Bali, the “Island of the Gods,” has long captivated visitors with its stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant culture. Known for its beautiful beaches, terraced rice paddies, and spiritual heritage, the island of nearly 4 million people has seen tourism flourish as its economic backbone, contributing an astonishing 61% to its GDP in 2019. That year, 6.3 million international tourists flocked to the island to enjoy its offerings. However, this growth came at a steep environmental cost, with over 1,000 hectares of agricultural land lost each year to tourism-driven development.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought Bali’s tourism to a sudden halt in 2020. The island, which typically saw millions of foreign visitors, recorded only 51 international arrivals in 2021. With international tourism evaporating, many locals struggled to earn a living. Yet, as the pandemic waned, domestic tourists began exploring quieter corners of Bali, such as Penglipuran village, providing some economic relief to less-visited regions.
As restrictions lifted, Bali’s tourism rebounded rapidly. By 2023, visitor numbers surged to 5.3 million, far surpassing government expectations. However, this resurgence has brought about significant challenges. The influx of tourists has been accompanied by unruly behaviour and cultural insensitivity, including inappropriate dress at temples and general disruptions in popular areas like Canggu and Kuta. This has led to an increase in the deployment of tourism police and a doubling of deportations from 188 in 2022 to 340 in 2023.
Infrastructure, too, is feeling the pressure. Traffic congestion has worsened dramatically, with one instance in December 2023 forcing travellers to walk four kilometres to reach the airport. In Canggu, a growing hotspot for new developments, urban congestion has exacerbated existing infrastructure challenges, and many of Bali’s key facilities are struggling to keep pace with the volume of visitors.
The Indonesian government’s goal of attracting 7 million international visitors in 2024 has brought its own set of concerns. Airlines have ramped up flight frequencies, and businesses are bracing for another surge. However, structural challenges remain difficult to address. Water shortages, in particular, are becoming more severe. Tourism accounts for 65% of Bali’s groundwater usage, leaving rivers depleted and local communities struggling with water scarcity. This issue has reached a critical point and is expected to continue into 2025.
Bali’s agricultural sector is also under threat. The UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, a symbol of the island’s agricultural heritage, are under pressure from urban expansion. As farmers are increasingly selling their land to developers, traditional farming practices are being displaced, further escalating concerns about the impact on local food production.
Environmental degradation, such as illegal logging in the Alas Mertajati rainforest, has compounded the island’s water shortage issue and damaged indigenous lands. Project Multatuli’s recent report highlights the plight of the Dalem Tamblingan people, who have lived around Lake Tamblingan and the Mertajati Forest for centuries. However, the Indonesian government’s decision to designate the area as a tourist destination has stripped these indigenous people of their sacred land, leaving their cultural traditions vulnerable to erosion.
The commercialisation of Bali’s culture is another pressing concern. With an increasing number of visitors prioritising social media content over authentic cultural engagement, Bali’s long-standing traditions are at risk of being diluted. An infamous incident saw Russian influencer Luiza Kosykh posing among the roots of a centuries-old tree, claiming her intention was to connect with nature—yet, in doing so, she inadvertently disrupted the deep spiritual connection the Balinese people hold to their land.
While tourism remains a crucial pillar of Bali’s economy, the island is grappling with the growing challenge of balancing its development with the preservation of its cultural heritage, environment, and resources. The need for sustainable tourism practices and a thoughtful approach to growth has never been more urgent.
