
The first surfer in Bali was the handsome photographer, tennis coach, CIA agent, and natural-footer Bob Koke. Koke had learned to surf in Waikiki when he had been an assistant to the film director shooting the 1932 film, Bird of Paradise. In 1936, Koke and his girlfriend Louise travelled from Singapore to Bali by steamship, fell in love with the island, and opened the Kuta Beach Hotel on the site of the current Hard Rock Hotel. He arranged his redwood plank to be shipped from Hawaii to Indonesia, and whilst waiting, had some locals carve out a couple of shorter wooden boards to use to teach the hotel guests. The pair left before the Japanese invasion of Bali during World War 2, came back in the early 1950s, and discovered the hotel had been burned down. The boards, however, escaped the blaze and are still in Bali today.
The first reef to be surfed in Bali would have been the offshore Kuta Reef, though the exact first surfer is a mystery. “A white guy was out in the surf. He was standing on a red thing and shooting across the face of a breaking wave,” wrote the anonymous author of Bali and Indo Surf Stories, retelling an experience in early 1971. That could have been Cottesloe surfer Barry Middleton, who was one of the first to explore Bali’s waves that year. Matt Warshaw says that by the late 1960s, American and Australian flight attendants had also begun to surf Kuta. Nat Young is also recorded as surfing the beachies in 1971.
What isn’t in dispute is the first wave ridden at Uluwatu. That was surfed by 15-year-old Steve Cooney in August of the same year, during the filming of the Morning of the Earth. Director Alby Falzon filmed Cooney and Rusty Miller surfing pumping The Peak and Racetracks, without leashes. The movie was released early the next year and immediately brought global attention to Uluwatu. It’s never gone away.
However even despite the new crowds coming to the Bukit, nearby Padang Padang wasn’t surfed until 1975. That origin story traces back to Peter McCabe and Tony “Doris” Eltherington. The pair had been competing in the Australian Titles at Middleton, better known as Dribbleton, in South Australia. “I was mates with Steve Cooney, and the surf was miserable. I said to Doris, ‘Let’s get out of here and go to Bali.’ There was no more thought to it than that,” McCabe told SURFER.

That first season on a huge swell, McCabe, along with Steve Hamilton and Steve Agnew, surfed giant Outside Corner. Footage of Rabbit Bartholomew on that day would later appear in the iconic film Tubular Swells. Back on land, and with the tide filling in, the trio decided to walk down through the cave along the cliff and check the next wave along. It was solid, and though they didn’t surf that afternoon, they vowed to return the next morning.
The following day, the swell had dropped, and the trio paddled out. “It wasn’t even big, maybe five foot, but we knew it was gold. I’m not sure who caught the first wave, but we had a mate who was taking photos and I got the first image, so I’ll claim it,” cackled McCabe.
It wasn’t a one-off. In between pioneering G-Land with Gerry Lopez and other iconic waves like Desert Point, McCabe would spend three months for each of the next 25 years in Bali, with his prime focus on Padang.
“In the early days, everyone tended to surf Outside Corner, and we had this almost secret, perfect six-foot barrel to ourselves just down the next cove. Sometimes crew would only find us when their boards were washed down from Ulus, ” he said. “Even as the crowds increased over time, it retained its magic. That’s never gone away. That first session changed everything. It was the wave I lived my life for.”
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 Week's Bali News
Bali Once Again Named Asia's Most Romantic Destination

Bali has once again been selected as Asia's Most Romantic Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards held in Hong Kong on Monday, October 13, 2025. This marks the seventh consecutive time Bali has received this title since 2019!
Famous for its natural beauty and culture, the island of the gods is also a dream destination for couples looking to enjoy romantic moments together. From white, sandy beaches to luxurious, cliff-top resorts, Bali offers many places that can create unforgettable moments.

Famous for its natural beauty and culture, the island of the gods is also a dream destination for couples looking to enjoy romantic moments together. From white, sandy beaches to luxurious, cliff-top resorts, Bali offers many places that can create unforgettable moments.
Blog With Photos & Details Here

Leaders in Bali are coming together to create early mitigation plans for the tides of plastic waste that arrive on the island’s shores every rainy season.
There is scope for this monsoon season in Bali to be one of the worst in recent history, and leaders are keen to get ahead of the game.
Blog With Photos & Details Here

A US$20 billion plan to build an underground light railway in Indonesia’s Bali has stalled due to wary investors and concerns over land scarcity, throwing into question whether the island’s long-promised solution to solve its notorious traffic gridlock will ever get off the ground.
Blog With Photos & Details Here
San Francisco Joins Paris, Tokyo, Bali, London, and Dubai in Seeing Major Airfare Drops in 2025 – Here’s Where to Save Big!

2025 has brought exciting news for travelers looking to save on international flights. Cities like San Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, Bali, London, and Dubai have all seen significant airfare drops, making them more affordable than ever before. According to government and airline reports, travelers can now book flights to these destinations at lower costs than in previous years, thanks to increased competition among airlines and the expansion of direct routes. These reductions are perfect for anyone planning their next getaway to these iconic cities.
Gone are the days when extortion was only the plot line of crime dramas. Today, these threatening tactics target anyone with a smartphone. As AI makes fake voices and videos sound and look real, high-pressure plays like sextortion, deepfakes, and virtual kidnapping feel more believable than ever before, tricking even the most digitally savvy users. Gen Z and Millennials are most at risk, accounting for two in three victims of extortion scams. These scammers prey on what’s personal, wreaking havoc on their victims’ privacy, reputations, and peace of mind.
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10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Bali 2026: Jimbaran, Seminyak, and More
When you hear the word Bali, maybe the beach comes to mind. Of course, the cuisine that is suitable to be enjoyed on the beach is seafood. However, eating seafood in Bali doesn’t have to be to Jimbaran or Kuta, or just places near the beach.
Seafood culinary tours in Bali are now available in various places. Like the stalls and restaurants, visitors always leave positive comments. Which one is at the top of your must-visit list?
Blog With Photos & Details Here
Bali Crowned Top Travel Destination In 2025 At World Famous Travel Awards

Bali has reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s best tourism destinations at the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s Choice Awards 2025.
Bali has been named as the Best Island in Asia for travel in 2025, and it’s not hard to see why.
Blog With Photos & Details Here

Bali’s new shuttle bus service in Sanur is making holiday travel so much easier for tourists. The service that was initially on trial and has now become a permanent service, is serving up to 1,000 tourists per day.
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Illegal Motorcycle Taxis In Bali Tourism Resorts Huge Concern For Local Government

Leaders in Bali have been responding to public complaints about illegal motorcycle taxi drivers operating in top tourism destinations.
To complicate matters for tourists, some drivers toggle between operating legally and breaking the law when it is convenient, beneficial, and seemingly easy to get away with.
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Community Rejects More Development In Sanur Protecting Coastal Resort For Holidaymakers

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Last Weeks Bali News
Bali’s Benoa Harbour Gets Major Upgrade with New Maritime Tourism Hub, Get the Details Here

The Bali Maritime Tourism Hub represents the most significant transformation of Benoan Fishing Port to date. Benoan Fishing Port has had a long history of transformations from a small fishing port to be the world-class luxury marine tourism port. Since the port is situated towards the south of Bali island, it has easy access to the Indian Ocean and other international cruising locations which further supports Bali Maritime Hub’s construction...

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Scam Facebook groups send malicious Android malware to seniors


An infostealer and banking Trojan rolled into one is making the rounds in Facebook groups aimed at “active seniors”.
Attackers used social engineering methods to lure targets into joining fake Facebook groups that appeared to promote travel and community activities—such as trips, dance classes, and community gatherings.
Blog With Photos & Details Here
Bali and Lombok Crowned Asia's Best Islands for 2025


Bali and Lombok have been chosen as the best islands in Asia in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards by the global travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller. On October 7, 2025, the list was announced, placing Bali in first place and Lombok in second place with respective scores of 96.86 and 94.86 out of 100.
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Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport power outage disrupts 74 flights

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali recorded 74 flights affected by a power outage on Friday evening.
"The power outage affected 42 international flights and 32 domestic flights," the airport's general manager, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, said on Saturday.
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Bali on drought alert as rainy season expected in December

The Bali Climatology Station of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning of potential extreme drought in Tejakula Sub-District, Buleleng District, Bali, Indonesia.
Head of the Bali Climatology Station, Aminudin Ar Roniri, when confirmed here on Saturday, explained that the potential for extreme drought is not projected to spread because December 2025 is expected to be the start of the rainy season.
Blog With Photos & Details Here
How a Century of Tourism Shaped the Bali We Know Today
IN 1931, A BALINESE dance troupe performed daily for the elite at the Exposition Coloniale in Paris. Their stage was a faux temple courtyard in the Dutch Pavilion, with stone altars, carved towers, and a replica candi bentar gate. For months, Parisians filed through the exhibit, enchanted by a vision of Bali both intimate and theatrical. This faraway island in the Dutch East Indies had stepped onto the world stage, framed as a place of wonder, mystery, and beauty.
Nearly a century later, I found myself looking at a Monopoly board. After five years researching Bali’s hotel history—policy shifts, foreign investments, architectural reinventions—this felt like the perfect metaphor. From world fairs to board games, Bali has long been imagined, shared and reshaped in ways that reflect more than just the island itself.
Blog With Photos & Details Here
Bali Airport Expands Flight Connectivity, Serves 18M Travelers in Jan–Sep 2025

Jakarta. Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport served around 18.23 million passengers between January and September 2025, up 1 percent from the same period last year.
The airport’s international routes saw stronger growth, with 11.53 million passengers recorded during the nine-month period, an increase of 9 percent year-on-year.
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Indonesia Builds Rp260bn Breakwater Along Bali's Kuta Beach


Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono reviewed the progress of the breakwater construction at Kuta Beach, Bali, on Monday, October 13, 2025. The breakwater was built along the coastline between Kuta and Seminyak, stretching 5.3 kilometers, said the minister.
A prominent tourist destination, Agus said the breakwater construction at Kuta Beach is aimed at preventing coastal abrasion.
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Disruptions At Bali Airport Trigger Calls From Leaders To Speed Up Development Of New North Bali Terminals

Momentum is building on the North Bali International Airport project. The development has been in the pipeline for nearly a decade, and leaders across the province are keen to ensure that this is the time that the idea for a new transportation hub finally comes to fruition.
Blog With Photos & Details Here
Bali’s Monsoon Season Readiness, Protecting Tourists and Ensuring Smooth Travel Experiences: What you need to know

With the rainy season just around the corner, Bali’s tourism industry is preparing for what may be one of the most difficult rainy seasons in a long time. After 70 years the island’s worst flooding took place in late September 2025. Sever weather response and the safety of residents and tourists is a top local government priority. This includes the local government preparing for the off rainy season, the peak of which is expected in January and February 2026 and improving flood response and rainy season tourism sustainability.
Blog With Photos & Details Here
This Week's New Special Real Estate Deal
RETIRE IN BALI – BALI LUXURY RETIREMENT VILLAS

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

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

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:

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.
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:

Open & Airy:
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.
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.
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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.


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.
Huge closets and wardrobes with plenty of storage space
Massive Backdrop with makeup mirror and table with plenty of natural light.


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?

Open-Air Shower:

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.
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:

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.
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.
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

Plus, affordable housekeeping services allow you to spend your time enjoying retirement, not doing chores.

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

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

“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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