Blog

Canggu was once a quiet, rural village filled with beautiful rice fields close to the coast with a long stretch of sparkling black sand beach and challenging waves, making it popular with surfers. Today, Canggu has evolved into Bali’s quirky boho town, a hippie haven with eccentric bars, clubs, boutiques and hangouts as well as the highest concentration of vegan cafes anywhere in South Bali. Although developing fast, Canggu is still a top favourite amongst the younger tourists or the digital nomads looking for that cool laid-back coastal vibe. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Canggu, you won’t ever run out of options. The area is fairly new to tourism so most guesthouses, villas and hotels are spanking new and modern but with that distinct tropical touch. From private lofts, studios, swanky apartments to luxurious villas, Canggu really has everything to suit your budget but before agreeing to anything, it is always best to do your research; and this is especially true if you have never stayed in Indonesia before. While short-term rentals can be as easy as walking into a guesthouse or clicking a few buttons and making a booking, long-term rentals can be a little more complicated. If you are planning to stay from a month to even a year or more, you really need to learn about the country’s general property and rental laws and learn not to trust just anybody who might be offering you what you think is a really good deal. Plus, some villa owners may not be fluent in your native language so communication might be a problem. If you’re coming to Bali and looking to rent a beautiful villa in Canggu, always go to a trusted and credible third-party with a wonderful track record and tons of positive customer reviews. Bali is small and word gets around – both good and bad! One of the more popular Canggu villa management companies is Bali Coconut Living, a company run by a team of passionate people who are always at the ready to give you a personalized villa experience. The company has a wide range of houses, studios, apartments, residences and villas in Canggu that are available for inspections. So whatever your budget, length of stay, location and other preferences, you can get it all sorted out with Bali Coconut Living. Setting up your new home in Bali will be easier when you are working together with people who know the property landscape with the know-how to eliminate scams, property laws and other bureaucracy. Why stress when you can get someone else to do it for you?

Besides being a favorite travel destination, Bali attracts foreigners to invest and buy property around the island. However, buying property in Umalas or any other part of Bali, is not always safe for foreigners. In this article, find out how to buy a villa safely. Foreign Bali Property Ownership There are two types of rights stated in the property regulations and real estate ownership in Indonesia. They are the “Right to Own” (Hak Milik) and the “Right to Build” (Hak Guna Bangunan). There are a lot of foreign investors in Bali who think an Indonesian citizen can act on their behalf to acquire the Hak Milik Certificate. Note that this is an extremely risky practice, as no matter how close you are with the nominee, they have the potential to overtake the property, leaving you, as a foreigner, with no protection for your investment. Buying a Bali property safely Owning a legal entity (PT PMA) and acquiring the ‘Right to Build’ license in Indonesia, is the only way foreigners can safely invest in property or buy land in Bali. This will protect your investment and give you plenty of time to enjoy your property, bequeath it to a family member, or even resell the Hak Pakai to a local. There are a few notes for foreigners to consider about Hak Pakai, including that The Hak Pakai can only be held if the land already has a building on it. It’s also worth noting the minimum value of the property and that it must be located in a tourist, residential, or trading area, as acquiring land in Bali agricultural or greenbelt zones are prohibited. The process of buying a Bali property will involve acquiring the Hak Pakai and submitting a packet of completed forms to the Indonesian National Land Office (BPN). These include relevant and supporting documents, proof of land payment, and the condition of Hak Pakai. Once these conditions are met and built with the right building permit (IMB), the BPN will issue a Hak Pakai under you or your company’s name. This is the correct way of purchasing a property in Bali, and things you should avoid as a foreigner. Contact Bali Coconut Living for more information on the best villas in Bali, and we’ll help you make a decision on buying a property in the safest & most secure way.

It can be exciting to observe some properties and villas in Bali before you make the purchase, but essential details can easily be missed. Make sure you inspect a property with the right checklist as it is critically important for you to check out the property or villa with all the information you need before making the offer. There are a lot of things to consider when planning to buy a villa in Bali, we will guide you through the essential points here. Find the right location One of the first decisions to make when choosing your property is it’s location. Whether you would like it on the beachfront, on a clifftop or next to a supermarket, the choice is entirely up to you. Just be sure to check the development plans for the surrounding area and confirm it won’t impact the rentability of your property and lifestyle. Also consider the disadvantages of the location, for example the beach or cliff may be too breezy. Another point to note is the accessibility of your location. Your villa needs to be within reasonable driving distance to go shopping and for recreational activities. Be sure the access road leading to your villa is adequate and wide enough for cars to park along, as well as letting other vehicles pass by. Approved legal Once you have found your dream villa in your dream location, make sure you have the rights to own it! Check every document of the property and its location to make sure it matches the land certificate. Also, before purchasing the property, confirm the Building Permit of the land (IMB) is for the right zone and that there are no restrictions that compromise the building of your villa. Facilities you need After you have found the right villa in the best location, get deep within the property and find out if the facilities you need are all there too! For you, a swimming pool or free Wi-Fi might be important, and you’ll surely be disappointed if they’re not included. Other facilities to enquire about are the Water Supply and the existence of electricity. For water, you should check with the PDAM if it's available in the area. If not, it’s possible to install a deep well with a water truck to your villa’s storage tank. While ensuring electrical connection is provided by the National Electricity Company (PLN). When everything is available, you are ready to enjoy a great holiday in your villa. These are a few things to look out for before buying a villa in Bali. Contact Bali Coconut Living for a list of recommended villas to rent or buy in the best locations around the island.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to call Bali your forever home? Bali receives millions of visitors a year including expats and travelers who fell in love with Bali and wish to move to the island permanently. Considering the exchange rates, living in Bali would be considered relatively cheap. This means many expats and foreigners wishing to purchase land and property in Bali should be able to do so easily… Unfortunately, owning assets in Indonesia, if you aren’t Indonesian, is almost impossible – don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. If you were looking at buying land to build your dream Bali property on, there are a few real estate and ownership options that you must know before you embark on a new and exciting journey of being a homeowner in Bali. Firstly, it is important to understand that there are different titles for both land and property in Bali and each title connotes a different meaning. The “freehold” title or “Hak Milik” means that only Indonesian citizens can hold this title. If you’re a foreigner and you’re tempting to hold a freehold land, it will automatically be deemed void, and therefore, the land will automatically belong to the government. A secondary title, known as “Right of Use” or “Hak Pakai” is the best option for a foreigner. With a built-in extension of 25 years, the title comes with renewal after 20 years with only a small tax implication. In addition, there is no mention anywhere in Indonesian law that these extensions or renewals cannot be continued as long as it is done on state-owned land. Some restrictions to this title would include the size of land and property and that you must hold a valid permit to stay in Indonesia such as a KITAP or a KITAS. The third title is a commercial title; “Hak Guna Bangunan”, which means “right to build”. This title is compulsory for both foreign and Indonesian companies buying, selling, or managing villas for commercial purposes. The good news is that there are no restrictions for a foreign PT PMA owning such a company 100% as long as it is a 4-star and up. Now that you’ve got your land titles all sorted out, you must obtain your accommodation license and Ijin Mendirikan Bangunan (IMB). All of this can be very confusing and stressful – the Indonesian property landscape is known to be a maze of red tape and bureaucracy, which are all in the Indonesian language. Some foreigners prefer to take the easy way out; they use the name of an Indonesian citizen to purchase the land and to build the villa. This may sound like a great option, but this will pose tons of problems for you in the future when it comes to taxes and reports. You’ll run into even more problems if the person you’re dealing with is untrustworthy. One of the very best and safest ways is to use the services of a trusted and credible third party. Bali Coconut Living has years of experience in this sector with hundreds of happy customers and an abundance of positive reviews. With experienced consultants helping you every step of the way, you won’t ever have to worry about property laws, paperwork, bureaucracy or getting scammed. Get started today!

Bali is a real life paradise when it comes to the stuff of vacations. Though you might be wondering, is it a good lifestyle fit for a long term homebase? There are many reasons why you should move to Bali. Bali is a haven for those who are working online and would like to call this tiny island home, as well as entrepreneurs, digital nomads, yoga lovers and families who live happily in Bali. Since the flights are afforadbale for Australians, Bali has become the playground for them. Much of the expats in Bali tend to choose the comfortable middle-class budget. Though for a more budget-friendly living cost and a fast-growing expat region of Ubud. There’s always an option for the length of stay on the island whether its 3 to 6 months or a full-time living on the island. Internet There’s internet in every corner of Bali including in its beach community and smaller towns, but don’t expect high-speed internet throughout the island. The best and most reliable connections would be in the main tourist areas and larger resorts such as Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta & Sanur. Satellite internet is another option in rural areas.   Child Friendliness Bali is considered very child-friendly, just like other places in Southeast Asia. There are several international schools offering varying degrees of intenational level education. It's best to do your research before you make a choice of living locations as the traffic in Bali can lead to long transit times between areas.   Currency The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency of Indonesia. If you are coming in from Australia the exchange rate is quite simple – simply remove the last four zeros for an approximate price in AUD. The USD is currently around IDR 14.000 to the dollar. The great thing about Bali is that it's a small island that you can explore on the weekend. If you live in Ubud, where most of the expats live, getting to the other areas can be only a coupld of hours away. While if you have a little more than the average budget, you can live in the more resort-like coastal towns. Contact Bali Coconut Living for a villa rental in a short or long stay and they will recommend the best stays anywhere around the island for your Bali expat experience!

It’s a single island with temples, volcanoes, surfing waves and monkeys to tame! Bali offers all elements of your traveling persuasion and shouts paradise for experiences you will never forget. Sure, the island has breathtaking aesthetic beauties, though it’s the cultural wonders that are incredible and make Bali one of a kind.   Temple to Temple Bali is a blessed island with the nickname “Island of the Gods”. Therefore, don’t be surprised by the temples you’ll see along the way. There are thousands of temples (known as “Pura”) on the island, every village has a main temple and every Balinese home will have at least one temple for offerings. Here are the top temples you should visit: Pura Tirta Empul One of Bali’s iconic water temples were they say magical, purifying properties are within the sacred springs of holy water. Tirta Empul is located in the central part of the island and has a literal meaning to ‘holy water spring’. It’s a must visit in Bali! Pura Besakih or The Mother Temple of Bali Located in the fast-growing tourism district of Karangasem, Besakih temple is a grand complex in the foot of Mount Agung and is considered to be Bali’s holiest place.   Balinese Dishes Experience the Balinese essence of on your plate! It will be a real shame if you miss out on the traditional cuisine, as the local dishes are a big part of the tradition. Here are the traditional dishes in Bali you should try: Sate Lilit Indonesian satays or sate are grilled slices of chicken, goat or pork skewered on sticks. Bali’s sate Lilit has its own peculiar creation and taste which consists of marinated coconut milk and other spices tourists will enjoy. Babi Guling Bali’s roasted pork, famously known as “Babi Guling” is a must try! The pig is roasted as a whole and is rolled over the fire with the meat mixed with traditional spices greased over the pork making this an iconic Balinese dish. It’s served during cultural performances or ceremonies, nowadays, it can be enjoyed in local restaurants.   Balinese Gamelan The traditional Balinese ‘Gamelan’ is also an essential piece of Balinese culture. It consists of heavy on percussion and relies on an assembly of various traditional instruments such as bamboo flutes and xylophones to make peaceful rhythmic goodness. You can find these instruments performed in a majority of places in Ubud, Restaurants and in some hotels and villas.   Local Markets From the street foods in the bustling food markets to souvenirs, trinkets, colorful clothing on the other markets. It’s the center of the destination’s local heartbeat and you’ll get the chance to dive into the local environment and spend time with the locals. Bali is truly an island of deep culture and traditions and still preserves it with little change over time. Tourists have been in love with Bali’s culture since the beginning and always will be for years to come. Note that what is mentioned above is only a scratch of what Bali’s culture has to offer. Book now in Bali Coconut Living for affordable, long term villa rental in Bali, or a monthly stay and observe this magical island for yourself.

For those of you who have the freedom, its no doubt that Bali is an excellent idea for a long term stay! It serves you with a highly affordable lifestyle, great spicy food, and the kindest people you will meet. Bali has a large expat community in Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu. If your priority is to live close to the beach for a sunset view, then Canggu should be your base, or if you want an afforable lifestyle adorned with pure Balinese culture and lifestyle, then Ubud should be your choice of stay. Getting a Local Sim Card The quickest option is to purchase a sim card directly in the airport, even though its a little pricy – it’s easy to register and will allwo you to immediately get online. Other options are getting them in major tourist towns such as Kuta, Canggu or Ubud. Telkomsel is the most popular data company, with the best signal in Bali as well as afforable data rates. If you don’t purchase your sim card at the airport the best option is to go directly to a Telkomsel outlet as you are required to register your sim card before activation in Indonesia. Getting A Scooter Getting your own mode of transportation is a must when it comes to a long term stay in Bali. If you have a bike license and are confident riding a scooter this is the most common mode of transportation on the island. Since scooters are the most effective way of transportation, there are many dealers on the island for purchase or rental. Food and Health Bali will spoil you with restaurants and cafes with a choice of local Balinese to western cuisines. If you get sick with the infamous ‘’Bali Belly’’ there are many excellent resources for a quick recovery, Drs who speak English and good health care facilities. Coworking Spaces Keep in mind that you might need a co-working space if you are planning to settle down in Bali, the island is becoming one of the main hubs in Asia for digital nomads. Make Bali your home! Contact Bali Coconut Living for long term villa rentals in Bali which offer you properties from the best and safest locations in the island to choose from.

As more and more restaurants, cafés and villas are being developed in Canggu, it is currently Bali’s fastest growing neighborhood. Living in Canggu means having the best of both lush green rice fields and stunning ocean horizons, with breathtaking sunset backdrops. Before its popularity ascended, Canggu was a favorite amongst world-class surfers. Canggu beaches are known for their outstanding surf breaks all year long, with several other spots suitable for beginner surfers. With its volcanic black sands, Canggu beaches also attract both locals and international visitors. If you’d like to relax by the beachside, drink ice cold beer while waiting for sunset or dance the day away at one of the beach clubs, Canggu beach might just be right for you. As detailed below, starting closest to Seminyak, you can walk along the coastline of Canggu and find a number of gorgeous beaches. Batu Belig Beach Only minutes away from Seminyak, you will find Batu Belig Beach. For a relaxing sunny afternoon in Bali, think beanbags, good food and great music. The waves are also smaller, perfect for those looking for calmer waters. This beach is home to the famous beach club, Tropicola, known for its colorful retro interior and plunge pool. Berawa Beach Right in front of Finns Beach Club is the famous Berawa Beach. The waves here are perfect for surfing or swimming, depending how big they are on any given day. If you’d like to enjoy the breeze while waiting for sundown, choose one of the beach bars located only a few minutes from Jl Pantai Berawa, offering affordable food and drinks with colorful beanbags to lounge on. Batu Bolong Batu Bolong Beach is known for its famous surfing spot, right in front of Old Man’s. It has a huge parking lot with cheap local foods being offered in the surrounding area. The beach is ideal for experienced surfers and those looking for a great spot to watch the sky hues turn orange. Echo Beach Locals call this beach Pantai Batu Mejan, named after a Hindu shrine. This brilliant stretch of beach is a fantastic spot for professional surfers and is also great to grab a sunset drink or dinner. Explore the many Canggu beaches by staying in the neighborhood. Stay in a luxurious private villa and enjoy comfort and privacy during your Bali getaway. If you’re looking for a villa to rent in Canggu, our professional real estate managers can help you pick the most suitable villa for you. Ask Bali Coconut Living for more information.

The island of Bali is known as one of the most visited destinations in Indonesia, drawing in millions of people each year from all over the world. The destination is celebrated for its strong local culture, warm hospitality and stunning sceneries of beaches, rice fields and mountains. Those who want to plunge into a tropical life simply must put Bali on their bucket list. The island offers both adventure and luxury hand in hand, catering to all types of travelers. To take your time and make the most of the island, renting a villa in Bali is probably the best choice. Unlike in hotels, you get to see the surrounding environment in private, and enjoy the comfort of luxurious accommodation, without having to share your space with other tourists. Renting a villa in Bali can also be ideal for those traveling in groups, or even for honeymooners seeking a more romantic private time. An increasing number of private villas are built every year in Bali making it a perfect luxurious destination. If you’re looking to rent a villa when you visit, here are some of the best places for you to find a deluxe private villa in Bali. Seminyak Home to high-end bars and lavish dining venues, Seminyak is the perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious villa within the busy streets of Bali. The strategic location and hip social scene make Seminyak an enviable neighborhood for travelers. This stylish town is known for its sophistication and vibrant nightlife. Uluwatu This surfer’s paradise takes pride in giving access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island! Elegant villas are perched along the cliff, overlooking the spectacular Indian ocean. Not only does it give access to stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, but it also boasts jaw-dropping views of the beautiful Balinese nature. Canggu Bali’s current it spot! Canggu is a popular town for surfers, vegans, yoga enthusiasts and digital nomads. Most villas in Canggu are located just a short stroll from Canggu cafes and restaurants, work out studios and the beach. The above-mentioned neighborhoods are only some of the places to rent a villa in Bali. If you need any assistance finding the most suitable villa to rent, simply ask our property consultants from Bali Coconut Living to help you out!

Seminyak, known as Bali’s most sophisticated and upscale area, is home to an eclectic scene swarming with deluxe villas, cool beach bars, fine restaurants and high-end boutiques. You’ll find a fashionable strip lined with international shops beside Bali’s chic cafes and premier dining spots. The ambience is more laidback compared to Kuta and Legian. As the sun sets, the town actually gets livelier with numerous parties hosted in various ritzy clubs scattered around the area. Whether you’re a Bali regular or a first-timer, we’ve compiled a guide of things to do in Seminyak. Here is all you need to know about Bali’s hip neighborhood, Seminyak! Where to eat in Seminyak Known for its famous “Eat Street”, Seminyak provides you with unlimited dining spots. You will find authentic Balinese, Italian, Japanese and classic Australian brunch. If you only have a limited time to spoil your senses, make sure you try these restaurants while in Seminyak. La Lucciola – A classic Seminyak seaside icon offering international fusion and Mediterranean food. Mejekawi – Located within Kudeta, Mejekawi features an open kitchen where diners can view the exciting process of their food creation on their 7 or 11 course menu. Biku – A Javanese joglo known for its traditional high tea and range of delicious desserts. Da Maria – Hip Italian restaurant for a pizza party located at Jl Raya Petitenget. Merah Putih – Stunning restaurant offering delectable Indonesian cuisine. What to do in Seminyak Other than dining in Bali’s best restaurants, there are many other significant activities that you can do in Seminyak. Visit Petitenget Temple – This ancient temple is a must see. It usually features a group of Balinese Hindus dressed in traditional garments and practicing their religious duties. Get a massage – Choose from a range of cheap massages or luxurious spas. Go to Seminyak beach – Soak up the sun at the beach or lounge at one of Seminyak’s stylish beach clubs. Where to stay in Seminyak When talking about places to stay, Seminyak has a diverse selection of choices. Beachfront hotels, private pool villas or luxurious resorts – make sure you choose the accommodation that suits you most. If you’re looking for complete privacy and comfort, we suggest renting a villa in Seminyak. Short term or long term (monthly or yearly) rentals are available. However, finding the best villa in Seminyak may be quite difficult with such an abundance of villas on offer. If you need any assistance, Bali Coconut Living’s team of experienced villa consultants can help you make your choice.

Staying in a private villa has become a popular choice when enjoying a holiday in Bali. There’s no better feeling than waking up in a luxurious villa and having your own private pool right in your backyard. Renting a villa in Bali is great for those seeking privacy, luxury and comfort all in one place. Additionally, we are seeing an increasing number of expats wanting to call Bali their home. More and more villas are available for long-term rentals, whether monthly or yearly. However, choosing your holiday home or yearly rental doesn’t happen overnight. Location matters In order to select the best villa for you, you need to make a few decisions first. One of the most significant factors is location. Where should you rent a villa in Bali? It may be tricky as all the areas are quite different to one another. To help you out, here is a guide about where to rent a villa in Bali, so you can make the most of your stay in paradise! Kuta Although Kuta used to be an icon of Bali, over the years it has become known as the party center of the island. If you’re into hardcore partying, like those at Sky Garden, Bounty or Paddy’s, then Kuta could be a good option. The town is brimming with bars, nightclubs and small local shops. Staying in Kuta also provides easy access to the airport and the famous Kuta beach. You can find big shopping malls such as Beachwalk, Discovery Shopping Mall and Galeria Mall Bali. Seminyak The most fashionable district of Bali is no doubt Seminyak. If you’re into a more sophisticated lifestyle, Seminyak might be just the ‘hood’ for you. It’s home to plenty of sexy beach clubs, lavish restaurants, cute cafes, premium international boutiques and, of course, luxurious villas! Think villas with sleek interior design equipped with private pools and impeccable service. Canggu Also known as “Ubud by the sea”, Canggu is a magnet for yoga enthusiasts, surfers, skaters and healthy organic food lovers. Properties in this area benefit from laidback vibes with peaceful green rice paddy views. The café scene in Canggu is also constantly growing with various dining options. Whether you want to dine in style, eat at a traditional local warung or hang out at Canggu’s coolest cafes, there’s a great spot on every corner of Canggu. Kerobokan Only minutes away from Canggu and Seminyak, Kerobokan is another favorite place to rent a villa in Bali. The town has plenty of chic villas surrounded by beautiful rice fields. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants and cafes as well as favored spa destinations nearby. Ubud If you’re looking for villas in the jungle or nestled between rice fields, Ubud is the place to go. The town is known as the yoga central of Bali, with many vegetarian and raw organic food options. Find a villa to rent in Ubud and experience true Balinese culture in this spectacular area. Renting a villa in Bali Still unsure where to rent a villa in Bali? Let Bali Coconut Living help you select the best monthly or yearly villa rental for you.

Have you got your honeymoon plans sorted? If you’re looking for a romantic getaway loaded with tons of sunshine, lavish dining, lively activities and luxurious accommodation, then it’s time to book two tickets for a dazzling Bali honeymoon with your loved one. Your days will be filled with full on romance and adventure once you step your feet onto the beautiful island of Bali. Its spectacular views and affordable price tag makes Bali a favorable destination for a honeymoon. To help you make the most of your time in Bali, here are some tips to plan your dream getaway with your partner! Transportation - Making your way around Bali Although the island lacks public transportation, getting around Bali is pretty easy, with many different transportation services offered. Save your time and energy by booking a private driver to take you around the island. Make sure you book in advance so they can pick you up from the airport. If you’re not planning to commute much, you can use online taxi services such as Grab or Gojek. However, it’s important to note that some areas prohibit online taxis. Local transportations are also available, but are normally way more expensive. If you are the adventurous type, then a popular option is to rent a motorbike. Scoot around rice fields and to waterfalls, the local market and to catch the sunset! Activities - Things to do during your honeymoon in Bali A honeymoon in Bali provides an endless choice of activities. There’s something for every honeymooner. Whether you want to soak up the sun by the beach, lounge on daybeds, wake up in a luxurious private villa, shower under a waterfall or indulge in heavenly massages, you can make your dreamy honeymoon vacation in Bali come true. Accommodation – Where to stay for your Bali honeymoon The best place for lovebirds to stay in Bali is either Seminyak or Canggu. Both destinations provide ocean views, beachfront villas, stylish boutiques, sunset bars, chic restaurants and cafes. If privacy is what you want, then it’s best to rent a private villa in Bali. Thanks to the continuous growth of tourists, Bali is blessed with incredible accommodations for all budgets to choose from. If you are looking for a weekly or monthly villa rental in Seminyak or Canggu, Bali Coconut Living will be happy to assist you. Simply contact the team and our passionate property consultants will be in touch with your shortly.