Could Bali’s Trash Problems Impact Vacations? Here’s What Tourists Need To Know

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Bali may be the number one travel destination in the world in 2026 according to TripAdvisor, but the island is hitting headlines increasingly regularly for good and bad reasons.

Bali’s issues with traffic and trash are becoming increasingly concerning for both local residents and tourists, and have holidaymakers asking, ” Will these problems impact my vacation?

It’s a fair and serious question. With Bali’s trash and traffic problems affecting local people and the environment, it is reasonable to ask whether they will affect holidaymakers’ trips to the island. 

The problems with trash and traffic are known to all local people and leaders. In fact, more and more local leaders are openly acknowledging that more needs to be done to resolve the issues, and quickly.

In 2026, Bali is focusing on promoting more sports tourism, and later this week, the province will host the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. With all eyes on the island, leaders are sharing their concerns and calls to action. 

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Bali-based sports tourism expert Nyoman Sujantara has spoken to reporters about the potential impact trans and traffic could have on upcoming sporting events. He says that these issues won’t only affect sports tourism, but that the niche poses an opportunity to look at the issues in focus. 

Sujantara told reporters, “Traffic jams are the main enemy of sports tourism. Major events require fast mobility for athletes, officials, and spectators. If athletes are delayed due to traffic, it will certainly impact the event.”

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He explained that Bali sits on significant potential for sports tourism, but the sector’s future hangs in the balance.

Sujantara shared, “Bali has two faces. In terms of branding and venues, we are very well prepared. Our nature, culture, and hospitality are our main attractions. We have the Bali United Training Center, a beach for beach games, and a running track with world-class views.”

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Sujantara noted how many of the sporting events that Bali is set to host, develop, and promote rely upon a thriving natural landscape. From trail running to surfing, cliff diving to triathlons, all of these sports inherently interact with the natural world.

In this context, clean and thriving ecosystems are essential not only for the well-being of athletes but also for the public image of Bali. He explained,  “A clean and green image is crucial for marathons, triathlons, and surfing. The issue of waste on beaches and in landfills remains a challenge.”

Sujantara shared his belief that Bali is already ready for major international-level sporting events in areas with relatively mature infrastructure, such as Nusa Dua.

However, Bali as a province is not yet fully ready for large-scale multi-sport events like the National Games or the Southeast Asian Games. He noted, “We’re ready, with notes. We’re ready for controlled-scale events in locations with established infrastructure. But we’re not ready for multi-sport events like the PON or SEA Games in the current situation.”

He concluded by affirming how he feels that right now Bali has a great opportunity to become a leading sports tourism hub in Southeast Asia, provided that fundamental issues like traffic congestion, waste, and venue management can be seriously addressed. “If those are resolved, Bali will have a strong foundation to bring world-class events to the Island of the Gods.”

Bali is gearing up to host one of the biggest extreme sports events in the world this week. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will be hosted in Bali from 20th to 23rd May. The competition will take place across stunning cliff diving spots across Nusa Penida, with the event live-streamed online.