This Island Has Become One of the Most Hyped Destinations in the World — But Is It Still Special?
Planning a trip to Bali? You might be wondering if it’s still worth visiting after its big tourist boom. I first visited back in 2015 and fell hard for its beaches, jungles, and laid-back vibe, and I’ve been back a bunch of times since.
These days, Bali does get super busy, and there are definitely a few things to be aware of before you go. But the island still has so much to offer.
Here’s a look at the pros, cons, and what you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Is Bali Worth Visiting – The Cons
There are, unfortunately, a few cons to visiting Bali, some of which you may already be aware of. I honestly don’t think these are reasons not to visit, but I do think they can affect your trip, especially if you’re not expecting them!
Rubbish and pollution
Bali has a real pollution problem, and some of the quieter spots aren’t immune. If you’re picturing spotless beaches, it can be a bit of a shock — places like Kuta often see plastic and rubbish wash up, especially in the wet season when more debris gets swept in from the ocean.
Poor waste management and careless visitors don’t help, but the good news? There are still some cleaner, hidden beaches, you just need to head beyond Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu to find them.
Mass tourism
As you’ve probably guessed by now, one of the main reasons that people question whether Bali is still worth visiting is due to mass tourism.
This huge growth of visitors to the island has definitely changed the vibe in certain areas. Don’t get me wrong, some of the busier locations, such as Canggu and Seminyak, are still great places to visit for a few days of beach clubs and surfing, but I certainly wouldn’t spend a huge chunk of my time here.
Because of this huge influx of tourists, once-hidden gems have now been commercialised, leading to long queues and a loss of the authentic charm that once defined them.
I’ve even heard of people queuing for over an hour just to take a photo! If you still want to visit popular attractions, approaching them with realistic expectations will help you avoid disappointment.
Bali can be expensive
Prices in the hotspots of Bali, think Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud, have skyrocketed lately, thanks to a surge in demand. It’s not just budget-conscious travellers feeling the pinch; the ripple effect is hitting locals too. The increase in prices has made many question whether Bali is still worth visiting or if it’s better to look elsewhere.
Finding affordable options can be a bit of a challenge in these popular areas, but by exploring less touristy spots, you’ll still find reasonable prices. These off-the-radar locations not only provide a more budget-friendly alternative, but they can also mean you will be avoiding the more crowded areas.
The dreaded Bali Belly
You have probably already heard tales of the notorious Bali Belly, which has unfortunately become a rite of passage for most visitors! You can probably imagine by the name what the symptoms entail, such as an upset stomach and digestive issues.
Often caused by consuming contaminated food or water, there are ways that you can minimise the risk of picking up Bali Belly. I recommend always drinking bottled or filtered water and not drinking water from the tap. I even use bottled water for brushing my teeth!
It’s also important to be aware of the food you are eating. Try to make sure that food has been cooked properly and is served hot, especially if you are eating meat or fish. If you are eating from food stalls, I would avoid anything that has been sitting out in the sun for a period of time.
I know this might seem a bit extra, but even checking restaurant reviews should give you an idea if Bali Belly is a common occurrence once people have eaten there.
Lots of traffic
With mass tourism comes lots of traffic! Roads in the busier towns can be quite crazy, and you’ll often see gridlocked traffic with scooters dodging and weaving between cars. If you’re travelling by car, a 10-minute journey can take 30 – 40 minutes!
There isn’t really much in the way of public transport in Bali, meaning if you do want to get around, you’ll have to either rent a car or scooter, hire a driver or order a GoJek, which is the equivalent of Uber. Obviously, if you are staying local, it is possible to walk from A to B, but if you are going further afield, you’ll need to consider one of the above options.
A lot of visitors do opt to rent out a scooter, but I will say you need to be a confident driver to navigate the roads here, as they can be quite chaotic! And always wear a helmet!
Money scams
Money scams are a bit of a headache in Bali, with the top culprits being ATM skimming and dodgy tours.
ATM skimming, the crafty act of attaching devices to ATMs to snag your card info and PIN, is sadly a reality. You can combat this by sticking to reputable banks or hitting the airport ATMs upon arrival. Always hide your PIN number when keying it in!
A little tip that we used, consider using a travel money card that’s accessible on your phone. Load it up only when needed, and after that ATM visit, there will be no funds left to snatch.
We got clued into our card being skimmed via the travel card app, multiple failed transactions that weren’t ours. Sure, cancelling the card is a hassle, but at least you dodge the nightmare of trying to recover lost funds. I also recommend keeping an extra card or cash handy, just in case.
Then, there’s the ticket and tour shadiness. Stick to the safe path by getting your tickets and tours from trustworthy locations, and your accommodation or reputable operators should do the trick.
I’m not trying to sound like everyone’s a con artist, but a little Bali street smarts can go a long way. Trust me, we learned the ropes the hard way!
Is Bali Worth Visiting – The Pros
Now let’s have a look at the reasons why Bali is worth visiting! I personally think that these pros do outweigh the cons, but I’ll let you decide!
Balinese culture
As the only island in Indonesia that is Hindu, Bali has a really unique culture that’s rich in its own customs and traditions.
You’ll find hundreds of beautiful temples scattered around the island, some of which have been standing for over a thousand years! A lot of these temples will be heaving with tourists, but there are ways to beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning or at sunrise.
During your time in Bali, you’ll most likely come across Balinese ceremonies, varying from vibrant temple processions to offerings at home shrines. Wherever you are in Bali, you’ll be sure to notice Canang Sari.
These small woven baskets filled with flowers, rice, and incense are carefully arranged on sidewalks, doorsteps, and temple entrances. Canang Sari is a daily offering that locals make, which symbolises gratitude for peace and balance in the world.
Balinese people are extremely warm and welcoming and will make you feel right at home during your visit.
You can travel on a budget
If you want to travel on a budget, Bali is certainly a destination worth considering! Even though certain areas can be expensive due to the high demand, there are some beautiful places to stay scattered throughout the island that remain untouched by mass tourism.
As you venture further north or towards the eastern regions and islands of Bali, you’ll discover quieter and more affordable locations where you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty and serene beaches without breaking the bank.
Not only is the accommodation more affordable, but eating out can be a fraction of the cost! You’ll find authentic Balinese cuisine at local warungs and street food stalls where you can mingle with the locals whilst enjoying some awesome food.
Another great way to travel to Bali on a budget is to visit during the low season or shoulder season. Accommodation costs and flights can be significantly cheaper compared to the busier months of high season.
Stunning landscape
The landscape alone makes Bali worth visiting in my opinion and is probably one of the biggest reasons people flock to Bali in droves! Ok, so some of these places are overcrowded and have been commercialised, but there are still so many places off the beaten path that remain untouched.
Bali really is full of natural wonders, trust me when I say it really has it all! Cascading waterfalls hidden in thick, lush jungles can be found all across the island. Stunning rice terraces have been meticulously carved into hillsides, and volcanoes dominate the often hazy skyline. You’ll even find secluded beaches where the jungle meets the sand.
You can beat the crowds!
You’ll be pleased to know, there are ways to visit Bali without the overwhelming crowds.
Visiting during the low season or shoulder season is a great way to see the island with a more laid-back vibe. I personally prefer the shoulder season, which is in the months of May, June or September in Bali as these are also in the dry season.
While there will still be other visitors around, you can enjoy a more relaxed and uncrowded experience compared to the peak months like July and August!
Easy to travel to other islands
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, and one of the great things about a trip to Bali is how accessible it is to visit other nearby islands.
The Nusa Islands, which are located to the southeast of Bali, are just a short 30 – 40 minute boat journey away. These consist of three islands, which are Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
The most popular and built up of the three is Nusa Lembongan, which is popular for people who enjoy surfing. The smallest of the three is Nusa Ceningan, which has more of a chilled, laid-back island vibe. The largest of the three but definitely the quietest, is Nusa Penida. The untamed beauty of Nusa Penida is what makes it my personal favourite.
The Gili Islands, which also consist of three islands, are located to the northeast of Bali and take about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach. Known for their turquoise water and palm-lined beaches, each island has their own appeal.
Gili T is most known for being the party island, but it is also a diving hot spot where you’ll see coral reefs and turtles. Gili Air also has a great social scene but is a bit quieter than its neighbour Gili T. The smallest and most remote island is Gili Meno. Here you will have the pristine beaches mostly to yourself!
In about an hour and twenty minutes, you can also reach Bali’s neighbour, Lombok. If you ever want to know what Bali was like twenty years ago, before the tourist boom, then Lombok will give you a pretty good idea!
Expat community
Bali has a booming expat community, which can be either a good thing or a bad thing depending on which way you look at it.
The negative aspect of this is that, as a result of this large community, the authenticity and culture in certain areas of Bali have been diluted. This impact is most noticeable in the already bustling tourist hotspots like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta, where the influx of visitors has altered the local vibe and cultural character to some extent.
The positive side to this is that there are lots of fellow travellers, expats and digital nomads to socialise with if that’s your thing. Cafe culture is huge here and you’ll often see digital nomads set up with their laptops working for the day. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and to meet other travellers.
Amazing food
Last but by no means least, let’s talk about the amazing food you will find in Bali.
As I mentioned earlier, cafe culture is huge here and you will find tons of places that serve great coffee, smoothie bowls and health-conscious food. In the busier locations, you will find a whole array of tasty cuisines from all around the globe meaning there is something for everyone.
Local Balinese food has some of the best flavours, with Gado Gado being my absolute favourite dish! Warungs are perfect for anyone searching for some local food, where you’ll find massive flavoursome dishes for just a few dollars.
I also found a lot of places that made it very easy if you have dietary requirements. As a vegan who is gluten-free, finding dishes that I can eat can be a bit of a challenge, but in Bali, I don’t think this was ever even an issue for me. There are tons of vegan-friendly restaurants around the island!
I am aware that a lot of Indonesian dishes may come into contact with peanuts, so this is something nut allergy sufferers need to be aware of, however.
Where To Stay In Bali
A huge factor in the type of trip you will take to Bali is where you choose to stay. You may wish to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the busier areas or you may wish to stay in the thick of it all.
Something that makes Bali worth visiting is that it is easy to have a bit of both. Each time I visit, I will usually start in the busier areas for a few days before moving my way around the more relaxed parts of the island.
Below, I have listed the best places for you to visit on your Bali holiday depending on your preference.
Away from the hustle and bustle
Amed
Where to stay – Villa Aska
Perched on Bali’s east coast, Amed is home to serene beaches and colourful coral reefs. It’s a real low-key gem for those in search of quiet shores and vibrant marine life.
Sidemen
Where to stay – Hideout Bali
I’ve stayed in 3 of their bamboo homes and they are stunning!
Sidemen is a rural part of Bali and is known for its traditional villages and stunning rice terraces in the shadow of Mount Agung.
Munduk
Where to stay – Munduk Moding Plantation
Nestled in the mountains in north Bali, Munduk is a tranquil retreat full of picturesque waterfalls and lush green landscapes. This is also where I think you can catch one of the best sunsets in Bali.
Nusa Penida
Where to stay – Penida Bamboo Green Suites
This is a rugged and unspoiled island off Bali’s coast, boasting stunning cliffs, crystal clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
Nusa Ceningan
Where to stay – Indigo Blue
Situated next to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan introduces you to a laid-back island atmosphere. With its vibrant blue waters and charming coastal spots, it’s a pocket-sized paradise waiting to be explored.
Popular Locations
Canggu
Where to stay – The Cali Villas
A lively coastal hub, Canggu is famed for its epic surf breaks, hip cafes, and beachfront clubs, making it a hotbed for those seeking sun-soaked adventures and a taste of the trendy coastal scene.
It’s also a great place for solo travellers.
Seminyak
Where to stay – Villa Casa Auri
A popular beach resort area that offers a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Ubud
Where to stay – Merak Village
Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud is surrounded by lush green rice fields, ancient temples, and a thriving arts scene.
Uluwatu
Where to stay – The Room Padang-Padang
Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rocky beaches and the iconic Uluwatu Temple perched atop the cliff edge.
I’ll be honest, the only place that I really don’t recommend is Kuta, I really don’t like the vibe here (and I’m not sure many people do!)
Final Thoughts: Is Bali Worth Visiting In 2025? Exploring The Pros & Cons
So, is Bali still worth visiting or is Bali overrated?
My honest opinion is yes, I do think that you should experience Bali for yourself, there is still so much beauty in the madness and it’s not that hard to find.
Whether you want to experience the beach clubs, surfing and cafe culture or stunning scenery, hidden retreats and lush jungle, Bali still has something for everyone. You may need to get off the beaten path, but that special charm Bali once held can still be found.
