Facebook Friends. I thought I would share with you our First 3rd 2026 report to our Bali Luxury Villa Owners.
Date: May 3, 2026
To: Our Valued Villa Owners From: Lawrence B., PT B.A.L.I.
Dear Owners,
I have finally found a moment between business and family commitments to sit down and share a comprehensive update on the first four months of 2026.
It has been a dynamic start to the year, and I want to provide you with a clear picture of how PT Bali Luxury Villas, PT Bali Affordable Lifestyles, dba Best Bali Real Estate are navigating the current global landscape.
A Market Defying Global Uncertainty
Like many of you, I have closely monitored the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their potential impact on global travel and fuel costs. While these events have caused widespread concern, I am incredibly proud to report that our team has achieved magnificent results during the first third of this year.
In April, our villas and apartments reached a record-breaking 80% occupancy. 21% above last year.
This follows a strong trajectory of 69% and 80% in the preceding months, rebounding significantly from a slower January. These statistics are not merely projections; they are verified figures produced by our administrative office that reflect a tangible surge in demand for our legal, high-end properties.
The Impact of Regulatory Enforcement
The primary driver of our recent success is a significant shift in the local regulatory environment. Approximately six months ago, the Governor of Bali signaled a crackdown on illegal short-term rentals. This has now come to a head:
- The “April 1st Deadline”: Major booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com have delisted properties that do not possess the proper Indonesian PT company structure( NIB) , safety certificates, and building permits (PBG/SLF).Read Full Article Here
- A Shrinking Supply: Artificial Intelligence estimates that between 50% and 80% of the villa inventory did not qualify for online listing as of April 1st.
- Our Advantage: Because our operations are 100% compliant and legally structured, we have seen a large portion of our competition vanish overnight. This has allowed us to increase our rates by 30% while maintaining record occupancy.
I must extend a special thank you to my wife and business partner, Siti Nur Azizah. As a registered Notaris, her expertise ensures that every aspect of our business remains beyond reproach, providing you with absolute peace of mind regarding your investment.
Shifting Travel Patterns
Global instability is fundamentally changing how people vacation. With travelers increasingly wary of long-haul flights involving Middle Eastern hubs (like Dubai or Doha), we are seeing a massive shift toward “closer-to-home” destinations.
With approximately 50% of the world’s population living east of Iran, Bali has become the premier “safe haven” for travelers from Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia.
We are currently seeing occupancy rates 14% above historical norms for this period. As the saying goes, every adversity contains the seed of an equal or greater benefit; for Bali, this global chaos has redirected a wealth of high-quality tourism to our shores.
Real Estate and the “Yank” Migration
The sales market is equally robust. In the last three months, we have seen a 100% increase in our typical sales rate. Interestingly, we are seeing a growing number of Americans—or “Yanks,” as we Canadians affectionately say—looking to relocate to Bali permanently.
Safety concerns and the desire for a gun-free environment are driving high-net-worth individuals to seek retirement villas here. This trend is taking even more inventory off the rental market, further benefiting those of you who keep your properties available for short-term guests. If you have considered listing your property, now is an opportune time to discuss valuation, as demand is currently outstripping supply.
And perhaps the largest drop in supply in the future will be the fact that the law, the government in 2026 initiated a law that absolutely forbids building on rice patties. I learned two decades ago that Rice patties are sacred and should not be built on. This law will prevent body from losing its uniqueness and remove the chance of almost 50 to 60% of any future supply of villas and homes.
Looking Ahead: Stewardship and Growth
To those who have asked about the long-term future of the company: be assured that our stewardship has never been stronger. My son is completing his four-year business degree this year, and Azizah brings decades of high-level hospitality management to our leadership team.
Our greatest asset remains our 70+ dedicated staff members. Many have been with us for over 15 years, and their commitment to excellence is the reason we receive such consistent praise from guests. We are currently modernizing our digital infrastructure and expanding our inventory with the goal of remaining the most successful real estate entity in Bali.
On a personal note, I am feeling better than I have in ten years—keeping up a rigorous tennis schedule (this week alone 6 hrs. on the courts) and enjoying the vitality that life in Bali provides.
We are prepared for a record-breaking high season.
Thank you for your continued trust in our team. We are proud to represent your interests and look forward to a prosperous remainder of 2026.
Sincerely, Lawrence B. Founder, PT. B.A.L.I. , PT. Bali Luxury Villas & Best Bali Real Estate
BaliRetirement, #BaliPropertyInvestment, #RetireInBali, #BaliVillaForSale, #BaliLifestyleLiving
