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Vanessa Ho

Bali: A “Tourist Trap” Worth Visiting

Why Bali’s modernization of culture is not a tourist trap

by Vanessa Ho


Photo by Vanessa Ho

As travelers, nobody wants to fall victim to "tourist traps" and end up spending more money than necessary. Who wants to feel gullible or naive—easily taken advantage of by locals? After all, everyone wants to travel like a local, right?


As a self-proclaimed travel addict, and like all others, Bali has been on my travel list for years—even if it's a "tourist trap." 


The term "tourist trap" refers to destinations created to attract tourists and their money. Most often, these places will oversell and upcharge services to tourists. 


Famous for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, amazing food, and fantastic people, Bali welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists annually: digital nomads, backpackers, party-goers, and expats. Leveraging its unique culture and scenery while heavily influenced by tourist and expat demands, Bali quickly became known as a "tourist trap" to travelers worldwide with warnings that the island had lost its authenticity. 


I admit that I first fell victim to this idea as I heard from friends and saw reviews from travel influencers online. It was only after an eye-opening experience in Bali this summer that I am writing to tell you otherwise. 


Attractions

From unnecessary fees to crowds packed with tourists, perhaps the most common criticism I encountered while planning my trip was that most "must-see" attractions in Bali are not exactly what they seem. But Bali is one of the most diverse islands I've visited. From volcanos to temples, rainforests to beaches, vibrant nightlife to zen spas, the island has everything a tourist could ever need, want, and dream of.


Of course, avoiding large crowds and lines or not sitting in traffic for hours is impossible during peak season, but this does not mean it's a tourist trap. The island is big enough that if you prefer somewhere quieter, there'll be a place for you. 


Furthermore, being expected to pay an entrance fee for attractions should be completely understandable. Most of the time, these are scenic and natural attractions that require maintenance and care. Instead of thinking of it as being scammed, reframe your perspective to that you are helping the community preserve these attractions. 


Food

I did not know much about Balinese food before visiting. Most of what I knew came from travel and lifestyle influencers living in Bali; most foods I saw were smoothie bowls and avocado toast. While there is a mix of Western, local, and fusion foods, most restaurants serve either Western cuisine or Westernized local foods. 


However, if you are looking for authentic local cuisine, there are still plenty of delicious options. You can visit the street food stands at local markets or small warungs (small family-owned eateries/cafes). 


Accommodation

Deciding which neighborhood to stay in was probably one of the hardest decisions we had to make. Between Airbnb and hotels, central and remote, I kept convincing myself that there was a "right" and a "wrong" location, but there was no right or wrong. 


For my trip, we opted for a resort-style Airbnb in central Canggu. Despite being located in a tiny alley, the Airbnb was a zen haven, completely different from the chaotic atmosphere of the outside world. 


However, one thing to note is regardless of what type of accommodation you choose, remember that while the island may seem quite small, it is double the size of whatever you're thinking of!



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