Bali Is Getting A Lot Of Hate On The Internet These Days; Here's Why You Should Still Go, Despite Anything You've Seen (Or Heard)
Back in May 2022, my sister and I spent two weeks in Bali, Indonesia, in celebration of my 25th birthday, and after I came back, I was feeling very distant from the New York City streets and (still am) constantly wishing I would find myself back on the "Island of Gods."
However, over time, I started to notice more and more videos on TikTok going around that were extremely negative about the island. I found that people were naming it a "tourist trap," infrastructure and crime without any context, and even going as far as to claim that "all of the food gives you food poisoning." And you can see in several videos about the island, commenters were happy to chime in with their own negative stories about their visits.
I won't sit here and act like Bali doesn't have aspects that aren't amazing, just like any other place, but it's important to note that these mismatched "expectations vs. reality" likely stem from people who failed to do their research; since Indonesia is classified as a developing country, resources and infrastructure look different from what we're used to in the States, and that's OK! When you hear people say the island "isn't like it was pre-COVID," it's because a developing country that heavily relies on people from other places to visit had to learn how to bounce back from the effects of a global pandemic.
The pandemic wasn't only a hit to their tourism but a major hit to the citizens and development of the island. Those effects were still plaguing Bali (and the world, let's be honest) when I made my trip two years after the start of the pandemic.
So, I'm here to even the playing field, share my experience, and explain why it's important to form opinions for yourself. Bali can still be a dream vacation if you do it right.
1.People love to complain about the drinking water in Bali. And while you should never drink the tap water on the island, I never had a problem finding purified water during my trip.
One thing that's really important to note is that you should not drink tap water in Bali or allow it to get into your mouth in any way. My Airbnb had a water dispenser that was refilled every time it was low, and we used it to brush our teeth and as drinking water. You also have to be very mindful when you shower not to get any water into your mouth because it could make you sick. However, all of this is avoidable by using bottled and filtered water, which will be available to you anywhere you go that calls for it. And you don't have to worry about ice in your drinks because that is government-regulated and made with purified water. I had no problems with showering or finding clean drinking water that I trusted. This is one minor inconvenience that certainly has a workaround, and in my opinion, it shouldn't deter you from going.
2.Complaints about the infrastructure were common, but I'm sure one of the biggest concerns is transportation, and I promise there isn't just "one road in Bali."
Unlike what was stated in one of the linked TikToks above, there isn't "only one road in Bali." That was obviously an exaggeration and one the island can't really afford. The roads are actually in better condition than most pothole-ridden streets I've seen in the US; the problem is the means of transportation and the size of the roads. I definitely found myself stuck in quite a bit of traffic here and there but those roads weren't built to be traveled by the number of people that visit the island today. It's definitely put a strain on all things transportation, especially because the roads are so tight. Traveling by car and the lack of community airport transportation for the millions of visitors, on top of the island's local population, are the things that really hold the traffic up.
Bali has a version of Uber that allows you to call a scooter or car to get you to your destination, and honestly, taking the scooters everywhere was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip (it's also faster than taking a car). I always try to keep in mind that I'm only visiting, even if it's for two weeks, a month, or six months. People have lived there their whole lives; if they're able to manage, what could possibly happen to me with the proper understanding of what I need to do? While it's certainly an infrastructure problem in general, it isn't going unnoticed by the Balinese government.
3.The complaints about the safety here aren't any more or less of a concern than your safety in any other place, just be mindful of your belongings AND your surroundings.
The first thing I feel is important to mention is that I personally never felt any less safe in Bali than I do as a Black woman in America. I actually didn't feel unsafe in Bali at all. We did have an encounter with a creepy man, but as women, we handled it. I never willfully go anywhere alone or allow myself to be in an unsafe situation if I can prevent it, especially if I'm in an unfamiliar area. Bali is a beautiful place with beautiful culture and unmatched scenery, and just like any city you go to, there will be a level of crime that literally just comes with being part of the human race. For example, I was told by many people to walk with my purse on my shoulder, away from the street, so people on scooters don't try to snatch it. That isn't a Bali problem; that's something I've actually known to do since I started carrying a purse. Be mindful of your belongings and don't travel around by yourself; that goes for any unfamiliar place that you visit!
4.There's a HUGE misunderstanding about a new law in Bali that has TikTokers saying they "won't visit the island."
Indonesia has some of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world. They literally are not playing around when it comes to drugs, and they even put marijuana on the same level as hard narcotics. However, when it comes to the premarital sex and cohabitation law that has made itself known to have a potential effect on tourism, the huge misconception is that this same law applies to tourists, which it does not. The law also won't come into effect for another two years, and you have to be reported by a close family member for any action to be taken. Now, I'm not trying to say that the infiltration of religion into Bali's government isn't a problem, because it absolutely is, but I am here to give you the facts when it comes to choosing Bali as a place to vacation, and Indonesia's government has been very clear about the spread of misinformation that had people saying "I don't want to visit the island."
5.If you don't do your research and use your resources, you'll miss out on some of the best activities the island has to offer (and no, none of them have to be social media spots).
There are an endless number of things that you can do in Bali. If you're only visiting those spots you saw on TikTok or Instagram, of course it's going to be touristy and cost more money than you would think — that's how it works in any area of the world with a strong market for tourism. But, that also doesn't mean those are the only things that you can do. TripAdvisor was a savior when it came to this; it allowed us to find things that not only piqued our interest but also had ratings and reviews to look at to ensure their credibility. I did an ATV tour through the rice fields, zip-lined, took a ride on the infamous jungle swing, and visited waterfalls, temples, and more. There are also multiple places to do those activities you see on Instagram (like the jungle swing or the temples); you just have to do your research and not feel the need to go to the exact one you saw on social media. There are so many different areas that are dedicated to certain activities; there is plenty to do and something for everyone!
6.People also loved to complain about the lack of scenery, but this is still the most beautiful place I've ever seen in my life.
From the beaches to the rice fields to the stunning traditional homes that line the streets, the scenery in Bali was something that took my breath away every time I stepped outside. Understanding that I was in a developing country, but also in one of the most naturally beautiful places to ever exist, it was easy for me to not make the whole ordeal about the man-made buildings around me. The scenery is truly unbeatable, even with things like construction, abandoned or torn-down buildings, and trash. Some areas are far more developed than others, but the important thing about places like this is the nature and their culture. Don't let yourself get too caught up in the fact that the random buildings surrounding you don't look like you want them to; there's just so much more to see and immerse yourself into.
7.I dined at some of the most gorgeous restaurants and ate some of the most beautiful dishes. I never found myself getting sick during the whole two weeks I was there.
This is going to be facts for literally anywhere you go. If you're unfamiliar with a place, don't just walk into an eating establishment and assume that everything there will perfectly align with American standards. Yelp and TripAdvisor are the best ways to make sure where you're going is up to par. There are always going to be other people who have tried the place before you; make sure you read all of the reviews and check the ratings of anywhere you're unfamiliar with and want to visit. I had the most amazing food in Bali, and never once did it make me sick. The seafood is so fresh and completely out of this universe, and the coffee will actually make you realize what they're giving us in America is NOT the coffee other people are consuming in this world, and I implore you not to go somewhere that you can have back home. Also, I've heard of this thing called "Bali belly", but I didn't get sick from any of the food or drinks. As travelers, we can't live or eat exactly like the locals do because our bodies likely aren't used to many of the ingredients and spices that are customary in Balinese cuisine. But rest assured there are TONS of dining options in Bali, like Michelin-star-level ones too; you just have to find one that is popular and trustworthy.
8.The nightlife was SO abundant and there was never a dull moment. Leaving your immediate area is a must if you want to make the most of the island!
The best thing about the nightlife in Bali is the fact that they're low-key behind on music, so they were still bumping stuff like "Born This Way" like it's 2011. If you like to enjoy a little nightlife, you'll definitely find an abundance of that. From bars to beach clubs to beer gardens, there are tons of options for you based on what you like and the aesthetic you want to give for the night. You also might find out that some pretty cool people will come perform. While I was there and even after I left, Diplo performed at two of their famous beach clubs.
And if you want to see an amazing drag show, trust that there's a space for that, too. We actually found out about the drag shows the first night we got there (and if you know me, this very much tracks). The gay bars were always packed to the brim, a complete blast, and full of new friends. There is literally something there for everyone, and as I said, people are so kind. I can't even count how many buddies I made just by going out and enjoying everything there was to offer.
9.If you don't do your research about the best areas to stay in that work for you and take the time to read every single review from multiple sources, you could find yourself possibly unhappy with your surroundings.
Based on the research we did, we found out that Kuta was the area that tourists frequented the most, so from there we decided we wanted to stay near that area but not completely in it, and that's how we found the beautiful town of Seminyak. We knew for the first time that we wanted to stay around a main tourist area that had a lot of hustle and bustle, and the Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak areas located in South Bali were exactly that. We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb villa that was about a five-minute walk away from Seminyak Beach, which was a must for us. Take that extra time to find exactly what you're looking for, because it IS out there. Bali has a lot of different areas you can stay in. There is an abundance of villas that are rented out as Airbnbs, but there are also plenty of resorts and hotels that people will be fairly familiar with in a lot of different areas that cater to your activities and preferences (golfing, surfing, luxury, budget, etc.). It all just comes down to you being real about what works best for you, researching, and reading the reviews, which is just a rule of thumb for everything: READ THE REVIEWS!
10.Please be prepared for the large amount of wildlife. You're staying in a tropical climate, and the wildlife will be active.
This is the part that really got me. Whether you choose to stay in the city, in the jungle, by the rice fields, or by the cliffs, you will have wildlife. So, of course, in places like Ubud, you're in the straight-up jungle. There will be monkeys trying to steal your things; there will be ginormous spiders and probably snakes (especially in the rice fields) as well. I didn't stay there. I'm not Steve Irwin. I had enough trouble as it was with the large number of geckos that surrounded the villa. The house staff thought it was so funny when my sister and I explained that we had locked a gecko in the upstairs bathroom only to never see it again or how when we opened the cabinet under the sink, a gecko ran out. I also had the pleasure of opening my bedroom door to find one just chillin' on my wall... I was never okay with it. I ran and screamed the whole time. But I'm also a scaredy cat when it comes to reptiles; they really give me the heebs, and the geckos are completely harmless.
So, if you are, in fact, Steve Irwin reincarnated and you know you won't be bothered by the little critters, the more rural areas might be exactly where you want to go! It's all up to your personal preference and then finding the best option for you from there.
But, wherever you stay, know this: the mosquito situation is out of control. You WILL have tons of mosquito bites, to the point where you think you might scratch a whole layer of skin off. I woke up one morning with three bites to the face, and the amount of bug spray we used was probably a world record, but it's a MUST if you don't want to be miserable for the duration of your trip.
11.Engrossing yourself in the community around you is a vital part of your trip.
It's no secret that Bali heavily relies on the abundance of tourism for its economy to survive. When I visited back in May 2022, the staff at the first restaurant we went to was talking to us about how the island was doing after COVID, and after explaining to us how hard it was for everyone to even attempt to bounce back with the massive loss of tourism and the effects of COVID, they thanked us for coming to visit their beautiful home and bringing more awareness to the country, and I about cried right there.
Everyone is so helpful and eager to know more about you and your culture, while you're eagerly trying to learn about theirs! We traveled past schools on our ATV tour, and the kids were walking around, waving, and hopping on the ATVs to get a ride home, and they were all just the absolute sweetest. It was a beautiful moment to witness, and every time I found myself in areas where the Balinese locals resided, I always saw the most beautiful displays of community and helpfulness. It's important to immerse yourself in their culture and spend time around the people who actually live there full-time.
12.To hear someone claim that "Bali has no culture" was a shock to me and multiple other commenters. Everywhere you look, you can find incredible displays of culture.
The island is STEEPED with culture; from gorgeous temples to the breathtaking architecture all over the island to the amazing cultural events, there are so many things that happen around the country that sometimes you don't even notice or completely take for granted, like one of my favorite things, the Canang Sari, or offerings that are left on your doorstep and all over the island every morning. We made sure to ask our villa staff any and every question that came up regarding things going on or culturally appropriate practices, and they were more than happy to teach us.
Bali has a beautiful culture that is rooted in spiritual practice (hence the daily offerings). If you don't take the time to talk to the locals about their culture, of course, it's easy to assume that there's nothing going on around you, but you're in fact just ignorant of it. Every part of the island is dripping in culture, from the tourist areas to the outskirts, the people are the culture, the spirituality is the culture, the architecture is the culture, the language is the culture, and it's important to learn about those things.
