Secure Residences in Bali: The Expat Trend

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

At the heart of Bali’s exotic paradise, a new trend is emerging among expatriates seeking tranquility and comfort: gated communities. These havens of peace, strategically located in the island’s most sought-after neighborhoods, are attracting a growing number of foreigners eager to settle long-term in this enchanting setting.

Through modern infrastructure combining security and community living, these closed communities offer not only a sense of enhanced safety but also a unique opportunity to integrate into a cosmopolitan community life while preserving the precious privacy sought far from their home countries.

The Growing Demand for Guarded Residences in Bali, Indonesia

Several factors contribute to the notable increase in demand for guarded residences in Bali, including:

• Bali’s appeal as a preferred destination for expatriates, driven by its lifestyle, culture, and modern infrastructure.
• Growing concerns about personal and property safety, motivating a marked preference for 24/7 secured housing.
• The rapid development of high-end residential infrastructure (improved roads, new residential neighborhoods) that expands the supply of secured complexes.

Implications on the Local Real Estate Market:

• Significant price increases in sought-after neighborhoods (Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud), where the value of guarded villas and apartments is rising due to strong international demand.
• Increase in average gross rental yield: between 8% and 12% for modern villas depending on the chosen area. Some specialized managers even report gross yields reaching up to 30% on certain intensively managed properties.
• Stimulation of the luxury sector with a growing share of foreign investments directed toward these premium properties.

Area	Average Gross Rental Yield (2025)
Seminyak	10% – 12%
Canggu	8% – 11%
Ubud	9% – 12%
Nusa Dua	7% -10%

Concrete Examples of Popular Residential Complexes:

• Tamora Gallery & Residences (Canggu)
• Finns VIP Villas (Berawa)
• The Residences at Mandapa Reserve (Ubud)

These addresses stand out for their high-end amenities: security ensured day and night via dedicated personnel or advanced electronic systems; maintained common areas; exclusive services such as private gyms, integrated spas, or multilingual concierge.

Main Reasons for the Growing Preference for This Type of Secure Housing:

• Maximum comfort thanks to contemporary architectural quality and state-of-the-art communal facilities.
• Peace of mind linked to a controlled environment: permanent surveillance, controlled access for outside visitors, and proactive management of potential incidents.
• Wide range of on-site services: regular housekeeping included in the rental or purchase contract, responsive technical maintenance under warranty in about one out of six cases during the first two years following new acquisition.

This phenomenon is supported by a powerful demographic trend among expatriates who seek not only security but also a certain Balinese art of living combined with the expected international comfort.

The rapid growth of the “guarded residence” segment thus reflects not only the local sociological evolution but also the sustainably attractive positioning of the Balinese real estate market for a demanding global clientele.

Secure Neighborhoods: A Preferred Choice for Expatriates

Security is a fundamental criterion in expatriates’ choice of residence in Bali, as it directly affects their living comfort, the protection of their family and property, and their peace of mind. For many expatriates, settling in a secure environment allows them to go about their daily lives serenely and promotes better integration on the island.

Among the main reasons why security is prioritized:

• Comfort and quality of life: living without fear promotes overall well-being.
• Family protection: securing the environment for children and loved ones reassures expatriate families.
• Property preservation: avoiding theft or break-ins remains essential when settling long-term.
• Peace of mind: being able to move around or leave belongings at home without worry.

Certain neighborhoods are particularly popular with expatriates due to the high level of security infrastructure offered. Services frequently include:

• 24/7 surveillance (guards or video surveillance)
• High fences or perimeter walls around residences
• Restricted access with automatic gates and entry control
• Individual safes in villas

Comparative Table of Main Neighborhoods Known for Their Security:

Neighborhood	Dominant Profile	Security Infrastructure	Main Assets
Nusa Dua	Families / Retirees	Guarded private residences	Exclusive resorts, calm
Sanur	Families	Gated residences	Tranquil beach, promenade
Seminyak	Young professionals / Couples	Villas with private security	Lively nightlife
Ubud	Artists / Families	Villas in gated communities	Nature & culture
Jimbaran	Families / Retirees	Closed residential complexes	Airport proximity

Perceptions of security strongly influence residential choice: many prefer to invest more to benefit from these guarantees. Several testimonials mention this feeling:

“Here in Sanur, I can let my children play outside without fear thanks to the security personnel’s regular patrols”

“In Nusa Dua, we chose our villa mainly because it has controlled access; it’s reassuring when we travel often”

Despite rare violent crime in Bali, some incidents like snatch thefts further encourage newcomers to favor these neighborhoods with effective measures (increased surveillance, protected private spaces) to ensure their experience is fully positive.

In summary:

• The active search for safe neighborhoods largely structures the real estate market for expatriates
• Dedicated infrastructure contributes not only to the feeling but also to the concrete reality of daily well-being

Premium Residential Services Offered in Gated Complexes

Premium residential complexes in Bali offer an extensive range of high-end services designed to meet the expectations of expatriates seeking comfort, security, and an exclusive lifestyle. Here are the main services commonly offered in these gated residences:

• 24/7 security with video surveillance and access control
• Private pools or high-end communal pools (sometimes rooftop with panoramic views)
• Personalized concierge services (reservations, daily assistance, private event organization)
• Modern fitness centers and integrated SPAs
• Coworking spaces for remote work
• Gourmet restaurants and lounge bars within the complex
• Landscaped green spaces, secure pedestrian paths, and recreational areas
• Secure underground parking for cars and motorcycles

Comparative Table of the Most Attractive Premium Services:

Service	Description	Impact for Expatriates
24/7 Security	Permanent guarding, video surveillance	Peace of mind, enhanced protection
Private/Panoramic Pool	Direct access from apartment/ocean views	Daily luxury, exclusive relaxation
Concierge	Personalized assistance available at all hours	Time savings, easy adaptation
Fitness Center & SPA	State-of-the-art equipment; wellness treatments	Optimal health; active lifestyle
Coworking & Social Spaces	Dedicated rooms for remote work	Facilitated professional networking

These amenities directly address the specific needs of expatriates:

• Security: reassures those settling far from their home country.
• Modern Comfort: smart home equipment, fully furnished apartments with noble materials.
• Exclusive Social Networks: private clubs or events reserved for residents allowing exchange between similar international profiles.
• Services Facilitating Daily Life: turnkey rental management for non-resident investors.

Emerging Trends:

• Development of “self-contained” infrastructure where everything is accessible without leaving the complex (varied on-site restaurants, ultra-connected coworking spaces).
• Multiplication of pedestrian green spaces – a rarity appreciated on the island.
• Increasing integration of remotely controllable smart home technologies.

These innovations strongly influence the decision of expatriates who view Bali as a secure destination: they now prioritize complexes offering not only material luxury but also an active international community and services adapted to a mobile lifestyle. Premium residences thus significantly contribute to improving the overall quality of stay through their ability to combine maximum security, cosmopolitan community living, and daily well-being.