The Global Problem of Overtourism and Why Bali Is at a Tipping Point
By I Gde Suranaya Pandit, The Jakarta Post
Published June 25, 2025
From the winding canals of Venice to the sacred temples of Kyoto, some of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations are facing a common challenge: overtourism. The surge in visitor numbers has led to overcrowded streets, environmental degradation, and growing frustration among local communities. This global phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Southeast Asia’s tourism hotspots, with Bali standing out as an island that is rapidly approaching a critical tipping point.
Overtourism: A Growing Global Challenge
Tourism has long been a major driver of economic growth in many countries, but when it surpasses the capacity of destinations to accommodate visitors sustainably, adverse effects begin to surface. Overcrowded sites lead not only to diminished experience for tourists but also strain local infrastructure, natural resources, and cultural heritage. Venice has battled with flooded streets inundated by throngs of tourists, while Kyoto wrestles with preserving its ancient temples amid swelling crowds.
In the ASEAN region, where tourism forms a significant part of national income, the consequences are especially severe. Thailand’s Maya Bay famously closed temporarily due to ecological damage caused by mass tourism, and the Philippines’ Boracay underwent a six-month shutdown to rehabilitate the island’s natural environment. Similar challenges are unfolding in Bali, where an unprecedented influx of tourists risks undermining the island’s allure and way of life.
Bali’s Overwhelming Popularity and Its Consequences
Bali has long been touted as a tropical paradise, famed for its picturesque beaches, verdant jungles, rich cultural traditions, and welcoming communities. Pre-pandemic figures showed more than six million tourists visiting annually—a number that consistently tested the limits of the island’s infrastructure and ecosystem.
Several factors contribute to this tourism boom: affordable air travel options, visa-free entry policies, aggressive marketing via social media platforms showcasing Instagram-worthy spots like Kuta, Ubud, and Nusa Penida, and budget airlines that make the island accessible to a global audience. However, the rapid growth in visitors has outpaced infrastructure development, leading to narrow congested roads, water shortages, overwhelmed waste management systems, and an economy heavily reliant on tourism—with over half of local income stemming from visitor spending.
The consequences are harsh and multifaceted. Environmentally, Bali’s beaches are increasingly littered with plastic, freshwater sources have been depleted, and coral reefs have suffered significant damage. Socially, residents are being displaced by rising property prices and tourist-driven overcrowding, pushing many Balinese out of their own communities. Culturally, sacred sites risk becoming mere backdrops for photo opportunities, eroding the island’s deep spiritual heritage. Traffic woes are common, with notorious jams in popular areas such as Canggu and Seminyak stretching for hours.
Growing public discontent has sparked movements like “Bali is Not for Tourists, Bali is for Balinese,” signaling escalating concern among locals about the unchecked growth of tourism. Without substantive change, the island’s unique charm and quality of life are at serious risk.
Towards Sustainable Tourism in Bali
Addressing overtourism requires the adoption of sustainable tourism models that balance economic benefits with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Sustainable development in tourism aims to ensure long-term improvements in economic welfare, social well-being, and environmental quality—preserving resources and cultural assets for future generations.
Bali, with its limited natural resources and fragile ecosystem, is an ideal candidate for such sustainable approaches. Implementing sustainable tourism means safeguarding the island’s natural beauty, cultural identity, and agricultural heritage while maintaining economic vitality.
Key pillars of sustainable tourism development in Bali include:
- Economic Sustainability: Ensuring tourism activities support the long-term viability and competitiveness of destinations. This includes maximizing local benefits from tourism spending and encouraging community-driven growth.
- Social Equity: Fair and equitable distribution of tourism benefits among all stakeholders, including informal workers such as street vendors, drivers, masseuses, and artisans who heavily depend on tourist activity.
- Environmental Conservation: Protecting Bali’s beaches, coral reefs, forests, and agricultural lands through ecotourism, green tourism, and responsible visitor practices.
- Cultural Preservation: Respecting sacred sites and traditions by managing visitor access and promoting responsible cultural tourism.
Examples of sustainable tourism initiatives include:
- Responsible tourism at religious sites like Pura Agung Besakih, encouraging respectful visitor conduct.
- Nature tourism activities such as guided jungle treks in Munduk that support reforestation efforts.
- Community-driven tourism in villages like Tenganan Pagringsingan to promote fair economic participation.
- Accessible tourism improvements in areas like Trunyan Batur to welcome diverse visitor groups.
- Ecotourism at Jatiluwih’s terraced rice fields and green tourism in West Bali National Park.
- Agritourism initiatives, including coffee plantation tours in Kintamani supporting sustainable farming.
Supporting Bali’s Informal Economy
While formal tourism businesses have access to resources and infrastructure, many informal workers face vulnerabilities amid efforts to control visitor numbers. Street vendors, drivers, masseuses, and craftsmen rely on daily tourist spending for survival. To ensure reforms do not harm these groups, strategies must include vocational training, skills development for sustainable tourism roles (such as eco-tour guiding and cultural ambassadorship), and digital literacy training to expand online marketing capabilities.
Additionally, establishing fair tourism cooperatives can empower local workers to pool resources and improve their access to markets, creating a more equitable and resilient tourism economy.
The Way Forward
Bali stands at a defining moment where decisive action can prevent irreversible damage and preserve its natural and cultural wealth. Sustainable tourism, rooted in balance across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, offers the best path forward. It requires collaboration among governments, local communities, businesses, and tourists alike to practice responsible travel, invest in infrastructure, and honor the island’s heritage.
If managed well, Bali can continue to welcome the world’s visitors without sacrificing the very qualities that make it an enduring paradise. However, if over tourism persists unchecked, the island risks losing not only its ecological health but also its soul—a loss that would affect both Bali and the global community that cherishes it.
For more insights on tourism and cultural issues, subscribe to The Jakarta Post’s weekly “Viewpoint” newsletter.
Add a comment