu.
Ubud: the cultural and spiritual heart of the island
The cost of renting a house in Ubud per day
70 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 140
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 560
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
It has become a cliche to call Ubud the heart and soul of Bali, but it is true: the area embodies the cultural and spiritual center of the island and is famous for its indescribable atmosphere.
Unlike the plains of Sanur or Changu, the terrain here is hilly. The area is conditionally divided into North and South Ubud — popular areas of Bali among nature lovers, yogis, art lovers.
The thriving art sector of Ubud is one of the main attractions of the area. The island’s rich artistic past is represented in local studios, museums and galleries. And the culture of yoga and wellness is a godsend for those who need to improve their physical and spiritual condition.
An important caveat: it takes 30-40 minutes to get to the nearest beaches from here, so surfers are unlikely to like Ubud.
Favorite places for expats: Desa Kumbukh, Pengosekan, Silakarang, Penestanan, Nuh Kuning.
The pros and cons of Ubud
Positive
Life in Ubud is a special experience associated with tranquility, pacification and familiarization with the local culture. The emphasis on wellness and spiritual practices, culture and art make it an ideal destination for expats in search of a meaningful and measured life. Unsurprisingly, Ubud is also known as one of the best areas in Bali for families with children.
Minuses
Let’s look at the other side of the coin. The quiet lifestyle of Ubud will seem unnecessarily quiet for those who are used to the rhythm of big cities. The location of the city in the highlands brings with it two disadvantages at once: access to the beach is not found here, and the climate is sometimes even wetter than in coastal regions — the hills and highlands are to blame for everything, because of which the city lies in a depression.
Bukit: the best surf spots and luxury resorts
The cost of renting a house in Bukit per day
85 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 165
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 280
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
The southernmost point of Bali and a large region that includes Uluwatu, South Kuta, Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, Petjatu, Banjar Keold, Chengiling, Banjar Verdi Kosala, Banjar Mumbul and Bualu. And this is not counting the many small, but no less charming villages that cannot be listed at once.
However, when it comes to Bukit, most people mean the surroundings of Uluwatu with its famous beaches stretching all the way to Nusa Dua.
Bukit, which became a mecca for surfers back in the 60s and 70s and has regained popularity today, has turned into a luxury resort.
The two main cities of Bukit are Pekatu and Ungasan, connected together with the rest of the peninsula by a narrow isthmus. Previously, only daredevils eager to ride the waves of the Indian Ocean flocked here, but now Bukit also gathers wealthy guests who want to relax in luxury resorts.
Kuta: the perfect place to hang out
The cost of renting a house in Kuta per day
70 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 135
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 260
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
Kuta is one of the main tourist areas of Bali, which has always been a center of attraction for young people and freelancers from all over the world.
The Kuta area enjoys a reputation as the main hangout and epicenter of entertainment on the island: the streets of Kuta are full of bars, nightclubs and restaurants for every taste and budget.
The main advantage of the area is its direct proximity to the international airport. After a long flight, you can quickly get to Kuta and immediately start relaxing, falling on the warm beach sand.
Uluwatu: a resort paradise for surfers
90 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 175
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 320
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
Uluwatu is a coastal area in the southwest of the peninsula and the southernmost point of Bali. And although the area itself consists of many small towns, it is known primarily for world-class surf spots and the best views of sunsets and the Indian Ocean.
In recent years, the popularity of Uluwatu has only been growing. Tourists are attracted not only by high-level beaches, but also by stunning rocky landscapes, the Uluwatu Temple and the legendary Single Fin Beach Club. The beaches of Padang Padang, Balangan and the “Beach of Dreams” closer to Novaya Kuta deserve special mention.
Many residential buildings, restaurants and bars here literally hang over cliffs and cliffs. From there, from a bird’s-eye view, you can enjoy absolutely incredible views of the endless ocean and breathtaking sunsets.
In the heart of Uluwatu itself, tourists will find boutiques, bustling nightlife, luxury resorts and famous Balinese hospitality.
Nusa Dua: an elite resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean
The cost of renting a house in Nusa Dua per day
100 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 200
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 450
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
Nusa Dua is an upscale resort village for true aesthetes and lovers of luxury, which, without any doubt, is included in the list of elite areas of Bali.
The best hotels, spas with impeccable service and famous golf courses are located here. Life in this elite enclave is all about trying to treat yourself to another portion of the next delicacy.
Nusa Dua has a well—established reputation as an area for couples in love – it is here that most honeymoons in Bali take place.
The neighborhood with active entertainment is located at a respectful distance from Nusa Dua, so it will be problematic to move around this area without a bike.
But if a romantic and calm atmosphere is just what you need, and at the same time the budget is not designed for an economical option, then Nusa Dua will be the ideal place for a couple of travelers in search of a luxurious secluded vacation.
Seminyak: fashion center and alternative to Kuta
The cost of renting a house in the Seminyak area per day
90 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 150
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 290
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
Seminyak has been dubbed the hippest beach town on the island. It is wildly popular with travelers who are looking for a more upscale and sophisticated alternative to Kuta in terms of parties, restaurants and shopping.
In addition to the iconic beaches with magical sunsets, the coastline of Seminyak is simply dotted with dozens of beach bars and well-known clubs. It is in this area that the stylish boutiques of local and world-famous designers are spread out, which promote a fresh creative look at the latest fashion trends.
The heart of Seminyak is the area between Jalan Kampalung Tanduk and Jalan Kayu Aya. There is a lion’s share of restaurants, clubs, boutiques, bars and other places for expats.
Sanur: a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle
The cost of renting a house in the Sanur area per day
80 $
The minimum cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 130
The average cost of renting a whole house in high season
from $ 338
The maximum cost of renting a whole house in high season
*according to Airbnb
Sanur is a place that is chosen for family holidays by those travelers who are disgusted by the hustle and bustle of Kuta and Seminyak.
The nightlife here is quieter, live music plays in the bars rather than roaring DJ sets, and overall there is a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The northern part of Sanur is a harbor for boats that sail twice a day towards the islands of Lombok and Nusa.
Gourmet restaurants at resorts along the coast will replace the lack of surf spots, and kitesurfing will become the main water entertainment. Of the important local attractions, it is worth highlighting the Le Mayer Museum in the house of the Belgian artist, where 80 of his early paintings have been preserved.
If you are looking for the most convenient infrastructure on the island, then this is definitely Sanur. Located in the southeastern part of the island, just a few minutes drive from the airport. Wide roads, a gentrified coastline, pedestrian and bike paths, many cafes with ocean views. The location is in demand among both expats and tourists due to its convenient location: from here it is convenient to get to all the most famous attractions of the island and travel to neighboring islands.
Bali’s Tourism Boom: How the island is becoming an increasingly popular international tourism destination
Bali is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourism. In 2023, the tourist flow exceeded the indicators of 2022 and approached the pre-pandemic values. In total, 5,273,258 tourists arrived on the island last year — 24.5% more than a year earlier.
The high season in 2023 was the period from July to September, when the number of tourists did not fall below 500 thousand people per month. The relatively low season can be called January—March.
In 2024, the rate of tourist influx to the island only accelerated: From January to February, 874,838 tourists visited Bali — 33.5% more than in the same period of 2023.
The rapid growth of the tourism sector has a positive effect on the demand for rental real estate, which has increased by almost 20% over the past year. A good property must be booked several months in advance. So far, real estate prices in Bali are at an affordable level, giving investors with different budgets the opportunity to increase their capital. We can offer our clients objects from 70 thousand dollars with possible installments.
Against the background of an increase in the total number of tourists, the average time spent in hotels in Bali has also increased:
The top 5 countries with the highest tourist flow in Bali in January-February 2024 included Australia (23.96%), China (10.48%), India (7.58%), South Korea (5.29%) and Malaysia (4.58%). It is noteworthy that compared to the same period in 2023, the number of Chinese tourists increased by more than 5 times (+410%).
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