The pretty island being abandoned by tourists - 'overcrowded and rubbish everywhere'

A popular tourist spot renowned globally for its stunning natural beauty and exciting activities has fallen victim to overtourism with the Indonesian province now crowded and dirty. Bali welcomed 16.4 million international and domestic tourists in 2024, a 7.9% increase compared to 2023.

Boasting a mix of some of the world's most beautiful beaches, delicious food and impressive temples, it is not hard to see why the Indonesian island of Bali has become one of the top destinations on travellers' bucket lists. However, not all tourists are blown away by the iconic destination with some taking to social media to highlight the darker side of Bali. Sounding the alarm of what Bali is really like, footage has been uploaded to show what the Indonesian island is really like.

One of the most concerning factors is mass tourism which "has ruined the true heart and soul of Bali", according to a TropEcoTravel contributor.

The contributor added: "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."

Once quiet temples and nature trails are now teeming with tourists, rubbing shoulders with fellow holidaymakers, long queues and a feeling of inauthenticity for many visitors.

Fitness and travel influencer, @resurgent_harry, said: "It is completely overcrowded."

In 2024, Fodors Magazines labelled Bali the top destination to avoid, and said of its tourist-heavy hotspots: "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."

Disappointed travells have also described finding piles of rubbush near famous natural attractions, including waterfalls and beaches.

Fitness and travel influencer, @resurgent_harry, also said in a recent video: "You can't go for a run, there is trash everywhere. The beaches are completely covered in trash."

Bali's narrow roads, limited public transport and the weight of mass tourism means roads are often gridlocked.

In a scathing YouTube review, Harrt Mackarness said his visit left him "deeply depressed, disillusioned, and determined never to return".

Will Hatton, a World Nomads contributor, described traffic in Bali as "complete chaos" and "hell", adding that road incidents are "common".