Bali's wet season runs roughly from November to March. Heavy downpours, high humidity and the odd storm are hard on any building, and a villa that isn't ready shows it quickly: leaks, mould, blocked drains, a green pool and, worst of all, bad reviews.
The good news is that most wet-season problems are predictable. The quieter weeks before the rains, usually October and November, are the perfect time to prepare. Here's the checklist we use.
Roof and gutters
- Inspect the roof for cracked or slipped tiles, especially after the dry months
- Check alang-alang (thatched) roofs for thinning or damage
- Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris
- Check flashing and seals around skylights, chimneys and roof joins
- Look at ceilings inside for old water stains, a sign of a leak that will come back
Drainage and flooding
- Clear garden drains, pool-deck drains and any channels along paths
- Check where water flows during heavy rain and make sure it moves away from the building
- Test septic and grey-water systems, which can back up when the ground is saturated
- If the street floods, think about raised thresholds or sandbags for the most exposed doors
Mould and humidity
The biggest wet-season review killer
Guests forgive a passing storm. They don't forgive a musty bedroom. Humidity in the wet season can push mould onto walls, ceilings, mattresses, cushions and wardrobes within weeks, especially in rooms that stay closed between guests.
- Air out every room daily, even when the villa is empty
- Run air-conditioning or dehumidifiers regularly in closed rooms
- Use moisture absorbers in wardrobes and storage areas
- Wash and fully dry linens, cushion covers and towels, and store them in breathable containers
- Treat early signs of mould straight away, before they spread
Pool
- Expect to test and balance water more often, as heavy rain dilutes chemicals
- Keep the pool cover or skimmer routine tight to deal with extra leaves and debris
- Check the overflow so the pool doesn't flood the deck
- Make sure pumps and electrics are covered and protected from water
Electrics and power
- Have outdoor sockets, lights and pumps checked for water exposure
- Make sure safety switches are working
- Keep a backup plan for power cuts, such as rechargeable lights, and tell guests where to find them
- Protect the Wi-Fi router and electronics with surge protection
Garden and outdoor areas
- Trim trees and palms that overhang the roof, pool or paths
- Clear coconuts and loose branches before storms
- Check outdoor furniture covers and bring cushions inside when not in use
- Treat standing water and keep insect screens in good repair. Mosquitoes thrive in the wet season.
Guests
Preparation isn't only about the building. A few touches make wet-season stays feel cosy rather than disappointing:
- Umbrellas and a few rain ponchos by the door
- Board games, books and good streaming for rainy afternoons
- Honest listing photos and descriptions, so guests know what to expect
- A clear contact for any leak or problem, with a fast response
Don't wait for the first storm
Every repair is cheaper and faster before the wet season than in the middle of it, when tradespeople are busy and guests are in the villa. And a villa that comes through the wet in good shape is ready to earn top rates from the start of the Christmas peak. For more on planning your year, read our month-by-month guide to Bali's rental seasons.
At Island Dream Collective, maintenance oversight is part of full management. Our on-ground team inspects the villas we manage regularly, coordinates repairs with trusted local tradespeople, and passes costs through at cost, with every expense visible on your owner dashboard.
Want someone on the ground before the rains?
We inspect, maintain and report on the villas we manage, so problems get fixed before guests notice.
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