Bali Construction

Today we want to discuss construction in Bali, for some this can be a sore point as most people think building here in Bali is as simple as 1,2,3 but lets discuss it a bit further. 

If you have recently travelled to the Island of Gods, you may have noticed the significant development surge the island is experiencing, from the beautiful hills and cliff side spots in Uluwatu to the volcanic shored of Tabanan – let’s not forget everything in between. The property market has been soaring since the pandemic and more and more people are looking for sustainable lifestyle changes. More and More new designs are on offer all over the island

Bali is well known to travellers; tourism is at a high and has dubbed the island as one of the best destinations to visit in the world. We all love the island for all its natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, from the majestic waterwalls, to Sprawling rice fields, White sandy shores and so much more.

As the island is expanding rapidly, construction activities are mostly done by local and international developers. Some with a fantastic understanding of the island and its building regulations and some that don’t pay much mind. Let’s talk about those who do care, shall we? Key regulations encompass limits on building height, design and style mandates, earthquake resistance measures, materials guidelines, and fire safety provisions, all of which are in place to ensure the safety of all structures in Bali.

Let’s look at some of the regulations  

1) Building Height Regulation 

Now, lets be real, not many of them listen. 

Having protected views have become increasingly more difficult to obtain or keep for that matter. In real estate, when asked the first thing we tell clients, properties might have views now, but we cannot guarantee that these views will be there forever.  

The government has some strict regulations that they try enforce to maintain the unique Bali identity in all the tourist areas. In saying that building hight restrictions vary from Commercial to residential (Tourist / non tourist) areas in Bali. For tourist areas it is 15 meters and non-tourist areas you can go as high as 18 meters. Now when land is situated close to or next to temples or cultural sites there will be stricter limits imposed.  

2) Building Designs

 In Bali you can find many uniquely designed properties offering an experience from each corner of the globe, but still offering that Bali touch

However, when it comes to designs, upon application you do need to stick to the local building codes to protect and preserve Balis heritage. Buildings must comply with cultural and aesthetic traditions while meeting safety requirements, ensuring that new constructions blend harmoniously with the island's traditional designs. After all, we are in Bali.

3) Earthquakes and Other Nature disaster

 We all know Bali is situated within the “Ring of fire” and experience small to medium size quakes all year round. When it comes buildings codes in Bali, it mandates the implementation of earthquake-resistant and other natural disaster-resilient design measures, including but not limited to:

1) Building and structural designs are vital in the contraction phases. Ensuring that buildings are designed with a robust framework, that can withstand earthquakes. Reinforced concrete, steel or other materials that distributes and absorbs the force throughout the structure. Building foundations are key here, such as piling or caissons, that helps ensuring the stability of the building during any earthquake.  

2) Construction processes must adhere to methods and techniques to ensure durability. This includes solid and secure connections between structural elements and proper reinforcement in concrete structures.

3) Bali strongly emphasize using environmentally friendly and sustainable materials.

4) Building codes prioritize fire safety, encompassing comprehensive regulations to ensure that buildings can effectively handle emergencies.

5) Additionally, regulations address water absorption to prevent flooding. These provisions ensure that buildings are equipped with proper drainage and water management systems to handle heavy rains and to avoid water from pooling, thus protecting the structures and their occupants from the potential dangers of flooding.

In Bali, these regulations are overseen by the Balinese and Indonesian governments. Buildings must be constructed to withstand frequent earthquakes, high wind speeds, and so on. Moreover, the regulations mandate that buildings maintain the island's aesthetic and cultural heritage, thus preserving its distinct character.

Compliance with these regulations ensures legal adherence and is paramount in safeguarding the island's natural allure for future generations.

So if you are considering building, take a second to really do some homework on the construction Team you employ, the designs you considering and if ultimately you would buy from yourself.