Bali, once perceived as an exotic haven marked by serene rice fields and ancient Hindu temples, is grappling with the consequences of its soaring popularity as a travel destination. In recent years, the island has seen a dramatic increase in tourism, skyrocketing from 3.8 million visitors in 2014 to 6.3 million last year. Just as an example, current projections indicate that Bali will receive over seven million international arrivals this year. For many tourists and residents, the reality simply hasn’t matched the vision.
Zoe Rae, a tourist in Bali, was devastated to discover what has happened to the beautiful, overcrowded island. The picture-perfect scenes she had seen proliferated on social media felt like a world away from her own experience. We came to Bali with lofty expectations. We had watched all of you on social media having the most amazing time. She wrote, denying consent for the retribution. Rae’s experience really reflects what so many tourists have experienced. They usually quickly become inundated with the very tidal masses they fled to begin with.
Hollie Marie joined Rae in firm agreement. She warned that if Instagram is your main source of information about Bali, it can warp your expectations and understanding of the island. The beautiful landscapes reveal little of the havoc wrecked by hordes of mass tourism. As Rae concluded, “If you took a macro view, if you took a picture and zoomed out from that coffee shop, you would find what’s really going on.”
Bali’s allure as an escape for Western wanderers has its roots in the early 20th century. As we discovered, Bali used to be considered a hidden gem. Today, though, it’s an active colony for throngs of tourists—often in energetic centers like Canggu. Once a peaceful upcountry fishing village, Canggu is now a hotbed for surfers and global digital nomads. At the same time, next door Pererenan is coming into its own, earning a reputation as a more mellow, less overrun option.
While the fast-paced infrastructure improvement in tourist centers can be disconcerting, other parts of Bali remain untouched and absolutely breathtaking. The verdant terrains of the scenic northern area have been spared, still inviting activities like dolphin-watching and diving excursions. For many locals, like Ni Kadek Sintya, these memories of calmer times are bittersweet. She had loved exploring on her scooter through the quiet backroads of Canggu. Now every time I ride past that spot that I was so used to sitting at, there’s just this awful sense of loss. That is what I feel that Bali is being eaten every day,” she cried.
Yet, worries about overtourism go beyond just overcrowding. The recently appointed chief of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency had a strong message. He pointed to a disturbing increase in violent crimes committed by Russians and Ukrainians on the island. Outside of the tourism enclave, Bali has been affected by environmental disasters, including unprecedented floods which have sadly killed more than a dozen people.
Bali provides plenty of additional options and pleasures,” said Gisela Williams, a Berlin-based travel writer on the forum. She lobbied would-be travelers to visit past the party atmosphere typically advertised in visitor’s guides. Perhaps the biggest challenge facing residents and intelligent observers is striking the right balance between tourism and the protection of culture as well as environment.
I Made Vikannanda, a Balinese researcher paradise island with abundant natural resources and cultural integrity. He explained that tourists complain about overcrowding. They’re the ones creating the curse they’re complaining about. When travelers complain about the tourists ruining Bali, they don’t think that they are contributing to that mass of tourists. He continued.
Sintya shared her frustrations regarding the divide between tourists and residents. She added that some visiting tourists feel empowered by their wealth and money to act as they wish while occupying the island. This hospitality attitude annoys her even more as a local. The truth is this sentiment captures a burgeoning chasm between the needs of our residents and the demands of our visitors.
Vikannanda is optimistic about the future of Bali. “I’m not giving up hope yet. Particularly with young people like you all getting involved,” he added. He feels creating knowledge among travelers on how to engage responsibly with their destinations goes to the heart of sustainable tourism efforts.
Maria Shollenbarger, travel, adventure, and cultural heritage expert, urged participants to be responsible stewards of tourism, no matter where you travel. No matter where it takes you around the world, keep this in mind: it is your duty as a traveler to experience the destination in a reasonable manner. Use the opportunity to really get to know the local culture and community.
Bali is the poster child for successfully managing the impacts of uncontrolled tourism expansion on the lives and culture of local people. As such, the public outcry for a greener, more sustainable approach is increasing by the day. The true magic of the island lies in its hidden gems. It fights a difficult battle against the perils of overtourism, which jeopardizes its special beauty.