Bali is an extremely popular tourist destination, and opinions about the island can differ greatly based on individual preferences and experiences.
This Bali review will cover some common positive aspects and potential drawbacks of the popular Indonesian island, and answer the vital question “is Bali worth visiting?”
Make sure to keep reading for some alternative Indonesian islands to visit if Bali isn’t a fit for you.
Let’s get straight into our honest review of Bali so you can decide for yourself.
Is Bali Worth Visiting? Positive Aspects
Natural Beauty: Bali is known for its stunning landscapes, including picturesque beaches, lush rice terraces, and wild jungles. One thing you cannot take from Bali is its natural beauty.
Cultural Richness: Bali’s unique culture is a huge draw for many tourists. Traditional ceremonies, dances, and arts contribute to a rich cultural experience.
Warm Hospitality: Balinese people are known for their warmth and friendliness.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Bali is home to numerous temples, and there’s a strong spiritual atmosphere on the island.
Diverse Activities: Visiting Bali offers a range of activities, from surfing and diving to exploring cultural sites and enjoying the nightlife. There’s something for every type of traveler.
Well-connected: Bali has an international airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport, making it easily accessible for tourists.
Accommodation: Bali has a wide range of accommodation choices from budget to luxury.
Is Bali Worth Visiting? Potential Drawbacks
Crowds and Commercialization: Some areas of Bali, especially popular tourist spots like Kuta and Seminyak, can be crowded and have a commercialized feel. This might not appeal to those seeking a quieter or more authentic experience.
Find out which is the best area to stay, Kuta or Seminyak.
Traffic and Infrastructure: Traffic in Bali is crazy and dangerous. Traffic congestion can be a challenge in certain areas, and the island’s infrastructure may not be as developed as in some other tourist destinations. Destinations definitely take longer to get to in Bali.
Environmental Concerns: Bali faces challenges related to environmental issues, such as plastic pollution and overdevelopment. It can be extremely upsetting and disappointing witnessing such natural beauty destroyed by the amount of plastic pollution.
Tourist Traps: As a tourist hotspot, Bali has its share of tourist traps. Visitors should be cautious about scams, overpriced goods, and crowded attractions.
Nightlife Noise: While the vibrant nightlife is a reason many tourists visit Bali, it can be a major draw for many more (us included!) If you are looking for a quieter and more chilled experience, the noise and activity in certain areas can be a huge negative.
It can be useful to learn about common scams and to prepare yourself well during your travels.
To sum up, yes Bali is beautiful and offers diverse experiences, however, it’s advisable to explore various regions to find the right balance between popular tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
If you are feeling that perhaps Bali is not for you, don’t worry we are not just going to leave you there – we have some alternative options that just might suit more to what you are searching for.
Take a look at these amazing offers below and find out the price for a customized private tour around Bali.
Is Bali Worth Visiting? Bali or Java
Put simply, Java is an adventurers paradise, with some of the most unique landscapes you will ever witness.
Choosing to visit Java over Bali of course depends on your preferences and the type of experiences you’re seeking.
Here are some reasons why you might consider visiting Java:
Cultural Heritage: Java has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites such as Borobudur and Prambanan, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These ancient temples are masterpieces of Indonesian architecture.
Diverse Landscapes: Java offers a diverse range of landscapes such as the volcanic wonders of Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen. If you’re interested in exploring various natural environments, Java provides more varied options compared to Bali.
Urban Exploration: Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is located on Java. If you enjoy urban experiences, Java offers the opportunity to explore Jakarta’s modern city life.
Local Culture: Java is home to various ethnic groups, including the Javanese, Sundanese, and Betawi. Exploring the local cultures, traditions, and arts in different regions of Java can provide a more diverse cultural experience compared to Bali.
Javanese People: The Javanese people deserve their own point because they truly are some of the genuinely nicest, friendliest people we have ever encountered and one of the main reasons that Java is our favourite Indonesian island.
Less Touristy Feel: While Bali is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and resorts, some parts of Java may offer a less touristy feel. If you prefer a more off-the-beaten-path experience, you might find certain areas in Java to be less crowded.
Adventure Activities: Java’s diverse landscapes provide opportunities for adventure activities, such as trekking on volcanoes like Mount Bromo, exploring the best waterfall in Indonesia, and witness Mount Ijen‘s blue fire.
Read all about how to hike Mount Bromo for FREE.
Ultimately, the choice between Java and Bali depends on your interests and the type of vacation you’re looking for.
If you’re drawn to cultural and historical sites, diverse landscapes, and a less touristy atmosphere, Java may be the preferred destination.
However, both islands offer unique experiences, and it’s worth considering what aspects of Indonesian culture and nature appeal to you the most.
Read all about the best 7-day Java itinerary to see if a Java adventure might suit you more.
Is Bali Worth Visiting? Bali or Lombok
Visiting Lombok over Bali can offer a very different and potentially more relaxed experience.
Here are some reasons why you might consider visiting Lombok instead of Bali:
Less Crowded: While Bali is a popular and busy tourist destination, Lombok tends to be less crowded, with a more chilled and peaceful atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter and less touristy environment, visiting Lombok might be a better fit.
Untouched Nature: Lombok is soaked in stunning natural landscapes with pristine beaches, lush greenery, and the iconic Mount Rinjani, an active volcano. If you’re seeking a more untouched and less developed natural setting, Lombok can provide a more rugged and authentic feel.
Diverse Beaches: Lombok offers a variety of beaches with different characteristics, from the powdery white sands of Kuta Beach to the pink sands of Tangsi Beach.
Cultural Experience: Lombok has its own distinct Sasak culture, offering a different cultural experience compared to Bali.
Gili Islands: Lombok is known for its close distance to the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno). These paradise islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of Bali’s busier beach areas.
Water Activities: Lombok is a great destination for water activities, including snorkeling, diving, and surfing, particularly around the Gili Islands.
Rinjani National Park: For adventure enthusiasts, Mount Rinjani and its surrounding national park offer trekking and hiking experiences. The summit climb provides breathtaking views of the island and the nearby Gili Islands.
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While Bali and Lombok are geographically close, they offer very different and unique atmospheres and attractions.
Visiting Lombok over Bali might be ideal if you seek a more tranquil environment, diverse and less crowded beaches, and a unique cultural experience.
Lombok offers less busier attractions that are definitely worth a visit!
Again, it’s always a good idea to consider your preferences and the type of vacation you desire when making the decision if Bali is worth visiting.
Again, check out your Ultimate Lombok Guide to find out if a Lombok adventure is more up your street.
Take a moment to consider the potential cost of Indonesia holiday, and start planning a once-in-a-lifetime holiday now!!!
So, Is Bali Worth Visiting?
In answering the question “Is Bali worth visiting?”, our opinion is absolutely yes.
However, rather than spending all your Indonesia holiday on the Bali island, we would highly suggest adding it to an Ultimate Indonesia itinerary to get a well rounded experience of all that Indonesia has to offer.
Is Bali worth visiting? What do you think? Did this article help make up your mind on the matter? Which Indonesian island appeals to you most?
We would love to hear your thoughts about visiting Bali.
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