Saturday, May 10, 2008

Living in Ubud

UBUD - A healthy, picturesque and interesting place to live

Ubud’s location is between scenic river valleys and rice fields in the foothills of the central volcanic mountains. Combined with the way in which it has remained a collection of small traditional villages specializing in art and showcasing the villagers traditional culture of temples, palace and communities, Ubud is a culturally rich and fascinating place to spend a fulfilled life.

Ramon Genz, Director of ubudproperty.com, the areas leading realtor says:
“There are a multitude of reasons why foreigners are choosing to come to live in Ubud. Some of them are long term residents in Bali opting to move away from the congested and expensive coastal areas of the south to the more peaceful, relaxing and inexpensive areas in and around Ubud.

“ The majority are people who have visited Ubud several times already and perhaps have made friends here and realize what the specialty of Ubud is - emphasizing and preserving the traditional Balinese life style in a cool climate. Ubud is elevated about 220 meters above sea level with the landscape turning even more spectacular 20 minutes further up north where the land rises to above 700 meters with even cooler breezes again and better views.
This tropical mountain climate is very healthy and the picturesque landscape is an added bonus.
“This is all in conjunction with what the villages of Ubud have to offer - a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars where people can meet in what is recognized as Bali’s centre of traditional culture and entertainment - a major drawing card for all would-be residents”.
“Bali is increasingly well known for villa living and Ubud with it’s many relaxed international residents tops the lifestyle options. However, around Ubud there are not many villas for sale because most of the people who own them have decided to spend the rest of their lives in paradise and don’t consider selling again.

A suitable option is to look for vacant land and build your own residence. At the moment this is even a slightly more economical option because if you compare prices of villas for sale with building your own you will find that it also makes sense to create your dream home yourself.
“To build a good quality Western style house you would spend around Rupiah 4 to 5 million per square metre. Then add 20% for general infrastructure.
The price for land directly in Ubud is high, around rupiah 300 million per ara (one ara is 100 square meters), five minutes by car outside the price falls to rupiah 100 million per ara. The average building lot may be 10 to 15 ara in size in Ubud and 20 to 40 ara outside.
“Frankly, as Ubud becomes more buzzing, people prefer to live outside where the price of land is so much cheaper and the surroundings will remain traditional for decades to come. Twenty minutes drive from Ubud you could buy a good block of land for rupiah 25 to 35 million per ara depending on the quality of the land, amenities, access, views etc.
“You are free to build whatever style of home you like in Bali as long as it does not exceed the height of the palm trees nearby and safety standards are observed.

As like everywhere else in the world you get what you pay for in terms of the quality and finish of your home. There are building companies well experienced in the requirements of Westerners some of which even employ expatriates. You can have a very high quality Western-standard building for about one third of the cost you might pay in the West”.
“People come to Ubud for peacefulness and freedom. No one wants to live close to noisy neighbors any more and there is little risk that other villa owners would build right next to you. Most people want to build their dream home on a little slice of paradise and enjoy it all by themselves.

On the other hand Ubud is very much a community where you easily can make new friends if you wish. The property locations are usually not far from a local village and other expat’s homes where they can contact and even get help if needed”.
“Most of the people buying property around Ubud are 45 years and over, although we do occasionally get younger buyers who perhaps start a special project here, usually in conjunction with wellbeing and spiritual development. They can enjoy an individual life style in Ubud and in combination with the internet can even continue their business in other countries.

Most of the new settlers are still active in their professions and often live here for several months and the remainder of the time at home elsewhere, or are traveling around the world in a combination of business and private enjoyment. About 60 percent continue to maintain a primary residence overseas. Others come here to already prepare for early retirement”.
“Despite the healthy climate and good quality food people may become ill.
Ubud has a 24-hour medical service which has improved quite well over the years and also day time facilities and a small hospital nearby in the village of Mas. There you can receive treatment to a quite acceptable standard. For major health problems there are international clinics in the Denpasar area and the final option would be to evacuate to somewhere like Singapore or Perth”.

“One out of 10 families buying property here bring their children and most drive them to the international schools in Sanur, about 45 minutes from Ubud. On the other hand Ubud’s central primary school is regarded as one of the best in Bali and in conjunction with distance learning on the “net”, offers a good way to begin education amongst the locals.

“The expatriates living in and around Ubud are indeed ‘good folks’- open, colorful and almost all with an highly interesting background.
They come to here for the same reasons: they want to enjoy a good life and meet understanding friends. They know here it is indeed pleasantly easy to find good companionship amongst people with similar values and outlooks.

“There a countless food stalls and restaurants, bookshops and exhibitions in a multitude of languages, video centers and internet spots, daily cultural events, the Readers and Writers Festival, … who would not see something fascinating and personally rewarding in the life around Ubud, could not find a beer bottle in a brewery.”


By: Ramon Genz, Director of ubudproperty.com

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