
Rice paddies to mega resorts: declassified spy satellite images reveal Bali's transformation
Famous for its lush green rice paddies and stunning beaches, the 'island of the Gods' has undergone rapid change over the past half-century with locals and tourists complaining about the traffic, pollution and badly behaved foreigners that have come with the hotels and resorts that now swamp the island.
As the Indonesian government tries to restrict development on the island, new and declassified satellite images from 1965 reveal the extent of Bali's transformation.
Published in an interactive map by Nusantara Atlas, the images show how the once tranquil coastlines of Bali hotspots like Seminyak and Canggu have been transformed from sleepy dots on the map into a jungle of shopping strips, huge resorts and villas as far as the eye can see.
Nusantara Atlas founder and environmental scientist David Gaveau, who lived in Bali for more than a decade, said he wanted to aid discussions about overtourism and the pace of development.
'Everybody knows Bali has changed, we just don't know where and how,' he said, 'Now we can see.'
The images, taken by cold war-era US spy satellite KH-7 Gambit in May 1965, zero in on the southern coastal stretch from Uluwatu to just below the highland area of Ubud. The satellite, active between 1963 and 1967, was the first in the US able to consistently produce high-resolution photographs.
The pre-digital films were collected midair by specially equipped aircraft near Hawaii and returned to earth for processing. The satellite typically orbited over Soviet territory and was designed to photograph Soviet missile silos and other targets.
Decades on, the images also tell another story of development in south-east Asia, where tourism has reshaped the landscape and way of life.
Gaveau said the timing of the images was important because Bali's international airport opened only a few years later, in 1968, sparking the tourism boom that has seen the island become one of Asia's most-visited destinations.
Bali's population has increased from about 2 million residents in the 1960s to more than 4 million today, according to Indonesia's statistics bureau. About half a million tourists visit the island each month, government data shows, while a growing number of digital nomads also flock to the island.
Bali's provincial government is hoping to hit a record 6.5 million international tourists this year.
Ida Bagus Aria Yoga Dharata, from the Bali environmental organisation Walhi, said the map would help with advocating for environmental preservation in Bali.
'People come here because of the culture … The Balinese are very connected to nature, to each other, to God, and there is no other place like this,' Dharata said.
'If that is lost, then Bali is no different.'
Chakra Widia, a Balinese conservationist said many farmers no longer saw agriculture as financially viable and were instead selling their land for villas and hotels.
Areas such as Canggu, which were once lined with rice paddy fields, have in recent years been replaced by rows of boutiques and villas.
'Rice farming used to be the backbone,' said Widia. 'But now it is tourism.'
In October 2024, Balinese and national politicians proposed a two-year moratorium on new tourism-related developments, amid growing concerns about overtourism and environmental degradation.
But the Bali governor, Wayan Koster, who was re-elected in January, said he would halt the proposed moratorium, instead promising stricter regulations.
In his first term, between 2018 and 2023, Koster also introduced a 150,000 rupiah (A$15) Bali tourism tax levy, intended to fund better protection for Balinese culture and landscapes and for new infrastructure. Early figures showed poor collection rates, with just 35% of visitors paying the tax.
Niluh Djelantik, a Bali regional parliamentarian, who is outspoken on the island's challenges, described the changes as 'devastating' but said she was not against development and tourism.
Instead, she said, she wanted to see stricter enforcement of existing regulations, including foreigners working illegally and better usage of the tourist tax.
'We are inviting the wrong kind of tourist, the kind who comes here and takes advantage of our systems,' she said.
'I am not against tourism, but how we do it,' she said, 'We need the right intention, to create happiness for Balinese people.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The dark side of Bali revealed as tourists turn on holiday hotspot
Bali - long glamourised as a tropical escape brimming with waterfalls, temples and self-discovery - is now facing a growing backlash from tourists who say the reality doesn't live up to the Instagram dream. Despite welcoming an impressive 2.6 million international visitors in the first five months of 2025, many travellers are leaving the Indonesian island feeling anything but spiritually fulfilled. Some are now warning others about the darker side of Bali - one that videos on social media and influencers often fail to capture. With its lush jungles, volcanic peaks, serene beaches and spiritual roots, Bali has the ultimate destination for those in search of a 'wellness' break. But as the number of annual visitors continue to surge, many former visitors are now speaking out about the island's challenges - from overtourism and pollution, to run-down infrastructure and chaotic traffic. Ubud, the island's cultural hub popularised in Eat Pray Love, is said to be overrun with selfie sticks and scooters, while Seminyak, once a laid-back beach town, has allegedly become the standard for up-market beach clubs and late-night partygoers. Read on to discover the reality of Bali, according to seasoned travellers. Overtourism According to a number of travellers, mass tourism is one of the biggest contributing factors to the island's current 'chaotic' atmosphere. Quiet temples and nature trails are now teeming with tourists, leading to long queues, loud crowds, and a feeling of inauthenticity for many visitors. Fitness and travel influencer, @resurgent_harry, said: 'It is completely overcrowded.' A TropEcoTravel contributor also wrote: 'Overtourism has ruined the true heart and soul of Bali. 'I don't know what Bali was like before the onslaught of tourists and plastic, but I would imagine it was a tropical haven with thriving locals and untouched landscapes.' In 2024, F odors Magazines labelled Bali the top destination to avoid, and said of its tourist-heavy hotspots: 'These locations are popular for good reason – they are stunning, intriguing, and culturally significant. 'However, some of these highly coveted tourist spots are collapsing under the burden of their own prominence.' Pollution A general view shows debris and rubbish washed ashore at Kuta beach on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on February 15, 2019 Several visitors have described finding piles of garbage near popular natural attractions, including waterfalls and beaches. Plastic pollution is a growing issue, particularly during rainy season when rubbish washes to shore in large volumes. Fitness and travel influencer, @resurgent_harry, also said in a recent video: 'You can't go for a run, there is trash everywhere. The beaches are completely covered in trash.' Travel blogger Dale Philip was left dismayed after visiting popular picture spot, Pengempu waterfall, during his recent visit to the island. In a post to social media, he wrote: 'I'd seen this place looking amazing in many flashy, glamorous photos but when I arrived there myself, I found out that it was covered in garbage.' In the clip, he exposed piles of litter and plastic bottles collected along the riverbed, as he added: 'I did not expect to see all this junk lying here.' Joshwa, a travel influencer who regularly posts about his journeys around the world on TikTok, also posted a series of clips from his time in Bali. One of the content creator's videos showed decrepit buildings, abandoned beanbags along a beach and litter piled high. Another video featured a sign that read 'please stop littering', stood next to a pile of plastic bottles and other rubbish. Infrastructure and traffic Bali's narrow roads, limited public transport and influx of visitors mean traffic jams are a daily norm in popular areas. Harry Mackarness, who spent two months on the so-called 'Island of the Gods', said his visit left him 'deeply depressed, disillusioned, and determined never to return '. In a scathing YouTube review, Mackarness claimed the island is buckling under the weight of mass tourism and plagued by gridlocked roads, rundown accommodation, and a tourism industry more interested in profit than hospitality. 'Everywhere you go, there's rubbish, construction, or scams,' he said, 'The infrastructure just can't handle the number of people being sold this dream.' Jamie, a travel blogger from Durham, wrote of his experience on his blog: 'Bali cannot cope with well over 4 million visitors a year. It's no secret that Bali's roads are heavily congested. 'On a typical day in Ubud, the cultural centre, every road in and out is full of stand-still traffic. You can't get anywhere without walking and without breathing in polluted air.' Will Hatton, a World Nomads contributor, described traffic in Bali as 'complete chaos' and 'hell', adding that road accidents are 'common' and many newly-qualified scooter drivers will ride vehicles without helmets. Tourist traps and touts Over-commercialisation has led to what some describe as aggressive touting and inflated prices near temples, markets and popular nature spots. Pictured: Tourists at the Tegenungan Waterfall Over-commercialisation has led to what some describe as aggressive touting and inflated prices near temples, markets and popular nature spots. According to Jamie's blog post, travellers walking through the streets of Bali should not expect 'a moment's peace' from merchants and taxi drivers. He added: 'Everywhere someone is selling something. I didn't visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces for this reason. I've heard that you have to pay initially to enter. Then there are additional payments to "staff" in order to progress down the terraces. 'If you want to get around Bali too the best way is to hire your own driver for the day. Public transport is practically non-existent and taxis are often controlled by "mafia" in order to keep prices higher.' Another visitor, who wrote a scathing review on a blog named Hyder Sea Travels, described the infamous Uluwatu Temple as a 'huge tourist trap.' They warned: 'Yes, the view is amazing from the cliff. However, you cannot visit the temple or get close to it. 'What you are coming here to visit is the area around the temple, in the blistering heat and the burning sun. You also need to pay at the gate for your car or scooter.' Rowdy tourists and influencers One of the online critics who agreed with Zoe and Danny's point of view was fitness and travel influencer Harry - whose Tiktok handle is @resurgent_harry With Bali's growing popularity among influencers, some travellers say the constant filming and performative spirituality have diluted the island's appeal. All the more, influencers often present a curated and idealised version of Bali on social media, which can create unrealistic expectations for other travellers. It comes after Mollie Mae Hague's sister Zoe Rae came under fire for leaving Bali just 48 hours after she arrived because it 'did not live up to expectations set by other influencers'. After sharing her honest review in a YouTube video, Zoe's followers claimed they were 'surprised' by her reaction because the island is a developing area of the world where many live in poverty. Loud parties, beach clubs and disrespectful behaviour from intoxicated revellers have also left a bad taste, with numerous travellers blaming rowdy tourists for degrading the island's atmosphere. Travel blogger Jamie further wrote on his blog: 'I didn't expect Bali to be such a party island. 'Seminyak is apparently a more up-market resort but, once the Aussies descended on it, it was no different to "Brits abroad" descending on Magaluf.'


Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
These are officially the best islands in the world to visit in 2025
Soft, sandy shores, palm leaves swaying in the wind, crystal waters and a cocktail in hand. There's not much to complain about being island-bound, is there? Okay, while not all islands fit that description (news flash: some are cold!), these isolated bits of land feel like a true escape from reality. Each of the planet's many islands has its own appeal and history – so which is the one for you? Travel booking site Expedia has looked into its own travel data, alongside stuff like accessibility, inclusivity, weather, safety, accommodation rates, traveller reviews and more to compile its first-ever Expedia Island Hot List, a glorious list of sea-surrounded havens that accommodate any kind of visitor. So, where do they recommend? On the list for adventurous types is the Dominican Republic, the second-largest island in the Caribbean. The DR is packed with adrenaline-boosting activities like ziplining, canyoning, horseback riding and buggying through the wild. We'd recommend a hike through the forest to the 27 Charcos of Damajagua, a series of 27 waterfalls that you can jump and slide off of. For the complete opposite kind of vibe, Bali tops the list as the best island for relaxation. Think eco-friendly beach clubs with seaside lounges, neighbourhoods surrounded by rich rice fields, elevated coffee shops (literally, Akasa Coffee is a hill) with picture-perfect mountain views, yoga and wellness retreats and sea-bound temples. Take relaxation to the max by booking a Balinese massage. Then, take massages to the max by booking at Senses Spa in Jimbaran for a rub down right by the ocean, with the waves as your soundtrack. As for nightlife, hop over to Páros in Greece, crowned this year's world's best island by Travel + Leisure. You'll find a coastline of bars in the island's main town, Parikia, as well as dozens of scenic restaurants, clubs and cocktail bars in the town of Naoussa. Cocktail bar i tria sits in the heart of Naoussa with colourful, fine-lined artwork on the walls, tasty nibbles and boozy cocktails. When pre-gaming is over, head to Linardo, with its pink front door and matching blossom tree. These are the best islands in the world to visit in 2025, according to Expedia Aruba (Best for Year-Round Sunshine) Bali, Indonesia (Best for Relaxation) Dominican Republic (Best for Adventure) Fiji (Best for Community) Jamaica (Best for Culture) Koh Samui, Thailand (Best for Affordable Luxury) Maldives (Best for Romance) Oahu, Hawaii (Best for Surfing) Paros, Greece (Best for Nightlife) Sardinia, Italy (Best for Food Lovers) Did you see these European islands that have avoided overtourism?


Metro
20-07-2025
- Metro
I went to a European country that doesn't exist
Kieran Brown is fascinated by places that don't exist. Not officially, at least. The British content creator recently spent a day in Transnistria, a breakaway republic of Moldova that is of Europe's most unusual destinations: a self-declared nation that the world doesn't recognise. Touted as a 'surreal relic of Soviet times', this tiny enclave – known locally as Pridnestrovie – is a magnet for intrepid travellers. It's got Lenin statues and ramshackle restaurants run by babushkas. It's got a ghostly railway station, a dark military history and streets that look like a time-warp to the past. In other words, it's fascinating. 'There's not a ton to do, it's more about soaking up the weirdness of it all,' Kieran, 29, tells Metro. 'Hammer and sickle flags are still flying, and the ATMs don't accept Visa or Mastercard.' Best remember to bring cash, then. The local currency is the Transnistrian ruble, valued against the Euro at 20 to 1. It's the only accepted currency used in day-to-day life there. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Sandwiched between the Ukrainian border and the Dniester River, Transnistria broke away from Moldova in a short civil war in the early 1990s. Backed by Russia, it became a de facto independent republic, with its own government, parliament, military, police, currency, postal system and vehicle registration. The separatist region has also adopted its own constitution, flag and national anthem. But under international law, it belongs to Moldova. It's difficult to find accurate information on what life is really like there; for instance, population estimates vary wildly, from 300,000 to 475,000, depending on who you ask. What we do know for certain is, it's cheap. Very cheap, even by eastern European standards. Kieran estimates that he spent around $15 for a whole day of sightseeing and food. A big bottle of vodka is the equivalent of one US dollar, he says. This place punches above its weight. Transnistria is home to a football team that beat Real Madrid in 2021 – the greatest upset in Champions League history. At the time, the estimated value of the entire Sheriff squad was 12 million euros ($14m), about the same as the annual salary of Madrid defender David Alaba. As for Transnistrian locals, Kieran had a mixed bag. 'People were generally stoic but polite, especially the older ones,' he says. 'Younger people often speak a bit of English and are curious why you're there. One man in a tracksuit accused us of being spies as we had a camera but our driver sorted it out.' You can't fly to Transnistria as it doesn't have an international airport. So, if you want to visit, you'll need to follow Kieran's lead and take a day trip from the Moldovan capital, Chișinău. From there, it's around a 90-minute drive or marshrutka (shared minibus) to Tiraspol. For most nationalities, no visa is necessary, but there is a border crossing patrolled by Russian soldiers. Many countries advise against travel to Transnistria due to its proximity to Ukraine, and the fact it is outside the control of the Moldovan government. The UK is one of them, so if you decide to travel, you'll be doing so at your own risk. The Foreign Office won't be on hand to help. It's always a good idea to research ahead of any trip, and have reasonable knowledge of what you're getting yourself into. Kieran says he felt completely safe, even at night. He also knows solo women backpackers who have been there without an issue. 'It's very quiet, with a heavy police and military presence,' he says. 'As long as you don't go filming military bases or causing a scene, you're fine.' More Trending Does he plan to hit up more unrecognised states? You bet. Kieran has already been to Northern Cyprus, a breakaway state that declared independence in 1983 following the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Next, he plans to visit Somaliland in the Horn of Africa. 'There's something fascinating about places that exist in this limbo between countries,' he says. 'They often tell you more about global politics, identity, and history than official capitals ever could.' MORE: 'City of dreams': The Spanish destination that hasn't succumbed to mass tourism MORE: The best lesser-known Greek islands for dodging tourists in 2025 MORE: 'Like the Caribbean': Ibiza's quiet little sister with lunar beaches and turquoise oceans