Travel experts are calling out Australian tourists for contributing to overcrowding and a decline in the quality of the Bali experience, urging them to explore other destinations within Indonesia.
Content creator Lauren Larsen stated that many Australians are "lazy" for repeatedly visiting Bali, despite the availability of numerous other stunning locations across Indonesia. "I just really don't understand why we're not going to other places in Indonesia," Larsen told Yahoo Lifestyle. "Indonesia is absolutely stunning, and there's plenty to do and see, so are we going to the same island five times?"
More than 1.6 million Australians visited Bali in 2025, with popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu experiencing significant crowds. A poll of nearly 4,000 Yahoo Lifestyle readers indicated that 45 percent felt Bali had become "dirty and overrun," while 37 percent believed tourists had "ruined" the island.
Alex Stragalinos, manager of Jamberoo Cruise and Travel, echoed Larsen's sentiments, advising Australians to venture beyond Bali's most frequented tourist zones. "There is so much beauty not being experienced by Aussie tourists," Stragalinos said. "Bali, in particular, is so much more than Kuta and Bintangs. I actually believe it is an awful representation of the island."
Stragalinos suggested exploring regions further afield, recounting a recent trip where he hiked Mount Batur, an active volcano located about two hours northeast of Canggu. His travels also included visits to waterfalls, rice plantations, and temples in areas with significantly fewer tourists, offering a sense of authenticity and natural beauty reminiscent of Bali's past.
Larsen also pointed to countries like the Philippines and Thailand as offering rich cultural experiences, appealing beaches, and diverse cuisine that Australians might consider. She suggested that a reluctance to undertake longer flights may contribute to the continued focus on Bali.
Bali has long been a favored destination for Australians, but increasing visitor numbers have led to complaints about traffic congestion, pollution, and a perceived decline in affordability due to the rise of trendy establishments. 
