Sunday, November 24, 2024 Bali, the idyllic Indonesian island renowned for its stunning natural beauty, has been highlighted as a top destination to avoid in 2025 due to concerns that its charm has been significantly eroded by tourism. A travel site’s annual report has placed Bali on its “no list,” alongside 15 other popular spots, including Barcelona, Venice, Koh Samui, and Mount Everest. This designation underscores the impact of “untenable popularity” on these destinations.
Tourism’s Impact on Bali’s Environment According to the travel site’s editors, there exists a crucial link between the natural environment and the tourism industry on the island. They noted that the sheer volume of visitors threatens to degrade both. Reports indicate that rapid and unchecked development, driven by over-tourism, is encroaching upon Bali’s natural habitats, resulting in significant damage to its environmental and cultural heritage.
Once-pristine beaches like Kuta and Seminyak are reportedly overwhelmed by litter, with local waste management systems struggling to cope with the influx of garbage. The Central Bureau of Statistics for Bali Province noted that approximately 3.5 million foreign tourists had visited the island in just the first seven months of 2024.
Such strong post-pandemic numbers have intensified the pressure on Bali’s resources, particularly in the southern regions, where a high concentration of resorts, heavy traffic, and waste management challenges are .
