THE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DESIGN CONCEPT

BALI, THE ISLAND OF THE GODS

Because of the abundance of ceremonies, which vary between different parts of the island, the pace of everyday life seems to slow down in comparison with life in western cultures. This gives Bali on first sight that special mystical feeling and a more relaxed approach regarding time and schedules.

The economy of Bali is geared towards tourism and the Government of Bali has recognized that in order to sustain foreign interest in the island and retain stability and move ahead, they must accommodate foreigners who wish to live on Bali. For permanent residents Retirement Visas, valid for one year and permanently extendable (applicable as of the age of 55), have been introduced and a relaxation of general Visa Extension requirements is making life easier for ‘part time' residents. The Government has recognized that flexibility towards investors and expatriates is the ‘key' to guarantee employment and create an economy that will generate the stability and the progress necessary for the future of Bali.

Generally land prices have risen dramatically in the past fifteen years in areas where tourism is abundant or private housing projects proliferate, specifically in the last ten years, prices have increased by around 800 % - 3000% in some cases even more, Bali is in fact, becoming more and more ‘up market'. In South Bali about 10 - 20 km south of the airport where hardly anyone lived because water was so difficult to obtain in the dry season, prices have risen exponentially since notable fashion designers and multi-star boutique hotels began to build their own exclusive resorts.

Nusa Dua 30 km south of the airport at the very southern tip of Bali is a Five Star Hotel Tourist centre with an excellent golf course.

Benoa adjoining Nusa Dua has developed into an independent tourist area with a harbor water sports facilities and a fast boat connection to the island of Lombok.