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This was published 3 years ago

Expectation vs reality: Bali traveller shows unpleasant reality of tourist hotspot

Nadia Scurria

A tourist's video has gone viral on TikTok after she revealed the unfortunate reality of the "flawless" Balinese views. 

Dutch tourist Luna de Fauw posted a video from her hotel in Bali, showing the beautiful views on one side, and not-so-pleasant views on the other. 

Luna shared the video with the caption: "Bali Insta vs real life."

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Watch the clip above

Luna shared the video with her 569 TikTok followers.  TikTok

The video taken in Canggu, a resort village in Bali, shows the true meaning of 'Instagram vs real life.' 

Luna's clip – which has been viewed over 1.5 million times – shows the gorgeous view of the pool area of her hotel, then pans across to show the place is actually surrounded by muddy vacant land and buildings under construction.

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Her viewers left many comments sharing their opinions. 

One person commented, "You've been watching too many people who think Bali is all glitz and glam on TikTok." 

Another said, "Bali is the most over rated place I've ever been." 

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Luna isn't the only tourist to document her disappointing Balinese experiences online.

Victoria Goulbourne's hotel also in Canngu.  TikTok

TikTok user Victoria Goulbourne shared her experience too. 

Her video has been viewed over 68 million times and has over seven million likes, as well as thousands of comments. 

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She simply captioned her post of a hotel in Canngu: "Don't be fooled by Insta."

Many commented on her page with similar responses to Luna's video. 

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One user said, "People never been to Bali think this is what all of Bali looks like. People that been there thinking none of Bali looks like this."

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Another commented, "It's a good message – take it as things aren't the way they seem or choose to see the beauty in everything."

Not so picture perfect inside this little hut.  TikTok

Although these tourist videos have gone viral on TikTok, it has not stopped travellers from heading over to the Indonesian island. 

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In 2022, Australia was the largest tourist market for arrivals in Bali. According to Statista, Aussie travellers made around 352,000 visits to the Indonesian island last year.

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