Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Indonesia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Bali's property market is included in our pack
Bali's shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) offer reliable rental demand with occupancy rates of 65-85% and steady visitor arrivals reaching 70-85% of peak season numbers. These periods provide property investors with consistent rental income while avoiding the extreme competition and pricing volatility of high and low seasons.
Modern villas in Canggu, Seminyak, and surf areas maintain strong booking activity during these months, with average daily rates of IDR 1.0-1.3 million ($65-$85) for one to two-bedroom properties. The shoulder seasons attract digital nomads, couples, and wellness travelers who typically stay 4-7 nights, creating predictable revenue streams for property owners.
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Bali's shoulder seasons deliver reliable rental demand with visitor numbers at 70-85% of peak levels and occupancy rates consistently between 65-85%.
Property investors can expect steady rental income during these periods, with modern villas in prime locations like Canggu and Seminyak maintaining the strongest booking performance.
| Season Period | Average Occupancy Rate | Daily Rate Range (1-2 bed villa) |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder (Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct) | 65-85% | IDR 1.0-1.3M ($65-$85) |
| High Season (Jul-Aug, Dec) | 90-95% | IDR 1.3-1.7M ($85-$110) |
| Low Season (Jan-Mar, Nov) | 40-60% | IDR 900K-1.1M ($55-$70) |
| Peak Months (May, Sep) | 75-85% | IDR 1.1-1.4M ($70-$90) |
| Quieter Shoulder (Apr, Oct) | 60-75% | IDR 1.0-1.2M ($65-$80) |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
How many tourists visit Bali during shoulder seasons compared to high and low seasons?
Bali's shoulder seasons attract 70-85% of the visitor numbers seen during peak periods.
Monthly international arrivals during shoulder season months (April, May, September, October) typically range from 500,000 to 600,000 visitors. This compares to approximately 625,000 arrivals in July, which represents the peak month of the high season.
Low season months (January-March, November) see significantly reduced tourist volumes, with arrival numbers dropping 20-30% below shoulder season figures. This translates to roughly 350,000-450,000 monthly visitors during the quietest periods.
The shoulder seasons provide a sweet spot for property investors, offering substantial visitor traffic without the overcrowding and price volatility of high season. As of September 2025, these periods have maintained consistent growth in international arrivals, driven by digital nomads and wellness travelers seeking to avoid peak season crowds.
What percentage of visitors choose short-term rentals instead of hotels during shoulder seasons?
Villas and guesthouses account for 55-65% of non-hotel accommodations during Bali's shoulder seasons.
This high percentage reflects Bali's unique accommodation landscape, where independent properties dominate over traditional hotel chains. Villas are particularly popular with couples, remote workers, and wellness travelers who value privacy and longer stays.
The preference for villa rentals increases during shoulder seasons because these periods attract more experienced travelers and digital nomads who prefer the flexibility and space that villas offer. First-time visitors during high season are more likely to book hotels for the convenience and established service standards.
Property investors benefit from this trend, as the villa rental market remains robust even when overall tourist numbers fluctuate. The shoulder season demand for villas provides more stable occupancy than hotel-dependent areas experience.
How do occupancy rates change month by month during shoulder seasons?
Bali rental occupancy rates during shoulder seasons average 65-85%, with notable variation between individual months.
| Month | Occupancy Rate Range | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| April | 60-75% | Post-Nyepi recovery, moderate demand |
| May | 75-85% | Strong digital nomad arrivals |
| June | 75-85% | Pre-high season buildup |
| September | 75-85% | Post-summer European travelers |
| October | 60-75% | Gradual decline toward low season |
May, June, and September consistently show the strongest performance within shoulder periods, reaching occupancy levels that approach high season figures. These months benefit from optimal weather conditions and strategic timing between major holiday periods.
April and October represent the quieter edges of shoulder seasons but still maintain occupancy rates well above the 40-60% typical of low season months. Property owners can expect reliable income generation throughout these periods, though revenue optimization may require flexible pricing strategies.
What are the average daily rental rates during shoulder seasons?
Average daily rates during Bali's shoulder seasons typically range from IDR 1.0-1.3 million ($65-$85) for one to two-bedroom villas.
These rates sit comfortably between low season pricing of IDR 900,000-1.1 million ($55-$70) and high season peaks that can reach IDR 1.3-1.7 million ($85-$110) for comparable properties. Shoulder season rates represent a 10-25% discount from summer peaks while commanding significantly higher prices than low season periods.
Larger properties command proportionally higher rates, with three to four-bedroom villas often reaching IDR 1.8-2.5 million ($115-$160) per night during shoulder periods. Luxury properties with premium amenities can exceed these ranges, particularly in prime locations like Seminyak beachfront or clifftop Uluwatu.
Rate optimization during shoulder seasons allows property owners to maximize revenue while maintaining competitive occupancy levels. Properties that adjust pricing strategically throughout these periods typically outperform those with static rates.
It's something we develop in our Indonesia property pack.
How long do guests typically stay during shoulder seasons?
Guest stays during Bali's shoulder seasons typically range from 4-7 nights for standard bookings.
Digital nomads and remote workers often extend their stays to two weeks or one month, taking advantage of discounted rates for longer bookings. These extended stays provide property owners with reduced turnover costs and more predictable revenue streams.
Most properties maintain flexible minimum stay requirements during shoulder seasons, accepting 1-2 night bookings to maximize occupancy. However, retreat periods and special events may require 3+ night minimum stays to justify preparation and cleaning costs.
The market flexibility during shoulder seasons allows property managers to adjust minimum stay requirements based on demand patterns. Properties near wellness centers and coworking spaces often see longer average stays due to their appeal to extended-stay travelers.
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Which areas show the strongest rental demand during shoulder periods?
Canggu, Seminyak, Berawa, and Pererenan consistently demonstrate the highest rental demand during Bali's shoulder seasons.
1. **Canggu and surrounding areas** attract digital nomads and surfers year-round, maintaining 70-80% occupancy even during quieter shoulder months2. **Seminyak beachfront properties** appeal to couples and luxury travelers seeking sophisticated amenities without high season crowds3. **Uluwatu and Bingin** experience shoulder season surges due to surf conditions and retreat bookings4. **Sanur and Ubud** remain popular with families and wellness seekers who prefer these periods for cooler weather and fewer crowds5. **Emerging areas like Umalas, Cemagi, and Tabanan** are gaining traction for boutique accommodations and peaceful escapesThese areas benefit from established infrastructure, diverse dining options, and proximity to beaches or cultural attractions. Properties in these locations typically command premium rates while maintaining strong occupancy throughout shoulder periods.
Newer areas like Cemagi and Tabanan offer opportunities for property investors seeking entry points with growth potential, though they may require more marketing effort to achieve comparable occupancy rates to established areas.
Which property types maintain the most consistent bookings?
Modern one to three-bedroom villas with pools dominate consistent bookings during Bali's shoulder seasons.
These properties appeal to the core shoulder season demographics: couples, small groups, and digital nomads who prioritize privacy, comfort, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Pool access remains essential for year-round appeal, even during shoulder seasons when temperatures remain consistently warm.
Budget guesthouses and boutique accommodations fill consistently with price-sensitive longer-stay travelers during these periods. These properties often achieve higher occupancy rates than luxury alternatives due to their appeal to extended-stay visitors and budget-conscious repeat travelers.
Luxury homes and large villas experience more variable demand, primarily serving retreat bookings, weddings, or group celebrations. While these properties command higher rates, they face longer vacancy periods between bookings compared to mid-range villa options.
Properties with strong WiFi, dedicated workspaces, and modern amenities consistently outperform dated accommodations, reflecting the growing influence of remote work on Bali's rental market.
How do booking lead times differ during shoulder seasons?
Booking lead times during shoulder seasons average 29-37 days, significantly shorter than high season planning periods.
High season bookings typically require 42-50 days or more advance planning as guests compete for limited availability during peak periods. The reduced lead times during shoulder seasons reflect more spontaneous travel decisions and flexible planning by experienced travelers.
Digital nomads and remote workers often book with shorter notice during shoulder seasons, taking advantage of reduced competition for desirable properties. This pattern allows property owners to optimize rates based on closer-to-arrival demand patterns.
The shorter lead times create opportunities for dynamic pricing strategies, as property managers can adjust rates based on real-time demand rather than committing to prices months in advance. Properties with flexible booking policies often capture more last-minute bookings during these periods.
What percentage of bookings comes from repeat visitors?
Repeat guests represent 25-35% of shoulder season bookings in Bali's rental market.
This higher percentage of return visitors compared to high season reflects the appeal of shoulder periods to digital nomads and regular retreat attendees who value familiar accommodations and established relationships with property managers. These experienced travelers appreciate avoiding high season crowds while maintaining access to their preferred locations.
First-time travelers still constitute the majority of bookings, but the substantial repeat visitor percentage provides property owners with more predictable booking patterns and reduced marketing costs for a significant portion of their clientele.
Repeat visitors during shoulder seasons often book longer stays and generate higher lifetime value through direct bookings that bypass platform commission fees. Building relationships with this segment creates competitive advantages for property owners.
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How do cancellation rates behave during shoulder seasons?
Cancellation rates during shoulder seasons range from 18-25% for multi-bedroom villas, with higher rates for smaller and budget accommodations.
These moderate cancellation rates reflect the flexible travel plans typical of shoulder season visitors, particularly digital nomads and wellness travelers who may adjust their schedules based on work commitments or changing circumstances.
High season cancellation rates are typically lower due to stricter cancellation policies and more committed travel plans. Nearly 75% of premium properties implement "Strict" or "Firm" cancellation policies during peak periods, compared to more flexible policies often offered during shoulder seasons.
Property managers can mitigate cancellation impact by implementing moderate cancellation policies that balance guest flexibility with revenue protection. Properties offering partial refunds for cancellations with adequate notice often maintain higher booking conversion rates.
It's something we develop in our Indonesia property pack.
Which marketing channels generate the most reliable demand?
OTA platforms including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Agoda generate the most consistent shoulder season rental demand for Bali properties.
Direct bookings through property websites increasingly contribute to reliable demand, particularly for properties with established reputations and repeat visitor bases. These direct channels offer higher profit margins by avoiding platform commission fees.
Influencer and Instagram marketing campaigns prove increasingly effective for shoulder season bookings, particularly for properties targeting digital nomads and wellness travelers. These channels reach audiences actively seeking unique accommodations and experiences during less crowded periods.
Niche marketing through retreat organizations, wellness centers, and coworking communities creates consistent booking streams for properties positioned to serve these specific markets. These specialized channels often generate longer stays and higher-value bookings.
What external factors most influence shoulder season demand?
Regional holidays from Australia, Europe, and Asia significantly impact rental demand spikes during Bali's shoulder seasons.
Local festivals and events including Nyepi, Galungan, weddings, and international retreat bookings temporarily boost demand throughout shoulder periods. Properties near event venues or cultural centers often experience booking surges during these times.
Flight availability and visa policies strongly influence shoulder season visitor patterns. Good international connectivity and Indonesia's friendly digital nomad policies support consistent booking activity from remote workers and extended-stay travelers.
Weather patterns in source markets drive demand fluctuations, with European travelers particularly active during September-October shoulder periods as they escape autumn weather. Australian visitors often favor April-May periods to avoid their winter season.
It's something we develop in our Indonesia property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Bali's shoulder seasons provide property investors with reliable rental income opportunities through consistent occupancy rates of 65-85% and stable visitor arrivals at 70-85% of peak levels.
Modern villas in established areas like Canggu and Seminyak maintain the strongest performance, while emerging locations offer growth potential for investors seeking entry opportunities in Bali's rental market.
Sources
- Road Genius - Bali Tourism Statistics
- Gravity Bali - Villa Rental Profitability
- Airbtics - Airbnb Revenue Bali
- Bukit Vista - Property Investment Types
- BambooRoutes - Bali Property Market Trends
- Rentals United - APAC Vacation Rentals
- Akura Villas - Seasonal Impact on Rental Income
- Bali Coconut Living - Villa Rental Guide