Bali has long been touted as the ultimate exotic holiday destination, being praised for its breathtaking tropical beauty, ideal climate, rich culture, and the sheer diversity of enticing attractions it provides. The famous Indonesian island is particularly appealing to honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic getaway in the heart of nature.
Ranked as the second most popular global destination in the 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Bali finds itself on many tourists’ bucket lists. The endless stream of scenic Balinese landscapes flooding Instagram feeds and the many raving reviews from travellers who describe Bali as a slice of heaven on Earth have helped consolidate this idealistic image of Bali in the collective mind.
For some, that might be enough to convince them to pack their bags, grab an eSIM for Bali, and get ready for a tropical adventure. However, more cautious and experimented travellers know that hype is not the best advisor and shouldn’t be trusted blindly.
So, does Bali live up to its reputation as a pristine paradise, or is this a classic case of smoke and mirrors? An honest examination of Bali’s strengths and shortcomings might help us uncover the truth.
Reasons to visit Bali
Let’s start with the pros first and see why so many tourists choose Bali as their holiday destination every year. It’s not difficult to figure out what draws in the crowds of travellers to Bali the most. The island’s undeniable natural beauty, with a mesmerizing combination of lush rain forests, active volcanoes, rolling rice fields, waterfalls, and spectacular white sand beaches, will leave you in awe.
Accommodation options across the island are varied, ranging from five-star luxury resorts to villas, guesthouses, and traditional bungalows. What’s even better is that most of them promote nature immersion, providing visitors with all the modern facilities one can wish for while also allowing them to take in the lush scenery and the many natural wonders surrounding them.
As for things to see and do, you certainly won’t have the chance to get bored. Despite being a relatively small destination, Bali packs a punch in terms of attractions and activities. From hiking or paragliding to visiting ancient temples and villages or enjoying water sports and beach activities, plenty of amazing experiences keep you occupied throughout your stay. You also have the option to press pause and unwind at one of the many spas and wellness centres on the island if relaxation is what you seek.
The locals’ warm hospitality will make your travel experience all the more pleasant. The Balinese are extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, and they enjoy interacting with tourists, so they will make you feel right at home.
The local culture is just as fascinating and captivating as the natural scenery, featuring an intriguing blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and other ancient traditions which are on full display during the many religious rituals, festivals, and ceremonies taking place throughout the entire year. The island is dotted with numerous temples and historic landmarks that stand testimony to Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
Foodies will surely appreciate Balinese cuisine’s great variety of delicious dishes. Apart from the traditional foods which are a must-try, Bali also boasts an impressive array of restaurants and cafes where tourists can taste all sorts of amazing dishes.
Money-wise, you’ll be happy to know that Bali leans on the affordable side, so you won’t have to break the bank to spend a week or two in this dreamy location. Bali can be considered a budget-friendly destination with relatively low prices for accommodation (including high-end options) and other tourist services.
All these aspects, coupled with the island’s laid-back atmosphere and tropical climate, which guarantees enjoyable weather all year round, make Bali an irresistible destination for millions of tourists.
The flip side of the coin
Now let’s turn our attention to the downsides and take a look at the things you don’t usually get to see in all those carefully-curated pictures of Bali that people post on social media. Unsurprisingly, the main issue with Bali and one of the aspects that might negatively impact your experience is overtourism.
For this small island, receiving millions of visitors every year is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, tourism supports and empowers the local economy. On the other hand, it threatens the natural environment and authenticity of the place, disrupting local communities and forcing residents out of their homeland due to rising prices. Many popular spots are overcrowded with tourists, which detracts from the island’s charm. Even some of the off-the-beaten-track attractions sought for the tranquillity and peace they once offered, have lost their serene appeal.
Bali might not be a big island, but getting around it can be a real challenge due to the poor transportation infrastructure, frequent traffic jams, and dangerous road conditions. Buses aren’t the most effective way to travel in Bali as they are slow, lack a clear schedule, and involve multiple changes for longer trips. One would be better off renting a scooter or getting a taxi.
Another noticeable side-effect of overtourism in Bali is the rising pollution. Although you won’t come across this issue everywhere you go, many of the island’s beautiful beaches are covered in plastic waste and trash, so if you’re hoping for immaculate shores, you might want to lower your expectations.
Another aspect that tourists need to be wary of when traveling to Bali is the health risks. It’s recommended that they consult with a doctor before planning a visit to the island to ensure they stay safe and healthy during their trip.
As you can see, Bali has two sides, as is often the case with many other popular holiday destinations. So, it’s up to you to analyze both the pros and the cons and decide what weighs more in the balance.
