Saturday, May 3, 2025

Bali Tourists Warned Of Common & Easy To Fall For Money Scam

- The Bali Sun

It’s that time of year again. With high season in Bali about to get started, it’s time for all the travel scams to start coming to light again.

Seasoned Bali tourists, you already know what we’re going to be talking about, but for newbies, listen up. There is one money scam in Bali that feels as if it’s been around since the dawn of time, but since travelers keep getting caught out by it, we’re going to keep reporting on it.
  

That being said, this particular scam appears to be declining. This is in part because more and more tourists are traveling using international travel cards, and more and more of Bali’s leading attractions, cafes, restaurants, and shops accept debit and credit cards.

Nevertheless, cash is still king in Bali, and it’s always good to have some notes with you, especially if you’re exploring away from the big resort areas like Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, and Ubud.
Watch on TikTok

In theory using a currency exchange facility in Bali should be safe, convenient and offer a fair exchange rate.

What makes this Bali money scam so surreptitious is that at face value, everything looks above board.

The scam involves a slight-of-hand mavaoeur who can steal hundreds of dollars from tourists’ currency exchange transactions.
Watch on TikTok

The scam goes something like this: A tourist walks into a currency exchange shopfront or kiosk. The teller and tourist agree on the exchange rate, and the teller counts out the amount in the original currency to make sure everyone is on the same page about how much is being exchanged.

The teller then brings out the Indonesian Rupiah notes and counts out the amount agreed upon with the tourist. Sometimes, they count the notes out several times before reassembling them and handing them over to the tourist. Just as they gather the notes together, the teller will use a sleight of hand to drop some of the notes down behind the desk or screen.

To the tourist’s eye, all that’s happened is that the notes have been reorganized into a pile, but in reality, as many notes as possible have been swiped away behind the desk for the teller to keep.
Watch on TikTok

This scam has been happening in Bali and in many other tourist destinations all around the world for decades.

Over the years, the tellers have become super good at swiping the notes away without tourists’ notice. In fact, in some cases where tourists have filmed the interactions, it’s still nearly impossible to tell what’s happened even when the video is played back in slow motion.
  

Several safeguards can be implemented by tourists to keep them safe from scammers.

The first is to only exchange currency in a certified and reputable facility, such as a bank, at the currency exchange counter of a resort hotel or at any of the exchange facilities at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on arrival though the outlets at the airport typically have a higher exchange rate than those outside the airport.


The second is to take some time to familiarize yourself with the Indonesian Rupiah notes. It’s especially easy for first-time tourists to Indonesia to get confused by the new numerical denominations and note colors.

The final safeguard is the most essential: count the notes handed over by the teller at least twice before walking away from the desk or signing the exchange invoice.


While some tourists feel awkward doing this, as it may appear distrusting of the teller, those who are running legal and legitimate currency exchange facilities will not be offended, and in many cases will encourage tourists to do so.


Don't just visit Bali, experience it! This weekly “Bali Travel & Real Estate News” summary is your key to unlocking a richer, more informed journey.
Tune in each week and discover how to make the most of your time in paradise.
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This Weeks Bali News
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New Tourist Attraction In North Bali To Become Green Haven For Nature



Bali Governor Wayan Koster has requested that the Buleleng Regency Government implement new regulations to ensure that the landscape around the new Turyapada Tower remains a green haven for nature.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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 Bali Launches New Activities For Tourists At Famous Rice Terraces


Culture and nature are at the core of Bali’s tourism offering. One very special place perhaps better blends the incredible Balinese culture and the wonders of the natural landscape.

We are, of course, talking about the UNESCO World Heritage Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan Regency.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Bali, Jakarta, and Paris Shine in Global Travel Rankings, Spotlighting Emerging Destinations and Tourism Trends Worldwide


In the 2025 edition of the Trip.Best Global Rankings, Bali and Jakarta have been recognized among the top 100 destinations worldwide, reflecting their growing appeal to travelers seeking diverse experiences.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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 Bali Urged To Reconsider Impacts Of Plastics Ban In Tourism Hotspots


Policy advisers and academics in Bali are calling for a serious reconsideration of the province’s announcement to ban single-use plastics, with a specific focus on the ban on bottles under 1 liter.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced the new policy as part of a mission to clean up Bali, including its top tourism resorts, by 2027.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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 Tourists Can Now Pay Bali Tourism Tax Levy At More Payment Points


Bali’s leaders are on a mission to ensure that all international tourists pay their Bali Tourism Tax Levy fee before departing the island.

The tax was introduced in February 2024, and data collected from the first year of the policy shows that as few as 35% of tourists made the mandatory IDR 150,000 payment.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Forget Sunset! Early Risers In Bali Are Rewarded With Incredible Sunrise Views At Top Tourist Beach


Bali can proudly boast some of the best sunset spots in all of Asia. There is nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon while sitting in the amphitheater of Uluwatu Temple as the mesmerizing fiery kecak dance is performed in front of your very eyes. But for the early risers, Bali has something very special in store indeed.
  
Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Bali Tourists Advised To Be Extra Cautious When Booking Accommodation This High Season



Tourists planning upcoming trips to Bali are being advised to ensure that they are booking stays with legitimate accommodation providers.

The warnings come after tourism leaders in the province noted that arrival figures keep rising but that official figures on accommodation occupancy rates from registered providers don’t show the same shift.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Tourist's shocking discovery at 'luxury' Bali hotel exposes worrying problem


Aussie travellers are being urged to always do extensive research before booking accommodation in Bali after a tourist unknowingly paid to stay in a partially "abandoned hotel" when she thought she'd lucked out on a luxury resort.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Only in Bali: Stranger Helps Monkey Cross Bali Street


There are indeed many monkeys on the streets of Bali, particularly in the Ubud area and the West Bali region. These monkeys often take to the streets in search of food, even scavenging from passing vehicles. This behaviour stems from the habit of some motorists feeding the monkeys, leading to an increasing number of monkeys appearing on the roads.

This situation, however, poses a danger to the monkey population, as they are at risk of being struck by vehicles. A touching scene shows an act of kindness amidst this concerning trend.


Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Bali fights back against illegal accommodations


Illegal accommodations undermine the local economy by evading taxes, reducing hotel occupancy, and offering unregulated services, which compromises safety, quality, and fairness within the tourism industry.

The Indonesian government has swiftly responded to concerns over the increasing number of illegal accommodations operating in Bali.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Last Weeks Bali News

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 Asia's most beautiful island among favorite travel destinations for New Zealanders


A tourist on Bali Island in Indonesia. Photo by UnplashHouse of Travel, the largest travel company in New Zealand, has revealed Indonesia's Bali, voted Asia's most beautiful island, was among favorite travel destinations for Kiwi travelers along with Tokyo and Hanoi.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Major New Immigration Changes Can Help Save Tourists From Bali Vacation Disasters


Indonesia Immigration has just issued a major new policy change that will help holidaymakers in Bali avoid vacation disasters.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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 Bali Plus More? Indonesia Unveils Tourism Strategy


The Indonesian Government is on a mission to harness the potential of travel and tourism nationwide to boost the economy.

This renewed commitment to developing sustainable tourism could bring a series of impressive benefits to Bali tourists, who will be encouraged to engage with travel in new ways.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Low-Cost Airline Confirms Launch Of New Australia-Bali Route In August 2025


The low-cost airline Jetstar has just confirmed that it will launch a new direct flight service between Australia and Bali.

Australian tourists are the most frequent international arrivals in Bali, and the new service will give tourists more options than ever when it comes to planning their vacations.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Mount Lewotobi Erupts 13 Times This Morning


East Flores - Mount Lewotobi Male in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), erupted 13 times throughout the early morning hours until this morning. The eruptions occurred from 23:59 to 06:00 WITA, accompanied by loud booms that were heard in the city of Larantuka and made the ceilings of residents' houses tremble.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Bali’s Busiest Tourist Flight Routes Unaffected By Major Volcanic Eruption


Officials in East Nusa Tenggara have confirmed that Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted twice on the evening of Sunday, 20th April 2025.

The volcano has been erupting regularly for the last six months and has previously impacted flights in and out of Bali due to volcanic ash entering airspace around the Indonesian archipelago.
  
Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Bali’s Public Bus System Back Up And Running But Tourists Warned To Use Service Fairly



Bali has welcomed the return of its public bus service, the Trans Metro Dewata.

The service assists thousands of local residents in traveling through the central south of the island for work and the needs of daily life; the bus service can also be used by tourists who are seeking an affordable way to travel between the island’s biggest resort areas.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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Bali Tourists Marvel At Galungan And Kuningan Celebrations This Festival Season


No sooner has Nyepi Day passed is there another reason for celebration in Bali. Tourists in Bali right now will not be able to help but notice a lightness in the air and the magnificent penjor structures lining every street on the island.

This is because the holy Balinese festivals of Galungan and Kuningan are upon us.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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 Rainy Season Officially Over In Bali As Tourists Celebrate Return Of Sunshine


The rainy season is officially over in Bali. As the island celebrates Galungan Day, the rainclouds have officially been sent on their way for another year, and sunshine will prevail…in theory!

As the dry season kicks off in Bali, the island is also gearing up for the high season for tourism.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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 Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, Georgia, Bhutan, And Serbia Witness Tourism Boom


As India grapples with extreme summer heat and rising airfares, travelers are increasingly setting their sights on international destinations that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access — and countries like Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, Georgia, Bhutan, and Serbia are leading the charge.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
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This Week's New Special Real Estate Deal

RETIRE IN BALI – BALI LUXURY RETIREMENT VILLAS


Don’t Dream It, Live It:

Bali Luxury Retirement Villa

An extraordinary retirement haven, where your dreams of a serene and fulfilling Bali lifestyle come to life.

Location, Location, Location:


Why Bali’s East Coast is a Retiree’s Dream

When it comes to retirement, choosing the right location can make all the difference. Bali’s East Coast, with its tranquil beaches, breathtaking scenery, and pure air, offers an idyllic setting for your golden years.Bali Luxury Retirement Villas Saba Bali Indonesia

Steps from the Sea:


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Location Pantai Saba 200 Mtrs. from Beach

Imagine starting your day with a leisurely walk on the beach, feeling the soft sand between your toes and the gentle ocean breeze on your face.


Our Bali Luxury Retirement Villas are just a short 200 meter stroll from a picturesque beach which is considered by many tourists and locals alike as one of the best beaches for families on Bali’s East Coast, inviting you to embrace the island’s natural beauty.
Safe and Family-Friendly:

Pantai Saba Beach, renowned for its safety and calm waters, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the stunning views, you’ll find peace and serenity here.

Spectacular Sunrises:

Witness the magic of Bali’s sunrises, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. The clear air and unobstructed views offer glimpses of distant volcanoes, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.


Mt Rinjani 120 KM away

Breathe Easy: The Gift of Clean Air


Bali’s East Coast air, carried by trade winds and largely untouched by pollution, is a breath of fresh air – literally. Studies show that clean air contributes to longevity and improved health, making it a valuable asset for retirees.

Bali Oasis: Designed for Retirement Living

Returning to your private villa after a day of exploration or relaxation feels like a true homecoming.

We’ve meticulously designed these homes with the needs and desires of retirees in mind.

Solid Teak front entrance door Ensures strong security and long lasting quality with very little upkeep.

Bali Luxury Retiremnet Villa with Solid Teak front door entrance

Forget about the upkeep of a large house. Our villas are thoughtfully sized to minimize maintenance, allowing you to focus on enjoying your retirement to the fullest.
Private Carport:

Secure parking for your vehicle or a hired driver, ensuring you have the freedom to explore Bali at your own pace. 


 Retirement Villa AI Floor Plan

Open & Airy: 

Glass block walls and ample windows create a bright and welcoming atmosphere, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
Refresh and Rejuvenate:

Start your day with an invigorating swim in your optional private pool.

It’s the perfect way to stay active and energized, right at your doorstep.

Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Pool:


Climate Control:

Enjoy year-round comfort with air conditioning in living areas and bedrooms.

Screen doors let in the refreshing ocean breeze during cooler months most of the year. Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Main Entrance with Tinted glass
Energy Efficiency:

Reflective glass windows reduce air conditioning costs, keeping your home cool and comfortable while saving you money.

High Quality Finishing:

Durable & Stylish:
 Granito-style tile floors offer timeless beauty and require minimal upkeep. Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Floors.

Thoughtful Design: Retirement Villas That Prioritize Your Comfort and Lifestyle

We understand that your retirement home should be a sanctuary – a place where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy the best that life has to offer.

That’s why we’ve poured our hearts into designing villas that cater to the unique needs of baby boomers.

Light-Filled Living: Large windows and glass block walls create a bright and cheerful ambiance, while screen doors allow you to enjoy fresh air and ocean breezes.


Bali Luxury Villa Floor Living Room

Easy Maintenance:


Durable tile floors and high-quality cabinetry minimize upkeep, so you can spend your time doing what you love.

Relax, Entertain, and Savor: Your Villa’s Heart and Soul

Beyond the tranquil bedrooms and refreshing pool lies the heart of your villa – a space designed for relaxation, connection, and culinary delights.
Unwind in Style:

Sink into the plush comfort of a brand-new recliner couch, perfect for unwinding with a good book or enjoying a movie night.

Stay Connected:

Invite friends over for a cozy gathering or stretch out and savor the peaceful ambiance.

A dedicated workstation, complete with self-charging ports and ample lighting, ensures you can stay connected with loved ones, manage your finances, and pursue your online passions.


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Living Room Work Station

Embrace Nature’s Tranquility:

Step into your private courtyard garden, a serene oasis where you can meditate, enjoy your morning coffee, or simply bask in the beauty of nature.

This lush green space, visible from both bedrooms and the living room, adds a touch of serenity to your everyday life.


Luxury Retirement Villa Courtyard Garden

Gather & Celebrate:


The dining area, with its elegant solid teak table and seating for four, sets the stage for memorable meals with family and friends.


Enjoy delicious food, share stories, and create lasting memories in this inviting space.

Culinary Delights:

The well-appointed kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring:
Ample counter space and storage.

Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Kitchen

Fully electric kitchen with electric oven and electric induction stove for safety and easy cleaning.


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Kitchen

A huge refrigerator with two doors for freezer and refrigerator

Custom-made cabinetry adds a touch of elegance, provides even more convenience.

With affordable housekeeping services readily available, you can spend less time on chores and more time enjoying your retirement.

Your Private Sanctuary: Luxurious Bedrooms and Spa-Like Bathrooms


Retreat to the tranquility of your master suite, a haven of relaxation and comfort designed with your well-being in mind.


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Master Bedroom East View

Thoughtful Touches:

Custom-Designed: Every detail, from the spacious bed to the ample wardrobe space, has been carefully considered to create a luxurious and functional space.

Vanity Area: A well-lit vanity with a large mirror ensures you can prepare for your day in style.

Reading Nook: Curl up with a good book in the cozy reading corner, complete with perfect lighting.

Huge closets and wardrobes with plenty of storage space

Massive Backdrop with makeup mirror and table with plenty of natural light.


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Master Bedroom Backdrop Make Up Table

Huge Wardrobes to fill with new Clothing

Master Bedroom Huge Wardrobes

A large mirror is included to check out your latest Bali purchases.


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Large mirror

Spa-Like Bathroom:

Indulge in the ultimate pampering experience in your elegant bathroom, featuring:

Dual Sinks: His and hers sinks offer convenience and add a touch of luxury.

Soaking Tub: Relax and unwind in the spacious tub, complete with a safety handle for easy access.

Relax and unwind as you enjoy your courtyard garden

Open the screen window and have fresh air come into your bathtub. How nice is that?


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Master Bathroom

Open-Air Shower: 
Enjoy a refreshing shower while taking in the view of your private courtyard garden.


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Master Bathroom Shower

Elegant guest bedroom and bathroom:

 Your guests will feel equally pampered in the comfortable guest bedroom, which boasts many of the same features as the master suite, including a courtyard view, a large bed, and ample storage.

The private bathroom offers a full-size shower for added convenience.

Guest Suite: Comfort and Convenience:Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Guest Bedroom
Your guests will feel right at home in the comfortable and well-appointed guest suite.

It also has a beautiful view of the garden court which allows lots of light for the makeup mirror and the full sized dressing mirror.

Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Guest Bedroom

The screen window can also be opened to allow fresh ocean breezes.

With its own private bathroom and ample wardrobe space, it’s the perfect place for friends and family to stay when they visit.


Bali Luxury Retirement Villa Guest Bedroom TV Backdrop

Lovely bathroom with shower.

This guest bedroom comes equipped with a slightly smaller bathroom but still with a loveless sink and full size shower and toilet.

Security and Peace of Mind:

We understand the importance of feeling safe and secure in your retirement home. While our community is known for its tranquility, we offer the option of full-time security services for added peace of mind.


Bali Luxury Villa 1 A Night
Call to Action:

Experience the luxury and comfort of our thoughtfully designed Bali Luxury Retirement Villa .

Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover the perfect place to call home in Bali.

Unmatched Location: Your Gateway to the Best of Bali.

Location is paramount, and our Bali Luxury Retirement Villas offer the ideal setting for a fulfilling retirement.

With 27 years of experience building in Bali, we have handpicked this location to provide the perfect blend of convenience, tranquility, and access to essential amenities.


Healthcare at Your Fingertips:

Peace of mind comes from knowing that quality healthcare is nearby.
The Kasih Ibu Hospital, just a 5-minute drive away, provides excellent emergency care and a range of wellness programs for baby boomers.
Kasih Ibu Hospital Saba 5 Min Drive

For more specialized needs, the brand-new Bali International Hospital, a 20-minute drive, offers world-class medical services, including anti-aging treatments and specialized care.

 


Bali International Hospital 20 Min Drive

Modern Conveniences:

A short drive brings you to the vibrant heart of Sanur, where the new Icon Mall offers a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Stroll along the 6-kilometer white sand beach, indulge in a spa treatment, or stock up on groceries at one of the modern supermarkets.


New Bali Icon Mall Sanur Billed a son of Largest in S/E Asia Now Open

Affordable Luxury:

Experience the ease and convenience of Bali living. Fresh fish, local produce, and even coconuts can be delivered right to your door at a fraction of the cost back home.
Plus, affordable housekeeping services allow you to spend your time enjoying retirement, not doing chores.

Retiree for up to 70 % Less


Cost of Retiring Up to 70% Less

Bali’s low cost of living, combined with the potential for rental income from your villa, allows you to stretch your retirement savings further and enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling lifestyle.

Don’t miss out!

Only one Villa available at this time – Discounted by 5%

Experience the benefits of a prime location in Bali. Contact us today to learn more about our Bali Luxury Retirement Villas and start planning your dream retirement.

Bali Luxury Retirement Villas present a unique opportunity. Here, your retirement dreams and financial goals can intertwine.

Affordable Luxury: 

Bali’s low cost of living lets you enjoy a luxurious lifestyle without depleting your savings.

Imagine daily massages, gourmet dining, and exciting adventures, all within your reach.

Family Haven: Your loved ones will be eager to visit you in paradise. No more worrying about expensive flights for family reunions – they’ll be booking their tickets as soon as they can!

Investment Potential: Bali’s real estate market is booming, especially for properties catering to retirees. With long-term lease options and strong rental demand, your villa can generate a steady income stream, adding to your financial security.

The Numbers Make Sense:

Starting at just 4.6 Miliar IDR (for other currencies exchange rates click here), our villas are a fraction of the cost of comparable properties in many Western countries.
Secure Long Term Leases Included:

Secure Your Bali Legacy:
 

Unprecedented Long Lease with Two Extensions Included at no extra cost

Forget the typical Bali lease worries. We offer you an unparalleled opportunity to own your tropical paradise for up to three generations.

Consecutive Leases, One Owner: This is not just a lease; it’s a legacy. Legally secure three consecutive leases in your name, providing you with total ownership for two to three times longer than most leases.

Unmatched Flexibility & Control: Resell your lease, pass it on to loved ones, or simply enjoy your villa for many decades to come. The choice is entirely yours.

Prime Location, Exclusive Clientele: Nestled in a sought-after area, our villas cater to discerning individuals aged 55-75 seeking a luxurious and tranquil lifestyle.

Stand Out From the Crowd: Most Bali villas come with remaining lease terms of 20-30 years. Your exceptional long term leases is an exceptional investment, offering peace of mind and long-term value.

Interested in learning more about this unique opportunity? We prefer to discuss the details in private.

Please contact us to schedule a personalized consultation.


Potential for Hudge Profits:


Your base cost over the term of the leases equals only 57,500,000 IDR per Year or 791,666 per month.


Estimated monthly rental incomes for similar villas at our currrent rental rates equal 20,000,000 Idr to 30 million Rupiah per month.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out your villa can become a lucrative investment, allowing you to enjoy your retirement while building your wealth.

You may in fact want to purchase two. One for your retirement and one for strictly investment which can also be utilized from time to time to accommodate the multiple amount of children, grandchildren and friends that will want to come visit you in Bali which is currently the second most sought after destination in the world.

Live Your Dream, Grow Your Wealth:

Imagine a retirement where you can indulge in your passions, travel, and spend quality time with loved ones, all while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle and watching your investment flourish.

ONLY ONE PROPERTY AVAILABLE.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY –ACT NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT:




We only have BLRV-A-1 available for sale at this moment.

Priced To Sell:

Discounted 5 % Until Oct 30 th. 2024.

Sales Price 4.48 Miliar

Live in the place the world is raving about!
Contact us today to learn more about this Great retirement opportunity


For English or Bahasa Indonesia call Azizah, a registered Notaris at +62 811-3864-993


For information or inspection in Bahasa Indonesia contact the President’s Spouse and Licensed Indonesian Notaris Azizah at +62 811-3864-993 or the English and Indonesian Sales Staff at +62-361-284069


Email: info@bestbalirealestate.com

“The owners of this company are the perfect combination of long-time international experience and in-depth subject-matter knowledge and relevant local expertise, networking, and the right licenses to run this business and advise their clients. The properties on offer are at prime locations with huge growth”


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