Bali can’t take it anymore: the overtourism that’s killing the island’s soul
Bali can’t take it anymore. Bali overtourism is a social and environmental time bomb that’s slowly, but steadily, exploding.
The island that was once a paradise of rice fields, temples, and authentic villages is now suffocating under the weight of mass tourism.
Bali is often portrayed as a tropical paradise: golden beaches, rice terraces, spirituality, and wellness.
But behind the dreamy images lies a growing crisis known as Bali overtourism — a phenomenon that’s testing the island’s environmental, social, and cultural balance.
Driven by social media and the culture of the “perfect trip,” mass tourism has brought millions of visitors to Bali.
But is the island really benefiting from this wave? Or is it slowly being crushed by it?
What does overtourism in Bali mean?
The term Bali overtourism refers to a situation where the number of tourists exceeds the island’s capacity to handle them without damaging its natural resources, culture, and local quality of life.
This problem has grown dramatically over the past 15 years.
The result?
Clogged roads, trash everywhere, water shortages — and, most of all, local families forced to sell their land to make room for private villas with infinity pools.
Just one shocking number: from July 2023 to May 2024, over 33,000 new Airbnb listings were added in Bali — a 24.6% increase in less than a year.
And we’re not talking about hotels, but private rentals devouring farmland and pushing out the people who have always lived there.
According to official data, Bali welcomed more than 6 million visitors in 2019, and forecasts for 2025 predict even higher numbers.
The result? A devastating impact of tourism in Bali and uncontrolled growth.
Is mass tourism a blessing or a curse?
Mass tourism in Bali has undoubtedly brought wealth.
But it has also triggered:
Overloaded public infrastructure
Uncontrolled construction
Loss of cultural identity
Waste increase and water scarcity
The impact of tourism in Bali is now visible everywhere: areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu are choked with scooters, traffic, and invasive tourist structures.
The real consequences of tourism in Bali: it’s not just numbers
The real damage of Bali overtourism can be seen in local communities.
Land that was once sacred and cultivated has become a playground for speculation.
Farming families lose their homes, and Balinese culture risks becoming just a souvenir for rushed travelers.
Unsustainable tourism in Bali is leaving deep scars:
Growing pollution and poor waste management
Loss of vital agricultural land
Rising prices that push locals out
Decline of sacred traditions and ceremonies
The case of Bingin: when Bali overtourism becomes unsustainable
Bingin is the perfect symbol of this transformation.
Once a quiet fishing village, today it’s almost unrecognizable — invaded by villas, motorbikes, and tourists looking for the next “hidden paradise.”
The cliffs that once echoed with waves and fishermen’s songs now echo with drilling machines and party music.
Bingin is no longer a secret: it’s a warning sign of what happens when Bali overtourism crosses the line and forgets that this island is not a theme park — it’s a living culture, with people, roots, and limits.
According to an investigation published by The Bali Sun in June 2024, the village of Bingin is experiencing the most visible effects of overtourism in Bali. Here are some numbers that help illustrate the scale of the transformation.
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Private villas built | Over 400 |
| Increase in local rents | +45% |
| Loss of agricultural land | 30% |
| Pollution | Increased by 60% |
In addition, the local government recently ordered the dismantling of 48 commercial activities built without proper permits. These businesses, although non-compliant, played an important role in the success and commercial growth of Bingin and Bali in general. Their closure has caused tension and uncertainty, both for the local economy and for tourists, creating further imbalance in the delicate social and economic fabric of the island.
The social consequences of overtourism in Bali
The burden of bargaining in local markets
Another issue linked to mass tourism in Bali is the constant culture of bargaining in markets and tourist businesses. Today, owners of well-located tour operators and stalls can earn far more than doctors. This imbalance has a domino effect: to maintain a decent lifestyle and uphold their social status, even doctors are forced to raise their fees.
The result? Medical care becomes inaccessible for the average Indonesian, in a country where healthcare is not public and private healthcare costs are significant. This social imbalance puts the health of the local population at risk, further aggravating the consequences of unsustainable tourism in Bali.
Environmental issues in Bali – is this the price to pay for paradise?
Environmental problems in Bali are among the most visible signs of overtourism:
Beaches overwhelmed with plastic, especially during the rainy season
Water waste for pools and resorts while local families lack access to water
Degradation of rice fields and loss of biodiversity
Air and groundwater pollution
According to a ViaggiaBali report on overtourism, many natural areas considered sacred are now used as photo backdrops or private party venues, often without the consent of local communities.
Culture and spirituality reduced to tourist folklore
Another serious impact of tourism in Bali is the trivialization of traditions. Religious ceremonies, once reserved for the community, are now transformed into shows for tourists. Some temples are visited without any respect for Balinese cultural codes.
Mass tourism has emptied the spirituality from many places, reducing them to backdrops for selfies and social media content. Not to mention the thousands of fake “purifications” performed daily in places of worship.
The role of social media and digital nomads
Instagram has had a huge influence on overtourism in Bali. Places like Lempuyang Temple or Tegenungan Waterfall have become “viral spots,” causing daily overcrowding and distorting the spiritual experience.
At the same time, the arrival of digital nomads has driven up rental costs in central areas. This phenomenon has pushed many Balinese to leave their villages to make way for luxury villas or coworking spaces.
👉 Learn more in Living in Bali as an expat: privilege or problem?
What do the Balinese think about overtourism in Bali?
“It’s not that we don’t want tourists, but not this many and all in the same place,” Kadek, a young guide from Ubud, told us. For many, overtourism in Bali has meant jobs, yes, but also a loss of identity and a push toward an economy increasingly dependent on foreign money.
👉 Also read: The voice of the Balinese: what they really think about tourism
What can you do for more conscious tourism in Bali?
If you love Bali, you can choose a different way of traveling. Here are some practical tips to reduce your contribution to overtourism:
Avoid mass tourism: travel in the low season and choose lesser-known areas
We suggest: 10 alternatives to Bali: authentic and lesser-known placesSupport local businesses: choose homestays, warungs, cooperatives
Limit plastic use and prefer eco-friendly experiences
Learn more in: Sustainable tourism in Bali: is it really possible?Be culturally aware: not everything is “for Instagram”
Choose less touristy spots, like the ones we discuss here: Non-touristy Ubud
Respect local culture, learn more in Religion in Bali
Wear a sarong in temples – see our article: What is a sarong in Bali
Participate in local festivals with respect: A year of ceremonies in Bali
Overtourism in Bali is a challenge for all of us
Overtourism in Bali is not just a local problem; it’s a call for all travelers to change their approach. We can no longer consume the planet and its cultures as if they were infinite.
It’s time to make conscious choices and support tourism that protects roots, people, and nature.
Overtourism in Bali is not an inevitable sentence, but a symptom of how we travel today. If we want Bali to remain a sacred, vibrant, and welcoming island for future generations, we need to change perspective.
Conscious travel begins with understanding, moves through listening, and materializes in better choices. Don’t give up on Bali, but travel with respect.
Continue reading our series on Bali & Overtourism
Planning a trip to Bali with kids?
From mystical temples to the rice fields of Sidemen, from local markets to beaches: Bali is a family-sized adventure waiting for you. I’ve gathered practical tips, authentic stops, and low-budget ideas to help you discover the island with curious eyes and light backpacks.
And if you want to go even deeper, to discover the Real Bali — the one you won’t find in brochures — I recommend Viaggiaibali.com: a complete guide for those who dream of truly living it, with a sustainable and respectful eye towards local communities.
Read all articles about Bali with kids →Go to Viaggiaibali.com →
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