Crystal-clear waters, empty shores, and swaying palms—the idyllic scene from a Bounty ad. This is the picture that often dances in the minds of those dreaming of a ticket to Bali. But the so-called "paradise island" isn't all sweetness and light.
The Island You Didn't Know: Surprising Facts About This Popular Destination
We'll share five reasons you might feel let down by one of the world's most sought-after resorts. Plus, five reasons to visit the island, to discover and experience things that many tourists often overlook.
What's Wrong With Your Bali Vacation?
After a trip to Bali, many travelers come home with a twinge of disappointment. Indeed, a seven-night package for two costs at least $1,600, and a solo round-trip flight can run nearly $1,000 per person. After shelling out that kind of cash, visitors often fail to find the paradise tour operators promised. Why is that?
- Overwhelming crowds. If you're hoping to spend a quiet week or two alone with your partner on the Pacific coast, Bali isn't the best pick. Local beaches are packed with people, "authentic" markets overflow with Europeans and Asians hunting for exotic souvenirs, and every excursion—including nature reserves—plunges you into a noisy, heat-exhausted throng.
- Beaches. Trash heaps, discarded cigarette butts, empty plastic bottles, and persistent vendors hawking fruit, souvenirs, or drinks—that's the real scene on Bali's shores. And by the way, the Pacific Ocean here isn't as stunning or rich as, say, the Indian Ocean.
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- Scams. Tourism is the lifeblood of the entire local population. So be ready: everyone from taxi drivers to market sellers will try to squeeze a few extra dollars out of you.
- Crime. If you've planned a trip, withdraw cash from your bank card and leave it at home. ATMs in Bali are risky—use one once, and someone else might use it again to drain your hard-earned money. Keep a close eye on bags, wallets, and phones.
- Transportation. Traffic on Bali's city streets feels like the first circle of hell—or worse. There's no public transport to speak of, cars are stuck in endless jams, and daredevils on rented mopeds frequently end up in serious accidents. Getting around is pricey for tourists, too: a moped runs about $30 a day, a small car around $50. Taxis are even worse—a driver might quote $5 for a ride, then "adjust" the fare to $30 for a 10–15 kilometer trip.
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Why It's Still Worth Going
What if you look at a Bali trip from a different angle? Not as a beach holiday in a five-star hotel, but as a chance to see and try things we Europeans rarely encounter in daily life. And there are plenty of those.
- Food. No, not the fare from fabulously expensive restaurants (and Bali has many of those). Once on the island, try the fruit—papaya, pineapple, and young coconuts are amazingly tasty and very cheap. You can haggle a kilo of papaya down to $3, and a pineapple for $2. For comparison, in our stores, the same items cost twice as much. And while you're there, don't miss durian. Locals describe it briefly but vividly: hell on the outside, heaven on the inside. This fruit, with its unbearable smell but great taste, costs about $7. Note that most hotels ban it from rooms, so enjoy it right where you buy it on the street.
- Nature. Bali isn't just the ocean. It's also home to the stunningly beautiful active volcanoes Agung and Gunung Batur. You should visit Bali for its evergreen rainforests, rice terraces, countless waterfalls, and gorgeous mountains.
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- Culture. Most locals practice Hinduism, a fairly rare and exotic religion. By getting to know the residents here, you can witness amazing rituals and visit temples that are unique in architecture and energy.
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- Wildlife. Banteng, deer, palm civets, Bengal cats, various monkey species, rhinos, and elephants—you'll encounter all sorts in local forests and reserves. Though insect-phobes may struggle: the warm, humid environment has spawned a huge number of bugs, spiders, and centipedes, some impressively large.
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- Water sports. Because the island's terrain is mountainous, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the quality of local rafting. Diving, surfing, and snorkeling are also excellent here. But note that all these activities come with a hefty price tag. For instance, a few hours of surf training with a private instructor (essential for beginners) will set you back $500, and a mountain river descent costs $300 per person.
