Bali is one of the most visited islands in the world, but beyond the traffic, beach clubs, and Instagram photo spots, there is another side of the island that many travelers never experience.
In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar sits down with Henni, our local Bali host, to talk about what Bali is really like from a local perspective.
Mar has visited Bali 13 times over the last 16 years and has watched the island change dramatically. While overtourism, traffic, and destructive development have dominated headlines in recent years, much of Bali still remains untouched by mass tourism if you know where to go. One thing many travelers don’t realize before visiting is just how big Bali actually is, and how concentrated tourism is in only a few small areas of the island. With a little more effort and intention, it’s still possible to find quiet waterfalls, ancient villages, local temples, and incredibly beautiful places far away from the crowds.
Together, Mar and Henni discuss overtourism, influencer culture, spirituality, Balinese ceremonies, water purification rituals, and how travelers can experience the island more thoughtfully and respectfully beyond the crowded hotspots of Canggu and Seminyak.
Henni also shares why respecting temples and local customs matters so much, how tourism impacts local communities, and why supporting local women-owned businesses can make a meaningful difference.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Bali is still worth visiting, how to avoid the crowds, or how to connect more deeply with Balinese culture beyond the social media version of the island, this episode offers an honest and nuanced perspective from someone who calls Bali home.
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