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Bali on the brink: overtourism threatens to destroy your holiday dream!
Bali faces the challenge of overtourism in 2025: the economy, environment and culture are fighting mass crowds and garbage problems.
Bali on the brink: overtourism threatens to destroy your holiday dream!
Recently, Bali has come under massive criticism due to ongoing overtourism. Although the Indonesian island remains a popular tourist destination, it is suffering from the consequences of excessive visitor numbers, affecting the quality of life for both locals and tourists. As a result, Canggu, once a laid-back surfing village, is at the top of Fodor's Travel's No List 2025, as Vietnam.vn reported.
Every year, Bali loses around 1,000 hectares of farmland due to the construction of new hotels and resorts, endangering the island's natural environment and cultural heritage. Popular places such as Ubud, Seminyak and Kuta have lost their former tranquility. An increase in international tourist numbers - 5.3 million in 2023 and a target of 6.5 million in 2025 - is further exacerbating the situation.
The challenges of mass tourism
The increase of 5.2 million foreign and 9.4 million domestic tourists, according to the Bali Tourism Service (Dispar), is creating alarming competition for resources. While the local population numbers around 4.4 million people, the burden of tourists is becoming increasingly noticeable. Particularly critical are the reports of aggressive behavior by certain tourists who behave disrespectfully towards the island's culture and show no inhibitions even at holy sites.
CNN Indonesia highlights in various places the problems associated with traffic congestion and the increasing problem of garbage. The travel destinations that once stood for relaxation and enjoyment are increasingly losing their appeal. More and more voices are calling for a rethink in tourism management that preserves Bali's cultural identity while accepting new economic realities.
Measures and future outlook
To address the challenges of overtourism, a tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah (approximately US$9) has been introduced and will come into effect from February 2024. This income is intended to help improve tourism management and support development projects. There are also considerations for an expanded visitor quota system, but this has not yet been implemented. The planned construction of a new international airport in northern Bali, scheduled to begin in 2027, could bring economic opportunities but must be strictly regulated to protect the environment.
Experts like Chusmeru insist on better educating tourists to attract higher quality visitors. Programs that promote cultural sensitivity and teach respectful behavior are essential for the sustainable development of the tourism capital.
There is still hope for responsible tourism in less crowded areas such as Sidemen and Munduk. Local tour guide Kadek Riska emphasizes that the time has come for well-managed tourism so that Bali can retain its unique charm. Environmental protection and cultural heritage are priorities that need to receive more attention in the future.