Is Bali Worth Visiting? Pros & Cons of Visiting Bali in 2025!

Wondering whether Bali is worth going to or if you should book a holiday elsewhere? You’ve come to the right place. 

As someone who has visited Bali over four times, and has spent months at a time based there, I’ve put together all the pros and cons of Bali as a destination, and whether it’s still worth visiting in 2024.

Like all destinations, Bali has its pros and cons. But it can be hard to figure out whether Bali is worth visiting because there are very polarized opinions about this destination – some people absolutely love it, and others say they wouldn’t go back. 

On one hand, it offers a unique culture, breathtaking temples, and some of the nicest beaches out there.

But, it’s important to know that lots of the areas of the island are overcrowded, it can be tricky getting around, and pollution has become a problem. 

Check out also my places to avoid and where to go instead article, so you’re armed with all you need to know. 

I hope these honest pros and cons of Bali will help you get to the bottom of what Bali is really like, and figure out if it’s the right destination for you! 

Cons of visiting Bali

Some parts are very polluted & dirty

With the massive explosion of tourism in Bali there has been a huge rise in pollution and litter around the island.

I turned up expecting to see glistening white sand beaches and was often met with trashed landscapes that were a huge disappointment. 

Sadly, Indonesia is a big plastic polluter, and a lot of the plastic washes up on Bali’s beaches. There’s a lot of trash in the streets and on the sides of roads too. 

So, should you visit Bali if you’re looking for a picture-perfect beach holiday? Probably not. 

But if you have already booked your flights, don’t panic. You can still find some hidden beaches and there are still several beaches worth visiting in Bali. 

There is over-tourism & big crowds at all the island’s best spots

If you were hoping to go off the beaten track and discover something new, Bali isn’t the right destination for you. It’s gotten increasingly popular over the last few decades and is on everyone’s Indonesia itinerary. 

You’re likely to be swarmed by other tourists at all the temples and beaches you visit, which can take away from the experience.

The influx of tourists has also made the prices go up massively compared to what they once were.

It’s still not an expensive place if you compare it to destinations like Europe and the United States, but it’s worth doing some research ahead of time if you’re looking to travel on a limited budget. 

I think if you arrive knowing that it’s going to be crowded and at times chaotic and overwhelming, you can still make the most of a trip to Bali. 

Crazy traffic & no public transport

The amount of traffic in Bali really shocked me. I arrived imagining lazy tourists strolling down the streets and huddles of friendly locals sipping cool beers and relaxing. Instead, I was faced with crazy drivers and endless traffic. 

Areas like Canguu and Kuta have some of the worst traffic. It’s also worth knowing in advance that there is very limited public transport in Bali.

Everyone rents a scooter to get around, which is fun in most cases, but if you’re not a confident driver and you’re in heavy traffic it can end up being a total nightmare. 

What you see on social media and movies like “Eat, Pray, Love” isn’t the reality

I think one of the things that makes Bali most disappointing is the high expectations we have of it because of influencer posts on Instagram and unrealistic scenes from movies. 

If you’re picturing isolated beaches, tranquil rice fields, and deserted ancient temples you’re in for a real shock. 

My suggestion? Visit Bali with an open mind and try to forget your preconceptions of the place. It’s better to go expecting nothing and let yourself be surprised than expect the impossible and waste precious holiday time!

Pros of visiting Bali

It’s a huge island with a diversity of landscapes, and you can find some quiet spots away from the crowds

As far as islands go, Bali is pretty epic. There’s so much to do, like all these bucket list items, that you’ll quickly fill a short trip. 

From surfing to swimming with turtles, exploring panoramic rice fields to hiking an active volcano in East Java, you won’t run out of things to do anytime soon! 

Another thing to bear in mind is that whilst the most touristy spots are massively overcrowded, you can still find quiet corners of the island – you just have to look a little harder. 

Bali can offer real tranquility, and there are some incredible accommodation options surrounded by nature that you can retreat to. 

Bali has the friendliest locals

As more and more people travel, locals are starting to tire of the influx of crowds and foreigners, but not in Bali. The locals here are some of the most friendly and helpful I’ve come across. 

They’re always happy to help you out or show you around, with big smiles on their faces. For me, this was one of the best bits about Bali. Feeling welcomed by the local people is one of the reasons I always return to Bali.

There’s amazing food of all kinds, from local dishes to pizzas

Like a lot of Asia, Indonesia has incredible cuisine and Bali is no exception. But, it’s not just the local dishes that they make well, there are loads of amazing restaurants serving Western food too.

I guess this is because there are so many foreigners living here and visiting. 

Some of my favorite local dishes were the mie goreng and betutu. But I’ll admit I had my fair share of avocado toasts and smoothie bowls whilst I was in Bali too! 

Everything is great value for money and you can get luxury experiences for low prices

Whilst the prices in Bali have gone up considering what they once were, it’s still far from expensive. Considering the quality of what you get, I would say the prices in Bali are still very low. 

If you’re looking for luxury at a low cost Bali ticks that box. You can rent villas with private pools for the same price it would cost you to get a dorm bed in a hostel in Australia!

Great atmosphere for digital nomads

Bali is a sort of digital nomad heaven. It’s easy to find cabins and villas you can rent on a more long-term basis for cheap, and there is a huge community of freelancers there. 

You won’t need a huge income to sustain yourself, and there’s loads you can get up to on your days off. 

Another perk? The weather! 

Bali has a vibrant wellness & fitness culture

Honestly, it’s not surprising so many people come to Bali looking for spiritual awakenings and personal growth. There is a huge wellness scene on the island, which emphasises a mind, body, and soul approach. 

If you want to go on a retreat, do a yoga course, or treat yourself to a spa holiday without breaking the bank – Bali is the place to come.

There’s nothing you can’t do in Bali, from hypnosis to sunrise yoga. I’d recommend coming with an open mind and trying new things! You can do a lot of it for half the price you could back home. 

That said, most people living in Bali claim to be a coach or healer of some kind, so just check that the people you’re working with are properly qualified first! 

Ubud is particularly known for its wellness and fitness culture, and there’s loads to do there.

Another fascinating thing about Bali is that, unlike the rest of Indonesia which is predominantly Muslim, the locals practice Balinese Hinduism. This makes the island’s traditions and temples of worship particularly unique. 

How to enjoy your time in Bali

If you want to enjoy your time in Bali then you’ll need to come prepared for the crazy traffic, swarms of tourists at every popular site, and often dirty and polluted cities and beaches. 

Once you wrap your head around those realities, you’re much less likely to be disappointed when you arrive. 

I think that for those of you still wondering if Bali is worth visiting, it really depends on the type of traveling you want to do. 

It’s a fantastic destination for digital nomads and anyone who wants to get involved with the spiritual and wellness community on the island. Slow traveling or even staying to live there for a while is definitely the best option. 

Where you base yourself will also influence your opinion of Bali. Personally I love Uluwatu, but on previous trips when I only stuck to Canggu or Seminyak, I didn’t enjoy it as much.

On the other hand, if you’re on a short trip for under two weeks, and you want to see everything at once you might find it a frustrating experience. The queues and crowds can put a real downer on your trip. 

Final thoughts on is Bali worth visiting?

All in all, it’s hard to completely discard Bali as a destination. There’s so much you can do there, a vibrant local culture, insane amounts of holistic workshops you can try out, and you get a lot for your money. 

But, sadly all the best spots on the island are overcrowded, there’s loads of traffic, and at times it can feel dirty and polluted. 

If you go to Bali understanding that it’s a place of dualities, I think it’s worth visiting. 

What do you think? Have you been to Bali before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! I hope this helps you decide whether you should visit Bali!

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