Two centuries ago, a chemist monetized staying dry. In Bali, the same principle applies: solving fundamental, everyday problems can be the foundation of lasting success.
DENPASAR, Bali — The story of the modern raincoat, invented in 1823 by Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh, is more than a historical footnote. It is a timeless business case study in monetizing a universal, essential need. In the damp streets of industrial Glasgow, Macintosh saw an opportunity in something everyone disliked: getting soaked. His solution—a practical waterproof coat—built a personal fortune and a brand that endured for centuries.
This narrative holds a potent lesson for Bali’s vibrant community of global entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and local business owners. The island’s economy, driven by tourism and lifestyle, presents its own set of relentless, essential needs. The most sustainable opportunities often lie not in the extravagant, but in the fundamental.
The “Macintosh Principle”: Identify the Inescapable Need
Macintosh didn’t invent fashion; he solved a discomfort. In Bali, these inescapable needs are everywhere, shaped by the island’s unique context:
- The Climate Need: Intense sun, sudden tropical downpours, and humidity. Beyond selling umbrellas, this creates demand for breathable sun protection, quick-dry fabrics, effective dehumidifiers, and naturally cool building design.
- The Connectivity Need: Reliable internet isn’t a luxury for the remote workforce; it’s a utility. Services that guarantee stable, high-speed connections, from co-working spaces to localized Starlink-type solutions, address a core modern necessity.
- The Logistics Need: Navigating narrow streets and managing deliveries in a spread-out, villa-heavy environment. Solutions in last-mile delivery, scooter-friendly cargo, or efficient local pick-up networks solve a daily friction point.
- The Wellness Need: The “Bali belly,” mosquito-borne illnesses, or the stress of relocation. Businesses providing trusted healthcare information, reliable preventive supplies, or genuine mental wellness support tackle essential health concerns.
From Functional to Aspirational: The Bali Evolution
Just as Macintosh’s coat evolved from a smelly rubber sheet to a Victorian status symbol, Bali’s most successful ventures add a layer of aspiration to the essential.
A local brand doesn’t just sell insect repellent; it sells a non-toxic, elegantly packaged citronella balm for the conscious traveler. A service doesn’t just offer scooter rental; it provides immaculately maintained, fully insured bikes delivered to your villa with a digital contract. The foundational need (transport, protection) is wrapped in quality, trust, and a story that resonates with Bali’s discerning audience.
The Modern Mackintosh is a Problem-Solver
The entrepreneurs shaping Bali’s future are those who observe the recurring frustrations in expat Facebook groups, the repeated requests in tourist forums, and the gaps in their own daily lives. They ask: What is this island’s version of the relentless rain?
The answer might be in sustainable waste management for villas, streamlined visa agency services, hyper-local food supply chains for international residents, or culturally-integrated childcare. The scale can be small and community-focused, but the principle is vast: identify an essential, persistent need and serve it exceptionally well.
Macintosh’s legacy reminds us that fortunes are not only made from gold or tech unicorns. They are often built from the simple, profound act of keeping people dry, fed, connected, healthy, or safe. In Bali, an island that attracts those seeking a better way to live, the opportunity lies in mastering the essentials that make that life not just possible, but wonderfully seamless.
Hey Bali News explores the ideas, people, and principles that drive successful and sustainable ventures in our island community.
