Yes, There Are Bad Things About Bali

Bali is a small island, but its reputation far exceeds its size, attracting travelers from all over the world for its unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and spiritual allure. My recent trip gave me the chance to explore various parts of the island. From the vibrant rice terraces of Ubud to the bustling energy of Kuta to the quieter coastal town of Sanur, each place had its own distinct vibe.

However, for all its beauty, there are also some challenges and downsides to Bali that you may find surprising. I know I did.

10 Bad Things About Bali That You Should Know About

1. Undrinkable Tap Water

One thing you can’t do in Bali is drink the tap water. It’s contaminated and not safe. I don’t even brush my teeth with it. Bottled or filtered water is a must. Hotels and restaurants will usually have bottled or filtered water available so it’s not much of an issue. If you’re unsure if the water is filtered, just stick to bottled water. You don’t want to risk getting ‘Bali belly’ from drinking contaminated water and having to spend your vacation in the bathroom.

If you use ice, make sure it’s got a hole in the center—it means the ice has been factory-made and is purified.

2. Plastic Use and Environmental Pollution

Undrinkable tap water means more plastic bottles of water. While Bali has implemented some bans on plastic, the recycling infrastructure hasn’t caught up, and plastic waste can be hard to avoid. I tried carrying a reusable bottle with me, but it was difficult to find water to refill it with when I was out and about. I ended up just buying those larger plastic bottles of water just to try and reduce the amount of plastic. I cringe to think about the millions of plastic water bottles that are being discarded every day.

3. Trash on the Beaches

With more plastic comes more trash. But I did not expect to see sooo much trash on the beaches during my visit to Bali. What I thought I would see were beautiful, pristine shores. What I actually saw were plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other debris scattered along the sand.

The amount of trash on Bali’s beaches isn’t completely due to people littering though. It’s a combination of inadequate waste management, the heavy use of single-use plastics, and the seasonal monsoon rains that wash it all up on to the shore. It’s a cycle that repeats itself…daily.

It was sad to see. Not sad in an ‘Ew, why is this so dirty?’ way. Sad in an ‘What have we humans done to this beautiful world we live in?’ kind of way. It really makes you think.

4. Lack of Public Transportation

Bali doesn’t have much of a public transportation system so, getting around the island requires a little more planning. Taxis, private drivers, and motorbikes are the main modes of transportation in Bali. Uber is not in Bali but there is Grab, which is just like Uber. So, that helps. If you know you will need transportation throughout the day, your best bet will be to hire a private driver. A driver can be booked through GetYourGuide for about $45 a day.

5. Heavy Traffic and Congestion

The traffic in Bali can be intense, especially in the busy tourist areas on the southern half of the island. The roads are often narrow and packed with cars, motorbikes, and the occasional stray dog. There don’t appear to be any road rules either. Everyone just weaves in and out of traffic with an amazing sense of trust and spatial awareness. Just be prepared to be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic more often than not. Bali is a small island, but a trip that looks short on the map can take hours. Plan accordingly.

6. Paying to Take a Photo

In popular tourist areas, especially Kuta and Seminyak, Bali’s nightlife can get loud. Bars, nightclubs, and beach parties are common, so if you’re staying nearby, you might experience noise late into the night. It’s something to consider when booking accommodations. I’m not much of a nightlife person, and prefer to be snuggled in my bed by 8pm

7. Stray Dogs

Stray dogs are common in Bali, and while many are harmless, some can be territorial. I noticed them on beaches, around temples, and even in smaller neighborhoods. For animal lovers, it can be tough to see so many dogs without homes, and for those who aren’t as comfortable around dogs, it can be a bit unsettling. Bali also has a few shelters and organizations working to support and care for the stray population, so consider visiting or donating if you’re looking to help.

8. Aggressive Vendors

Markets, beaches, and even temple entrances in Bali will be lined with vendors. Many were friendly, but some were quite insistent, even pulling on my arm. I would politely decline several offers for souvenirs and sarongs, but some vendors would follow me for a bit, hoping to convince me. They would pull on my arm or drape clothing over my shoulders. I get that this is a natural part of the tourism dynamic, but it can get overwhelming. It really makes it hard to even stop and look at anything because you know you’re going to get harassed nonstop.

9. Tourist Gimmicks

You’ve probably seen the ‘Bali swing’ or ‘Heaven’s gate’ pictures all over Instagram. Well, they are pretty much paid photo spots that can feel a bit forced and artificial, especially if you’re hoping for an authentic experience. And what you don’t see online are the long lines of people waiting to get that picture! No, thank you.

10. Tourists Not Respecting Where They Are

As Bali has grown in popularity, some tourists have shown a lack of respect for the local culture and customs. I saw people walking around temple areas in revealing clothes, climbing onto sacred statues, and even rummaging through religious offerings. Balinese people are incredibly kind and open to visitors, so it was tough to see this disregard from some travelers. Not only does this kind of behavior affect the local community’s experience, but it also puts a negative spotlight on all visitors. I travel to genuinely experience and appreciate different ways of life, so seeing this lack of respect to the culture really bothered me. PLEASE research local customs before you travel. Don’t be ‘that’ tourist.

Final Thoughts

Despite the challenges Bali faces, the island offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unique experiences. Bali’s stunning landscapes, traditional ceremonies, and welcoming locals make it a one-of-a-kind destination. If you’re prepared for its downsides and plan your trip wisely, you can still have a fulfilling and memorable experience. The magic of Bali lies in its diversity—there’s something for everyone, and with the right mindset, the positives far outweigh the negatives.