From holiday home to hotel: Doctor gives back to community with villa in rural north Bali

What can a million dollars buy in Singapore? A one-bedroom condominium, a Housing Board flat in a mature estate or a luxury car. These folks opted instead for sprawling holiday homes which they transformed into boutique accommodation in the heart of nature.

Dr Tan Chi Chiu viewed 30 to 40 land plots over three years before deciding on a piece in scenic Wanagiri on which he built Alta Vista Bali Mountain Villa. PHOTO: ALTA VISTA BALI MOUNTAIN VILLA
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SINGAPORE – Bali, the darling of vacationers in the region, has something for everyone.

Seminyak is studded with beach clubs, spas and achingly hip cafes. Ubud draws the eat-pray-love yogis. Canggu and Uluwatu are for the surfers while more are exploring ruggedly beautiful Nusa Penida island beyond day trips. Sanur and Sidemen are up-and-coming spots still relaxed in the face of mass tourism.

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