Few destinations on the planet can rival Bali in popularity. The majestic Indonesian island has truly become a bucket list spot for travelers from every corner of the globe, but… is Bali really worth visiting?
In short, it hugely depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your visit. While many, many visitors fall in love with the rich Balinese culture and digital nomad lifestyle, others aren’t so keen on the congested streets and rampant overtourism.
Personally, I have some conflicting feelings about Bali. While I dislike the overdeveloped south, I do have a soft spot for the more rural parts of the island. To give a balanced perspective, I’ve compiled all of the pros and cons of this sought-after island to help you decide if you should hit Bali in your next trip to Indonesia.
Yes — but only if you know what you’re coming for.
Bali is a destination of contrasts. It offers accessibility, infrastructure, and a variety of activities unmatched by many islands, but also suffers from crowding, commercialization, and growing costs.
It’s no longer a hidden gem — and that’s exactly the point. You won’t be the only one here, but if you’re willing to look beyond the Instagram queues and the traffic jams, there’s still something truly special here.
Read on for my in-depth impressions and tips, or jump over to my 1 week in authentic Bali itinerary, or our favorite hidden gems in Bali.
Bali may not be worth visiting if…
You’re looking for idyllic, untouched beaches
Although Bali is frequently marketed as a hotspot for beach bums, the quality of the island’s sandy shores can leave something to be desired.
I remember touching down in Bali for the first time and racing to the beach before the sun went down. The sunset was extraordinary, but the pristine, powder-white beaches I was expecting were nowhere to be seen!
The darker color of the sand, the volume of people, and (in some cases) problems with plastic trash can be a letdown if you expect only perfect postcard-ready backdrops for your holiday Instagrams.
It can get pretty packed (depositphotos.com/jirousek)
That’s not to say that the island doesn’t have some quite decent beaches, but you’ll need to look a little harder than you might think to find them.
Padang Padang and Nusa Dua are two gorgeous beaches in southern Bali, so if you’re an avid beachgoer, you’re better off staying in this region. While no island can match the entertainment options and convenience of Bali, for true, unspoiled tropical island paradise beaches, you’d have to look elsewhere in Indonesia.
You’re not prepared to spend a lot of time in traffic
Bali’s traffic woes are well-documented at this stage, but the congested streets in tourist hubs like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta can seriously impact your trip. I’ve spent over an hour sitting in traffic in Bali for what would ordinarily be a 10-minute drive!
Luckily, this doesn’t ring true everywhere on the island, as there are many quiet areas that few tourists frequent with hardly any traffic. However, getting out of Bali’s only airport in Denpasar can be a nightmare at the best of times, so there’s no way to avoid these traffic jams entirely.
Bali’s roads weren’t ready for the influencer era — but here we are! (depositphotos.com/Ocetimo)
The problem stems from the fact that the road network was never designed for high traffic volumes. If you zoom in on a map of Bali, you’ll often see a huge mesh of tiny roads, often with numerous dead ends. These roads naturally evolved over the years from the rural paths that ran along the paddy fields. This has led to relatively little road hierarchy and few main arteries.
Many of Bali’s roads are quite narrow, making them better suited for getting around by motorbike than for car travel. While it’s an option for licensed drivers, authorities have clamped down on bike rentals for tourists after too many incidents resulting from reckless driving.
If you plan on driving a motorbike or scooter, make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the motorbike section stamped.
You want to avoid overly touristy destinations
Bali has long held its reputation as a haven for spirituality and wellness retreats. These days, many areas in Bali aren’t so zen-like anymore and have, like so many other destinations, fallen victim to overtourism.
This has become an increasingly big issue in recent years, most notably since Bali reopened after the pandemic. Even though Bali’s not a particularly small island, there’s a string of tourist hotspots where most travelers tend to flock. Such areas, namely Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta, are crowded year-round and can feel as touristy as the likes of Paris and Venice.
(depositphotos.com/Eduardo1304) 
(depositphotos.com/chenws)
Must-see spots like the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Pura Tirta Empul, sacred to thousands of Balinese Hindus, are now usually full of tourists rather than locals. This goes for other attractions like the Tegallalang rice terraces and Mount Batur. They’re still incredible sights, but don’t expect to be the only ones there!
That being said, I feel it’s important to mention that not all of Bali is like this. Places like Sideman and Munduk are significantly less crowded, and Amed or Keramas even more so. In essence, most of the Instagram-famous spots are hectic, but if you’re not too keen on checking them out, you may not need to worry about this so much.
There are several key hubs with different scenes in Bali worth knowing about, as where you stay can hugely affect your experience. Expand this section to dive deeper…
In a (coco)nutshell: understanding the different scenes on Bali
Changu
A trendy area popular with digital nomads in particular. More boutique and bohemian, and still with a ‘village’ feeling despite the traffic. More international food (salad bowls, third-wave coffee) than Balinese.
Kuta/Seminyak/Denpasar
Busy city areas north of the airport. Very dense with restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and beach clubs.
Ubud
Attracts a gentler crowd than the beaches. Yoga and batik art classes are big here. While known to be a little overcrowded, there are beautiful temples, tourist shops sell genuinely nice handicrafts and local art, and the surrounding hills are wonderful for an afternoon hike. Great for culture-seekers.
Sanur
Sanuris a hotel area mainly popular with seniors and families. It’s honestly too dull for me, but I will say that it’s quiet and organized.
Sidemen/Talumben/Amed (East Bali)
Several villages away from all the overdevelopment. A little sleepy maybe, but authentic and beautiful. Talumben is amazing for scuba diving. The beaches are black sand here so not as favored by the masses, but I love this part of Bali.
Munduk/Kintamani (North Bali)
Less visited areas. Cool air, volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and green jungle.
You’re seeking an entirely authentic experience
Following on from my last point, the extent of the crowds of foreign tourists has massively impacted Bali. For an island with such a fascinating and deeply-rooted culture, a lot of this has been lost with the arrival of so many visitors.
(depositphotos.com/urf)
Kecak, a ceremonial Balinese dance, is performed by locals in the likes of Uluwatu and Ubud, and dozens of Hindu temples are open to tourists.
However, these experiences have become much less authentic over time and can feel a little commercial if you’re someone who loves soaking up the culture wherever you go.
Western restaurants, accommodations, and shopping centers are commonplace in built-up areas. I love the taste of home now and again when I’m on the road, but Balinese food is fantastic. Yet, you could easily come here and not sample any local dishes, as almost any cuisine you could imagine is available.
‘Instagram tourism’ is huge in Bali — in fact, GetYourGuide’s best-selling Bali tour is the full-day Instagram highlights tour.
Where once there was just one Bali swing with terraced rice fields in the background, there are now many dozens of these. Some have even leveled things up to industrial scale, with whole rows of swings along with flowing dresses you can borrow and professional photographers on standby. If you love this type of visual tourism, you’ll be right at home; otherwise, you might be bothered by this kind of artifice.
Similar to the issue with overcrowding, this becomes less of a problem the further you move from the traditional vacation destinations in the south of Bali.
Capture Bali’s Most Instagrammable Spots
You’re on a shoestring budget
Bali is often revered for its affordability, but it’s not quite as wallet-friendly as it once was. It’s still substantially cheaper than a lot of other travel destinations, but if you’re visiting on a super tight budget, you might find it tricky to stay on track.
Over the years, the price of accommodation, food, and activities has continued to rise. Not so long ago, spending around $20 or $25 a day could cover your costs in even the most popular parts of the island, but that’s not necessarily the case anymore.
I don’t want to overemphasize this point, though, as you can always adjust your plans based on your budget. Those who are happy to stick to local food, stay in guesthouses, and move around at a slower pace can get by on a somewhat modest budget. But if you like to party, prefer international cuisine, and plan to hit the beach clubs, Bali isn’t the place to do this on a shoestring anymore.
Travelers accustomed to European or North American prices who aren’t on a strict budget will still likely find Bali relatively inexpensive. Backpackers with limited cash to splash tend to be hit the hardest by rising prices.
Bali is worth visiting if…
You want an easy place to travel
Okay, enough with the downsides. I have to admit that Bali is an amazing place, especially if you’re new to the travel scene and would like an easy place to get started. Between trying to organize accommodations, transport, and excursions, it’s easy to get hung up on the intricacies of planning your trip.
In Bali, this isn’t much of a concern, and most bookings can be made at the last minute. We’re often told to be flexible with our travel plans, and Bali is one of the few places you can do that without running the risk of missing out on popular activities and accommodations.
The island has an extensive range of accommodation options. Luxurious eco-lodges, five-star hotels, family-run guesthouses, and backpacker-centered hostels are abundant in most major tourist centers. As such, you’ll have a ton of choices when you’re deciding where to stay.
(depositphotos.com/ajkramer)
Public transport certainly isn’t Bali’s strong suit, yet getting around is surprisingly straightforward. Thanks to cost-effective ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek, you can take a car or motorbike to wherever you need to go. A costlier but more upmarket alternative is to hire a driver, which can be more comfortable if you’re a first-time traveler.
You enjoy active vacations
When I say Bali has endless things to see and do, I do mean it! Even if you’re not here for partying, surfing, or discovering your inner spirituality, you’ll have plenty of ways to fill your days here.
You could easily spend your visit hopping between the serene temples adorning the island or strolling along the remarkable rice terraces that Bali has become famous for. That’s all before mentioning the iconic Sacred Monkey Forest, visits to the countless awe-inspiring waterfalls, cooking classes, and stunning hiking trails.
I’d go as far as to say that Bali’s as good a destination as any for adventurous folk. ATV riding through the jungle, white water rafting, and scuba diving are just some of the ways adrenaline junkies can get their thrills.
Sunset boat rides & dolphin watching combo 
Two epic wreck dives in Bali: the coral-covered USAT Liberty in Tulamben & the Japanese Wreck in Amed 
Bucket list adventure: hiking Mount Batur 
Jeep ride by the rice fields in Ubud (depositphotos.com/urf)
If you’re hoping to venture a little further afield, you’ll be glad to know that Bali is just a boat ride away from a host of other breathtaking islands.
Nearby spots like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are less than an hour from eastern Bali and are ideal for day trips or overnight stays. You can also hop over to the neighbouring island of Lombok, which has more unspoiled beaches and jungles, and where trekking to the crater rim of Mt. Rinjani is a must-do adventure.
You work remotely
If you work remotely or are considering doing so, you’ll likely be well aware of Bali’s reputation as one of the best places in the world for digital nomads.
For years now, Bali and the town of Canggu, in particular, have transformed into a mecca for online workers. Take a stroll through Canggu and you’ll surely notice the sheer volume of laptop-friendly cafes and co-working spaces.
If your job allows you to work from anywhere in the world, it’s hard to argue against Bali. There’s so much medium-term accommodation available catering to your needs, as well as countless services geared towards foreigners. Depending on where you’re from, you may find the cost of living noticeably lower than in your home country, which is a massive draw for many.
Not only that, but you’ll be surrounded by jaw-dropping nature, socialize with like-minded individuals, and enjoy an enviable work-life balance.
You’re interested in surfing, yoga, and wellness
Vacationers and remote workers aren’t the only ones heading to Bali. The island is also a magnet for surfers, yoga lovers, and anyone passionate about health and wellness.
Aspiring surfers from all over come to Bali in droves to check out the waves along beaches like Batu Bolong in Canggu, Legian in Kuta, and Dreamland in Uluwatu. A slew of surf schools operate at each beach, with courses aimed at surfers of any experience level.
(depositphotos.com/netfalls)
I like that a lot of these places have easy beginner-friendly waves — they were perfect for me to learn some surfing and not feel like I’m constantly getting lost among towering waves. However, well-seasoned boarders will probably find these places too crowded and might be eager to visit quieter surf-ready beaches like Green Bowl or Blue Point.
If you’d rather spend your time partaking in yoga sessions or doing something a little more meditative, Bali can offer you that, too.
The island is known for its incredibly spiritual culture. While it may not be evident in party hubs like Seminyak, Bali attracts thousands of visitors for its yoga and wellness retreats. Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital, is awash with world-class spas, yoga workshops, and meditation courses.
Rice terrace and yoga tour
My honest take on Bali
There isn’t a destination in the world that’s a perfect fit for every kind of traveler, and Bali is no different. What I think is unique about Bali is that it caters to more travel styles than most tourist hotspots, but where you stay on the island will hugely determine your experience.
In most cases, moving outward from the most-visited towns will alleviate many of the obstacles related to overtourism, authenticity, and price. The flip side is that you’ll miss out on some of the conveniences that more remote areas can’t provide, such as transport, shops, and plentiful restaurants.
Being an adventurer, I love to inspire people to go somewhere a bit different or more authentic in Indonesia, such as to Flores, Sulawesi, or even Java.
However, I must recognize that Bali is singular in some of the advantages it has: its compact geography, extreme level of tourist-friendliness, and wide range of off-the-beaten-path experiences still make it a perfect holiday island, so long as you can make peace with the traffic jams and often-crowded sights.
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