Bali looks like paradise on Instagram — white sand beaches, infinity pools, and luxury villas everywhere. But is that the real Bali? After traveling there with my family, I want to share my honest experience.
Everyone’s journey is different, so this is not a generalization — it’s simply my personal perspective based on my background of living and traveling across Southeast Asia.
My Travel Background
Before Bali, I had already:
- Lived over 6 years in the Philippines, traveling island to island by motorbike and experiencing stunning beach resorts.
- Explored Thailand and Malaysia.
So my expectations were higher compared to a first-time traveler.
Weather in Bali – A Pleasant Surprise
I arrived in early May, flying from Phuket, Thailand. May in Phuket was extremely hot, but in Bali the weather was amazing — cooler, fresher, and even better than the Philippines.
There were small showers, but they made the climate more enjoyable. If you’re visiting during the hottest months in Southeast Asia, Bali’s weather will feel like a big relief.
Staying in Canggu – Bali’s Tourist Hub
I stayed in Canggu, one of the most popular tourist areas. It had everything:
- Endless cafés, coffee shops, and bars
- Restaurants ranging from local to Western
- Western-style supermarkets
- Beach clubs and nightlife
👉 Within a 2 km radius, you can find almost everything you need.
Is Bali Expensive?
Yes — especially in Canggu.
- A nightclub charged me $40 USD just for entry and $100 USD for four tequila shots.
- Even at beach clubs with free entry, drink prices were as high as what I pay in Denmark.
The Indonesian Rupiah can be confusing with its thousands and millions, so it’s easy to overpay without realizing.
Compared to the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, I found Bali nightlife the most expensive.
Bali Nightlife – Who Will You Meet?
The party scene in Canggu is vibrant, full of young travelers from all over the world. You’ll also meet many Russians and Eastern Europeans.
Unlike in other Asian destinations, where you meet more locals, in Bali the nightlife crowd felt like foreigners who all came to party.
Balinese Food vs Other Southeast Asian Cuisines
Balinese food reminded me a lot of Filipino food. Personally:
- Thai food has much more variety.
- Malaysian food is a rich mix of Indian and Chinese influences.
Local food in Bali was cheap, but I was cautious about hygiene, especially traveling with kids.
Traffic in Bali – The Biggest Downside
Traffic was the main reason I left Bali after just 6 days instead of my planned 18.
- Taxis were stuck in endless jams.
- Roads are narrow and overcrowded.
- With two small kids, riding on a motorbike wasn’t safe.
Even after a three-hour motorbike trip from Canggu to Kuta, all I found was traffic, traffic, and more traffic.
👉 In my opinion, Bali has too many people living and visiting in an area that was never designed to handle such a population.
Noise, Pollution & Construction
Another major disappointment was the noise.
- Motorbike sounds everywhere
- Ongoing construction non-stop
- Villas that look peaceful online are often built in small, noisy streets
There may be quieter areas in Bali, but with kids, I didn’t risk traveling further.
Is Bali Good for Families?
This depends.
- I saw many families living in Bali.
- For us, with two kids, it was difficult to find affordable villas with separate rooms.
- Prices were high compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.
👉 If you’re single, a couple, or traveling with one child, Bali might feel like paradise.
👉 For families with young kids, it can be stressful.
One good thing: Canggu has several kids’ play areas, which my children enjoyed.
Beaches in Bali – Not What I Expected
I was surprised to find black sand beaches in Canggu. It was my first time seeing this, and honestly, I preferred the white sandy beaches of the Philippines.
That said, the waves are perfect for surfing, which makes Bali a paradise for surfers.
Arrival in Bali – Smooth but Be Careful with Taxis
- Visa on arrival was fast and simple.
- Inside the airport, you have internet access, but once you step out, it’s limited. Always book your Grab or transport before leaving the airport.
- Taxi drivers often overcharge tourists.
👉 To avoid problems, you can rent a motorbike or car through Book2Wheel.com and have it delivered directly to your hotel.
Final Thoughts – Is Bali Overrated?
Bali has great weather, vibrant nightlife, and fun kids’ play areas. But for me, the traffic, noise, and high costs were too much.
If I had visited 10 years ago, before kids, I probably would have loved Bali. But traveling as a family, it was overwhelming, and I cut my trip short.
My advice:
- If you’re a surfer, party traveler, or digital nomad, Bali can be incredible.
- If you’re a family with small children, you may find other places in Southeast Asia (like the Philippines or Thailand) more enjoyable.
✨ That’s my honest experience of Bali. Social media shows the highlights, but the reality can be very different — depending on what kind of traveler you are.