Bali is famous for its spectacular scenery, and new legislation aims to protect it. Government officials have recently updated and reinforced laws about building height, and locals have petitioned for the delay of a beachside resort development.
New rules promote Bali Province Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 16 of 2009 concerning the Bali Province Regional Spatial Planning Plan for 2009-2029. It says no building may be taller than 15 meters to maintain the natural scenery.
While this law has existed since 2009, the country still has hotels and buildings taller than the maximum. The updated rules say all new buildings must not surpass 15m unless authorities give special permission.
Bali’s crystal-blue waters, lush vegetation, and sprawling landscapes make it a tropical paradise. Ancient Balinese Hindu principles are foundational to the country’s governing system and drive community formation and expansion.
Principles like the Tri Hatha Karana emphasize that the harmony between nature, humans, and the spiritual world must guide all action. Therefore, developers and architects must build hotels and buildings in ways that honor the natural environment.
Additionally, residents of Sesesh Beach, close to Canggu, recently petitioned against building a substantial beachfront resort development. The community felt the tourist development would disrupt Seseh’s environment and charm.
The petition gained popularity online and on social media. In response, the project’s investors have put the project on hold for now.
Bali tourism is nearly back to its pre-pandemic level. In 2019, Balinese statisticians reported over 1.8 million foreign tourists from January to April. In 2020-2022, the numbers fell below 100,000. From January to April 2023, there were a reported 1.4 million tourists. There is still time for the tourism levels to match pre-pandemic times, as most tourists usually arrive from July to December.
Since tourism is vital to the Balinese economy, maintaining the country’s natural beauty as more people visit will be an ongoing balancing act.