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Is Bali Worth the Trip in 2025? Unpacking Fodor’s Controversial No List and the Call for Sustainable Tourism

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Fodor’s Magazine Ranks Bali as Top Destination to Avoid in 2025 Amid Concerns of Overtourism

Bali, Indonesia – In a bold move that has ignited debates among travel experts and local officials, Bali has been named the number one destination to avoid in 2025 by Fodor’s Magazine. As part of its annual ‘no list,’ the publication cites overtourism as a primary concern driving this unsavory label. As Bali braces for the upcoming festive high season, leaders and tourism advocates are pushing back against this portrayal, arguing that the challenges facing the island are complex and multifaceted.

Overtourism and Its Consequences

Fodor’s list, which rates fifteen destinations for travelers to reconsider, places Bali at the top, alongside other iconic locales such as Barcelona, Venice, Koh Samui, and Mount Everest. The travel news site described rapid, uncontrolled development spurred by tourism as a significant factor negatively impacting Bali’s natural habitats and cultural heritage. Fodor’s asserts that the island is at risk of what they term a “plastic apocalypse,” with once-pristine beaches—such as Kuta and Seminyak—now marred by waste.

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“Local waste management systems are struggling to keep up,” the magazine notes, painting a grim picture of Bali’s environmental crisis. However, many local leaders refute the notion that the beaches are constantly overwhelmed by plastic waste. They highlight that while certain areas in southern Bali face significant issues such as traffic congestion and rapid development, other regions remain untouched and ready for exploration.

A Call for Responsible Tourism

Local tourism experts are advocating for a shift in focus rather than a total boycott. They suggest that regenerative tourism models could play a crucial role in reconciling the challenges that arise from rapid growth in the most populated areas of the island. “We can work toward solutions, but it requires collaboration across all sectors,” said Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board.

Adnyana emphasized that the problems are centered around the concentrated influx of tourists in South Bali, rather than overtourism across the entire island. “Bali deserves better than to be labeled as a destination to avoid in 2025. Our challenge is addressing the pressures in the southern areas while promoting other culturally rich and naturally beautiful parts of Bali,” he explained.

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Criticism of Overarching Claims

Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, known locally as Cok Ace and the former Deputy Governor of Bali, disputed Fodor’s claims, questioning the validity of the overtourism label without clear metrics for evaluating carrying capacity. He pointed out that congestion in certain hotspots is often due to inadequate infrastructure and the uncontrolled issuance of business permits rather than an absolute overabundance of visitors.

Other leaders also view Fodor’s ‘no list’ as an opportunity for introspection. I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), stressed the importance of evaluating Bali’s strengths and weaknesses. “This serves as a wake-up call for us to improve our infrastructure, address traffic congestion, and enhance cleanliness and security across the island,” he said.

The Path Forward

Bali’s tourism leaders are rallying for a united front to tackle these pressing issues, asserting that collaboration among government bodies, tourism stakeholders, and local communities is essential to create a sustainable framework for tourism that reflects Bali’s cultural and environmental priorities.

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As the island prepares for the influx of visitors during the high season, the challenge will be ensuring that tourism development is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial for all. Bali’s leaders are hopeful that with collective effort, the island can redefine its image and safeguard its unique cultural identity, offering travelers authentic experiences far beyond the tourist traps.

In summary, while concerns regarding overtourism are valid, local leaders remain optimistic about addressing these challenges and reestablishing Bali as a destination that fully embodies the rich traditions and beauty for which it is renowned.

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