SaralnamaWhat was once an influencer paradise, Bali is becoming a victim of its own success., tourists like Zoe Rae found the reality of Bali different from social media images. Crowds, traffic, and construction greet visitors instead of the promised spiritual Shangri-La. Tourism skyrocketed from 3.8 million in 2014 to 6.3 million in 2022. Luxury lifestyles and Instagram-worthy spots attract many, but miss Bali's cultural richness. Locals feel their island is changing. Canggu, once quiet, now faces heavy traffic. Misbehaving tourists cause problems. Despite challenges, some remain hopeful. Businesses and activists work on sustainable development. Bali banned single-use plastics and issued visitor guidelines. The government now sees Bali as a natural asset, not just a tourist market. (Updated 28 Sep 2025, 05:34 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- What was once an influencer paradise, Bali is becoming a victim of its own success., tourists like Zoe Rae found the reality of Bali different from social media images
- Crowds, traffic, and construction greet visitors instead of the promised spiritual Shangri-La
- Tourism skyrocketed from 3.8 million in 2014 to 6.3 million in 2022