I can’t recall how and when, but all of a sudden, posts about Bali was everywhere online. After many domestic flights, long bus rides, and bumpy boat rides in the Philippines, I hopped off a plane at our neighboring country’s Eat, Pray, Love, famous place and to which they call the land of the gods that is Bali.
The way Elizabeth Gilbert wrote and described it made my own version of a love affair with the island. I envisioned living in a traditional Balinese hut with a rustic equatorial garden surrounded by lush terraces of rice plantations and which also just a bike away from crystal clear beaches. Sounds exquisite, isn’t it?
Bali is no doubt the most visited place in Southeast Asia as of today – appreciation for the badass hashtags and travel blogs! Curious with what the devil’s fuzz was all about, I kind of went on a soul-searching journey to see it myself. And I come to the conclusion that sometimes, what we see that is serene and peaceful from the internet doesn’t quite look like the same when they are already happening in front of our eyes.
The following list is just a two-cent of my personal understanding but here’s why:
1. MASS TOURISM
To sum it all up, it’s way too touristy. Leading us to the question of: is Bali overrated? With its sheer amount of tourism, the answer is heck yeah.
I heard a story once that the Balinese were taught by the gods that Bali is the center of the Earth – and Ubud is the center of Bali. So one exhilarating 9 AM on their anguished version of cloudy skies, me and my new found Balinese friends drove up to the uplands of Ubud.
After a thrilling motorcycle ride passing through the different views of this lush corner of Indonesia, I was greeted with a flock of tourists all wearing colored toned fishing hats and round rattan bags. This place is known to be Bali’s art and culture capital perhaps that was the reason why it was jam-packed. Not only in Ubud, I say, but also with other big cities such as Kuta, Denpasar, and Canggu.
After some research, I discovered that this island alone has welcomed 13.7 million overseas tourists in 2017. Americans, Europeans, and probably a staggering number of Strayans somehow managed to decide to come altogether when I went there in July of 2019.
My Canadian friend even decided that Bali is pretty much the Bahamas of North America for the Aussies. At least that’s how he explained it.
2. THOSE WHO TRAVELED THE BALI ROAD ARE OFTEN TROUBLED BY THE BALI TRAFFIC
Thank god I was just sitting at the back of my friend’s motorcycle and I wasn’t the one driving because, with all these narrow streets, I don’t think I have the balls to be courageous enough to do it. You know, driving on the left side of the road, which I am not used to, was also the major reason why.
On my 3rd day in Bali after spending the whole afternoon in Kuta beach with my Dutch and Canadian friend, I remember walking somewhere near Skygarden with my ears closed to being deaf from all the honkers of cars and motorcycles slowly rolling making the road packed as hell. And I swear to you guys, due to the heavy tourism demand, traffic is most real in the main cities of Bali.
One simple rule of driving on Bali’s roads: don’t have an accident. Ever.
3. SLAMMING DUNK THE JUNK
One of the things that I hate the most is people littering everywhere. Seriously, I think if we are just visiting a place then we should be respectful enough to not just throw garbage anywhere; the same goes to the community we are living in because it is our home. Correction: the world is our home so do not litter at all.
One of my disappointments that I can remember was in Kuta Beach. Absolutely horrible. I don’t know if my friends saw it too, but there was a part along the long stretch of the beach where it was just full of trash (there are Youtube videos about it) and I wish the government, the people and the tourists can do something about it.
4. EXPENSIVE BEER FOR A POOR BOOZE
Probably the major heart-wrenching let down for me is the alcohol. Bintang beer is a locally made beer and is everywhere when you’re on the islands of the gods. With its name translating to the word ‘star’ in English, it is no doubt that Bintang is Bali’s favorite superstar.
I’ll say I loved it when I was backpacking in Indonesia; only that it was new to my taste buds. The taste is similar to pale lager, it’s a refreshing beer, but weak to some – including me. So when there’s another beer option, like the time when we went to a party in Motel Mexicola and found out they were selling San Miguel Pilsen, dude that was the death of Bintang for me.
CONCLUSION
Above are just my personal and honest takeaway thinking that mass tourism and a lack of authentic experience are the reason why I think Bali is overrated. But chances are, it might be different for you when you travel to Bali! So please do not think of this as a discouraging blog, alright?
On the other hand, I cannot deny the fact that I had a delightful stay in Bali and it would be so unfair if I wouldn’t list down the things that made myself charmed by its magic:
- The spiritually consistent smell of burning incense
- The Balinese for always talking to me in Bahasa Indonesia because they said I looked like someone from Jakarta
- The look on their faces after finding out that I’m actually Filipino
- My go-to Nasi Goreng at any time of the day
- The beautiful discovery of Babi Guling
- The hospitality that makes you feel at home
- Rich and interesting culture of Hinduism
- Being a millionaire!
- JFC Fried Chicken
- Sweeping and jaw-dropping landscapes
- Walking outside with no particular destination A.K.A. just planning to get lost
- Stunning Villas
- The super convenient and cheap gojek rides to wherever I well damn please
- Meeting like-minded strangers from all over the world
- The Bali state of mind
Full story: My solo travel to Indonesia: Bali, Lombok and Nusa Penida
I was about to list down all the things that I wished I’ve done when I was in Bali as well but I’d rather just keep it to myself for now because if I do, say, continue writing about it, I think I will probably break down and wish teleportation is a reality.
One day, I will follow my heart again and I will wake up in Bali.
What did you love and hate about Bali? Share your story on the comment below!
Comments
Mainstream tourist spots (including the ones in the Philippines) always have a downside. I always try to, at least, avoid the high season when I travel. Never tried Bali but next time I come to the Philippines I might consider visiting some neighboring country like Malaysia or Indonesia
Author
I think by far, Indonesia offers all! Such an exciting archipelago in the Southeast of Asia.
Susubukan ko balang araw…. dadaan muna ako sa Pilipinas para kumuha ng supply ng Red Horse
Author
Haha! That’s a good choice, tito! Red Horse ks always a good idea.
Ito talaga, lumaki ang mata ko nung nabasa ko: JFC Fried Chicken
Author
Hahaha I mean what can I say, it’s phenomenal!
Truth be told, seeing that Bali became a sort of quintessential tourist destination for basic white girls (a lot of ’em have the obligatory IG posts from there) made me dislike going there altogether.
Author
Indeed! Everything that must be done for the gram.
I’ve never been there. My occupation has driven me to dislike and avoid crowds as much as possible. Even without current restrictions to travel, it’s highly inlikely that I’d set foot there.
Author
Bali is for tourists, that’a my personal takeaway. And me too, Mark! I really am not a fan of crowded places. That was the reason why I left Bali and went to Lombok (will be blogging about it next) I bet you’ll like it there 🙂
Looking forward to reading about Lombok.
Bali is good… Right? That’s Indonesian……..
Author
Yes! Bali is good and I love Indonesia.
The last time I was in Bali was in 2014. It seems like the place has become even more touristy. I love the culture there though, and would love to revisit.
Author
I would definitely go back. I still have so many things that I wasn’t able to do when I was in Bali.
Never been to Bali but surely looking forward to visit.
Author
You should! Bali is not just a summer destination in Southeast Asia, it is a state of mind!
Bali was becoming overrun back in 1998 when I passed through on the way to Lombok.
I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award and hope you’ll join in…no pressure though and a bit of fun. 😉
https://imageearthtravel.com/2020/05/10/liebster-award-nomination-4/
Author
I am currently writing a few bits of my Lombok journey at the moment. And wow! That’s totally amazing! I’ll check it out now. Thank you, Nilla!
I’m yet to start my 1998 travel journals! My pleasure – really enjoy your blog!
Author
I’m looking forward to reading it! Thank you so much, Nilla. And likewise!
I love Bali, its one of the best places to surf. I didn’t do much else there.
Author
I didn’t surf in Bali! I regret that. I was about to meet a friend in Uluwatu because he told me the waves there are good but I stayed in Lombok a little bit longer I ran out of time! So glad you took the time to share your thoughts. Thank you!
I was planning to go to Lombok but I stayed with the waves 🙂
You just need to revisit then!
Author
I’m planning on it!! Bali is always a good idea! You SHOULD visit Lombok too! The waves are as right as rain.
Interesting to read about your visit to Bali. I think part of why I enjoyed my trip to Bali so much was because of the lack of tourists (i went when Mt. Agung was spewing) and so I got to visit each site without the noise and truly get a feel for the place! I can totally see how it can feel overrated to others
Author
I truly like Bali’s vibe and I’m so envious that you get to experience it without the flock of people! Thanks for sharing your experience :3