Mila Novita, Jakarta – Bali is seen as a tropical vacation spot with beaches, waterfalls, and temples for soul-searching. However, some tourists feel that the tropical paradise is not as beautiful as it appears on social media. They reveal Bali's dark side, which social media users and influencers often overlook.

With its dense forests, towering volcanic peaks, serene beaches, and spiritual roots, Bali is a popular destination for wellness tourism. However, as the number of tourists continues to increase, the island faces issues such as excessive waste, poor infrastructure, and chaotic traffic.

Here are some aspects of Bali's dark side revealed by foreign tourists, as reported by the Daily Mail, July 30, 2025.

1. Waste Issues

Some foreign tourists have discovered piles of trash near popular natural attractions, such as waterfalls and beaches. Plastic waste is especially prevalent during the rainy season, when large amounts of trash wash up on the beaches.

In a video, fitness and travel influencer @resurgent_harry stated that tourists cannot escape the fact that there is garbage everywhere. "The beaches are completely covered in trash," he said.

Travel blogger Dale Philip also expressed disappointment after visiting Pengempu Waterfall, a popular photo spot. "I'd seen this place looking amazing in many flashy, glamorous photos but when I arrived there myself, I found out that it was covered in garbage," he wrote in a social media post showing piles of trash and plastic bottles along the riverbed.

2. Overtourism

Overtourism in southern Bali is one of the factors causing chaos on the island. Once quiet temples and natural pathways are now crowded with tourists, resulting in long lines, noise, and a lack of authenticity for many visitors.

A TropEcoTravel contributor wrote that overtourism has damaged Bali's true heart and soul. "I don't know what Bali was like before the onslaught of tourists and plastic, but I would imagine it was a tropical haven with thriving locals and untouched landscapes," they wrote.

In 2024, Fodor's Travel named Bali a destination to be avoided due to overcrowding in some locations. "These locations are popular for good reason – they are stunning, intriguing, and culturally significant. However, some of these highly coveted tourist spots are collapsing under the burden of their own prominence," they stated.

3. Traffic Jams

Due to narrow roads, limited public transportation, and a surge in visitors, traffic jams have become common in popular areas of Bali. Harry Mackarness, who spent two months on the "Island of the Gods," said his visit left him feeling stressed and disappointed. He is determined to never return.

In a scathing YouTube review, Mackarness claimed that mass tourism has burdened the island and led to traffic congestion. He also said that the tourism industry prioritizes profit over hospitality. "Everywhere you go, there's rubbish, construction, or scams," he said. "The infrastructure just can't handle the number of people being sold this dream."

Travel blogger Jamie, from Durham, England, wrote on her blog that Bali cannot accommodate more than four million visitors per year. It's no secret that Bali's streets are heavily congested. "On a typical day in Ubud, the cultural centre, every road in and out is full of stand-still traffic. You can't get anywhere without walking and without breathing in polluted air," she said.

Will Hatton, a World Nomads contributor, also described Bali's chaotic traffic. Many motorcyclists ride without helmets.

4. Tourist Traps and Touts

Prices tend to skyrocket around popular tourist spots, such as temples, markets, and natural attractions.

Excessive commercialization has led to what some describe as aggressive promotion and inflated prices near temples, markets, and popular natural attractions.

According to Jamie, the owner of the travel blog Jamie Chance Travels, tourists strolling around Bali should not expect tranquility. "Everywhere someone is selling something. I didn't visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces for this reason. I've heard that you have to pay initially to enter. Then there are additional payments to "staff" in order to progress down the terraces.," she said.

She noted that the best way to get around Bali is to hire a personal driver for the day, as public transportation is practically nonexistent and taxis often offer high prices.

5. Influx of Influencers

Bali's popularity has attracted numerous influencers, whose continuous filming has diminished the island's allure. Additionally, influencers often showcase a curated and idealized version of Bali on social media, creating unrealistic expectations for other tourists.

Zoe Rae, a British tourist, left Bali just 48 hours after arrival as the island did not meet her expectations.

Loud parties, beach clubs, and rude behavior from intoxicated visitors also leave a negative impression. Many tourists blame rowdy visitors for spoiling the ambiance of Bali.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2034488/foreign-tourists-expose-the-dark-side-of-bali-touris