Bali remains one of the most attractive real estate markets in Asia. The island is chosen not only for its climate and ocean, but also as a place to live, invest, and develop long-term strategies. However, almost every investor and buyer is faced with a key question at the outset: where is the best place to buy real estate in Bali—in the south or in the center of the island?

The south and center of Bali offer two fundamentally different lifestyles and investment scenarios. They differ not only in geography but also in audience, profitability, pace of life, and growth prospects. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand the logic behind each location.

How the logic of choosing real estate in Bali is changing

In recent years, the Bali real estate market has matured significantly. Whereas previously, purchases were largely emotional — “a villa by the ocean for myself” — today, investment real estate in Bali is increasingly being considered as a way to generate income and maintain liquidity.

At the same time, Bali cannot be viewed as a single market. The southern and central parts of the island are developing according to different scenarios and attract different categories of buyers and tenants. That is why the question of “south or center of Bali” directly affects the profitability and strategy of real estate ownership.

South Bali: ocean, infrastructure, and stable demand

South Bali is traditionally considered the most developed part of the island. It is home to beaches, restaurants, beach clubs, international schools, medical centers, and the main tourist infrastructure. The southern areas are chosen by those for whom proximity to the ocean and an active social life are a priority.

Real estate in southern Bali is more often geared towards short- and medium-term rentals, as well as expats who want to live close to beaches and urban infrastructure. This creates stable and predictable demand, especially in popular coastal locations.

From an investment point of view, southern Bali benefits from high liquidity. Properties here are easier to rent out and resell. Even during periods of reduced tourist activity, the southern areas remain more stable than the more remote parts of the island.

Central Bali: nature, seclusion, and a special audience

The central part of Bali, especially the Ubud area, offers a completely different lifestyle. There is no ocean here, but there are jungles, rice terraces, silence, and a strong spiritual atmosphere. Central Bali is chosen by people who value privacy, balance, and a conscious lifestyle.

Real estate in central Bali is more often geared towards long-term living, retreats, wellness projects, and tenants who come for months at a time. It is a more niche market, but with the right positioning, it can be very stable.

In terms of profitability, real estate in central Bali can perform well, but it requires a more precise understanding of the audience. Demand here is less mass, but more loyal. Tenants often return repeatedly and choose properties not for their location, but for their atmosphere.

Profitability: South vs. Central Bali (with examples of areas)

When it comes to real estate profitability in Bali, southern areas tend to show higher returns in the short term. This is due to the high concentration of tourist demand, proximity to the ocean, and developed infrastructure. For example, areas such as Changu and Seminyak are consistently in demand among tourists and digital nomads. Properties here are well occupied during the high season and, with active management, can show a quick return on investment.

Changu is particularly interesting to investors due to its combination of beach location, cafes, coworking spaces, and young international audience. Real estate here is actively rented out for both short-term and medium-term leases. Seminyak, in turn, remains a more “classic” premium area with stable demand and high liquidity.

However, the profitability of the south is largely seasonal. In areas such as Uluwatu, where oceanfront villas predominate, the high season brings significant income, but during periods of decline, it is important for investors to be flexible with prices and rental formats. That is why the south of Bali is more often chosen by those who are ready to actively manage the property or hire a professional management company.

Central Bali offers a different model of profitability. There are no sharp spikes in the high season, but the slumps are also much less pronounced. The main demand is generated by long-term tenants, retreats, and guests who come for months at a time. The Ubud area is a prime example of this model. Properties here are less likely to sit vacant, as they are geared towards an audience seeking peace, nature, and a mindful lifestyle.

For investors who value stability and predictability of income, central Bali is often a more comfortable option, even if the peak returns are lower than in the south.

Liquidity and value growth: south and center in dynamics

South Bali has historically demonstrated higher liquidity, which is clearly evident in Changu and Seminyak. Limited land by the ocean, a constant influx of tourists and expats, and infrastructure development support steady price growth. Properties in these areas are easier to sell or rent, especially if they are located near the beach or key attractions.

In Uluwatu, value growth is largely due to the scarcity of coastal land and the area’s image as a premium destination. High-quality villas with ocean views are gradually becoming a rare commodity here, which has a positive impact on their investment value.

Central Bali, and Ubud in particular, is developing at a more moderate pace. Here, the increase in value is not due to an infrastructure boom, but to the uniqueness of the natural environment and restrictions on development. New projects are less common, and the requirements for architecture and integration into the landscape are higher. As a result, high-quality properties in the center of the island are becoming increasingly valuable over time, especially if they are geared towards long-term living or wellness.

Who is southern Bali suitable for (based on examples of areas)

South Bali is more often chosen by investors focused on an active market and high liquidity. Changu is suitable for those who want to work with digital nomads and tourists, combining short-term and medium-term rentals. Seminyak is interesting for a more conservative strategy with a focus on a premium audience and stable demand.

Uluwatu is more often chosen by investors focused on high-end villas and clients who value privacy and ocean views. Here, it is easier to work with expensive properties and earn high income during peak periods, but it is important to take seasonality into account.

South Bali is generally suitable for those who want to flexibly manage their rental strategy, respond more quickly to the market, and view real estate as an asset with the possibility of resale.

Who is central Bali suitable for (using Ubud as an example)

Central Bali, especially Ubud, is chosen by investors and buyers with a long-term outlook. This format is for those who value privacy, nature, and a conscious pace of life. Real estate here often becomes part of a lifestyle strategy, rather than just a tool for maximizing profit.

Properties in Ubud are in demand among guests coming for retreats, recovery, remote work, or long-term stays. The audience is less massive but more loyal. Such tenants often return and are willing to live in one place for months.

This format is particularly suitable for projects with a wellness, yoga, and eco-living concept. Profitability here is based not on peak rates but on stable occupancy and long-term relationships with tenants.

South or central Bali: how to make the right choice

The choice between the south and central Bali depends not so much on geography as on your goals. If your priority is profitability, liquidity, and an active market, the south of Bali is often the more rational choice. If atmosphere, long-term stability, and a particular lifestyle are important, central Bali may offer more value.

It is important to remember that the best real estate in Bali is not a one-size-fits-all option, but a property that is precisely tailored to the owner’s strategy. That is why, before buying, it is worth evaluating not only the price and location, but also the scenario for using the property in the future.

Thus, the question “South or central Bali: where is the best place to buy real estate” does not have one correct answer. Bali is unique in that it offers different lifestyles and investment opportunities within the same island — and this is its main strength.