Visiting Properties in Bali

The Property Hunt: From Emotional Rollercoaster to the Final Showdown. What started as a “let’s just see a few villas in Bali” quickly turned into a full-blown adventure—equal parts exhausting, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable. Planning two days to tour properties sounded totally reasonable on paper. In reality? It was a wild ride through rice fields, bustling towns, and a never-ending parade of villas, each with its own personality and promise.

The original list was ambitious—over 40 potential dream homes. Before even landing in Bali, the list was trimmed to six, but Bali had other plans. Once on the ground, the number ballooned back up to 14 as new options popped up along the way. Our local assistant was a logistical wizard, always ready with backup properties and secret gems, making sure every minute was packed with possibilities. The driver, meanwhile, kept spirits high and the AC blasting—crucial for surviving the marathon.

Every villa visit was a sensory overload. One minute, falling for a sun-drenched terrace; the next, getting distracted by a neighbor’s rooster or the scent of incense drifting through the air. It was impossible not to get swept up in the atmosphere. The charm of each place, the excitement of picturing a future there, and the sheer beauty of Bali made it hard to keep emotions in check. There were moments of “this is it!” followed by “wait, what about the next one?”—and repeat.

By the end of day two, we’d seen 14 properties and felt like we’d run a real estate marathon. Fatigue set in, but so did a sense of accomplishment. The process was a whirlwind of impressions, possibilities, and dreams—each villa a new chapter in the story. Our assistant and driver became partners-in-crime, turning what could have been a stressful slog into a journey filled with laughter, inside jokes, and plenty of “are we there yet?” moments.

Then came the real challenge: narrowing it all down. The shortlist dropped from 14 to 3, then finally to 2. Every cut felt like saying goodbye to a different possible future. We had a long list of must-haves and non-negotiables—protecting the budget, making sure the villa had that special something, and, of course, agreeing with each other (which sometimes took a little extra negotiation and a lot of late-night “what if” conversations).

The final two contenders couldn’t have been more different. One was in the heart of Canggu, a super hotspot with rice field views and a move-in-ready vibe. It ticked every box—except for the price tag, which would have devoured the entire budget. The other was in Kaba Kaba, next to a historical village, with sweeping views over endless rice fields and a developer who was refreshingly straightforward. It was more affordable, leaving room in the budget for creative upgrades and personal touches.

What tipped the scales? In Canggu, villas were built in clusters—practical, but it meant competing with neighbors who had the exact same place. We wanted something unique, a villa that stood out from the crowd. Kaba Kaba gave us that chance. With the extra budget, we could break a few walls, add special features, and turn the villa into a true personal project. It became less about finding a ready-made dream and more ab out creating our own.

So, after all the lists, debates, and emotional ups and downs, we chose Kaba Kaba. The journey from forty to two was a rollercoaster, but it was filled with laughter, discovery, and the kind of memories that make the best stories. And as for what happened next… well, that’s a whole other adventure.