Bali blackout? Normally, we say that when Bali celebrates Nyepi, the day of silence where the whole island switches off. But this time, it wasn’t Nyepi. On May 2, 2025, Bali experienced a massive power outage that lasted almost 10 hours.
People panicked. Social media lit up with complaints. Some locals and tourists, though, made the most of it by heading to cafes, resorts, or coworking spaces with generators to ride out the blackout in comfort.
But here’s what shocked us: many rental villas didn’t have backup power. Guests were left in the dark—literally.
That’s why we’re writing this. If you’re thinking of buying or renting property in Bali, especially as a villa investor or long-term expat, this is something you can’t ignore. Let’s talk about what this blackout exposed and what you should consider before investing in Bali real estate.
What Caused the Bali Blackout?
The May 2, 2025 blackout was caused by a disruption in the undersea cables connecting Bali’s electricity grid to Java. According to reports, the problem happened at the main transmission line. The outage affected large areas of the island for nearly 10 hours, including popular tourist hubs like Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Ubud.
Bali relies heavily on power coming from Java, so any issue there causes big problems here. It’s a reminder that even paradise can have infrastructure risks.
Why It Matters for Property Buyers
The good news is that power outages like this in Bali are rare. We’re thankful this incident didn’t last longer The good news? Blackouts like this are rare in Bali. And thankfully, this one didn’t last longer than 10 hours. But it was enough to remind everyone—from tourists to homeowners—that having a backup plan is no longer optional.
Power outages aren’t unique to Bali. In fact, just last year, parts of Spain experienced widespread blackouts due to extreme heat and energy demand spikes. It’s a global issue, and even developed countries face power instability from time to time.
But here’s what makes it important in Bali: many villas, especially private ones in popular areas like Canggu or Uluwatu, don’t always come equipped with generators or solar backups. When the power goes out, guests can be left with no air-conditioning, no Wi-Fi, and sometimes even no running water.
This Bali blackout highlighted three key lessons for property buyers:
- Comfort and Safety: Power outages affect daily life—no AC, no lights, no water pump.
- Rental Risk: If you’re renting your villa out, blackouts can lead to bad reviews or refund demands.
- Buyer Expectations: More buyers now ask: Does the property have a generator or solar backup?
Blackouts can happen anywhere, but in a place like Bali—where tourism is key and comfort is expected—being prepared makes all the difference.
Final Thought
Bali remains a dream destination for property buyers. But this blackout was a reminder: even in paradise, practicality matters. Whether you’re buying a home for yourself or investing in a villa for rental income, always plan for the unexpected. A generator or backup system might seem like a small detail now, but in Bali, it can mean the difference between happy guests and a refund request.
