Navigating Bali: Hilarious Google Maps Moments with Tourists

Share:

As a foreign tourist visiting Bali, it’s only natural that location guidance tools such as Google Maps become one of the tools relied upon. This is especially true when foreign tourists use Google Maps as a guide to new tourist attractions that they have never visited.

Without these tools, navigating Bali’s complex road network and numerous tourist attractions can be a daunting task, leading many to turn to Google Maps for assistance.

There’s a touch of comedy in the videos that show how foreign tourists using Google Maps in Bali end up in some rather challenging situations. Titles like ‘POV: You Use Google Maps in Bali‘ or ‘When You Use Google Maps in Bali‘ add to the amusement.

In one video, a tourist following a big, smooth road ends up stranded on a small, damaged highway. This is a common issue with Google Maps in Bali, as the app often directs users to the most direct route, which may not always be the best option due to road conditions or local traffic patterns.

@ricardotalu Bali 🙏🏿❤️ #uluwatu #bali ♬ september on crack ft. a recorder (Earth, Wind & Fire – September) – frickin weeb

Content creator @reesebros even made a complete video skit showing the struggles of foreign tourists in Bali using Google Maps. They strayed into rice fields, local settlements, and the beach before finally entering the field and meeting the buffaloes.

 

Lihat postingan ini di Instagram

 

Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh Tom & Kell (@reesebros)

The story of tourists using Google Maps in Bali has even been discussed by the Indonesian national media. In 2023, a viral video was uploaded of a Caucasian woman climbing the fence at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

According to the Airport team, the tourist was desperate to climb the fence because she was confused about finding an exit from the airport when using Google Maps.

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Even a slight misstep in using maps can lead to dire consequences. In May of this year, 2024, a British tourist tragically lost his life after falling into a ravine in the Tigawasa Village area, Banjar District, Buleleng Regency, Bali.

From the narrative of his surviving partner, the two were riding a motorcycle from the direction of Denpasar City towards Lovina Beach.

While using the application, they were directed to cross the steep and narrow route, Tigawasa-Lovina Village. Because they did not master the route, the motorcycle suddenly fell into the ravine.

Have you ever found yourself in a funny or challenging situation while using Google Maps in Bali? We’d love to hear your story!

Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat for more food and drink recommendations in Indonesia:

 

SEO Writer

Imelda is a content writer specializing in viral news and Indonesian culture. Her work revolves around researching and analyzing current events, social media trends, and popular culture.

Related News

Thinking about moving to Indonesia? With over 17,000 islands scattered across the equator, Indonesia is a perfect destination to live in whilst embracing the slow, deliberate pace of island life while staying connected to your global career. As a remote worker or digital nomad, you can trade your office walls for the soft sand of […]

The 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence is being marked with a variety of Independence Day promo offers from hotels, restaurants, and leisure destinations. Independence Day Promo 2025: Hotels, Dining, and Attractions Join to Celebrate Independence Across Indonesia From Jakarta to Bali and Solo, these promotions aim to encourage residents and visitors to […]

The Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights has officially established a dedicated Immigration Patrol Task Force in Bali to address violations committed by foreign visitors. The move comes amid a rise in immigration offences and criminal acts involving tourists. The unit, made up of 100 immigration officers, will patrol ten popular tourist areas, including […]

Sarmi Regency, Papua, has been experiencing a series of earthquakes since early 2025, culminating in a strong tremor on Tuesday, 12 August 2025. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed the main shock, initially measured at magnitude 6.4, was later updated to magnitude 6.3. The earthquake struck at 15:24 WIB, with its epicentre located […]

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery