The Global Crisis of Over Tourism and Why Bali is at a Tipping Point
By I Gde Suranaya Pandit — The Jakarta Post | June 25, 2025
From historic canals in Venice to the ancient temples of Kyoto, the world’s most treasured travel destinations are grappling with the overwhelming impact of over tourism. Increasing visitor numbers have led to overcrowded streets, environmental degradation, and rising tensions among local communities. This unsustainable growth poses an existential threat to popular sites globally, and nowhere is this challenge more vividly illustrated than in Bali, Indonesia.
Over Tourism: A Global Challenge
Over tourism refers to a destination attracting more visitors than it can sustainably support. The consequences include destruction of natural habitats, strain on local infrastructure, and socio-cultural disruptions. Many famous locations across the globe are now locked in a battle to balance maximizing economic benefits from tourism while protecting their environment and heritage.
In the ASEAN region—where tourism remains a vital economic pillar—this problem is particularly acute. For instance, Thailand was forced to temporarily close the iconic Maya Bay after ecological damage from excessive visitors, and the Philippines undertook a six-month shutdown of Boracay Island to rehabilitate its environment. Yet, the strain on Bali is perhaps the most palpable and urgent.
Bali: Paradise Under Pressure
Bali’s alluring beaches, vibrant traditions, and rich natural beauty make it a magnet for tourists worldwide. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the island welcomed over 6 million foreign visitors annually. This surge has been fueled by several factors: the rise of budget airlines, visa-free policies for many nationalities, and social media platforms showcasing Bali’s famed Instagrammable spots like Kuta, Ubud, and Nusa Penida.
However, Bali’s infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. Overcrowded, narrow roads lead to frequent and lengthy traffic jams, particularly in popular areas such as Canggu and Seminyak. The island faces critical challenges in water supply — with shortages impacting both residents and visitors — while waste management remains insufficient to cope with the volume of plastic and trash generated. Furthermore, the local economy is highly dependent on tourism, with over 50% of income linked to visitors, making the issue complex and sensitive.
Environmental, Cultural, and Social Risks
If left unaddressed, over tourism threatens serious environmental damage, including polluted beaches, coral reef deterioration, and depleted freshwater resources. Socially and culturally, the impact is equally alarming. Rising property values and rents have displaced many local Balinese, eroding traditional ways of life and community cohesion. Sacred temples and cultural sites risk losing their sanctity as they become overcrowded photo opportunities for tourists rather than places of reverence.
Local resistance movements such as “Bali is Not for Tourists, Bali is for Balinese” reflect growing frustrations among residents concerned about the island’s future. The risk is that Bali’s unique charm and liveability could be lost, replaced by a purely commercialized and environmentally degraded landscape.
Embracing Sustainable Tourism
Experts agree that Bali’s survival hinges on adopting sustainable tourism—a model that balances economic growth with environmental preservation and socio-cultural integrity, ensuring benefits are shared fairly across communities and generations. Sustainable tourism emphasizes responsible travel practices, community involvement, and environmental conservation.
Sustainable tourism development aims to preserve Bali’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and agricultural traditions while continuing to provide economic opportunities. It encourages tourism activities that improve the destination for both visitors and residents, such as eco-friendly nature tours, community-based tourism projects in traditional villages, and promoting green practices in hotels and resorts.
Examples of sustainable initiatives include:
- Nature Tourism: Guided jungle treks in Munduk supporting local reforestation.
- Fair Tourism: Promoting visits to villages like Tenganan Pagringsingan that enable equitable economic benefits.
- Accessible Tourism: Ensuring tourist services are inclusive, seen in Trunyan Batur village.
- Ecotourism: Conservation-focused visits to locations such as the Jatiluwih terraced rice fields.
- Agritourism: Coffee plantation tours in Kintamani that support rural economies and sustainable farming.
Supporting Informal Workers and Inclusive Growth
The informal sector—street vendors, tour guides, massage therapists, and artisans—plays a crucial role in Bali’s tourism economy, often relying on day-to-day tourist spending. Tourism reforms that focus solely on limiting visitor numbers risk sidelining these vulnerable groups.
To achieve inclusive sustainable tourism, programs should focus on formalizing and upgrading the skills of informal workers through vocational training, helping them transition to green and sustainable tourism roles. Enhancing digital literacy can empower small businesses to reach wider markets online. Additionally, fostering fair tourism cooperatives will enable collective resource sharing among local workers, contributing to more resilient livelihoods.
A Call for Action
Bali sits at a pivotal crossroads. Without swift and meaningful change, the environmental degradation, social displacement, and cultural erosion driven by over tourism could permanently diminish the island’s allure. However, with coordinated efforts towards sustainable tourism practices, Bali can secure a prosperous and balanced future that respects both its people and its natural treasures.
Global travelers, local authorities, businesses, and communities all share responsibility for safeguarding Bali. By embracing sustainability, the island can continue to welcome visitors while preserving its irreplaceable identity for generations to come.
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