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Living Smart in Bali: How to Manage Water, Electric, and Waste
9 January 2026 by Seo Manager
Living in Bali long term offers an incredible lifestyle, but daily comfort depends on understanding how essential utilities work. For expats, digital nomads, and long-term villa residents, utilities in Bali can feel unfamiliar at first. Water sources differ from country to country, electricity systems operate differently, and waste management often follows local community rules rather than centralized systems.
Knowing how water, electricity, and waste are managed helps you avoid common frustrations, plan your monthly living costs in Bali, and settle in with confidence. With the right setup and support, daily life becomes smooth and predictable. This is why many long-term renters choose professionally managed villas, where these essential services are already handled properly. Bali Coconut Living ensures that villas are well maintained so residents can focus on enjoying life on the island.
Water Supply in Bali
Water supply is one of the most important utilities to understand when living in Bali long term. Unlike many cities with centralized systems, residential water sources vary depending on location and property type.
Most villas rely on:
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PDAM, the local government water supply
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Private deep wells, commonly known as sumur bor
In high-demand areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud, private wells are more commonly used due to inconsistent PDAM pressure.
It is important to note that tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Long-term residents typically rely on bottled water deliveries or installed filtration systems for drinking and cooking. Many villas include basic filtration for bathing and household use, while drinking water is supplied separately.
To maintain consistent water quality and pressure, residents should pay attention to:
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Water pump and tank condition
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Filtration system maintenance
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Bottled water delivery schedules
In terms of cost, water supply in Bali is relatively affordable. For long-term villa living, monthly water expenses usually range between IDR 150,000 and 400,000, depending on usage, garden irrigation, and pool maintenance.
Electricity in Bali
Electricity in Bali is supplied by PLN, the national electricity provider. Every villa is connected to PLN through a meter with a specific power capacity that determines how much electricity can be used at one time.
There are two common payment systems:
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Prepaid electricity using token codes
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Postpaid electricity billed monthly
Prepaid systems are widely used in rental villas because they allow tenants to monitor and control usage more easily. Tokens can be purchased through the PLN Mobile App, mobile banking, e-wallets, or minimarkets such as Alfamart and Indomaret.
Electricity costs can vary significantly depending on lifestyle and villa features. High electricity usage often comes from:
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Air conditioning
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Pool pumps
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Water heaters
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Home office equipment
To reduce electricity in Bali costs, long-term residents often limit air conditioning use, run pool pumps on timers, and choose energy-efficient appliances.
Average monthly electricity costs typically fall within these ranges:
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Small villas: IDR 800,000 to 1,500,000
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Medium villas with pools: IDR 1,500,000 to 3,000,000
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Large villas: higher depending on usage patterns
Also read: Best Grocery Shopping in Bali for Expats and Long-Term Stays
Trash Collection and Waste Management in Bali
Trash collection in Bali varies by area and level of development. In many residential neighborhoods, waste is handled by the local village or banjar. In popular villa areas, private waste collection services are often used.
Most long-term villas include regular trash pickup as part of the rental or management service. Collection schedules may differ, but usually occur several times per week.
Proper waste management in Bali is becoming increasingly important. Residents are encouraged to separate household waste into:
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Organic waste
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Recyclable materials such as plastic and glass
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Non-recyclable waste
Separating waste supports local recycling programs and reduces landfill impact. Many residents also adopt eco-friendly habits such as reducing single-use plastics, using refill stations, and supporting private waste services that prioritize responsible disposal.
Managing Utility Payments and Maintenance
Managing utilities independently in Bali can be manageable, but it often requires time, local knowledge, and regular attention. Payments, maintenance checks, and service coordination can quickly become overwhelming for those unfamiliar with local systems.
Utility payments and key considerations typically include:
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Paying water and electricity bills through mobile banking apps, payment platforms, or minimarkets such as Alfamart and Indomaret
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Using direct billing when utilities are handled by a villa management service
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Confirming which utilities are included in the rental agreement before signing
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Asking about electricity usage limits and typical monthly costs
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Understanding the villa’s water source and filtration system
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Clarifying how trash collection is scheduled and managed
This is where professional villa management makes a noticeable difference. A reliable management team ensures utilities are paid on time, systems are properly maintained, and issues are resolved quickly. At Bali Coconut Living, utilities are handled as part of the villa management service, ensuring stable water supply, reliable electricity, and organized trash collection so tenants can focus on living comfortably.
Also read: Bali Community Guide for Expats and Long-Term Residents
People Also Ask
How does electricity payment work in Bali?
Electricity is supplied by PLN and paid through prepaid tokens or postpaid monthly billing using apps, banks, or minimarkets.
Can you drink tap water in Bali?
No, tap water is not potable. Bottled or filtered water is recommended for drinking and cooking.
How is waste managed in Bali?
Waste is collected by local village services or private providers, with increasing emphasis on waste separation and recycling.
What are typical utility costs for a villa in Bali?
Monthly living costs in Bali for utilities usually range from IDR 1,200,000 to 4,000,000, depending on villa size and usage.
Making Everyday Villa Living in Bali Simple and Reliable
Managing water, electricity, and waste is a fundamental part of daily life in Bali, particularly for long-term residents and villa tenants. Understanding how these systems work helps reduce unexpected costs and ensures a more comfortable living experience.
Choosing a well-managed villa makes handling villa utilities in Bali much easier, offering reliability, convenience, and peace of mind.
Looking for a long-term villa in Bali with reliable water, electricity, and waste management? Contact Bali Coconut Living to find the perfect home where everything runs seamlessly.