Let me start by saying that I’m a huge fan of a well-filtered, perfectly lit photo. After all, I’ve spent my fair share of time scrolling through glossy Instagram feeds, daydreaming about the perfect turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and floating smoothie bowls that seem to scream “Bali Bliss.”
But after three whole months of actually living in Bali—beyond the tourist hotspots and the meticulously curated influencer angles—I realized that the real story is just a little…different. Don’t get me wrong, Bali is absolutely magical. It’s beautiful, vibrant, and inspiring. But that Instagram picture you’ve seen a thousand times? That’s only half the truth. Let me fill you in on the other half.
A Crash Course in Cultural Adjustments
I’ve traveled quite a bit—Singapore, Vietnam, Dubai—and I’ve learned that every place has its own set of unwritten rules. Bali is no different. On paper, you’ll read about the Balinese people’s warmth and kindness, and yes, it’s absolutely true: they’re some of the friendliest, most hospitable folks I’ve ever met. But try navigating your first morning in a Bali neighborhood when a rooster decides to scream its lungs out at 3 a.m. (Yes, roosters in Bali have zero respect for your sleep schedule). And then, when you finally drag yourself out of bed to grab breakfast, you’ll find yourself dodging scooters with entire families on them—baby included—zooming by at record speeds. I’d heard about Bali traffic, but experiencing it firsthand? That’s a whole other story.
People rarely show that side of daily life on Instagram. Influencers might pose in front of an ancient temple (wearing a dreamy boho dress, no doubt) without explaining that behind the camera, the roads are teeming with people heading to market, scooters are honking like there’s no tomorrow, and you’ve probably just hopped over a giant puddle from last night’s rainstorm. It’s part of the charm, to be fair, but it definitely clashes with that serene, “I’ve achieved Zen” image you’re used to seeing.
Bali’s “Two Seasons”: Dry and Humid AF
Now, I am from a place where humidity is definitely not a stranger (Singapore, I’m looking at you), but Bali’s climate is on another level. You’re either battling torrential downpours of rain, or you feel like you’re swimming through the air. Those glossy influencer shots showing a perfectly curled ponytail at the beach? Honey, that’s probably a wig or they’ve discovered some magical anti-frizz formula that they’re not sharing with the rest of us. Because if you’re a mere mortal like me, you step outside and your hair instantly transforms into a frizz-ball or a limp cluster of soggy noodles.
During my first week in Bali, I’d put on makeup, style my hair, and think, Yes, this is the day I will finally nail the perfect beach shot! Within half an hour, I was basically in meltdown mode. My foundation was dripping off my chin, and my hair looked like it was auditioning for a horror movie. So remember: behind every “effortless beach wave” photo, there’s a giant can of hairspray, a roomful of retakes, and a filter that dials that sweat shine down about 50 notches.
Finding That “Digital Nomad” Groove
As the founder of Love Connection, I do a lot of writing and phone calls. Before Bali, I’d pictured myself working effortlessly from a hammock on the beach, fresh coconut in one hand and laptop in the other, living that #BossBabe life. Let me break down why that scenario is basically a fairytale:
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Wi-Fi Woes: Not all places in Bali have stellar Wi-Fi. Sure, you’ll find decent connections in co-working spaces and some cafés, but if you’re dreaming about setting up your office in a remote beach hut, prepare for snail-paced internet. I’d recommend scheduling important calls before or after you test out a “scenic workspace,” because your boss—or in my case, my editorial team—won’t love hearing you repeatedly say, “Can you hear me now? Hello? Hellooo?”
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Beach Noise: There’s a reason surfers love Bali’s beaches—the waves can get loud. So if you’re trying to have a professional Zoom meeting (and you want your client to take you seriously), maybe don’t host it while you’re ankle-deep in crashing ocean waves.
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Distractions Galore: Bali is like a giant candy store for the senses. Every corner you turn, there’s a new temple to discover, a market with intriguing trinkets, or a random ceremony happening in the middle of the street. Combine that with the fact that you’re in a place where you can do sunrise yoga, mid-morning surfing, and an afternoon scooter ride through rice fields, and you start to see how your productivity might suffer a tad. Balancing work and adventure becomes an art form—one that most influencers conveniently edit down to a single shot that reads “Just finished my 12-hour workday, time for sunset cocktails!”
The Reality of Those “Epic Adventures”
Let’s talk about Bali’s stunning natural wonders—waterfalls, rice terraces, volcano hikes. Most influencers show you the highlight reel: that breathtaking view from the top of Mount Batur or the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace shot that looks like a slice of heaven. And yes, these places are gorgeous. But let’s be real about what you’re not seeing:
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The Early Wake-Up Calls: If you’re hiking Mount Batur to catch the sunrise, you’re leaving your hotel at something like 2 a.m. That means you’re stumbling around in the dark, hoping your guide knows where they’re going, and trying not to twist your ankle on the rocky path. It’s worth it, but it’s not the breezy “pop out of bed at 8 a.m.” scenario that some might suggest.
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Tourist Crowds: You’ll rarely see an influencer mention the 50 other people lining up behind them to snap that same magical shot. At Tegalalang Rice Terrace, you’re basically playing a game of “Don’t Step on the Selfie Stick.” And while it’s possible to find less crowded times, you might have to get there ridiculously early or pray it’s off-season.
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Entrance Fees: Bali is affordable in many ways, but don’t forget that many of these scenic spots require entrance fees or donations. Influencers don’t often show themselves fumbling through their wallet for the right notes—there’s usually a sign reading something like “Entrance: 50,000 IDR.” Not a bank-breaker, but it adds up.
The Delicate Balance of Preserving Culture
I really want to stress this: Bali is not just an exotic backdrop for your photos. It’s home to deeply rooted traditions, ceremonies, and a strong sense of community. While Instagram may paint it as one big surf-and-party island, it’s important to remember that when you’re walking around in your beachwear, you might be passing by a sacred temple or a local ceremony. The Balinese people are welcoming, but a little cultural sensitivity goes a long way. Wear a sarong when visiting temples, learn a few basic Indonesian phrases, and try not to treat the daily offerings (the little hand-woven baskets of flowers and rice you’ll see on the ground) as an obstacle course you need to dodge. Respect is key.
In my three months there, I witnessed countless ceremonies—some elaborate, some smaller and more personal. I was lucky enough to be invited by local friends to watch the preparations, and it gave me a deep appreciation for the island’s spiritual side. That’s one thing you won’t fully experience if you’re just hitting the big touristy spots or focusing on “OMG, gotta get the perfect shot for my feed!”
Food: Beyond the Smoothie Bowl
I love a good smoothie bowl as much as the next person. And sure, Bali’s café scene is top-notch. You can’t swing a sarong without hitting a vegan café serving cold-pressed juices and organic kale salads. But real Balinese cuisine? That’s where the island’s soul truly shines. Dishes like babi guling (roast suckling pig), nasi campur (mixed rice with an assortment of sides), and mie goreng (fried noodles) are absolutely worth trying. Influencers often focus on the super photogenic avocado toasts and smoothie bowls, but if you want the genuine taste of Bali, head to a local warung (small eatery) and get ready to feast on flavors that will blow your mind.
Fair warning, though: local spots might not have the same aesthetic as the chic cafés you see online. You won’t find neon signs saying “But first, coffee!” or meticulously arranged succulents on every table. Sometimes, these warungs are just a few plastic chairs under a tin roof. But trust me, the authentic experience—and the delicious food—are well worth any lack of Instagrammable décor.
The Bottom Line
Bali truly is a special place. It’s not just a backdrop for your social media feed; it’s an island with rich traditions, jaw-dropping landscapes, and some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. However, the polished version of Bali that’s all over Instagram is just that—polished. It’s carefully curated to make you believe that every day is a breezy, sun-drenched adventure of coconut sipping and waterfall chasing. And while some days are exactly like that, there are also days where your scooter won’t start, you’re drenched in sweat before 8 a.m., and you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of “Where’s the best Wi-Fi?”
So if you’re planning on moving to Bali—or even visiting for a few weeks—prepare for all sides of the island. The good, the gritty, and the occasionally chaotic. Embrace the roosters, the humidity, and the scooter traffic. Say yes to trying local food, and be mindful of the culture that makes Bali more than just another pretty Instagram destination. Trust me, once you experience Bali in all its unfiltered glory, you’ll realize that the real beauty lies far beyond what any camera lens can capture.
And if you can survive a 3 a.m. hike up a volcano, figure out how to turn your hair from frizz-ball to fabulous again, and handle spotty Wi-Fi without throwing your laptop into the ocean, then congratulations—you’ve officially earned that dreamy beach shot. Post it with pride. Just don’t forget to give a little nod to the roosters and the humidity in your caption. After all, they’re the real MVPs of the Bali experience.
