It’s a cliche because it’s true. You love a place to death. More than five million people visited Bali last year – up from 2022’s 2.
2 million – and most came from Australia. Almost 1.2 million Australians visited – that’s three times higher than the number of visitors from India, in the No.
2 position. Coupled with the high numbers of Indonesians encouraged to visit during the pandemic who then stayed on, the underlying infrastructure can’t keep up. Roads – built primarily for bikes – are congested, rubbish is everywhere (waste management is a massive issue) and developers continue to encroach on rural Bali to build the new Bali.
The provincial government introduced a tourism tax (about $15) in February to help find solutions, but don’t hold your breath. What’s more, there’s a rise in unruly behaviour from the tourists who are coming. The Bali Tourist Board was forced to promote an advertising campaign encouraging visitors to behave more responsibly, and considered banning the renting of scooters after so many (drunken) accidents, and access to numerous sacred sites after arrests for desecration.
Bali is a stunning island – but maybe it’s time we gave it at least a little break. There are islands all over South-East Asia offering the same sorts of wonders – from perfect unpolluted, deserted beaches to vast numbers of wellness sanctuaries – but without any of the overcrowding. And they’re ready for your love as they continue to recover after .
