Many investors come to Bali focusing only on zoning, land prices, and tourism potential. But one critical factor is often overlooked: the role of Bali’s traditional villages, known as Desa Adat. From social approval and cultural harmony to long-term project sustainability, Desa Adat can heavily influence whether an investment succeeds or struggles. This article explores the deeper social and cultural side of Bali’s spatial planning system that many investors fail to understand.