Bali - Instagram vs Reality

In Defence of Bali


This weekend the BBC ran an article headlined “Instagram vs reality: is Bali becoming the victim of its own success?” It quoted tourists who described being “greeted by crowds, traffic and the cacophony of construction.”

We’ve also seen influencers posting dreamy content about Bali’s “vibe,” only to follow it up with warnings to avoid the island. Strange, that.

For me, something feels a little off with the type of criticism. First, creating a false impression of a deserted paradise and then criticising Bali for not living up to it is hardly fair. Second, what to say to people who visited 20 years ago and are shocked it has changed. In two decades, really? Worst of all are the suggestions Bali can simply be swapped for Malaysia or Vietnam. They’re all unique, wonderful places in their own right.

We’ve visited Bali a few times over the past ten years, most recently staying in the busy south of the island this year. Yes, the traffic can be bad, but it hasn’t been a dealbreaker. Some beaches are less clean, so we visited the better ones. The photos in this post are ones we took ourselves in June. Not staged or edited, just snapshots of how Bali looked for us.

Has pollution worsened? Yes I think so, just as it has across the planet. But is the island “covered in filth”? Absolutely not. What hasn’t changed is the warm welcome from the Balinese. Most hospitality workers are locals who are proud of their home. The sunsets, temples, nature, yoga retreats, beach clubs, food - all still there.

So should you avoid Bali? If you want complete seclusion, there are better options but I’d have said that ten years ago too. Otherwise, I’d continue to recommend Bali, provided the location and itinerary is matched to your travel style.

All that said, some concerns are valid. Like anywhere that attracts large numbers of visitors, Bali faces challenges. Travelling with the right mindset, supporting local businesses and being mindful of the impact we leave behind are important for any destination.

What do you think? Has Bali changed too much, or does it still deserve a place in your holiday plans?