Bali's Beauty Exposed: The Dark Side of Over-Tourism

Mon Oct 20 2025 20:50:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Bali, once a tropical paradise, grapples with the fallout from over-tourism as social media idealism clashes with harsh realities, leading to rising discontent among visitors and locals alike.

Bali, known for its stunning vistas and vibrant culture, is facing disillusionment among tourists as reality doesn't match the idealized images portrayed on social media. In the wake of recent devastating floods exacerbated by urban overcrowding and insufficient waste management, the local government is pledging to restrict new construction. While many visitors seek the idyllic experience featured on Instagram, the island grapples with issues of pollution, traffic, and cultural erosion, prompting calls for a shift toward sustainable tourism.

Bali, Indonesia's famed tropical paradise, has charmed plenty of tourists over the years. But it's also leaving a growing number disillusioned - recently among them Zoe Rae.

Since landing in Bali, something for us has just not felt quite right, she said in a YouTube video in July, filmed in her hotel room.

We came to Bali with high expectations because we'd seen on social media everyone having such a lovely time.

She added: If you took a picture of the coffee shop and zoomed out, you would see what the reality was.

Ms Rae did not describe the reality she saw - nor reply to the BBC's questions. But it was unsettling enough to make her book an impromptu flight to Dubai to continue celebrating her wedding anniversary there instead.

Tourism to Bali has surged from 3.8 million visitors in 2014 to over 6.3 million last year, with projections this year suggesting more than seven million arrivals. However, alongside this growth comes increased congestion, poor waste management, and a rise in pollution. These issues culminated recently in severe flooding, leading to loss of life and prompting the local government to impose restrictions on future development.

Social media posts starkly contrasting expectations and reality abound, revealing crowded tourist spots, littered beaches, and extensive traffic where serenity once reigned. The idyllic image painted by influencers often overlooks the ongoing challenges faced by local communities.

As local frustration mounts, many call for a reevaluation of tourism practices, seeking sustainable methods that respect the island's cultural integrity and environment. Efforts are underway to address waste management and promote responsible tourism, including a ban on single-use plastics and better behavior guidelines for visitors. The future of Bali's tourism could hinge on delivering not only picturesque views but a genuinely enriching cultural experience.