It's not hard to see why Bali has become such a venerated tourist destination, or why its property sector has quickly followed suit. Even within Asia's resort region, Bali occupies a singular place for many within the plethora of holiday destinations. For Mathias Echene of Absolutely Bali, a developer of select villas on the island (www.pantailima.com), one simple draw is that unlike most destinations in Asia, Bali's rainy season is in the winter. "Bali is the only island-resort destination in Asia located in the Southern hemisphere" he explains. "The dry season is in the summer time when people want to escape the heat and rain in Singapore, Phuket, Beijing and Hong Kong, China."
For others, it's the natural beauty, buffered by a strong cultural ambience that adds to the holiday experience. Up to now the island's property market, particularly the high-end, has been driven by Asia's expatriates. "Most buyers are expatriates based in Asia" says Dominique Gallmann, managing director of Exotiq Real Estate. "This is followed by Australians, Europeans and Asians, most commonly in the 40-60 age group and higher income bracket."
According to Vic Faulkner, managing director of Karma Developments, who have several successful luxury villa projects on the island, the most popular properties among foreign buyers are gated secure communities with onsite facilities. "Only those who really know Bali well or intend to spend several months every year here go for something that's stand alone.