(Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy)
Following Bali’s inclusion on Fodor’s Travel “No List 2025,” which advised tourists to consider alternatives due to overcrowding, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism responded by emphasizing that Bali’s tourism issue is less about sheer numbers and more about an uneven distribution of visitors across the island.
Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said in a press statement on Friday that while southern Bali remains crowded, the island’s northern and western regions hold untapped potential that has yet to attract significant tourism.
New Initiatives to Distribute Tourism Across Bali
To tackle this issue, the ministry launched a new “3B” tourism package in September, promoting travel to Banyuwangi, West Bali, and North Bali. This package offers a diverse mix of experiences, from scenic natural landscapes and cultural attractions to local crafts and rural tourism.
Northern Bali boasts destinations like Les and Pemuteran villages and the peaceful beaches of Lovina, while West Bali features Bali Barat National Park, home to the rare Bali starling. Nearby Banyuwangi offers attractions such as Kemiren Village, G-Land, Alas Purwo National Park, and the stunning Ijen Crater.
The ministry has also engaged local communities and invited both national and international media to highlight North Bali’s tourism, especially in the Buleleng region, as part of its push for a more sustainable tourism model across the island.
“With these initiatives, we are optimistic about reducing tourism disparities and fostering a more sustainable tourism environment that benefits local communities,” Wardhana added.
Sustainable Tourism and Local Engagement
Hariyanto, Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development, further emphasized the ministry’s commitment to sustainable tourism policies designed to protect Bali’s culture, environment, and social well-being.
Efforts include strengthened waste management, pollution reduction, and strategies to manage tourism’s social impact.
“We’re coordinating closely with local governments, the tourism industry, and community groups to address these challenges,” Hariyanto said.
As part of this mission, the ministry is implementing “destination management” strategies to guide tourists toward less crowded areas of Bali, along with Indonesia’s other five “Super Priority Destinations”: Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang.
Enhanced cross-agency coordination is also in place to ensure strict enforcement against tourists violating local laws, norms, and cultural practices, according to the press release.
“Our focus is on community-based tourism, environmental regulations, and educating tourists on respecting local culture and preserving Bali’s natural beauty,” Hariyanto said, underscoring the ministry’s broader goal of developing a balanced and responsible tourism model for Indonesia.
From 2020 No-List to 2025 “Perennial” No-List Destination
Bali’s inclusion in Fodor’s 2025 No-List marks the second time the travel guide giant has highlighted the island’s tourism challenges.
Bali first appeared on the No-List in 2020, prompting a response from then-Indonesian Minister of Tourism Wishnutama Kusbandio, who downplayed its significance. He suggested that the list was more of a marketing strategy for Fodor’s than a serious critique.
For the 2025 list, Bali was especially introduced as a “Perennial No List Destinations” by the travel guide giant.
“These spots keep getting called out, but things don’t seem to improve” Fodor wrote to introduce Bali’s inclusion in the 2025 list. “In many cases, they’re getting worse.”
With the new sustainability and distribution tourism initiatives announced, time will tell if Bali will be able to overcome its “perennial” standing on the No-List and shift its position in future rankings.
