Bali slowly coming back from the tourism slump

Bali is quiet now, no doubt about that. The thing is the weather is awesome, there are new restaurant and lounge bars all over the place (Buddha’s Belly, D’Glow etc.) and new villas. I’m no math expert but BaliDiscovery have a handle on the stats, which show a modest increase in tourist traffic.

It is true that pure numbers don’t show everything, for example some Asia visitors stay only a few days and spend very little. But one thing that counter-balances that, is the fact that the whole Bali tourism scene is going upmarket. Twenty years ago it was all losmen (guest houses), warungs, banana pancakes and bamboo bars. Not anymore. Now we have an ever increasing line up of places like Ku De Ta, De Ja Vu, Fuel, EmBarGo, Double Six.

The accommodation market is going towards private villas and some large hotels have private villas on their property. Just round the corner from me is a villa that rented for $2,500 a month, including AC bedrooms, huge lounge, big swimming pool, chef, driver, maid. For some people that is a bargain, considering you can bring your family and have a great private place, fully equipped.

I look forward to seeing Bali back to full strength.