Indonesia’s Bali Named World’s Second Most Crowded Island as Overtourism Concerns Grow
Bali, Indonesia – July 9, 2025
Bali, Indonesia’s famed tourist destination, has been officially ranked as the world’s second most crowded island, trailing only its neighbor Java. The surge in visitors and residents is sparking mounting concerns about overcrowding and housing shortages among the island’s local population.
According to a report by the national newspaper Kompas, citing data from online market researcher Visual Capitalist, Bali—which spans 5,780 square kilometers (2,230 square miles)—has a population density of approximately 731 people per square kilometer, excluding tourists. With around 4.2 million permanent residents, the island sees over 60,000 tourists arriving daily on average. In 2024, more than 6.3 million foreign visitors traveled to Bali, solidifying its status as Indonesia’s most popular tourist spot.
Despite its challenges, Bali continues to attract international acclaim. The island was named the world’s most beautiful island in 2025 according to a study conducted by travel agency Travelbag, as reported by Tempo news magazine. This global recognition has contributed to a booming tourism-driven economy, with over half of Bali’s economic activity linked directly to the tourist sector, notes The Jakarta Post.
However, the rapid influx of tourists is taking a toll on local residents. Many feel the island’s growth has compromised their quality of life due to overcrowding and increased competition for housing. Denpasar native Wahyuni, 41, reflected on these pressures, telling Kompas, “The population density in Bali is a big challenge for me as a villager wanting to feel comfortable in my own environment.” His sentiments echo a broader outcry from communities who are struggling to adapt to the strain of overtourism.
Visitors flock to iconic sites like Kuta Beach, but alongside the picturesque settings, locals are voicing grievances about how the swell of tourism is affecting their everyday experiences. The crowded streets and escalating housing costs are feeding fears that Bali’s once tranquil charm is being overshadowed by its booming popularity.
As Bali grapples with these challenges, authorities and stakeholders face increasing pressure to find sustainable solutions that balance the island’s economic reliance on tourism with the well-being of its residents. The future of Bali’s identity as both a cultural treasure and a tourism hotspot may depend on addressing the delicate equilibrium between welcoming visitors and preserving the community’s quality of life.
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