Bali Tourists to Exercise Caution When Booking Accommodation This High Season

April 29, 2025
As Bali gears up for another bustling tourist season, travelers planning trips to the island are being urged to exercise extra caution when booking their accommodation. This advice comes in light of increasing international arrivals coupled with concerning trends regarding the occupancy rates of registered accommodation providers.

In 2024, Bali experienced a substantial influx of visitors, welcoming over 6.4 million international tourists, a figure that is forecasted to rise further, with projections indicating over 6.5 million arrivals by the end of December 2025. Despite this surge in arrivals, tourism leaders in Bali have been alarmed to notice a disparity between these figures and occupancy rates at officially registered accommodation establishments.

Discrepancy in Arrival Figures and Occupancy Rates

Wayan Puspa Negara, the Bali Provincial Senator for Badung Regency—a key tourist area encompassing popular destinations such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Uluwatu—spoke to reporters highlighting this incongruence. "Tourism in Bali is growing very fast, especially in the tourist accommodation sector," he stated, adding that many visitors are now opting for private villas instead of traditional hotels.

The popularity of private villa rentals has risen sharply, particularly in regions like Canggu, Berawa, and Ubud, where new vacation rental developments are rapidly emerging. Kadek Adnyana, General Chair of the Bali Villa Rental and Management Association (BVRMA), corroborated this observation, sharing that the prevalence of illegally operating villas is a growing concern for both local government officials and the tourism industry.

Rise of Illegally Operating Villas

Areas such as Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud have been flagged as hotspots for such unauthorized accommodations. According to Adnyana, this boom in illegal villas poses significant challenges, particularly because these establishments evade local regulations and taxes, depriving the provincial government of valuable revenue. More critically, tourists renting from these unauthorized properties may find themselves lacking essential protections, which could leave them vulnerable should issues arise during their stay.

"There is an undetected community there that is doing illegal business," Adnyana noted, emphasizing the need for vigilance. The increasing density of foreign guests in these regions raises red flags regarding safety and regulatory compliance.

Implications for Tourists

Tourism Professor Dr. Putu Anom commented that the situation also links to foreigners engaging in illegal work while in Bali on tourist visas. "These are cases that must be observed," he remarked, asserting the need for the local government to enforce stricter regulations.

The Department of Tourism in Bali is set to hold discussions with regional tourism offices and hotel associations to address the mismatch between the number of tourists and registered accommodation utilization. Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, stated, "We will discuss the Ministry’s observations regarding the busy tourist presence versus the quiet hotels."

Important Travel Advice

For tourists intent on experiencing the allure of Bali, it is crucial to conduct thorough research prior to reserving accommodations. This is especially pertinent for private villas and holiday rentals. Engaging with an unlicensed rental could not only jeopardize travel insurance coverage but could also place travelers at risk in various unforeseen scenarios.

As the high season approaches, it remains vital for prospective visitors to verify that their accommodations are legally registered to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience in paradise. Bali’s enchanting landscapes await, but informed choices are paramount to ensure peace of mind throughout one’s stay.