Bali has long been marketed as paradise: pristine beaches, lush rice terraces, and a vibrant cultural scene. For decades, it has drawn millions of travelers in search of relaxation, adventure, and spirituality. But beneath the glossy Instagram feeds lies a more complicated reality that many visitors don’t see.
Overcrowding, rising prices, and environmental concerns have turned Bali into a destination that some seasoned travelers now recommend skipping. From traffic jams in Ubud to the strain on local infrastructure, the island’s challenges are impossible to ignore. What was once a tranquil escape can sometimes feel like a victim of its own popularity.
And yet, Bali remains irresistible for many. The warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, and the natural beauty that still shines through make it a destination worth considering. The key lies in understanding both sides of the story before you pack your bags.
Read here best sim card in Bali and affordable family villas in Ubud!
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your HeymondoTravel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Quick Easy Tips
If you do visit Bali, travel mindfully by exploring beyond the tourist hotspots. Smaller villages and less crowded beaches offer more authentic experiences.
Respect local traditions. Learn temple etiquette, dress modestly, and approach cultural events with humility rather than as photo opportunities.
Travel in the off-season if possible. You’ll avoid peak crowds, reduce your environmental impact, and often enjoy better prices.
One controversy centers on overtourism. While tourism fuels Bali’s economy, locals increasingly worry about its long-term sustainability. The influx of visitors strains resources, pollutes beaches, and disrupts traditional ways of life. Critics argue that travelers should look elsewhere, while supporters believe tourism is too vital to abandon.
Another debate is cultural respect. Some visitors treat Bali as a playground, ignoring temple etiquette or local customs. This behavior has sparked frustration among locals, who feel their traditions are being commodified rather than respected. Others counter that tourism spreads awareness of Balinese culture worldwide.
There’s also tension over development. Luxury resorts and international franchises bring jobs but also drive up prices and displace local communities. The question remains whether Bali can preserve its soul while catering to global demand.
Reasons NOT to Visit Bali
1. Overcrowding and Mass Tourism
Bali has become one of the world’s most over-touristed destinations. Popular spots like Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu are flooded with tourists, making it difficult to experience the island’s natural beauty and authentic culture.
Alternatives:
Visit Lombok, which offers similar beaches and landscapes without the crowds.
Explore Sumba, an untouched island with unique traditions and beautiful beaches.
2. Environmental Damage and Pollution
With mass tourism comes pollution. Bali faces serious issues with plastic waste, especially on its beaches. Many once-pristine spots, like Kuta Beach, are now covered in trash due to poor waste management and seasonal ocean currents.
Alternatives:
Travel to Komodo National Park, where marine life is protected and tourism is more regulated.
Visit Raja Ampat, a remote paradise known for its untouched coral reefs.
3. Traffic and Overdevelopment
The once-serene island is now plagued by traffic congestion and uncontrolled development. Areas like Canggu and Seminyak have turned into urban hubs with long traffic jams, noisy bars, and construction everywhere.
Alternatives:
Head to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, smaller islands with less traffic and a more laid-back vibe.
4. Rising Costs and Overpriced Tourism
Bali was once a budget traveler’s dream, but prices have skyrocketed in popular areas. Hotels, restaurants, and even local attractions charge much more than they did a few years ago, making the island less affordable.
Alternatives:
Vietnam’s Phu Quoc offers similar tropical beauty at lower prices.
Sri Lanka has stunning beaches, cultural heritage, and affordable accommodations.
5. Cultural Erosion and Over-Commercialization
Bali’s unique Hindu culture is one of its biggest draws, but it’s increasingly being overshadowed by mass tourism. Many visitors treat religious ceremonies as photo opportunities, and traditional Balinese villages are turning into tourist hubs.
Alternatives:
Explore Yogyakarta in Java for authentic Indonesian culture and ancient temples.
Visit Flores, an island with preserved local traditions and stunning landscapes.
6. Unethical Tourism Practices
Many attractions in Bali exploit animals or local traditions for profit. Activities like riding elephants, taking photos with drugged animals, and unethical temple ceremonies have raised concerns about responsible tourism.
Alternatives:
Choose eco-tourism experiences that focus on conservation and ethical interactions, like visiting Bali’s Green School or staying in sustainable eco-resorts.
7. Bali’s Beaches Aren’t Always What You Expect
While photos of Bali’s beaches look stunning, the reality can be different. Some beaches, especially in Kuta and Seminyak, have rough waves, pollution, and are overcrowded.
Alternatives:
Visit Gili Islands for white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
Explore Amed, a quiet coastal town with great snorkeling and diving.
Reasons to Still Visit Bali
Despite these drawbacks, Bali still has plenty to offer if you visit the right places at the right time. Here’s why it might still be worth the trip.
1. Unique Balinese Culture and Traditions
Bali is the only Hindu-majority island in Indonesia, and its cultural traditions are fascinating. From beautiful temple ceremonies to traditional Balinese dances, the island still holds onto its rich heritage in many areas.
Best Places to Experience It:
Uluwatu Temple – Known for stunning cliffside views and Kecak dance performances.
Tirta Empul – A sacred water temple where locals and tourists participate in purification rituals.
2. World-Class Surfing and Diving
Bali remains a top destination for surfing and scuba diving, with some of the best waves and marine life in the world.
Best Spots:
Uluwatu and Padang Padang – Great for advanced surfers.
Nusa Lembongan and Amed – Top diving locations with coral reefs and manta rays.
3. Stunning Rice Terraces and Natural Beauty
Despite overdevelopment in some areas, Bali still has breathtaking natural landscapes worth visiting.
Best Spots for Nature Lovers:
Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Famous for its cascading green rice fields.
Sekumpul Waterfalls – One of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.
4. Wellness and Spiritual Retreats
Bali has become a hub for yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats, drawing visitors seeking relaxation and spiritual growth.
Top Wellness Destinations:
Ubud – Home to the world-famous Yoga Barn and various holistic healing centers.
Sidemen – A peaceful retreat with fewer tourists and stunning landscapes.
5. Delicious Balinese Cuisine
Bali offers some of Indonesia’s most flavorful and unique dishes, blending fresh ingredients with aromatic spices.
Must-Try Foods:
Babi Guling – Traditional Balinese roasted pig.
Nasi Campur – A mixed rice dish with a variety of side dishes.
Bebek Betutu – Slow-cooked duck wrapped in banana leaves.
6. Affordable Luxury in Some Areas
While some parts of Bali have become expensive, it’s still one of the best places in the world for affordable luxury, offering five-star resorts, private villas, and world-class spas at reasonable prices.
Best Affordable Luxury Areas:
Ubud – For jungle resorts and spa retreats.
Munduk – A hidden gem with boutique resorts and mountain views.
Final Verdict: Should You Visit Bali?
Skip Bali if you want to avoid crowds, overtourism, and rising costs. Other Indonesian islands like Lombok, Sumba, and Flores offer similar experiences without the negatives.
Visit Bali if you focus on less crowded areas and responsible tourism, enjoying the island’s culture, food, and natural beauty while being mindful of your impact.
Bali can still be paradise if you choose the right places to visit and travel responsibly. The key is to venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the island’s hidden gems.
Bali is both enchanting and complicated. The challenges of overtourism and cultural strain cannot be ignored, yet neither can the island’s undeniable beauty and hospitality. To dismiss it entirely would mean missing out on an extraordinary place with much to offer.
The controversies surrounding Bali highlight a broader issue in global travel: how to balance personal wanderlust with responsibility to the places we visit. Every traveler plays a role in shaping a destination’s future, for better or worse.
Ultimately, whether you choose to skip Bali or embrace it comes down to intention. With awareness, respect, and thoughtful choices, it’s still possible to experience Bali in a way that honors both its people and its environment—ensuring the island remains magical for generations to come.
Would you still visit Bali, or are you looking for alternatives?
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.