WANTED READER'S OPINIONS Bali and Phuket Face Off

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Posted: 09 Oct 2009 | 1:50 pm

As in life all things move in cycles and while roll back the clock twenty years ago and the brand name Bali was absolutely magic. Then came this decade and Phuket moved into the predominate position as Asia's favorite destination. Over the past year or so Bali's tourism market flourished, while Thailand and our island took a beating back of a series of unfortunate political episodes. Much is now written in blogs, newspapers and in talks with locals about where is the better place to live - Phuket or Bali. Many point to the issues of over development, political risk, rising crime rates, corruption and an infrastructure overloaded back of the boom years. At the same time for those who live here demand generators like marinas, golf, hospitals, direct international flights, schools and all those things expats love are growing. So our question to our readers is - be it tourism or finding your place in the sun to live or work; which is better Phuket or Bali? Post your comments an let us know your opinion.

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I agree that Phuket is over built and the construction has not been so well regulated as in Bali was but Phuket is and will be the the first tourist and inverstment destination in Asia for mnay reaon but the main one is the security. Even today investment in Phuket is easier than in Bali is.

Jose, 16 Oct 2009 | 2:18 pm

hi Simona, i wish you could educated me in a few things :-0

Agree with your comment, i was going to invest in a Phuket townhouse, but it all got too hard, so i went to Malaysia instead and how easy was that.. they really encourage westerns to invest..

Terry Pillion, 12 Oct 2009 | 4:02 am

Well...Never been to Bali, but it can't be worse than Phuket!

Lived and worked in Phuket for 4 years in the real estate sector but 3 years ago I read in the stars to lookout for another spot to do business. And I found the perfect spot in Khanom, where I live and work now. This is like Phuket 20 years ago. Charming and un-spoiled.

I think Phuket is killing itself with the neverending construction and roadworks going on!

I know many people out there share my opinion - at this time Khanom is booming real estate wise....but I never hope it will turn into a new Phuket ;-)

Kris, 11 Oct 2009 | 3:04 pm

well im all over Bali (rather Bali is all over me :-0

Lets face it, Phuket had its opportunity but it is so dam hard for foreigners to buy property that we dont seem to be welcomed there + the international school..wow, look at their fees, for that kind of money you can educated your child in Brisbane Grammer School and still have some pocket change left over..know what im getting @

Somina, 11 Oct 2009 | 3:29 am