Bali has caught the attention of travelers worldwide, but not in the way you might expect. Fodor’s Magazine has named it the top destination to avoid in 2025 on its ‘No List,’ citing overtourism as a major issue. As someone who has spent unforgettable moments in Bali, like sipping coffee on a quiet morning in Ubud, this news feels like a double-edged sword.
Bali At the Top of Fodor’s ‘No List’
According to Fodor’s, Bali tops a list of 15 destinations to reconsider visiting in 2025, alongside other famous spots like Barcelona, Venice, Koh Samui, and even Mount Everest. This ranking has sparked a conversation about the consequences of overtourism—not just in Bali, but globally.
The Side Effects of Overtourism in Bali
While exploring Bali, I remember strolling through beautiful rice terraces, only to confront the stark reality of litter in famous locations like Kuta and Seminyak. It’s heartbreaking to see once-pristine landscapes overshadowed by pollution. Fodor’s pointed out that “rapid, unchecked development” is threatening Bali’s unique cultural and environmental heritage, leading to what they describe as a “plastic apocalypse.”
Impact on Local Life and Culture
As I talked with friends who live in Bali, they shared how tourism is straining traditional practices such as the subak irrigation system, which has been essential for local rice farming for centuries. Kristin Winkaffe, a travel expert, highlighted that these systems are now being burdened as more water is funneled to accommodate tourists. It makes you think: what price are we paying for our vacation selfies?
Calls for Support and Sustainable Solutions
Local tourism leaders are pushing back against Fodor’s conclusions. The Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board, Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, emphasizes that the real issue isn’t the number of tourists but their concentration in certain areas. Just like I noticed while exploring less touristy regions like Amed, many parts of Bali offer culture and natural beauty waiting to be discovered. Adnyana insists that instead of shunning Bali in 2025, we should focus on distributing tourism more evenly—giving other parts of the island a chance to shine.
Former Deputy Governor Cok Ace pointed out, “What are we even measuring when we say Bali is experiencing overtourism?” He advocates for more well-planned infrastructure and better control of business permits to manage tourism more effectively. It’s a stark reminder of the balance between inviting tourists and preserving the essence of Bali.
The Path Forward for Bali
The consensus amongst local leaders and experts seems clear: Bali is in need of collaborative efforts to foster a more sustainable and inclusive tourism economy. Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, remarked that this ranking offers Bali a chance to self-reflect and make necessary changes. It’s about assessing infrastructure, traffic congestion, and hygiene standards—essentially asking ourselves, “What kind of experience do we want to offer?”
As a traveler and a fan of Bali, I can only hope that this moment serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved. Instead of avoiding Bali in 2025, imagine investing in its future. We have a chance to promote responsible tourism and help preserve the beautiful culture and the enchanting landscapes we all love.
In conclusion, let’s champion a better balance that allows travelers to experience the richness of Bali without compromising the island’s heritage. Together, we can ensure that Bali thrives not just as a destination, but as a culturally rich community that continues to charm visitors for generations to come.
