Bali’s reputation as a top tourist destination has been challenged by a controversial claim that shocked the online world. Fodor’s, a respected travel guide publisher from the United States, has included Bali in its No List 2025, labeling it as a destination unfit for tourists. This assertion immediately drew criticism, with Bali’s Head of Tourism Agency, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, strongly refuting the claim.
“Bali remains an exceptional destination. It’s not just suitable now but at any time,” Pemayun affirmed on Monday (November 25, 2024), as quoted by detikBali.
The uproar began when Fodor’s pointed out that Bali’s rapid and unchecked tourism-driven development has severely impacted its natural habitats and cultural heritage. The travel guide highlighted a concerning “plastic apocalypse” and warned of the fragile interdependence between Bali’s tourism industry and its environment.
“Bali’s thriving hospitality industry relies heavily on the health of its landscapes,” Fodor’s noted.
The statistics paint a clear picture. Data from Bali’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reveals that the island welcomed around 5.3 million international visitors in 2023, signaling a robust recovery post-pandemic. By mid-2024, foreign tourist arrivals had surged to 3.5 million, a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
However, this rapid recovery has placed immense pressure on Bali’s infrastructure. Formerly pristine beaches like Kuta and Seminyak are now struggling with piles of waste, overwhelming local management systems. According to Bali Partnership, a coalition addressing waste issues, the island generates approximately 1.6 million tons of waste annually, including nearly 303,000 tons of plastic.
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Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, however, offered a different perspective on the matter. She attributed the overcrowding at Bali’s southern hotspots not to an excessive number of tourists but to the unequal distribution of visitors. Northern and western Bali, she emphasized, remain underexplored despite their significant potential.
“Overcrowding in southern Bali is due to uneven visitor distribution, not over-tourism,” Widiyanti clarified in a statement on Friday (November 22, 2024).
The Ministry of Tourism is taking steps to address these concerns. Widiyanti highlighted initiatives such as promoting community-based tourism, implementing stricter environmental regulations, and working with stakeholders to educate visitors on respecting local culture and preserving Bali’s natural beauty.
Efforts to balance tourism and sustainability are crucial for Bali’s future. While the Bali in No List 2025 verdict has sparked debates, local authorities and stakeholders are determined to protect the island’s reputation and ensure it continues to be a world-class destination.
