On the island of Bali, authorities are considering revising one of the key urban planning restrictions — the maximum building height. Currently, the maximum building height is about 15 meters, but in 2026 the authorities are discussing a potential increase of this limit to 45 meters.
The initiative is under discussion and has been submitted to the governor of the province, Wayan Koster. The regional parliament and relevant authorities are also involved in the process. No final decision has been made at this time.
The discussion is linked to the continued growth of the tourism sector and the shortage of available land in the island’s popular areas. Demand for hotel real estate, serviced apartments, and infrastructure facilities remains high, prompting authorities to consider vertical development as one of the tools for balanced market development.
At the same time, this does not imply a complete removal of restrictions. A zoning scenario is being considered, under which buildings up to 45 meters high may be allowed only in certain locations, including Nusa Dua, South Kuta, and Sanur. The main goal is not to increase building density, but to provide clearer regulation.
A key factor influencing the decision remains the cultural and religious specificity of the region. In Bali, there is a principle according to which buildings should not exceed the height of a coconut tree. This is linked to the traditional philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which подразумевает maintaining a balance between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. In this regard, any initiatives to increase building height trigger public debate.
Religious and community leaders are calling for a cautious approach and the need to assess the potential impact on the environment, cultural heritage, and territorial development of the island.
At the same time, authorities continue to strengthen control in the construction sector. Among the measures under discussion are restrictions on issuing new permits in overloaded areas, combating illegal construction, and protecting natural territories, including the Lake Beratan area.
Earlier, in 2024, measures to limit the construction of new hotels and villas were already discussed on the island. In addition, a number of municipalities introduced bans on the construction of tourist facilities on agricultural lands, focusing development in existing resort areas.
In recent years, Bali has strengthened its position as an international center for remote work and long-term living. This creates stable demand for housing and service infrastructure.
At the same time, authorities are not considering a scenario of uncontrolled population growth. The current approach can be described as a model of “controlled growth,” where economic development is combined with measures to preserve cultural identity and the natural environment.
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