Bali, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes, is a dream destination for many travellers. However, despite its popularity, the island is not particularly welcoming to pedestrians. Many tourists and locals alike have pointed out the difficulties of walking in Bali, citing a lack of infrastructure and heavy traffic as major issues.
The challenges of walking in Bali were recently highlighted in a TikTok video by @cupandcrowe, a foreign tourist who shared their experience of attempting to explore the island on foot. The video showcases the many obstacles pedestrians face, from damaged sidewalks and potholes to walkways that are uncomfortably close to busy roads.
The caption of the video succinctly sums up the experience: “Walking around Bali is no easy feat 🙃.”
@cupandcrowe Walking around Bali is no easy feat 🙃 #bali #indonesia #asia #southeastasia #backpacking #travel #traveltok #ubud #fyp #foryoupage #holiday #vacation #baliroads #danger #scary #fun ♬ original sound – SpongeBob background music
The video sparked a wave of comments from viewers, many of whom agreed with the sentiment. One netizen remarked, “Now you know why Indonesians don’t like to walk,” while another echoed the same thought.
Why Walking in Bali is Difficult
There are several reasons why Bali is not pedestrian-friendly. These challenges not only affect tourists but also impact the daily lives of locals, who often rely on motorcycles or online ride-hailing services for even short distances.
1. Lack of Sidewalks
One of the most common complaints is the absence of proper sidewalks, especially in popular tourist areas. Without designated walking paths, pedestrians are forced to share the road with vehicles, which can be dangerous.
2. Narrow or Damaged Sidewalks
In places where sidewalks do exist, they are often narrow, uneven, or in poor condition. Holes, cracks, and disjointed sections make walking uncomfortable and hazardous.
3. Disjointed Walkways
Even in areas like Ubud, which is known for its cultural charm, the walkways are often inconsistent.
4. Heavy Traffic
Bali’s roads are notoriously congested, particularly in tourist hotspots. The heavy traffic not only makes walking unpleasant but also increases the risk of accidents for pedestrians.
The lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure has also influenced local habits. Many Indonesians, including Balinese residents, have grown accustomed to relying on motorcycles or online ride-hailing services for even short trips. For example, it’s common to see people using motorcycles to visit a nearby shop or beach, rather than walking.
This reliance on motorised transport has contributed to a decline in walking as a form of exercise, which in turn affects overall health and well-being.
Bali’s lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is a significant drawback for both tourists and locals. While the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness continue to attract visitors, addressing these challenges could greatly enhance the overall experience. Until then, travellers should be prepared for the difficulties of walking in Bali and plan their explorations accordingly.
Bali is among the worst cities for pedestrians
Bali is not the only destination where walking can be a challenge. Travellers on platforms like Reddit have shared their experiences of visiting pedestrian-unfriendly locations around the world. In Southeast Asia, Bali frequently comes up in these discussions.
One Reddit user wrote, “Bali is barely walkable at all in the tourist areas – no sidewalks in 90 per cent of places. And the traffic is very heavy.” Another added, “Bali also got my vote. In Ubud, I always think, ‘Where are the walkways?’”
While walking is often the best way to immerse yourself in a destination and discover hidden gems, Bali’s infrastructure makes this difficult. For those who want to explore the island, driving or hiring a driver may be a more practical option. However, this comes at the cost of missing out on the unique experiences that walking can offer.
Whether you choose to walk, drive, or ride, Bali remains a captivating destination – but it’s clear that the island still has a long way to go in becoming more welcoming to pedestrians.
