Ian Neubauer Jun 6, 2024 – 5.00am
It’s the Easter long weekend and the tail-end of the rainy season in Indonesia yet there’s not a cloud in the sky as I push off from deserted Amed beach at the start of a five-day, 150-kilometre solo kayak trip along Bali’s sleepy north coast.
The writer in his kayak, paddling through the calm waters off northern Bali. Ian Neubauer
Except for the odd fisherman casting a net into the sea or a passing jukung – the traditional outrigger boats of Indonesia – I am alone with the sounds of the ocean and my thoughts.
It is my fourth long-distance kayaking trip in South-East Asia: an extreme sport I took up on a whim last year after becoming increasingly bored with the land-based trips I regularly embark upon as a travel writer.
Bali’s north coast ticks those boxes and then some.
Whereas the island’s south and west coasts are riddled with sea cliffs, wide fringing reefs, dangerous currents and surf beaches, the waters in the north are generally calm. There are hotels and restaurants every few kilometres, yet development is still low-key, as only a fraction of the 15 million tourists who flew into Bali last year visited this part of the island.
Late in the afternoon I reach Tulamben Beach. It’s a popular dive spot, home to the wreck of the United States troop transport ship Liberty, torpedoed in 1942, and a half-dozen inexpensive dive resorts. The moment they are in sight I fish out my phone from a dry bag and book a room for the night using an accommodation app. I never do so in advance because the seas are unpredictable, and I can’t be certain of where I’m going to land at the end of each day.
I’m back on the water at 7am the next day. The sun is already burning high in the sky and the water is gin clear. While cutting across bays, I can see up to 20 metres down to the ocean floor. There is plenty of coral but a lot of it is colourless and degraded as a result of unsustainable fishing practices such as cyanide poisoning and the use of dynamite.
However, a much greater environmental challenge is looming.
At noon, I stop at a waterfront warung, a small family-owned restaurant, for a delicious fish grilled on coconut husks with steamed rice, vegetables and sambal chili paste to replace some of the calories I am burning through like an Olympian. I always carry canned food, tuna, wraps and soup, but whenever the opportunity for a hot meal arises, I go for it. Ditto with hotels. I never get a great night’s sleep in my tent and on this trip I don’t even have to pull it out of its bag; there are lovely little places to stay every night.
Day three begins easily enough, with the same perfect conditions: bright skies and lake-like waters. Lunch is at the seafront restaurant of a five-star resort. The staff are surprised to see me emerging from the beach and even more surprised when I tell them about my journey.
I order a big burger and fries and wash it back with two soft drinks, a carb-orgy I would never allow myself at home.
This part of the coastline surrounds the northernmost headland of Bali, Kubutambahan district, which is the proposed site of the new international airport. And it’s not too pretty: the beaches are strewn with rubbish and the fishing hamlets are dirt poor. As I pass the docks at Singaraja, the second-largest city in Bali, the water turns green with algae and smells like sewage in parts.
Despite paddling more than a kilometre out to sea, I don’t see a single dolphin the following day. I do, however, have an unexpected encounter with a large monitor lizard swimming and diving with all the agility of a fish. It’s a welcome distraction as I slog on in the heat, trying to ignore the burning pain in my shoulders, elbows and wrists, the blisters on my palms and fingers, and my numb legs and feet, not to mention an unquenchable thirst.
Finally, after five days at sea, I reach the finishing line for my trip, West Bali National Park. With its snow-white beaches and sandbars, green mangrove forests, and turquoise waters like those of the Maldives, it’s the most beautiful part of Bali’s coastline.
When people ask why I do this sort of gruelling trip, I have many different answers. I do it for fitness and as a form of meditation, and because it teaches me self-reliance – how to solve problems on the run. I do it because it gives me a sense of achievement I presently can’t find anywhere else. And I do it because it also lets me see the world from a different perspective, including areas I otherwise wouldn’t experience.
Most of all, I do it to disconnect with urban life and reconnect with myself and nature. Oh, and because I can’t afford a yacht.
Bali's Current Hottest Real Estate Markets
"Bali is Hawaii 30 years ago"
Six months ago Lawrence predicted 2024 would be the most explosive year yet for Bali's real estate market, especially on its popular East Coast in or near the first Resort Area in Bali, Sanur .
"2024 the most explosive year yet"
"Sanur not Snore Anymore"
According to Wikipedia. Sanur pronounced sah-noor) is a coastal stretch of beach east of Denpasar in southeast Bali (about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport)For the 26 years he lived in Sanur it was called "Snore" because it attracted Seniors and Baby Boomers to a quiet lifestyle, famous beach, and inexpensive cost of living.
Recently Bali has been showered with accolades in 2023 ,& 2024 snagging titles like "Second Best Destination in the World,"
This translates to one thing, a tourism boom, and with it, a surge in rental income.
Remember his saying, "Bali real estate demand is directly proportional to tourist demand".
"Bali real estate demand is directly proportional to tourist demand"
The fuel for Sanur's coming Real Estate firestorm: 2,000 to 3,000 New Employees:
The massive Bali International Hospital is set to open its doors, bringing with it a wave of medical professionals and support staff seeking comfortable digs.Where will Doctors, Medical Technicians, and Support Staff Live?
5 - Star Hotel 1,000 Staff ?
The swanky new Meru hotel will need a place for its team to call home, injecting further demand into the market.New Icon Mall - 300 to 500 Employees:
Talk about a lucrative demographic!
So, where will all these new residents live? Sanur and its suburbs, of course.
Here are Lawrence's predictions on the three most sought-after areas of the East Coast, perhaps all of Bali in the next 12 -24 months.
#1 Area With Most Demand
This is due to the growing popularity of the area as a tourist destination and the increasing number of businesses and medical facilities moving in.
No Room at the Inn:
Just as Mary and Joesph found in Bethlehem just before Jesus was born recently there is no rooms in any of our inns.Unfortunately, there is not much available housing in these areas, as they are mostly commercial and hotels.
However, there are a few options for those who are looking to buy or lease a home in this sought-after location.
Bali Emerald Apartments:
They are perfect for those who are looking for a modern and stylish home in a great location.
PT. Bali Luxury Villas Start at $228,888.
For those who need more space, we also have a few award-winning Bali Luxury Villas available for sale.
They are perfect for those who are looking for a luxurious and spacious home in a quiet and peaceful location.
Bali Luxury Villas and Apartments are located within a short eight minute walking distance to Sanur's famous white sand beach.
They are also close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars.
If you are interested in buying a home in one of the most sought-after areas in Bali, we encourage you to contact them today.
They will be happy to help you find the perfect home for your needs.
#2 Area - Demand
While many eyes are on Sanur for the upcoming Bali International Hospital, savvy investors might find hidden gems close by.
This area, conveniently located within 1-10 kilometers of the hospital, offers several advantages:
Affordability: Escape the higher property prices of Sanur and capitalize on this area's lower costs.
High-Caliber Community:
Beyond Borders, Beyond Expectations:
Remember: This area provides a unique opportunity to live well, invest wisely, and be part of a thriving community just steps away from the Bali International Hospital. Don't miss out on discovering this hidden gem beyond the borders of Sanur!
Brand New Luxury Retirement Villas:
# 3 Area Most Demand
While past development left some concerns – smaller plots, lower construction standards, and bumpy roads – change is afoot.
Infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon, promising a brighter future for the area.
But here's the real draw: prices here are significantly lower than the popular East Side, making it a prime location for savvy investors.
Envision it – owning a sprawling property, hundreds of square meters of opportunity! Build two or three stunning villas, keep one for yourself, and sell the others to recoup your investment, essentially securing your dream home for free.
Intrigued? We'd love to be your guides! Let us unveil hidden gems waiting to be unearthed in Renon & E Denpasar.
This area isn't just about a bargain; it's about embracing potential, about shaping your own Bali paradise.
Ready to ride the Bali East Coast wave?
So, pack your bags, your sense of adventure, and your investment savvy, because Sanur and its suburbs are about to become the real estate El Dorado of Bali.
Remember, this is just the beginning. We will keep you updated on all the sizzling developments in the East Coast real estate scene, so stay tuned for more insider tips and insights.
In the meantime, start browsing Best Bali Real Estate Listings – the future of Bali's real estate is bright, and Sanur is its shining star.
P.S. Don't forget to share this post with your fellow real estate enthusiasts! Let's spread the word about Sanur's golden future.
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Contact us today to schedule a personalized viewing.
For information or inspection in English contact the Baby Boomer, President, Lawrence by Telephone or WhatsApp at +628123814014.
For information or inspection in Bahasa Indonesia contact the President's Spouse, a Licensed Indonesian Notaris, Azizah at +62 811-3864-993
ABOUT US:
Together with her partner and spouse Lawrence who has 50 years of Real Estate Experience, (20 Years of which is in Bali) they own and operate award-winning 20-year-old Pt. Bali Affordable Lifestyles International ( PT. B.A.L.I. ).
Indulge in the pinnacle of luxury and efficiency with this esteemed team of over 70 professional staff, proudly offering an array of services for Buying, Selling, Leasing, and Renting Asian Real Estate.
For an unprecedented ten years running, they were awarded the Certificate of Excellence and the Hall of Fame Award from the esteemed TripAdvisor, cementing their place among the top 2% of hotels and villas listed worldwide.
With clients all over the globe singing their praises, they are indisputably one of Asia's most renowned travel and real estate investment experts.
TESTIMONIAL:
"Honesty and professionalism are everything when you're dealing with real estate but when you can also find the most knowledgeable people to advise you and help you with what you need, why go anywhere else...Hands down the best in Bali!" Bo B, UNITED STATES- 2022Keep up to date with the latest news and views on Bali and the world, all while reveling in their exceptional offering of the Best Bali Real Estate Blogs & Facebook Posts.
For more information on these exquisite properties, schedule an inspection, or request further information today by contacting us.
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