Bali is hyped.
But is it worth it?
Many travelers leave disappointed — stuck in traffic, caught in tourist traps, and wondering what all the fuss was about. The truth? Bali is not for everyone. And unless you know where to go, you’ll waste time (and money).
Let’s talk about the overrated places in Bali — and what to do instead.
❌ 1. Canggu: Bali’s Instagram Illusion
Everyone raves about Canggu. Influencers love it. But for most people, it’s a letdown.
The truth:
- Overbuilt cafes and shops
- Traffic jams everywhere
- Party scene that feels forced and loud
Unless you’re into overpriced lattes and digital nomad clichés, Canggu is one of the most overrated places in Bali.
✅ Go here instead:
Head to Ubud for real culture, jungle escapes, waterfalls, and peace. Ubud still feels like the “real Bali” — something Canggu lost years ago.
⛔ 2. The Bali Swing & Viral Temples Are Tourist Traps
You’ve seen the photos — the dramatic swing, the “Heaven’s Gate” temple. But what you haven’t seen is the:
- Endless queues
- Paid photographers
- Edited skies and fake experiences
Swing and Lempuyang Temple? Tourist traps.
You’ll waste hours waiting for a 5-second photo.
✅ Try this instead:
Do the Mount Batur sunrise hike — real nature, no filters, no lines. Or escape Bali completely and hike Mount Bromo in Java for an unforgettable volcano trek.
🙈 3. Monkey Forest: The Tourist Scam Nobody Warns You About
The Ubud Monkey Forest is marketed as a peaceful animal sanctuary. In reality:
- It’s packed with aggressive monkeys
- Visitors regularly report bites and theft
- It’s overpriced and unsafe
Skip it. It’s a selfie trap with serious downsides.
✅ Want real wildlife?
Take a multi-day boat tour to Komodo Island. You’ll see Komodo dragons in the wild and swim with giant manta rays in Manta Bay. No cages. No chaos. Just raw nature.
🧘 4. Solo Travel in Bali: Surprisingly Safe, But Not For Everyone
Yes, Bali is safe. But that doesn’t mean it’s the ideal solo destination for everyone.
If you’re a woman traveler or a first-timer, Bali can feel:
- Overwhelming in tourist zones
- Difficult to navigate beyond the hype
- Full of scams targeting solo travelers
✅ That said — if you go with the right mindset, skip the party towns, and dive into yoga retreats or jungle escapes, Bali can be healing.
✅ Final Take: Bali Can Be Amazing — If You Avoid the Tourist Circus
The sad reality is that most people visiting Bali only see the tourist trap version: swings, smoothies, and staged selfies.
If you want real Bali?
- Avoid the hype
- Skip Canggu and tourist traps
- Go deep — not viral
Bali isn’t overrated — but your itinerary probably is.
