I Used To Love Bali, But I Can’t Ignore This Anymore

For years, Bali has been my go-to holiday destination. It’s always been an easy choice with affordable flights from Perth, warm people, and a mix of relaxation and adventure. I’ve spent countless trips enjoying the beaches, the food, and the culture. But this year, I’m making a change.

Over the past few visits, I’ve noticed Bali struggling under the weight of mass tourism. Once-pristine beaches are now covered in plastic waste, traffic is unbearable, and the island’s natural beauty is being chipped away by overdevelopment.

I don’t want to be part of the problem. That’s why I’ve decided to cancel my next trip. It’s not an easy decision, but I can’t keep returning to a place that’s suffering from the very industry that draws people in.

Here’s why I’m saying no to Bali this year.

1. Over-Tourism: Bali’s Growing Crowds

Bali used to feel like an escape, but now it’s bursting at the seams. The rise in tourism has brought with it overwhelming crowds, traffic jams, and overdevelopment. Places that once felt serene are now packed with visitors, especially in hotspots like Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Getting anywhere takes twice as long because of the sheer volume of cars and motorbikes on narrow roads. What used to be a leisurely drive to Ubud is now a frustrating crawl through endless traffic. The island’s infrastructure simply can’t keep up with the demand, and it shows.

It’s not just the traffic. Over-tourism has changed the feel of Bali. What was once a destination rich in culture and tradition now feels overly commercialised. Many places cater solely to tourists, and the authentic Balinese charm is getting harder to find.

For me, the tipping point was my last visit last month. I struggled to find a quiet beach, a peaceful temple, or even a local warung that wasn’t packed with tourists. The crowds have taken away the magic, and it no longer feels like the Bali I fell in love with.

A busy street in Bali during the evening, with cars lined up in traffic in front of a row of illuminated seafood restaurants. Large decorative lobsters hang above the entrances, including a bright red and blue sign reading 'Seafood House.' Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk, some stopping to take pictures, while a cloudy sky looms overhead

2. Pollution and Waste Management Issues

One of the hardest things to ignore in Bali is the growing waste problem. I’ve seen it firsthand with beaches covered in plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other rubbish. In popular areas like Kuta and Seminyak, the sand is littered with waste, especially after heavy rains wash debris onto the shore.

It is heartbreaking to see. It’s not just an eyesore – it’s damaging Bali’s marine life and ecosystems.

The problem isn’t just on the beaches. Walking through the streets, I’ve seen open piles of rubbish, plastic-filled rivers, and locals burning waste because there’s no proper disposal system. The island’s waste management infrastructure simply isn’t built to handle the sheer number of tourists.

Bali relies heavily on single-use plastics, despite efforts to ban them. Plastic straws, bags, and bottles are everywhere. Many tourists don’t think twice about their impact, and businesses continue to use them because it’s the easiest option.

However, Bali has taken a big step towards environmental conservation by banning plastic bottles. This move follows the 2019 ban on single-use plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam. The new regulation encourages the use of refillable water bottles, with more water stations being installed across the island.

A sandy beach with a calm ocean stretching to the horizon, but the shoreline is littered with plastic waste, driftwood, and other debris. A few people are seen wading in the water in the distance, contrasting the pollution on the shore with the natural beauty of the sea. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the scene’s mix of tranquility and environmental concern

3. The Decline of Bali’s Natural Environment

Bali’s natural beauty is what draws people in, but tourism is taking a huge toll on the environment. Overdevelopment is stripping the island of its greenery, with hotels and villas popping up in places that were once untouched. Rice terraces are being replaced with luxury resorts, and forests are being cleared to make room for more construction.

Water shortages are another growing issue. Tourism demands, especially from high-end hotels and resorts, are draining Bali’s water supply, leaving local communities struggling. The lush landscapes that make Bali so beautiful are at risk because the island simply can’t sustain this level of growth.

The impact on marine life is just as worrying. Bali’s coral reefs are suffering from pollution, boat traffic, and irresponsible tourism activities like snorkelling and diving in fragile ecosystems. The once-thriving reefs near Nusa Dua and Padang Bai are now bleached and damaged.

Seeing these changes year after year makes it impossible to ignore. The Bali I once loved is disappearing, and continuing to visit feels like contributing to the problem.

4. Impact on Wildlife and Local Communities

Bali’s tourism industry isn’t just affecting the environment. It’s also harming wildlife and local communities. Animal tourism is still a big business, with elephant rides, dolphin-watching tours, and even photo ops with chained-up animals being widely offered to tourists. Many visitors don’t realise the cruelty behind these attractions, but the more I’ve learned, the more I refuse to support them.

Monkeys in Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest are fed by tourists despite warnings, making them aggressive and dependent on human food. Dolphins in Lovina are chased by boats daily, disrupting their natural behaviour. Bali Zoo and Safari Park continue to keep wild animals in captivity for entertainment. Elephant rides often involve cruel training methods, prolonged confinement, and physical abuse to make the elephants submissive for tourism.

It’s not just the animals that are suffering. Local communities are also feeling the strain. Many Balinese people rely on tourism for their income, but at the same time, they’re losing their traditional way of life. The cost of living is rising, making it harder for locals to afford housing and resources. Traditional markets are disappearing, replaced by cafes and boutiques catering to Western tourists.

The cultural heart of Bali is at risk of being lost, and the more I see this happening, the more I question whether my tourism dollars are helping or harming the island.

A long-tailed macaque sitting on a stone pathway, partially shaded by dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. The monkey has light brown and gray fur, with a slightly darker patch on its head, and gazes off to the side with a calm expression. Fallen leaves and twigs cover the ground, blending with the natural surroundings

Seeking More Sustainable Travel Options

I still love travelling, but I want to do it in a way that doesn’t contribute to the destruction of the places I visit. Cancelling my trip to Bali isn’t about avoiding the island forever – it’s about making more responsible choices.

There are other destinations that offer beautiful beaches, rich culture, and warm hospitality without the same level of environmental and social strain. I’m looking at places that prioritise sustainability, where tourism is managed in a way that benefits both the environment and local communities.

If you still want to visit Bali, there are ways to do so more responsibly, like choosing eco-friendly hotels, avoiding single-use plastics, supporting local businesses, and respecting wildlife. But for me, it doesn’t feel right to return until I see real change happening.

Conclusion

Bali will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope that by stepping away, I’m making a small statement about the need for change. Maybe if enough travellers start prioritising sustainability, Bali can regain some of what’s been lost. Until then, I’m choosing to explore destinations that align with my values – places where my presence as a tourist doesn’t come at such a high cost.