The 'picture-perfect' Bali hotels aren't what they seem: Tourist reveals the unexpected truth
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Ahh, the thought of holidays in Bali - it instantly conjures up images of picture-perfect luxury resorts with sweeping ocean views, peaceful pools and plenty of picturesque moments.
We’ve all seen the pictures on social media, showing the idyllic lives people appear to be living in Bali, but what is the reality of a Bali getaway for the average traveller?
Unfortunately, things are not always as perfect as they seem...
In a now-viral TikTok video, Dutch tourist Luna de Fauw has offered viewers a glimpse of the true lodging experience to be had on the popular island getaway.
The woman was staying at Kos One Hostel in Canguu, south of the island, where rooms cost about $40 a night for quad-share.
Photos of the facility on social media show perfectly captured images, showcasing a luxury pool and pool bar surrounded by lush greenery. As one might imagine, it looks like absolute paradise.
But when Luna shared a reality check of the same location, the 'paradise' quickly vanished.
In the video, the turquoise pool is clearly seen, along with the seemingly well-cared-for pool chairs that are arranged neatly. However, then de Fuaw panned the camera around to show viewers other angles and the reality set in.
Despite what the property's website claims — 'fantastic natural views of vibrant, green rice fields and the Indian Ocean' — the video reveals a less than desirable view, with mud-filled vacant land surrounding the hostel and seemingly deserted construction sites.
'Bali Insta vs real life,' the traveller wrote in the video.
The video has gone viral, garnering over 1.6 million views, with many users chipping in with their opinions.
'It’s all about the angle,' one user perceived in the comments section, with another sarcastically writing: 'wow, what a huge pool.'
It appears many users had had similar negative experiences with the popular destination, with one claiming: 'Bali is the most overrated place I’ve ever been.'
But not everyone agreed with the negative comments.
'Bali is wonderful,' one person said.
Another person agreed, saying that visiting Bali is definitely a 'vibe' we should all get into.
This isn’t the first time tourists have been unpleasantly surprised by their Bali accommodation.
Just a few weeks prior, a couple on a last-minute trip had booked an Airbnb in the east Balinese village of Sidemen, only to arrive at an abandoned building.
Similarly, Aussie man Ric Attard from the Gold Coast was left searching for alternative accommodation after getting caught up in a major renovation during his four-night stay at the PNB Beach Resort in the village of Canggu.
It’s safe to say that some Bali accommodation looks better in pictures than in real life. But don’t let stories like these put you off from visiting the Indonesian hotspot.
Social media impact on travel destinations
In today’s digital age, travellers are usually more inclined to base their holiday decisions based off of images seen on social media. Unfortunately, what often passes as luxury accommodation in holiday snaps can often be far from reality.
With the rise of social media and digital advertising, resorts have come under fire for misleading marketing tactics where they have been found to enhance images through filters, photoshop or choosing a particular aesthetic point of view or focus to garner an illusion of luxurious stays.
In the case of the 'picture perfect' Bali discovered to be far from the advertised photos, many viewers said it was ‘all about the angle’ and that they weren’t too surprised. When booking online, people may be fooled into believing they are getting what they have seen advertised, but sometimes the reality can be quite different.
Therefore, it’s important to also investigate reviews and read multiple sources before booking to ensure you get what you were promised – or at least aren’t too shocked when you arrive!
With enough research and preparation, you can still find some amazing Bali experiences, with just as many amazing picture opportunities as advertised.
We’d love to hear your take on these stories. Have you ever gone on holiday only to be underwhelmed by the accommodation? Tell us your stories in the comments section below!
We’ve all seen the pictures on social media, showing the idyllic lives people appear to be living in Bali, but what is the reality of a Bali getaway for the average traveller?
Unfortunately, things are not always as perfect as they seem...
In a now-viral TikTok video, Dutch tourist Luna de Fauw has offered viewers a glimpse of the true lodging experience to be had on the popular island getaway.
The woman was staying at Kos One Hostel in Canguu, south of the island, where rooms cost about $40 a night for quad-share.
Photos of the facility on social media show perfectly captured images, showcasing a luxury pool and pool bar surrounded by lush greenery. As one might imagine, it looks like absolute paradise.
But when Luna shared a reality check of the same location, the 'paradise' quickly vanished.
In the video, the turquoise pool is clearly seen, along with the seemingly well-cared-for pool chairs that are arranged neatly. However, then de Fuaw panned the camera around to show viewers other angles and the reality set in.
Despite what the property's website claims — 'fantastic natural views of vibrant, green rice fields and the Indian Ocean' — the video reveals a less than desirable view, with mud-filled vacant land surrounding the hostel and seemingly deserted construction sites.
'Bali Insta vs real life,' the traveller wrote in the video.
The Dutch traveller was horrified by the hostel's surroundings while staying in Canguu, Bali. Credit: TikTok/@luna_maryse.
The video has gone viral, garnering over 1.6 million views, with many users chipping in with their opinions.
'It’s all about the angle,' one user perceived in the comments section, with another sarcastically writing: 'wow, what a huge pool.'
It appears many users had had similar negative experiences with the popular destination, with one claiming: 'Bali is the most overrated place I’ve ever been.'
But not everyone agreed with the negative comments.
'Bali is wonderful,' one person said.
Another person agreed, saying that visiting Bali is definitely a 'vibe' we should all get into.
This isn’t the first time tourists have been unpleasantly surprised by their Bali accommodation.
Just a few weeks prior, a couple on a last-minute trip had booked an Airbnb in the east Balinese village of Sidemen, only to arrive at an abandoned building.
Similarly, Aussie man Ric Attard from the Gold Coast was left searching for alternative accommodation after getting caught up in a major renovation during his four-night stay at the PNB Beach Resort in the village of Canggu.
It’s safe to say that some Bali accommodation looks better in pictures than in real life. But don’t let stories like these put you off from visiting the Indonesian hotspot.
Social media impact on travel destinations
In today’s digital age, travellers are usually more inclined to base their holiday decisions based off of images seen on social media. Unfortunately, what often passes as luxury accommodation in holiday snaps can often be far from reality.
With the rise of social media and digital advertising, resorts have come under fire for misleading marketing tactics where they have been found to enhance images through filters, photoshop or choosing a particular aesthetic point of view or focus to garner an illusion of luxurious stays.
The kiddie pool advertised by the Blue Moon Hotel on social media. Credit: Orbitz.
The actual pool when you visit the property. Credit: Oyster.com.
In the case of the 'picture perfect' Bali discovered to be far from the advertised photos, many viewers said it was ‘all about the angle’ and that they weren’t too surprised. When booking online, people may be fooled into believing they are getting what they have seen advertised, but sometimes the reality can be quite different.
Therefore, it’s important to also investigate reviews and read multiple sources before booking to ensure you get what you were promised – or at least aren’t too shocked when you arrive!
With enough research and preparation, you can still find some amazing Bali experiences, with just as many amazing picture opportunities as advertised.
We’d love to hear your take on these stories. Have you ever gone on holiday only to be underwhelmed by the accommodation? Tell us your stories in the comments section below!
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