Bali suffers from 'overtourism'. Here's what Australian travellers say about it

Bali overtourism

Newly elected Bali governor, I Wayan Koster, says he wants to clamp down on tourists misbehaving on motorbikes, not wearing helmets, and wearing inappropriate clothes. Credit: Getty Images/Agung Parameswara

Bali is listed as one of the not-to-visit destinations for 2025. What do Australian tourists think about the island's tourism?


Bali was recently included in Fodor’s ‘No List 2025’ of places to avoid or reconsider, alongside the likes of Venice, Barcelona and Koh Samui.

The yearly list, compiled by the US-based travel guide, highlights destinations that are loved by tourists but now considered untenable due to their popularity.

Rapid, unchecked development spurred by overtourism is encroaching on Bali's natural habitats, eroding its environmental and cultural heritage, and creating a 'plastic apocalypse'.
Fodor's
According to the Bali Province Central Statistics Agency, the number of foreigner visits via airport and port in Bali throughout 2024 was over 6.3 million, with Australia the biggest country of origin with more than 1.5 million visitors.

So, what do Bali-regular Aussies think about Bali's inclusion on this list?

SBS Indonesian talked to Toni Pollard, Sydneysider who will make her 81st visit to Bali in May this year.

There's also Bianca, a mother of three from Perth who offered her travel tips to the island.

Listen to full podcast.


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