Is Bali Still Worth Visiting? What’s Changed & What Hasn’t

Introduction

Bali used to be a backpacker’s paradise—cheap, beautiful, and culturally rich. But in recent years, it has become one of the most overhyped travel destinations in the world. Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see the same photos: the Gates of Heaven (where tourists wait hours for a fake reflection photo), smoothie bowls in Canggu, and influencers doing yoga in Ubud. But what’s the real Bali like?

Prices have skyrocketed, traffic in Denpasar, Seminyak, and Ubud is worse than ever, and Bali is no longer the untouched paradise many travelers imagine. Canggu and Seminyak feel more like Australian suburbs than Indonesia, and Bali’s most famous beaches—like Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach—are packed with tourists. Even places that were once “hidden gems,” like Melasti Beach Bali and Padang Bai, now have entrance fees and crowds.

But is Bali still worth visiting? That depends on how you travel. If you know where to go, avoid tourist traps, and skip overpriced attractions like Monkey Forest Ubud, you can still find authentic experiences, stunning landscapes, and affordable stays at places like Padma Resort Legian, Alaya Resort Ubud, or even Airbnb Bali villas.

This guide will break down what’s changed, what’s still great, and whether Bali is still worth visiting. Let’s get into the truth behind Bali’s transformation.

What’s Changed in Bali (And Not for the Better)

Bali is still beautiful, but the experience of traveling here has changed drastically over the last decade. What was once a laid-back island with cheap food, quiet beaches, and spiritual retreats has now become a crowded, commercialized hotspot with inflated prices and endless traffic jams. If you visited Bali years ago and are expecting the same experience, prepare for a shock.

1. Prices Have Skyrocketed—Bali Is No Longer “Cheap”

Bali has long been marketed as an affordable paradise, but, that’s only true if you know where to look. Once budget-friendly areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu have become significantly more expensive, especially for accommodation, food, and activities.

Accommodation prices have surged. Budget guesthouses that used to cost $10–15 per night are now closer to $30–40, especially in prime areas like Seminyak, Ubud, and Jimbaran. Even Bali resorts that were once mid-range, like Padma Resort Legian or Alaya Resort Ubud, now charge premium rates.
Western-style cafés charge Western prices. A smoothie bowl in Canggu or Ubud? Expect to pay $10–12—the same as in Sydney or London. Want a coffee? That’ll be $4–6 in most places. If you eat at places like Potato Head Bali or The Haven Seminyak, expect to spend at least $20–30 per meal.
Tourist attractions now have higher entrance fees. Once-free spots like Melasti Beach Bali, Ubud Art Market, and Elephant Cave Ubud (Goa Gajah Bali) now have mandatory entrance fees, often with higher pricing for foreigners.

👉 Personal Experience: When I first visited Bali, I could comfortably travel on $25–30 per day. My last trip? I was easily spending $50–70 per day without doing anything extravagant. I once paid $7 for a coconut in Seminyak Beach—triple the price of a local market.

💡 How to still travel Bali on a budget:

Avoid touristy areas for accommodation. Stay in Sanur Bali, Sidemen, or Amed instead of Canggu or Seminyak.
Eat at warungs, not Western cafés. A plate of nasi campur at a local stall costs $2–3, while an avocado toast in Alila Seminyak costs $12+.
Skip overpriced tours. Renting a scooter and exploring yourself is almost always cheaper than Bali tours that bundle transport with inflated fees.

2. Overcrowding Is Worse Than Ever

Bali’s tourism boom has completely changed the atmosphere of once-tranquil areas. Places that used to feel spiritual or secluded—like Ubud Palace, Kuta Beach, and Padang Bai Bali—are now packed with visitors year-round.

Canggu and Seminyak are completely overrun. Once considered quiet alternatives to Kuta, these areas are now filled with digital nomads, influencers, and short-term tourists. It’s not uncommon to sit in 30–45 minutes of traffic just to go a few kilometers.
Mount Batur Bali hikes now feel like a theme park. What used to be a peaceful sunrise trek is now a long line of tourists paying $30+ for a mandatory guide—despite the fact that it’s an easy hike.
Famous temples are losing their charm. Sites like Goa Gajah Bali (Elephant Cave Ubud) and Tanah Lot are so crowded that you’ll struggle to take a photo without dozens of people in the background.

👉 Personal Experience: When I visited Monkey Forest Ubud years ago, it was a peaceful walk among the trees. My last visit? Selfie-stick wars, tourists feeding monkeys junk food, and people screaming as monkeys jumped on their backpacks. Not exactly the zen experience I remembered.

💡 How to escape the crowds:

Avoid peak season (July–August, Christmas, and Easter). Instead, visit during the shoulder seasons (April–June or September–November).
Go early. Arrive at popular spots like Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace before 8 AM to experience them before the crowds arrive.
Head north or east. Amed, Sidemen, Lovina, and Nusa Lembongan still offer quiet escapes.

3. Tourist Traps & Overpriced Attractions Are Everywhere

Many of Bali’s most famous attractions have become over-commercialized, turning into staged, overpriced tourist factories.

Instagram hotspots are completely staged. The famous “Gates of Heaven” at Pura Lempuyang? There’s a long queue, and the “reflection” is a mirror trick done by locals to get tips.
Bali’s “secret beaches” now have entrance fees. Places like Padangbai and Melasti Beach Bali used to be free—now you have to pay just to step on the sand.
Beach clubs have taken over the coastline. Iconic spots like Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach, and Jimbaran have been overrun with beach clubs charging $10+ per drink and “minimum spends” just to get a decent seat.

👉 Personal Experience: A friend once convinced me to visit Bali Swing, one of the most famous Instagram attractions. It cost $35 just to take a few photos on a swing. Was it worth it? Not even close. Meanwhile, I later found a free rope swing near Amed with no tourists—infinitely better.

💡 How to avoid tourist traps:

Skip the most overhyped attractions. If a place is known mainly for Instagram photos, it’s probably not worth the cost.
Find alternative spots. Instead of Kuta Beach, try Sanur Beach Bali. Instead of Monkey Forest Ubud, try Sangeh Monkey Forest (far fewer tourists).
Don’t pay for staged experiences. The best experiences in Bali—hiking, waterfalls, exploring small villages—are either free or cheap.

4. Infrastructure Struggles—Traffic, Pollution, and Overdevelopment

Bali’s roads and infrastructure weren’t designed to handle this level of tourism. As a result, traffic, pollution, and overdevelopment have become serious issues.

Denpasar, Ubud, and Seminyak now have constant traffic jams. What should be a 15-minute drive can take an hour during peak hours.
Waste management is failing. Bali generates tons of plastic waste daily, and many beaches are covered in garbage during rainy season.
Overdevelopment is destroying nature. Rice terraces in Ubud and Canggu are disappearing to make room for luxury hotels and Bali villas.

👉 Personal Experience: I once rented a scooter to drive from Seminyak to Ubud—a trip that should have taken 1.5 hours. Thanks to endless traffic and bad roads, it took me over 3 hours. The scenic drive I imagined? Just me breathing in exhaust fumes behind a line of taxis and delivery trucks.

💡 How to deal with Bali’s infrastructure issues:

Rent a scooter instead of relying on taxis. Public transport is nearly nonexistent.
Stay outside major tourist hubs. Traffic in Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud is a nightmare—Amed, Sidemen, or Nusa Penida are much calmer.
Visit beaches outside of peak season. Bali’s beaches are at their worst during January–March, when heavy rains wash garbage onto the shore.

What’s Completely Overrated (And Not Worth Your Time)

Bali is full of overhyped attractions that look better on Instagram than in real life. Some places are packed with tourists, ridiculously overpriced, or have lost their authenticity due to commercialization. If you're short on time, here’s what’s not worth the effort.

1. Canggu’s “Digital Nomad Paradise” Hype

Canggu was once a laid-back beach town with a growing community of remote workers. Now, it’s one of the most overdeveloped, overcrowded, and overpriced areas in Bali.

Traffic is a nightmare. What used to be a 10-minute scooter ride now takes 30–45 minutes due to constant congestion.
It’s not even cheap anymore. A basic room in Canggu accommodation costs $40–60 per night, and a simple café meal is $10+—not exactly budget-friendly.
It barely feels like Bali. Walk down Batu Bolong or Berawa, and you’ll hear more English and Russian than Indonesian.

A friend who moved to Canggu in 2018 used to pay $300 per month for a villa. When they returned last year, the same kind of place was $900+—sometimes even more. Meanwhile, many of the rice fields that gave Canggu its charm have been replaced by gray concrete buildings and endless construction.

💡 Where to go instead: If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic beach town, Amed or Nusa Lembongan offer better value without the chaos.

2. Ubud’s “Spiritual Scene” Is a Tourist Machine

Ubud is often described as Bali’s cultural heart, but much of what makes it famous has become a packaged, commercialized version of spirituality.

Yoga and wellness retreats now come with Western price tags. A drop-in class at a high-end yoga studio can cost $15–20, while a retreat package at places like Maya Ubud or Alaya Resort Ubud can run into the thousands.
The “Eat, Pray, Love” crowd has taken over. While there are still authentic experiences, many of Ubud’s wellness spots cater more to influencers than serious practitioners.
Tourist-heavy attractions lack authenticity. At Monkey Forest Ubud, half the experience is watching tourists scream as monkeys steal their sunglasses. Ubud Art Market, once a place for traditional crafts, now sells mass-produced souvenirs.

A traveler I met in Ubud was excited about an “authentic” Balinese healing session. They later told me it felt more like a rehearsed performance than a real spiritual experience. Many locals are aware of what tourists want and simply sell them the version of Bali they expect.

💡 Where to go instead: For a more genuine cultural experience, head to Sidemen—a peaceful alternative to Ubud that still retains its authenticity.

3. Bali’s Instagram Hotspots Are Staged & Overpriced

If an attraction is famous because of Instagram, it’s probably a tourist trap.

The “Gates of Heaven” at Pura Lempuyang: That beautiful reflection you’ve seen in photos? It’s created with a mirror trick. You’ll wait two hours for a picture that looks nothing like reality.
Bali Swing Parks: Want a photo on a swing over a jungle? That’ll be $20–35. There are free swings at some rice terraces, but most tourists don’t know about them.
The overpriced “floating breakfast” trend: Bali resorts like Ayana Resort and Spa Bali or St. Regis Bali offer these, but the reality? A cold, overpriced breakfast sitting in a pool while trying to take photos before the food gets soggy.

A traveler staying at Ayana Bali Resort told me their floating breakfast was “more for photos than eating”—the food was lukewarm, and they ended up ordering a proper meal afterward.

💡 Where to go instead: Instead of Gates of Heaven, visit Lempuyang Temple early in the morning for a real spiritual experience. Instead of Bali Swing, find local swings near Munduk’s rice terraces for free.

4. Kuta Beach & Seminyak Beach Are More Hassle Than Relaxation

If you imagine white sand, clear waters, and peaceful vibes, Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach will disappoint you.

The water isn’t as clean as you’d expect. Especially during rainy season (January–March), Kuta Beach is covered in plastic waste.
Vendors won’t leave you alone. Sit down for two minutes, and you’ll be surrounded by people selling souvenirs, massages, or surf lessons.
It’s crowded and chaotic. What used to be a great surf spot now feels more like a noisy, over-commercialized strip.

A friend of mine tried to watch the sunset at Kuta Beach but left frustrated after getting hassled every five minutes. Meanwhile, less than an hour away, Sanur Beach Bali was nearly empty, offering a much more peaceful experience.

💡 Where to go instead: Skip Kuta and Seminyak, and try Padang Bai, Sanur, or Amed for cleaner, quieter beaches.

5. Traffic & Infrastructure Make Simple Trips a Nightmare

Bali’s infrastructure was never built for this level of tourism. The result? Traffic jams, bad roads, and constant construction.

A short drive in Seminyak or Ubud can take an hour. What should be a 15-minute ride often turns into a stressful experience.
Grab and Gojek are banned in some areas. Thanks to the local taxi mafia, these ride-hailing apps aren’t allowed in places like Ubud and Canggu, forcing tourists into overpriced private drivers.
Bali Airport (DPS) is chaotic. Arriving at Bali Denpasar Airport means dealing with aggressive taxi drivers who try to charge double or triple the actual fare.

A traveler who booked an Airbnb in Canggu Bali told me they loved the villa but hated how long it took to go anywhere. They spent more time sitting in traffic than actually exploring.

💡 How to avoid transport headaches:

Stay outside of main tourist hubs to avoid daily traffic stress.
Rent a scooter if you’re comfortable driving. Just be aware that Bali’s roads can be chaotic.
Pre-arrange an airport transfer so you don’t get scammed at Bali DPS.

How to Do Bali Right (Without Overpaying or Dealing with Crowds)

Bali can still be an amazing destination—but only if you know how to avoid the tourist traps, overpriced experiences, and overcrowded areas. The difference between having a great trip and feeling like you wasted your money comes down to where you stay, what you eat, and how you plan your trip.

Here’s how to experience the best of Bali without the headaches.

1. Stay Outside the Main Tourist Hubs

Accommodation in Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud is expensive, and traffic in these areas is a nightmare. Instead, stay in less touristy areas that still offer great experiences without the inflated prices.

For a peaceful, cultural stay: Sidemen – A rural area with stunning rice terraces, traditional Balinese villages, and fewer tourists.
For quiet beaches and diving: Amed or Tulamben – Some of Bali’s best snorkeling and diving spots, without the crowds of Nusa Penida or Gili Bali.
For a relaxed surf town vibe: Medewi – A great alternative to Canggu with cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds.
For nature and waterfalls: Munduk – A cooler, greener escape with stunning waterfalls and scenic hikes.

Instead of spending $200+ per night at places like Ayana Bali Resort or Mulia Resort Bali, you can find private villas and boutique guesthouses for $30–50 in these quieter areas.

💡 Pro tip: If you really want to stay in Canggu or Seminyak, book accommodation outside the center and rent a scooter to get around. Staying just 10–15 minutes outside these hotspots can save you 40% or more on hotel prices.

2. Eat at Warungs, Not Trendy Cafés

Bali has amazing food—but not in the overpriced Western-style cafés that dominate Seminyak and Canggu. The best meals aren’t avocado toasts or smoothie bowls, they’re local dishes cooked fresh in small family-run warungs.

A meal in a warung costs $2–3, while a meal in a Canggu café is $10–15.
Traditional Balinese food is way better than the tourist-friendly versions. If you’ve never tried babi guling (suckling pig) or nasi campur (mixed rice), you’re missing out.
Many warungs don’t show up on Google Maps—just walk around and find one full of locals.

✅ Best places to eat local food:

Warung Mak Beng (Sanur Bali): Famous for its fresh fish soup.
Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka (Ubud Bali): One of the best places for Balinese roasted pork.
Gianyar Night Market (Near Ubud): The best place to try a variety of authentic Balinese street food.

💡 Pro tip: If a restaurant has an English-only menu with no prices listed, it’s probably overcharging tourists. Look for places that have locals eating there.

3. Travel Smart: Use Scooters & Ride Apps, Not Taxis

Bali’s traffic is getting worse, and taking taxis everywhere will burn through your budget fast.

Renting a scooter is the best way to get around. It costs $3–7 per day, while a single taxi ride can cost $10–30.
Grab and Gojek are much cheaper than taxis, but they’re banned in some areas (like Ubud and Canggu) due to local taxi monopolies.
If you must take a taxi, use Blue Bird. They’re the only metered taxis that won’t overcharge you.

Many tourists assume they can just walk everywhere in places like Seminyak or Ubud, but Bali’s sidewalks are terrible, and distances are longer than they seem. Renting a scooter will save you time, money, and frustration.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, use Grab/Gojek for short trips and hire a private driver for longer day trips. Pre-arrange your airport transfer to avoid getting scammed at Bali Denpasar Airport.

4. Avoid Overpriced Tours & Do It Yourself

Many of Bali’s most popular tours are overpriced and unnecessary. Instead of paying $50–100 for a tour, you can visit most places on your own for a fraction of the cost.

🚫 What’s not worth booking a tour for:

Mount Batur Bali sunrise hikes – You don’t need an expensive tour package. Just go to the nearby village and hire a local guide for half the price.
Nusa Penida day trips – Most tours rush through the island. It’s better to stay one or two nights and explore at your own pace.
Bali Swing Parks – These are overpriced photo setups. There are free swings in Munduk and at some rice terraces.

✅ When a tour is actually worth it:

Diving/snorkeling trips to Nusa Penida or Padang Bai Bali – You’ll need a guide for safety and proper equipment.
Boat transfers to Gili Bali or Nusa Lembongan – Booking with a reliable company is worth it to avoid scams.
Cultural experiences with locals – If you want an authentic Balinese cooking class or temple tour, choose a small, locally-run company instead of big tour agencies.

💡 Pro tip: Before booking a tour, check how much it would cost to do it yourself. In many cases, you’ll save 50% or more by arranging transport and entry tickets independently.

5. Time Your Visits Right to Avoid Crowds

If you visit Bali’s most famous attractions at midday, expect chaos. But with a little planning, you can enjoy them without the crowds.

Go early. Visit popular places like Ubud Palace, Monkey Forest Ubud, and Sanur Beach Bali before 8 AM.
Avoid peak tourist season (July–August, December–January). Prices are highest, and the crowds are overwhelming.
Check the weather. Bali’s rainy season (January–March) can be unpredictable—some waterfalls look better, but beaches get covered in trash from ocean currents.

💡 Pro tip: Many tourists follow the same schedules. Going early in the morning or late in the afternoon can completely change your experience.

Final Thoughts: Bali Is Still Amazing—If You Travel Smart

Bali has changed. It’s more expensive, more crowded, and full of tourist traps. But if you avoid the overpriced spots, explore lesser-known areas, and travel smart, it’s still one of the best destinations in the world.

✅ Bali is worth visiting if:

You’re willing to explore beyond Seminyak and Canggu.
You eat at local warungs instead of overpriced cafés.
You avoid peak tourist hours and visit attractions early.

❌ Bali isn’t for you if:

You expect an untouched paradise with no crowds.
You plan to stay only in Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud.
You aren’t prepared for higher costs than you might expect.

Bali isn’t perfect, but it can still be an incredible experience—if you know how to do it right.

Is Bali Still Worth Visiting? The Final Verdict

Bali is not the paradise it once was, but it’s still an incredible destination—if you travel smart. The island has changed dramatically in the past decade, with rising prices, overwhelming crowds, and over-commercialized attractions.

If your idea of Bali is quiet beaches, cheap living, and untouched nature, you’ll be disappointed. But if you know where to go and how to avoid the tourist traps, you can still find authentic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the best food in Southeast Asia.

Who Will Love Bali?

✅ Travelers who explore beyond the usual tourist zones – If you stay in places like Amed, Sidemen, or Munduk, you’ll still find peace, stunning nature, and traditional Balinese culture.

✅ Surfers and divers – Bali remains one of the best places in the world for surfing and diving, with amazing spots like Uluwatu, Padang Bai, and Nusa Penida.

✅ Food lovers – Skip the overpriced smoothie bowls and eat at warungs, where you’ll find some of the best and most affordable food in Indonesia.

✅ Visitors who plan ahead – If you time your visits early in the morning, use Grab and Gojek for transport, and avoid peak seasons, you can still enjoy Bali without the headaches.

Who Might Be Disappointed?

❌ Anyone expecting a cheap paradise – Accommodation, food, and transport are no longer dirt cheap, especially in areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud.

❌ Tourists who stay only in Bali’s busiest areas – If your trip is limited to Seminyak Beach, Kuta Beach, and Monkey Forest Ubud, you’ll mostly experience crowds, traffic, and overpriced experiences.

❌ Visitors looking for a completely untouched, authentic experience – Bali has been heavily influenced by tourism. While traditional culture still exists, you’ll need to go beyond the usual tourist spots to find it.

The Bottom Line

Bali isn’t for everyone, but it’s still worth visiting if you know what to expect. If you’re looking for affordable, easy travel with a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, Bali is still one of the best options in Southeast Asia. Just be prepared for higher costs, more tourists, and an island that has changed from the budget-traveler dream it once was.

If you avoid the mistakes most travelers make, Bali can still be one of the most rewarding travel experiences out there.