Molly Mae's sister got Bali completely wrong – the reality is beautiful lesser-known spots and friendly locals
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BALI has always been described as paradise, a place full of beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and a fascinating culture.
At least, that's what I found when I visited, so I was shocked when Molly Mae's sister, Zoe Rae, ditched the island after just two days.
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I was in Bali at the same time as Zoe Rae
Credit: Megan d'Ardenne
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Myself and Zoe even attended the same fitness class
Credit: Megan d'Ardenne
Initially when I saw that Zoe Rae - Molly Mae's sister - was going to be in Bali at the same time as me, I was genuinely excited.
I thought it was great that someone with her platform would be shining a light on a destination that thrives on tourism - but as we've all heard, it didn't exactly work out that way.
Bali's economy is heavily dependent on people coming from around the world to experience its food, nature, culture, and community
And someone with influence, like Zoe, has the power to support that.
So I was disappointed when, just 48 hours after arriving, Zoe and her husband Danny flew to Dubai to finish their holiday, calling it a 'quick extraction."
In her vlog, Zoe explained that Bali hadn't lived up to her 'high expectations', saying that if you 'zoom out' of the photos of coffee shops that influencers post, the reality was different.
Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and experiences.
But Zoe's take on Bali, based on less than two days on the island, misses so much of what makes it special, and more importantly, risks negatively shaping the way others perceive it too.
I was in Uluwatu at the same time as Zoe and Danny. My partner and I even crossed paths with them at a group exercise class at Bambu Fitness, a fantastic local gym known for its community vibe.
What we experienced was a place that, while not always picture-perfect, is layered with amazing beauty and culture.
Enjoy a spot of swing Bali
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Bali is a developing region but is an incredible destination
Credit: Megan d'Ardenne
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Bali is not about luxury, more culture and raw beauty
Credit: Megan d'Ardenne
Yes, Bali has its challenges - it's a developing region, and it isn't flawless.
But it's a deeply spiritual, community-driven island with rich traditions, warm hospitality, and landscapes that don't need a filter to feel magical - it's not Dubai. And that's the point.
Dubai is all about curated perfection, luxury on tap, and air-conditioned ease.
Bali is the opposite, and that's what makes it so special. Yes, the infrastructure isn't perfect. Yes, there's traffic. Yes, it can be chaotic. But if you're open to it, you'll find so much more.
The real magic of Bali, for me, is in its people, its energy, and its breathtaking landscapes.
It's in the beat of a Kecak fire dance echoing through the night and in the steaming bowl of Nasi Goreng served at a local warung.
It's feeling the spray of a waterfall on your face in Tegenungan, catching your breath between waves when surfing in Uluwatu, or wandering through Ubud's peaceful rice fields.
That's Bali - not just coffee shops and influencer photo opportunities, but something much deeper, if you're willing to give it the time.
I understand that for many, travel is about quick escapes and curated experiences.
But as a travel content creator, I believe in showing the full picture.
Travel isn't always aesthetic lattes and infinity pools, some days mean scooter rides in the rain or struggling to find decent Wi-Fi.
But there's beauty in those moments too, they're just as much a part of the journey.
My top tips on places to visit in Bali instead
Ubud: Cretya sunset jungle day club - amazing jacuzzis overlooking the rice paddies
Omma day club - overlooking the Tegenungan waterfall, amazing pool and live DJ
Pyramids of Chi - ancient sound healing bath
Mason Adventures - ATV jungle experience
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Sacred monkey forest sanctuary
Zest - plant based cafe with amazing view
This is Bali - great brunch spot & healthy Balinese bowls
Donna restaurant - great food and vibe
Uluwatu: Uluwatu Temple - beautiful temple and they do Kecak fire dancing each night
Balangan cliff sunset point
Karang Boma Cliff - great sunset views over the Indian Ocean
Cashew Tree - live music night on Thursdays, great atmosphere
Morabito - great place for a sunset drink
Ulu Garden - live music every night and great local food
Secret comedy night - weekly comedy night in a secret location (also in Ubud and canggu)
Alchemy Yoga - great alfresco yoga studio with outdoor hot and cold plunge pools and sauna
Alchemy - lovely plant based eatery
Arabica - great coffee spot
Bambu fitness - fantastic gym, amazing group exercise classes and great healthy cafe
Ulu Cliffhouse - day club with incredible views
Dreamland beach - gorgeous beach, perfect waves for beginner surfers
Rapture Camp - surf school
Krinsa Sliver workshop - make a bespoke piece of jewellery
Hatch Sunday market - great place to shop from local business owners (jewellery l, clothes, souvenirs, food)
Travel is a privilege. So when someone with a big following on social media shares a negative impression after such a fleeting visit, it shapes perceptions in ways that go far beyond one vlog.
It affects local business owners, hospitality workers and families who rely on tourism not just to survive, but to thrive.
Of course, not every destination is for everyone. And maybe Bali just wasn't what Zoe expected. But Bali isn't pristine, it's raw, real, and soulful.
A completely different place, with a completely different vibe, and she left without really giving it a chance.
So yes, Bali is more than just coffee shops and luxury resorts. And no, it's not broken, sometimes it's just our expectations that are.
Check out my adventure through Bali on my account @megsandalex.
For anyone who wants to visit Bali, here's all the information you need from the guide to the Indonesian island's dry and rainy seasons.
And here's the tiny 'Bali of Europe' town right by Africa has beautiful beaches and £20 flights from the UK.
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