Even in what is traditionally called “low season,” February 2026 delivered exceptional occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Bali.

While many villa owners question whether to commit to long-term leaseholds, the latest tourism data sends a clear message: Bali’s travel demand is stronger than ever, and short-term rentals are perfectly positioned to capture this wave.

So let’s answer the question every Uluwatu villa owner is asking: *Is short-term rental even worth it in 2026?*

The short answer is yes. And the numbers prove it.

The Data That Changes Everything

According to BPS Bali, nearly one million international tourists visited Bali in the first two months of 2026 – specifically 994,494 arrivals. That’s a 1.42% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and marks the highest arrival figures for January-February in the last four years.

But here’s what’s truly remarkable: February 2026 – historically considered a low-season month – recorded 492,289 international tourist arrivals, a 9.23% increase compared to February 2025.

Let that sink in. Low season grew by nearly 10%.

For short-term rental owners in Uluwatu, this is not just a statistic. It’s a revenue opportunity.

Challenging the “Low Season” Myth

For years, villa owners have accepted that February through March means empty calendars and discounted rates. Traditional wisdom said: “Find a long-term tenant for six months or accept zero income.”

That wisdom is outdated.

With 492,289 tourists arriving in February alone, occupancy for short-term rentals in Bali tracked at a strong 63% – significantly above the national average of 44.89%.

What changed?

• Source markets diversified – Australia (234,302 arrivals), China (124,745), India (74,483), South Korea (51,108), and Russia (45,481) now travel year-round
• Chinese New Year (Imlek) delivered a 5% surge in bookings, with occupancy reaching 70-75% in key areas like Denpasar
• “Quality tourism” shift means higher-spending travelers choose private villas over budget hotels, regardless of season

The low season myth is exactly that – a myth.

Short-Term Rental vs. Long-Term Leasehold: The 2026 Reality

Many villa owners see long-term leaseholds as the “safe” option. Fixed monthly income. No turnover stress. One tenant, one check.

But safe is not the same as profitable.

A long-term leasehold locks you into a fixed rate – typically IDR 15-25 million per month. A well-managed short-term rental in Uluwatu generates IDR 28-35 million per month on  – average 1 bedroom data average, with peak season months soaring to IDR 60-80 million depending on unit size

The difference over 12 months? Hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Why Short-Term Rentals Win in 2026

• Premium Pricing During Peak Windows – Short-term rentals capture value when demand spikes. Long-term leaseholds cannot. Chinese New Year. Australian school holidays. European summer. Surf competitions. Year-end celebrations. Each of these events creates booking windows where nightly rates can double or triple.
• Diverse, Year-Round Demand – With source markets now spanning Australia, China, India, Korea, Russia, and Europe, Bali no longer has a true “dead season.” When one market slows, another accelerates.
• The Quality Tourism Shift – Bali is actively moving toward “quality tourism” – attracting higher-spending travelers who seek authentic, private experiences. These travelers don’t want hotels. They want villas with pools, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. And they book short-term.
• Independent Bookings Are the New Normal – Travelers increasingly book directly through OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda. This behavior favors professionally managed short-term rentals distributed across multiple channels.

But Here’s the Catch

Short-term rentals only win if they are professionally managed.

Without dynamic pricing, you’re leaving money on the table. Without multi-OTA distribution, you’re invisible to half your potential guests. Without local operational support, you’re bleeding profit on maintenance, cleaning, and vendor overcharges.

This is where Bali Dream Living enters the picture.

We are the only real estate agency exclusively focused in Uluwatu. We focus entirely on maximizing your villa’s revenue through:

• Multi-OTA distribution – Your villa listed across Airbnb, Booking, Agoda, Expedia, and others.
• Dynamic pricing software – Real-time rate adjustments that keep you competitive 24/7
• Professional guest management – From booking inquiries to check-out
• Operations & maintenance – Cleanings, check-ins, pool service, and maintenance – all handled seamlessly

The Bottom Line

Bali’s tourism is growing. February proved that even “low season” delivers strong demand. Short-term rentals capture the upside of every tourist wave. Long-term leaseholds do not.

If you own a villa in Uluwatu – in Bingin, Padang Padang, or anywhere along this world-class coastline – the question isn’t whether short-term rentals work.

The question is whether you have the right management partner to make yours succeed.

Let’s talk!

Contact us today for a free revenue consultation.

Ready to see what your villa could earn in 2026?
Book a free, no-obligation revenue assessment. We’ll analyze your property, location, and potential – and show you exactly what professional management can deliver.

📩 team@balidreamliving.com
📱 +62 822 4798-6996
🌴 Bali Dream Living | Uluwatu’s Experts