Bali’s reputation as a dream destination is undeniable. It’s an island of absolutely stunning beaches, vast rice terraces, vibrant culture, and a spiritual essence that lingers.
But if you scroll through social media, you might come across travel influencers that claim Bali is “overcrowded,” “ruined,” or “too touristy.” These claims often come with dramatic Instagram reels that show traffic jams in Canggu and Ubud, leaving the impression that Bali is overflowing with tourists.
So the question is, how accurate is this portrayal? Is Bali overcrowded? Or is it just a case of selective framing and misinformation for clicks? Let’s break it down.
The Myth of an Overcrowded Bali
Travel influencers on social media thrive on engagement, and nothing gets views like controversy. When an influencer arrives in Bali and posts an Instagram Reel or Tik Tok complaining about Canggu or Ubud, they conveniently leave out the fact that they chose to stay in the more popular hotspots.
Silly, isn’t it? It’s like going to Times Square in New York and acting annoyed when you’re not the only one there. Not everything is a secret off-the-beaten-path hidden gem folks – especially if it’s posted on social media to millions of people.
Yes, certain areas of Bali – Canggu, Central Ubud, some parts of Uluwatu, and Seminyak, experience high traffic in peak seasons. But these places represent only a fraction of the island. Bali has countless alternative options and quiet areas.
Just because one influencer chose to stay in the busiest part of Canggu doesn’t mean the entire island is overrun with Russian expats and digital nomads. They wanted to join the party then complained the party is full.
Where is Bali most crowded?
Canggu and Ubud tend to be the main targets of social media complaints, and it isn’t hard to see why. These areas have experienced significant growth over the years, with trendy cafes, co-working spots, and luxury villas popping up everywhere.
Canggu in particular, has been transformed into a hub for digital nomads. This means more people, more scooters, and yes – more traffic. But does that mean Bali itself is overcrowded? Not at all.
Canggu’s traffic is a result of its rapid growth in popularity, but this is a localized issue. It’s also important to note that Canggu is a small village, not even a town or a city. If you venture out just 20 minutes away, you’ll easily find peaceful rice fields, empty beaches, and local warungs.
The same applies to Ubud. Central Ubud around the Ubud Art Market area sees a high number of visitors. Drive just 10-20 minutes away and you find yourself in a completely different vibe.
Social media influencers often fail to mentioned that they are visiting these hotspots at the absolute busiest times – midday or evening in high season. Their videos rarely show Bali at sunrise, when the streets are calm, or during low season when things slow down drastically.
Why? Because an Instagram Reel with the caption “Bali is so peaceful and quiet” doesn’t make clickable viral content. You can almost hear the ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ ending credits theme playing in the background.
The Reality of Bali’s Size and Diversity
In my opinion, one of the biggest misconceptions spread by short-term tourists on social media is that Bali is a small, overpopulated island. In reality, Bali is a diverse province with an area of over 5,700 square kilometres – way bigger than most people realize.
That’s roughly the size of Delaware, except instead of highways and office buildings, you get tons of rice fields, a couple volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. If you find one area too busy, it’s incredibly easy to escape the crowds.
Want to experience Bali without the hectic-ness? Head North to Munduk or Lovina where waterfalls and dolphins are plentiful. Maybe explore Amed on the east coast to find tranquil beaches and do some diving. Why not venture out west to Medewi for a laid-back surf camp, or go even further west to Bali National Park, where you feel like you have the entire island to yourself.
Bali offers so much more than the narrow lens through which social media portray it. The island’s diversity means you can easily find your own version of paradise – unless your idea of paradise involves being stuck in traffic en route to your first smoothie bowl of the day.
Traffic in Bali
Let’s take a moment to talk about Bali traffic for a bit. It is true that in some places, Bali’s traffic can get easily congested – depending on the time of the day. Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, and Seminyak all experience traffic jams during rush hour.
This is due to the fact that Bali’s roads weren’t exactly designed with an explosion of scooters, cars, and delivery trucks in mind. Many roads in popular areas are narrow and winding, originally built for a much smaller volume.
Most of these roads are actually so small that any influx of traffic can create a traffic jam. Throw in a mix of tourists who aren’t familiar with local riding habits and a couple thousand more scooters and you have yourself a good ol’ gridlock.
Thankfully, Bali’s government is taking action towards making the roads more suitable to accommodation the increase in tourists. New roads are being built, sidewalks are being improved, and old roads are being widened.
Fun fact, traffic jams have been around in Kuta, Canggu, and Ubud way before social media influencers started complaining about it on the internet. But since tourism has increased after the pandemic, more people = more complaints on Instagram.
Kuta used to hold the crown for traffic congestions. Popular spots like Sky Garden and surrounding nightclubs created caused traffic so often, you almost always expect it and plan for it on the way. Ironically, Kuta is now relatively quiet in comparison to the other tourist areas.
The “Bali is Ruined” Narrative
The bold claim that “Bali is ruined” often comes from social media influencers who just landed and are comparing it to an unrealistic, idealized version of the island. Bali has evolved (duh), but that’s a sign of growth, not destruction (with the exception of a few specific cases).
The island and its people still hold onto its deep-rooted traditions, with daily offerings, temple ceremonies, and a strong sense of community that hasn’t disappeared, and will continue whether there is a thriving tourism industry or not.
Like I said, much of the social media outrage comes from people who choose to stay in the most Westernized areas of Bali. If you spend your entire holiday in just beach clubs and Instagrammable cafes, you will get a skewed perspective.
That’s like going to a Disney World and complaining that it feels too commercial and the prices are inflated. Take one step outside of these tourist bubbles and you’ll find local markets, family-owned food stalls, and local villages where life continues at a slow and traditional pace – with or without you filming it.
Tips to Avoid the Crowds in Bali
If you want to experience the real Bali – without the traffic, noise, or long lines (which I highly recommend you do at least a few times during your trip) – here’s how to do it:
Venture beyond the tourist hubs. You don’t have to spend the entirety of your Bali holiday in Canggu, Ubud, or Seminyak. Consider staying in different locations like Sidemen, Amed, Lovina, Munduk, or Pemuteran. These still have that authentic Balinese charm without the crowded. And guess what? Your morning coffee will still be just as Instagrammable.
Wake up early. Bali is magical at sunrise. Visit temples like Tanah Lot before the crowds arrive. Go for a walk at Campuhan Ridge Walk in the early morning. Enjoy the sunrise at Sanur Beach. You also get to feel smug about how much you’ve done before 8:00 AM while everyone else is still recovering from last night’s happy hour.
Visit in the off-season. While peak season is quite fun, the off-season (April to June and September to November) offer the perfect balance of good weather and less people. You’ll likely find lower prices, less traffic, and a more chill atmosphere.
Embrace local experiences. Join a village tour, take a Canang Sari Workshop (Balinese offerings), try a cooking class, or even attend a local village ceremony at a temple. The real Bali isn’t in the influencer hotspots – it’s in the local culture and community.
Take the scenic route. Book a private car and driver or rent a scooter and explore the back roads and hidden gems. You’d be amazing how quickly the crowds disappear when you veer slightly off the main tourist tracks.
Explore the outer islands. Take a short boat ride to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or even the smaller Gili Islands like Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air. You’ll find stunning scenery with a much smaller crowd – especially in low season.
The Real Bali is Waiting
Bali isn’t just the crowded streets of Canggu or the hassle of Central Ubud. It’s an island of diverse landscapes, deep traditions, and endless tucked-away hidden gems. If you rely on social media to shape your opinion, you might miss out on everything Bali has to offer.
The rice terraces of Jatiluwih stretch for miles with barely a tourist in sight, while the black sands of the east coast feel like a completely different island compared to the buzz of Seminyak. Just 10 minutes outside of Ubud doesn’t feel like Ubud anymore.
I urge you to step beyond the social media narrative. Explore with an area mind and you’ll find that the true Bali – an island rice in culture, beauty, warmth, and welcoming people – is still very much alive and waiting for you to discover it.
My Personal Experience
When I first arrived in Bali, I chose to stay in Tabanan near the beach where it’s less touristy, tranquil, and still authentic to this day. Of course, it wasn’t fancy with nice cafes and luxury villas with infinity pools – but that’s what I wanted.
After that, I relocated to Canggu where I was overwhelmed but happy to be among the crowd. No, it wasn’t an authentic experience and I fully realized it wasn’t the best perspective of Bali, but it still has a charm – even with the crowd.
I’ve spent time in every corner of Bali, multiple times in each. The often overlooked aspect of Bali is that you have options. Whether you’re living here or visiting for a few weeks, you can experience the entire menu.
Yes, I agree that Canggu and some parts of Ubud and Uluwatu have way too much people. But sometimes, like a music festival, the more the merrier. It only gets frustrating if you stay your entire time in one area or stay longer than a month in the same place.
If you’re a digital nomad reading this, I urge you to explore other areas of Bali. You don’t have to stay in Canggu. Experience the entirety of the island. After all, that’s what the ‘nomad‘ in digital nomad means, right?
If you’re visiting Bali for a few weeks as a tourist, I recommend diversifying the areas you stay in. Spend a few days here and a few days there. Especially if you won’t be visiting again soon, why not make the most out of your trip?
Here are some useful resources for your Bali holiday:
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to experience Bali’s rich culture.
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