6 Types of Land Use Every Bali Property Buyer Should Know

6 Types of Land Use Every Bali Property Buyer Should Know!

6 Types of Land Use - Before you fall in love with a rice field view, make sure you know the types of land that define what can—and can’t—be built. In Bali, zoning rules can make or break your dream villa, especially with recent pushes for smarter development and sustainability.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor exploring the Bali buy land scene, this guide can help you avoid legal traps, misinformed deals, and wasted capital.

Read more:

• https://bvrproperty.com/blogpost/usd-to-idr-exchange-rate-bali-vacation-cost-2025

• https://bvrproperty.com/blogpost/top-areas-bali-land-for-sale-2025 

• https://bvrproperty.com/blogpost/buying-property-in-bali

What Are the 6 Types of Land Use in Bali?

Understanding the types of land is critical if you're looking to invest, build, or develop property in Bali. These categories determine everything—from what kind of building you can construct to whether you can get permits at all.

1. Residential Land (Yellow Zone)

This land is intended for housing—villas, private homes, or apartments. But even here, zoning laws matter. Not all residential plots are equal under the RDTR (Detailed Spatial Plan).

If you're wondering what type of land is best for a villa in Bali, this is usually the one, but only if it's within a designated residential zone.

2. Commercial Land (Red Zone)

Perfect for shops, restaurants, cafes, and even guesthouses. If you’re eyeing land in Bali for business, this is your go-to category. Just make sure the certificate and RDTR match the intended use.

3. Industrial Land (Red Zone)

Mainly for factories, warehouses, and distribution. It’s rare for residential or tourism purposes, so unless your goal is manufacturing, steer clear.

4. Agricultural Land (Green Zone)

Beautiful, often cheap, but heavily restricted. Much of Bali’s agricultural land is a protected green zone. You can't just build on it, no matter how perfect it looks on Instagram.
Check official zoning maps or consult the Bali Spatial Planning Regulation No. 3/2020 before buying.

People often assume land in Bali is flexible, but once you buy agricultural land, re-zoning is a long, expensive process.

5. Recreational Land (Pink Zone)

This includes parks, tourism areas, and public leisure spaces. It can be great for eco-tourism or wellness retreat projects. Again, usage often requires local government collaboration.

6. Institutional Land

Allocated for schools, religious sites, hospitals, and government buildings. It’s not for private use, and getting approvals here is close to impossible.

Why the 6 Types of Land Use Matter When You Buy Land in Bali

Many buyers overlook the land's function until it's too late. For those researching Bali buy land, this can mean investing in plots you can’t legally develop.

Even if the title is SHM (Freehold) or HGB (Right to Build), the land function shown in the RDTR still governs what you can do with it.

Asking what type of land is best for a villa in Bali without understanding land use is like choosing a car without checking if you have a license to drive it.

How to Choose the Right Land Type for Your Needs

When navigating the Bali buy land process, use these 3 steps:

1. Check RDTR Maps Online – Make sure your plot is in a buildable zone.
   
   

2. Verify Land Certificates – Understand whether it's SHM, HGB, or something else.
   
   

3. Hire a Local Legal Team or Appraiser – Better safe than sorry.
   
   

Whether you're looking at land in Bali for personal use, rental income, or business development, these steps ensure you're not buying a dream that can’t be built.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up: what type of land is best for a villa in Bali? The answer lies in the zoning. Not the view. Not the price.

Know the 6 Types of Land Use, check your permits, and seek expert advice. That’s how smart investors win in the Bali buy land market—and avoid being stuck with beautiful but unusable land in Bali.

Whether you’re buying your first land or expanding your property portfolio, BVR Property makes sure every step is legal, secure, and profitable. Contact us today and let’s find land that fits your dream—and the law.