Why Is Bali So Popular?
To save you time. Bali is so popular because of Instagram and its popularity is overrated.
Instagram is a highlight reel machine. It has shot Bali up to an undeserved elevation on the status-sphere of vacation destinations.
"Underserved, Matt? Thats a bit subjective, how dare you, you don't know what's best for me."
Stop it. I follow Australians on Instagram because they surf, I'm mapping out an itinerary for Australia, and they look like they know what's fun. They all point their wallaby loving fingers towards Bali. But this time they're wrong.
This place is not worth a day of your life spent on a plane. I believe your life is worth more than that.
When it comes to vacation destinations, the relationship between Australia and Bali mirrors that of the United States and Mexico. The punchline is its cheap drinks, warm weather, and philandering.
Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. East of Java and west of Lombok, and the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan to the southeast. Most importantly, after all of that information, its more than 23 hours of flight.
One key component of its popularity is its proximity.
Australians flock to Bali for its good beaches, parties, and cultural experiences, much like how Americans travel to Mexico for the allure of its coastal towns and vibrant heritage. Both Bali and Mexico are convenient, cost-effective, and accessible destinations, offering a break from everyday life without a long-haul flight.
Australia flight time 3 hours.
America flight time 23 hours.
Most likely you're American reading this, and if that's the case. Go somewhere else. I suggest better options below.
Reconsidering Indonesia.
Indonesia is generally considered safe for travelers, but like any country, it has areas where safety can vary. The popular tourist destinations like Bali, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta are relatively safe. However, it's essential to exercise caution regarding petty crime, scams, and natural hazards like earthquakes or volcanic activity.
Staying informed about local conditions, respecting cultural norms, and following general travel safety practices will help ensure a safe experience in Indonesia.
While Bali has its charm, there are several cons to consider:
1. Long Flight from New York: Flights from New York to Bali typically take 22 to 26 hours with layovers, making the journey exhausting and costly.
2. Lacking Infrastructure: Some areas of Bali suffer from unreliable infrastructure, with frequent issues related to electricity, water, and internet connectivity. I've seen countless posts about travelers Airbnbs flooding or being poor in quality in comparison to the photos.
3. Bad Traffic: Bali is known for its heavy traffic, especially in popular tourist areas. Narrow roads and a high number of motorbikes lead to frequent congestion.
4. Unsafe Traffic Conditions: The lack of strict traffic regulations and local driving practices make the roads hazardous, especially for tourists unfamiliar with motorbike riding.Visitors arrive, rent scooters, drive recklessly or even inebriated, and then end up in the hospital for road rash or broken arms. Its not irregular to see many people walking with bandages because they underestimated the chaotic nature of their traffic. Injuries that happen in Bali, don't stay in Bali.
5. Bali Belly (GI Distress): Many visitors experience "Bali Belly," a common form of gastrointestinal distress caused by contaminated food or water. Drinking only bottled water and being cautious about food sources are necessary precautions.
6. High Medical Bills: There is not a moment traveling through Bali you do not see an Australian or Caucasian walking in casts and bandages. While there are hospitals in Bali, the quality can be inconsistent, and medical bills, especially for tourists, can be very high. For serious medical issues, people often need to travel to neighboring countries for better care, which adds to the expense.
These challenges can severely impact your overall travel experience, especially for those unprepared for the conditions.
If you really want to devote a whole day inside a plane, go to Fiji or Bora Bora. Or while you're down there, both. Flights aren't much more in cost and its 6 hours less of travel time. Travel safe.
If you want more travel hacks I use to save money, be safe, and find the coolest areas, check out The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide, even if you aren't solo traveling, there's a lot of helpful information in it.
