Is Bali Worth Visiting? The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Discovering Bali – Overrated or Misunderstood?
Is Bali worth visiting? Absolutely, even if you’re not spiritually inclined.
When I first set foot on this Indonesian island, I was immediately struck by its undeniable charm despite some of the challenges travellers often mention.
Yes, Bali has its tourist hotspots that can feel overcrowded, and certain areas face pollution issues – but these minor drawbacks pale in comparison to the island’s unmatched beauty and cultural richness.
But I understand your concerns.
You’re wondering if Bali lives up to the hype, if you’ll get value for your money, and whether it offers an authentic experience or is just another tourist trap.
Well, having spent 5 weeks exploring every corner of Bali, I can confidently say that with some clever planning and timing, you can experience the paradise that made this island famous in the first place.
Many travellers consider alternatives like Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia for their Southeast Asian adventure. Each has its unique appeal, but Bali offers something truly special.
I’ll never forget stumbling upon a hidden waterfall during my third week there – the beautiful waters surrounded by lush jungle created the most breathtaking scene I’ve witnessed in my far and wide travels.
Whether you’re a couple seeking romantic sunsets and private villa experiences or a solo traveller looking to connect with others while maintaining independence, this guide will help you navigate Bali’s offerings and make informed decisions.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to experience the Bali that captivated my heart, beyond the Instagram filters and tourist brochures.
Before we go any further, I compared Indonesia vs Thailand so you don’t have to. Discover everything you need to know about comparing these two popular destinations.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission. See my Privacy Policy.
Things I Loved About Bali
Beaches
The beaches are incredible and varied.
Want soft golden sands? Visit Melasti Beach in the south.
Want black volcanic sandy beaches? Try Amed.
Having such diversity in options was great, and visiting a black sand beach was a first for me. This unique experience was only possible in Amed.
My favourite beaches were Padang Padang, along with Jimbaran Beach. They offer great waves and delicious food options right along the shoreline.
Amazing Waterfalls
Bali has incredible waterfalls.
Tibumana, Leke Leke, Banyumala, Tegenungan and Taman Sari were out of this world.
I’ve created detailed guides about each one so you can plan your trip there. Some of these are close together, which makes visiting a few of them on a day trip easy.
In my view, these waterfalls are probably the most spectacular I have ever visited in Asia, and that’s after spending time in India, Laos, Vietnam, and Central Asia.
Picture Perfect Rice Fields
The rice terraces are famous in Bali.
I have to say they are very beautiful, and seeing them in person is much better than viewing them online. They are immense and seem to stretch endlessly across the landscape.
When I visited the UNESCO site of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, it changed my perception of Bali in a positive way.
I appreciated the scale and size of the island much more.
I have to mention Tegalalang and Kelusa Rice Fields as being extra special in terms of vastness and beauty.
Things I Hated About Bali
Taxi Drivers Got Annoying
I hated how Grab drivers in both cars and motorbikes would constantly ask if we needed a ride whenever we were on the street.
It’s nice to feel catered to as a traveller, but only to a certain extent.
Ultimately, it became very annoying after the 20th person in an hour asked about our plans for the next day.
Food Left A Lot To Be Desired
Regarding the food, I found it to be a little underwhelming if I’m honest.
I’ll admit I didn’t often eat at 5-star restaurants, but still, the quality was not as good as in Thailand, in my opinion.
Hate is a strong word, and while I didn’t hate the food in Bali, it left me disappointed majorly.
Traffic Is Awful
If you’ve ever visited Ubud before, you’ll know how bad the traffic can be.
It left me very frustrated. If you don’t know how to ride a motorbike, then a car is your only option for travelling any distance. The narrow roads left us sitting in traffic for long periods.
It took us three hours to get from Denpasar airport to our hotel room. We sat for what felt like years in traffic that was going nowhere.
Not a nice way to start your trip in Bali.
Discover the Best Things To Do In Ubud with my detailed guide.
Reasons Not To Go To Bali
Bali Babes and Bros
If you are not a fan of the wellness enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, or people there simply for Instagram photos, Bali is not for you.
These are the folks who are very passionate about, well, themselves. I say that with love 🙃
I have to point out that I have nothing against these people. But others have much stronger opinions and don’t appreciate this scene. I hear these complaints frequently, which is unfortunate.
Still, Bali is a mecca for these individuals, and you will undoubtedly find them everywhere you go.
Tourist Traps
They certainly exist in Bali and on a great scale.
Canggu, Seminyak, and even Ubud will be packed. The streets of Ubud I where I found it hardest to walk on the sidewalk because so many people were there.
This might sound controversial, but I found the tourists who visited Bali to be among the least friendly and rudest I’ve encountered.
Safety Standards
I have heard numerous reports of boats sinking in the waters around Bali.
Some with mass casualties.
Now, I know this happens everywhere, and people will say this is fear-mongering, but when we travelled from Bali to Gili Trawangan, it did not feel safe.
There were few to no lifejackets present, and you don’t have to look hard online to find recent and older horror stories.
If it doesn’t feel tight to you, trust your gut and move on. This is something I struggled with before and am trying to do better with, too.
Best Time To Visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is between June and August, when it’s not so hot and it’s peak season.
If you go slightly outside in the shoulder season, you can still experience good weather with fewer crowds. The cost will be better, too.
When I visited in July and August, the weather was pristine. No winds, no rain, and sunshine all day. This would be my preferred time.
Is Bali Expensive?
Sure, if you want it to be.
It depends on what kind of traveller you are. If you can only survive in luxury accommodations, then expect a large bill.
If, like me, you choose mid-range options and skip luxuries you don’t value, you can save a significant amount of money while still discovering the best bits of Bali.
For example, when we stayed in Ubud, we paid €287.00 for 14 nights, which included breakfast and a private bathroom. That is exceptional value considering it’s in one of Bali’s touristy towns.
On Bali’s northeastern coast, we stayed in Amed (check out my best things to do in Amed guide). In total, for breakfast and accommodation located right on the beach, we paid €223.00 for 14 nights.
Again, I would argue it’s hard to find such value in Europe, the US or Australia.
In Jimbaran on the west coast close to Denpasar, we paid €155.00 for seven nights.
This is peak high season.
My point is, you can make a trip to Bali cheaply or expensively.
It’s entirely up to you.
Safety Wing Travel Insurance
Final Thoughts/Conclusion – Is Bali Worth Visiting?
For me, Bali is certainly worth visiting at least once.
I experienced some of the most amazing waterfalls, rice fields, and beaches after several months of travelling through Asia and Europe.
Sure, it has problems, but so does almost every popular tourist destination.
If you’re willing to look beyond those issues, you can have a remarkable trip to Bali and make lasting memories in a part of the world that many people skip because of the negative reasons mentioned above.
I recommend checking out my packing list for Southeast Asia to get an idea of what to pack and what to leave at home.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Bali Worth It For A Week?
Yes, Bali is worth visiting for one week. In that time, you can see more than one place, visit waterfalls, and spend time at the beach. While we spent several weeks in Bali, a week gives you breathing time without having to rush through in a quick couple of days. Sideman, Ubud, Amed and Canguu are all worth a visit at least once.
How Many Days In Bali Is Enough?
Bali is huge, and you can spend months exploring the island. A nice amount of time to spend is 2 weeks. That way, you can see popular towns like Ubud or Canggu and visit other parts of the island like Amed and Lovina. You could also take a day trip to the Gili Islands if that interests you. Some travellers spend just a couple of days in Bali, while others spend weeks and make it worth visiting.
Is $1000 Enough For A Week In Bali?
You can survive easily on $1000 a week in Bali and make it a worthwhile visit. If you don’t go for luxury, then it’s quite manageable. If you want to stay in fancy hotels and feel like royalty, then this will be much harder. Food is reasonable if you eat at the family-run eateries found all across the island. The food is good and affordably priced. The tours aren’t so expensive if you go with a group. All in all, you can totally survive on $1000 a week in Bali with ease.
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