So you want to know if Bali is overrated? I’ve spent over a month on the Island, and I’m here to tell you everything I’ve experienced.
Many people say Bali is overrated, but in reality, Bali is only overrated if you go where tourists go. Wider Bali and the rest of Indonesia have some of the most beautiful places in the world. So while the island isn’t overrated, it’s important to go off the beaten path.
Is Bali Overrated?
Bali used to be a magical escape. Quiet, thriving with culture, beautiful, and inexpensive. But in 2023, things have changed.
The island is no longer the paradise it used to be. Popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta are overrun and overcrowded. But is Bali overrated? Is it still worth planning a trip? Where is there to go instead?
- Instead of going to Canguu, Seminyak, or Kuta, go to Ubud, Munduk, the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands, or Lombok!
Well, in June of 2023, I packed my bag and jumped on a flight. I spent 1 month traveling around 5 Indonesian islands, and throughout that month I experienced every side of the popular tourist destination.
So in my opinion, is Bali overrated? The answer is yes, but only if you don’t know where to look.
Table of Contents
- Is Bali Overrated?
- Overrated Places in Bali:
- Where in Bali should you go instead?
- Where to Go Outside of Bali
- FAQ’S
- Is Bali overrated?
Overrated Places in Bali:
Canggu
Canggu has possibly, the most mixed reviews of any place in Bali.
A popular destination for digital nomads, partygoers, and first-time backpackers alike, Canggu has to be the first one on the list. Is it an awful place to visit? Absolutely not. But, is it incredibly overrated? One million times yes.
Canggu made its name as a small hipster surf town. But today the area is a bustling hub for foreigners. Digital nomads like its accessibility, food, and internet speed.
But in recent years it has become so overrun with Western influence that it feels more like a playground for 20-something Australians than an authentic experience of Indonesia.
I would say that this is the place to go if you’re looking to party, but in reality, there are better places for that as well.
Kuta
I recently visited Kuta, even though every single person I talked to before my trip said to avoid it like the plague. Honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Robberies are common in Kuta, and compared to the rest of the island the crime rates are staggeringly high. There have been many cases of harassment on the street, and I personally would not recommend the area to solo travelers, especially women.
The water is grey/ brown and full of rubbish. The beaches as well are littered everywhere. It is incredibly busy, the traffic is the worst in the country (and that’s saying something).
For more information on safety in Bali, read ‘Is Bali Safe‘.
Seminyak
Seminyak is always marketed as a high-end beach resort location, with the most ‘glorious beaches in Bali’ (according to Tripadvisor). But in reality, it is far from that.
Overcrowded and overpriced, you could afford a villa somewhere else on the lush green island, with an actually spectacular beach for the same price you would pay here.
People recommend coming here to surf, but a 2-hour boat ride away you can find the real surfers paradise (which I’ll include later on!).
Bali is so much more than Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. Beyond the cities, there is an island of lush forests, waterfalls, volcanos, and pristine beaches.
However, it is rare that people choose to adventure out of tourist areas to explore the beautiful island.
Where in Bali should you go instead?
Bali is overrated if you only go where tourists go, so where should you be going instead? I’ve compiled my favorite places to go on and near the island of Bali that’ll give you a much more authentic and enjoyable stay.
Ubud
While still being a popular tourist destination (and it definitely still has traffic problems). Ubud is one of my favorite places I’ve visited on my Indonesia trip.
It may not be the peaceful, quiet yoga escape that it once was, but Ubud is definitely still worth a visit. The place has a warmth to it.
And I loved it most for its eccentric streets. Full hippie shops, cobblestone sidewalks, beautiful art, and lively colors.
Besides yoga and wandering the streets, the BEST thing we did while visiting Ubud was hiring a private driver and waterfall hopping.
Between 4 friends and I, we paid a total of $30AUD for our driver (but be sure to tip), and found some of the most INCREDIBLE waterfalls. Read more about this tour and many more in my post about the most beautiful waterfall tours in Ubud.
Goa Raja waterfall was my personal favorite. A massive waterfall in the jungle that falls just inside of a giant cave, as implied in its name, which directly translates to ‘Cave of the Kings’.
I would also recommend Tukad Cepung, and Suwat Waterfall for a swim and rock jump.
Munduk
Munduk is one place that is vastly underrated. Like Ubud, it boasts beautiful rice fields, waterfalls, and Balinese countryside. But without all the crowds.
It is a place to find delicious local food, beautiful temples, and a genuinely authentic experience.
If you choose to spend time in Munduk, I recommend you visit the stunning Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. For $2.50AUD you can explore the beautiful complex on the shores of Lake Beratan.
Aside from this, there is plenty to explore in this rural mountain region. With plenty of access to waterfall treks, swimming spots, and natural gems.
Nusa Islands
But Bali offers more than just greenery. A 20-minute boat ride away sits the Nusa islands. A collection of 3 islands, all boasting beautiful bright blue water, marine life, and stunning scenery.
Nusa Lembongan is hip and fun. And a more rugged and less crowded version of Bali. Some of the best things to do include surfing, cliff jumping, and exploring the island by scooter.
I really recommend renting a scooter while on the islands (it is surprisingly easy to learn if you’ve never done it), as it is the easiest way to get around. Taxis are much more expensive than the mainland, and to my dismay, they do not have Gojek.
5 minutes by boat and you reach the island of Nusa Penida, famous for Kelingking Beach, and Diamond Beach. This is also the best place to snorkel with Manta Rays.
$20AUD down and a short boat ride to Manta Point was all it took for the experience of a lifetime. Swimming with Manta Rays is an AWE-INSPIRING experience. And definitely, the best money I spent on my trip.
Where to Go Outside of Bali
The islands of Indonesia are incredibly accessible by boat and plane. And while quite often, Bali is overrated, you can find some of the most beautiful places in the world just a short ride away. Vacation in a vacation anybody?
The Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are my favorite place that I’ve visited in all of Indonesia. We spent every day out on the water, swimming with countless sea turtles, and basking in the RIDICULOUSLY clear blue water.
Then every night we danced the hours away, our favourite spot being Sama Sama on Gili Trawangan. A reggae bar serving up the PERFECT combination of vibey live music, reasonably priced drinks, and an awesome crowd.
In fact, we loved Sama Sama so much, that we went every single night.
The island vibe is immaculate. And each island is individual. Gili Trawangan is the party island. Known for its magic shakes, and wild atmosphere, but ALSO its beautiful sunsets and pristine beaches.
Note: For more information on visiting the Gili Islands, read ‘Are the Gili Islands Safe?‘
Gili Meno is much quieter and has the best water and best snorkeling out of the three islands. I can not even begin to describe how clear and bright blue the water is here, nothing compares. And on top of that, every few minutes another sea turtle drifts by.
Gili Air was our personal favorite. It has a balance of bars, live music, and peaceful white sand beaches. The crowds are quite mellow (especially compared to Gili T), and it’s just a wonderful place to relax and have a good time.
Lombok
While to my regret, I didn’t spend a long time in Lombok, there is one thing I did do that I could not recommend enough.
Climbing Mt Rinjani, Indonesia’s second volcano, which stands at 3726m above sea level. I’ve written all about my experience in my article ‘Climbing Mt Rinjani: The Story Of Southeast Asia’s Hardest Hike‘
As well as Mt Rinjani, Lombok is known as a surfers’ heaven. Kuta, Lombok (not to be mistaken for Kuta, Bali), is a lovely town in the south of the island, which I refer to fondly as ‘little Canggu’.
The area is rich in digital nomads, but like Lombok tends to be, it is much quieter and prettier than the famous spot in Bali.
The most iconic surf break, however, has to be Desert Point. With breaks up to 300m, it is often referred to as the best left-hander in the world. Due to the 20-second tube rides that are often ridden.
FAQ’S
Where Is Bali
Bali is often mistaken as its own country, but in reality, it is just one of 17,000 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia. It is also one of Australia’s closest neighbors, making it a very popular destination for Australian travelers.
Why is Bali Famous
Bali was made famous due to its beautiful blue waters, vibrant culture, flora and fauna, and its close proximity to Australia. Australian visitors have been flocking to Bali for years for a cheap, luxurious island getaway, and an escape from normal life.
What is Bali’s problem in 2023
In recent years, Bali has been slightly taken over. With super-clubs popping up everywhere, western food running the scene, and an overcrowded atmosphere, Bali’s problem is really just that there are too many tourists, and it runs island life.
Is Bali overrated?
Even though some areas are overrated, I can say that Bali is 100% worth a visit.
However, I highly recommend going off the beaten path to explore the lesser-visited parts of Bali and the Indonesian islands that surround it.
Bali has a rich jungle, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and a thriving culture. Then only a few hours by boat and you can reach some of the world’s most pristine islands, with bright blue water, endless experiences, and beautiful marine life.
The truth is that some areas of Bali have become incredibly Westernized, crowded, and overhyped. However, there are still parts of the island that are so beautiful they make any visit worthwhile!
