Hi, I’m Dea, part of the PR Team at Bukit Vista. At Bukit Vista, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful sustainable tourism in Bali. As part of our PR initiatives, we strive to educate and share insights through community-focused events like the Round Table Talk (RTT). This gathering fosters open dialogue among Bali’s key stakeholders, from property owners to land developers, to discuss pressing issues and opportunities in the tourism industry.
On November 19, 2024, we hosted a special RTT dinner, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to tackle a critical topic: Sustainable Tourism in Bali. With the participation of influential figures in the property sector, the discussion revealed both opportunities and challenges for Bali’s future.
Rising Land Prices in Bukit Affects Sustainable Tourism Bali
The Round Table Talk (RTT) began with a focused discussion on land prices in Bukit, a topic that resonated with all participants, as they are landowners in this prestigious area. Pak Made Bagong, the Owner of Satria Villa, highlighted how the area’s exclusivity, stunning landscapes, and proximity to landmarks like Pura Luhur Uluwatu have positioned Bukit as a prime location for high-end properties. Other attendees, such as Pak Kencono Wibowo, owner of Infinity Balangan, and Pak Made Swastika, owner of Romeo Beachfront, noted that while the escalating prices signal opportunity, they also underscore the importance of sustainable growth.
To provide a clearer understanding of Bukit’s transformation and its impact on property values, let’s take a look at the land price trends in the Jimbaran area, one of Bukit’s key locations. According to research conducted in 2020, by Adnyana and Wirawan, land prices have shown consistent growth between 2007 and 2017, reflecting the increasing demand from both local and international investors.
The rise in land prices has also opened opportunities for strategic investors like Made Swastika. Recognizing Bukit’s area potential, he developed the land into Romeo Beachfront Bungalow, which launched on June 20, 2024. Under Bukit Vista’s management, Romeo Beach Bungalow has quickly become a standout property, earning a 4.9 rating on Airbnb and a “Guest Favorite” title. This success underscores the importance of combining prime location with effective property management to maximize both branding and revenue potential.
This heightened demand is not only reshaping the real estate market but also uplifting Bali’s cultural heritage. As tourism in Bukit flourishes, so does the prominence of its traditional arts and performances. Pak Made Bagong, who once focused solely on local community activities, now manages ticketing for the Kecak Dance performances at Uluwatu Temple. His role reflects how increased interest in Bukit has also amplified the visibility and value of Balinese culture.
The insights shared during the Round Table Talk (RTT) about Bukit’s rising land prices align closely with observations from leading property experts. Harcourts Purba Bali highlights how Bukit, once overlooked due to its challenging terrain and lack of infrastructure, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Previously dismissed by locals and investors, the area now stands as a thriving hub for luxury villas, resorts, and high-end tourism.
Gapura Bali adds to this narrative, stating, “The dramatic coastline of the Bukit is pounded by Bali’s most challenging surf and in the early ’70s those in search of the perfect wave discovered some thrilling breaks.” Originally a hotspot for surfers, Bukit has evolved into a premium destination for global travelers and property developers. This progression has cemented Bukit’s position as a cornerstone of Bali’s luxury real estate market
Waste Management: A Key Challenge for Sustainable Tourism in Bali
As the conversation on Bukit’s rising land prices unfolded, another critical topic naturally emerged: the challenges posed by rapid development and increasing tourism. The very demand that has elevated Bukit as a luxury destination has also placed immense pressure on Bali’s infrastructure, particularly its waste management systems.
With more visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences and investing in the region’s properties, the strain on resources has become evident. Attendees recognized that while Bukit’s growth offers unparalleled opportunities, it also underscores the importance of sustainability to protect Bali’s environment and long-term appeal.
An earlier attendee of Bukit Vista’s Round Table Talk, Dr. I Kadek Budi Sandika, S.T., M.Pd., a renowned innovator and owner of three villas, introduced the GRAS Smart Waste System—a game-changing solution designed to streamline and educate communities about waste segregation. The GRAS Smart Waste System is an award-winning innovation that simplifies waste separation at the source. By notifying users when waste is incorrectly sorted, GRAS promotes better habits and ensures materials are divided into organic and non-organic categories before collection. Wayana, co-founder of Bukit Vista, suggested implementing these smart bins in Bukit Vista-managed villas and offices as a pilot project. By doing so, businesses can lead by example, inspiring both staff and guests to adopt sustainable practices.
This initiative has already made an impact in schools, where its creative and interactive approach has fostered greater community acceptance. Demonstrations and educational sessions with school staff highlight the importance of waste segregation as part of a sustainable lifestyle. Key to GRAS’s success is its scalability. Its potential application in villas, offices, and larger communities aligns perfectly with broader waste management efforts led by organizations.
The panel agreed that waste management is not just an operational issue but a cornerstone of sustainable tourism. Solutions like GRAS can help Bali build a cleaner, greener future.
Conclusion
Bali’s transformation into a global luxury destination brings both incredible opportunities and pressing challenges. From rising land prices in Bukit to innovative solutions like the GRAS Smart Waste System, the insights and collaborations shared during the Round Table Talk (RTT) are shaping the future of Bali’s tourism and sustainability. Secure your spot at the next Round Table Talk and join a growing community of leaders dedicated to making Bali a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable destination.
Seats are limited—don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of Bali’s most important discussions. Secure yours now!