Latest news with #Bali
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Zoe Hague seen back home for the first time since fans mocked her for leaving Bali after 48 hours because it didn't meet her expectations
Zoe Hague has returned home as she was seen heading home from a gym session on Thursday. Molly-Mae's influencer sister was recently mocked by fans for leaving Bali after just 48 hours because it didn't live up to her expectations. Instead she and her husband Danny made a last minute decision to fly to Dubai instead after Zoe, 28, took to social media to admit 'something wasn't quite right'. And the couple have now returned from their trip with Zoe seen out and about in Cheshire in an oversized navy jumper and blue gym shorts. She completed the look with a pair of white sports trainers and balanced a pair of shades on her head. Earlier this week Zoe received backlash after she took to social media to reveal she had chosen to leave Bali early. The fitness influencer had planned the trip to Indonesia with her husband Danny to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. And despite staying in a huge sea view room at the Radisson Blu, a five-star hotel, they decided to leave early and jet to Dubai instead. Zoe explained that Bali looks better on social media than in real life, as influencers make it look luxurious, despite it being a developing country. In a new YouTube video, Zoe told the camera: 'Since landing in Bali, something for us wasn't quite right. 'We came here with high expectations because we had seen on social media that everyone was having such a lovely time. Lovely places to eat and beaches, and lovely gyms and coffee shops. 'But I don't think the reality of Bali is shown much at all, and I do think it is down to a lot of influencers posting the more luxury side of things.' She added: 'Before joining the army, I spent five months travelling South East Asia. I did Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, I did a lot and spent time in these countries. But there is something very different about Bali. 'We got told Uluwatu where we are now is one of the best places to go, so if this is one of the better places, I'm not sure where the other places are like. 'I wasn't going to sit down and say anything, but people want to know.' Danny then joined the video and said: 'You either go on holiday to travel and experience culture or you want to go away and relax.' Zoe continued: 'Yeah, and we could have got a flight tomorrow as today is our anniversary, but time is precious and we just want to get out, and why delay it. 'We missed the mark, maybe we didn't do our own research, maybe it is our own fault. I did a lot of research though. 'I think it is just personal preference, and our preference was that this isn't for us, and we are making the executive decision to go enjoy our anniversary somewhere we know that we love and can relax and can drink the water.' Fans were divided in the comment section, with many claiming they loved Bali and asking for specific reasons why she didn't like it. 'I find this really surprising seeing as you travelled this part of the world. Everywhere there is like this - the 5* resorts are social media worthy but ultimately it's a developing area of the world and lots of the people there live in poverty.'; 'That is such a shame you didn't have a good experience:( Bali is a truly magical place with incredible people! But it is a poor country and I think people forget that and expect it to be like Dubai when that isn't the reality. Hope you have a good time in Dubai.'; 'I'm interested to know what exactly you didn't like about it? You didn't really go into specifics? I travelled there last year and loved it!'; Others agreed with Zoe, adding: I'm just home from backpacking Australia, Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and I can hands down agree with the insta vs reality with Bali!! We tried to enjoy it as much as we could but it is 100% portrayed sooo differently by influencers,' 'Why is everyone hating? Bali isn't for everyone, they arrived and didn't like it? Why would they waste time & money somewhere they're not enjoying?' In 2019, Zoe's sister Molly-Mae shared with fans that she 'fell in love with Bali' as she shared a series of stunning snaps to Instagram. Zoe later shared a photo dump on Instagram, showcasing her lavish Dubai trip after leaving Bali. Fans were divided in the comment section, with many claiming they loved Bali and asking for specific reasons why she didn't like it Others agreed with Zoe: I'm just home from backpacking Australia, Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and I can hands down agree with the insta vs reality with Bali!!' The couple stayed at Atlantis The Royal, with rooms starting from around £290 per night during July, which is considered low season. In peak season, rooms can cost £1,570 a night. Zoe shared on Instagram: 'Danny surprised me with a stat at @atlantistheroyal which I couldn't believe!!!
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BRYONY GORDON: We must stop falling for Instagram and the influencers with their fake lives. It will make you feel nothing but despair
In hundreds of years time, when people gather to discuss the decline of early 21st century society and the various cultural moments that led to it, I really hope that they remember to include the news this week that the sister of Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague decided to leave Bali after just 48 hours because it didn't look like it does on Instagram. Oh, laugh if you want! Pooh-pooh the news as trivial and trifling compared to say, government super-injunctions, not to mention conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. But to me, this totally ridiculous and seemingly frivolous story marks the moment that pop culture as we know it completely jumped the shark.
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE travelers choose 'calmcation', 'slowcation' over packed tourist spots this summer
UAE residents are choosing peaceful escapes over packed tourist hotspots this summer. Whether it's relaxing in a quiet village in Austria, taking a break at a wellness resort in Bali, or working remotely from the cool mountains of Georgia, the way people travel is changing. Gone are the days of rushed sightseeing and crowded landmarks. Instead, travelers are now looking for calm, comfort, and connection. They are slowing down, staying longer, and focusing on their health and happiness, according to UAE travel experts. 'Travel is no longer just about ticking off destinations — it's now deeply personal, intentional, and often slower,' said Raheesh Babu, COO of 'UAE travelers are embracing new styles like townsizing and calmcations, while also turning to more mindful, meaningful holidays." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Calmcations and wellness travel More UAE residents are booking 'calmcation' trips focused on rest, spa treatments, healthy food, and nature. Popular destinations include Bali, Thailand, Kerala, and wellness resorts in the Philippines. 'Wellness has always been a strong part of the travel industry,' said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Travels. 'For a long time, a few have been going to beach resorts and wellness villages, especially in countries like Austria.' Townsizing and slowcations Another growing trend is townsizing — choosing small, beautiful towns over big cities. These places offer local charm, fewer crowds, and a slower pace of life. From Europe's hidden gems to peaceful towns in Southeast Asia, travelers are now spending weeks, not days, at their chosen destination. This ties into slowcations, where people visit fewer places but spend more time in each, fully enjoying the culture, food, and local lifestyle. 'There are a few quiet and scenic towns that offer great food culture and immersive natural experiences, places where people can fully disconnect from the world,' said Subair. 'They just stay there and relax. No sightseeing, no rush.' Staycations and detour destinations Not everyone is heading overseas. Many UAE residents are opting for staycations at resorts within the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These short breaks offer comfort and relaxation without the hassle of airports and long flights. For those travelling abroad, detour destinations, lesser-known locations are on the rise. Spots like Abha, Salalah, Jordan, and Morocco are attracting visitors with their natural beauty, cultural richness, and lower costs compared to mainstream tourist hubs. Workcations: Mixing business with travel With flexible work options more common now, around 30 per cent of UAE residents are taking workcations, working remotely from scenic destinations like the Swiss Alps, Georgia, or Bali while enjoying a change of environment. 'Many residents are also adding wellness days after a business trip,' said Subair. 'For example, they go to work events in Japan or China, then stay a few more days to relax in a serene mountainous region or at a beach resort.' This year's travel is all about balance, saving money, escaping stress, and making real memories. Whether it's for wellness, culture, or quiet reflection, UAE residents are choosing experiences that feel good for the soul. 'This year, travel is less about location and more about experience,' added Babu. 'It's where curiosity, calm, and customization come together.'
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Furious locals call for Molly-Mae Hague's influencer sister to be BANNED from ever returning to Indonesia after she told followers she scrapped Bali holiday after two days because she didn't like it
Furious Bali locals have demanded Molly-Mae Hague 's 'disrespectful' sister Zoe Rae be blacklisted from ever returning following her public attack on the paradise island. The 28-year-old fitness influencer faced a backlash after spending just 48 hours on the Indonesian island before jetting off to Dubai, telling her 144,000 YouTube subscribers Bali looked better on social media than in real life. But the comments went down badly with many residents on the island - where 80% of the GDP comes from tourism - with some suggesting she has broken immigration laws by working as an influencer without a visa. In the video, Zoe told the camera: 'Since landing in Bali, something for us wasn't quite right. 'We came here with high expectations because we had seen on social media that everyone was having such a lovely time. Lovely places to eat and beaches, and lovely gyms and coffee shops. 'But I don't think the reality of Bali is shown much at all, and I do think it is down to a lot of influencers posting the more luxury side of things.' She added: 'Before joining the army, I spent five months travelling South East Asia. I did Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, I did a lot and spent time in these countries. But there is something very different about Bali. 'We got told Uluwatu where we are now is one of the best places to go, so if this is one of the better places, I'm not sure where the other places are like. 'I wasn't going to sit down and say anything, but people want to know.' Indonesia is still considered a developing country where the average monthly wage is less than £140 but Bali is the most popular tourist destination with a host of luxurious hotels and upmarket activities. Zoe had been staying in a huge sea view room at the Radisson Blu, a five-star hotel in Uluwatu to celebrate her and husband Danny's first wedding anniversary. Following the video, locals mocked the YouTuber for fleeing to 'fake' Dubai and demanded the government ban her from ever returning to Indonesia. Yuli Budi Santoso, a travel agent, told MailOnline: 'I think in the future, they have to be blacklisted from entering Indonesia. They have already made Bali look bad. 'They were disrespectful for posting a vlog that portrays Bali negatively, even though they don't know where Bali really is, how Bali is, what Bali is like. 'I think we should all report the video and get her account suspended.' I Made Somya Putra (CORR), a Balinese activist and lawyer, accused the couple of trying to bring Bali down for their own agenda and urged government authorities to put them on an immigration watchlist. He said: 'In my opinion, this YouTuber is trying to bring Bali down and appears to be making sponsored or agenda-driven content. 'Why does it seem like paid content? Because their point of views are different from other influencers, which most influencers spoke positively and recommended Uluwatu. 'Aside from coming across as a sponsored YouTuber, this person seems to just be chasing views by stirring controversy, simply riding on Bali's fame, but doing so in a very negative way. It seems like they haven't really explored other parts of Bali. 'It's like tasting a scoop of water and thinking you can judge the whole ocean. 'Of course, freedom of speech is important. However, what immigration should do is put them on a watch list. When they re-enter Bali or Indonesia immigration should question them deeply, asking the true purpose of their visit. 'It seems they're not coming to Bali for vacation, but rather to earn income by creating YouTube content that ends up portraying Bali in a negative light.' Foreigners caught working without a visa in Indonesia - even if they are self-employed or working for a foreign company - can be hit with substantial fines, deportation and banned from returning. Entrepreneur Nayaka Pidada added: 'Bali chooses who comes and who stays. If someone is not satisfied with their visit, it means Bali has rejected them. The 28-year-old fitness influencer faced backlash after spending just 48 hours on the Indonesian island before jetting off to Dubai , telling her 144,000 YouTube subscribers Bali looked better on social media than in real life 'If the government want to blacklist them, then go ahead. That's up to the authorities who have the power to do so. 'But we Balinese people, in general, are always welcoming to anyone who comes. Whether they enjoy it or feel satisfied, that depends on them.' The couple later flew to the Middle East where Zoe shared photos on her Instagram, of their lavish trip. The couple stayed at Atlantis The Royal, with rooms starting from around £290 per night during July, which is considered low season. In peak season, rooms can cost £1,570 a night. Zoe shared on Instagram: 'Danny surprised me with a stat at @atlantistheroyal which I couldn't believe!!! 'Going at this time of year definitely helped as everything was a lot cheaper!! For a very special occasion it's perfect.' Defending their decision to leave Bali after justy two nights, Danny said: 'You either go on holiday to travel and experience culture or you want to go away and relax.' Zoe added: 'We missed the mark, maybe we didn't do our own research, maybe it is our own fault. I did a lot of research though. 'I think it is just personal preference, and our preference was that this isn't for us, and we are making the executive decision to go enjoy our anniversary somewhere we know that we love and can relax and can drink the water.'
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Fear of ‘mafia-style syndicates' in Bali grows amid spike in crimes by foreigners
A surge in foreigner-linked crime has raised fears that Bali may turn into a 'killing ground' for drug traffickers and organised crime groups, as officials and residents warn that efforts to boost mass tourism are eroding public safety and inviting the wrong kind of visitors to the Indonesian island. Advertisement Bali police recorded a 16 per cent rise in crimes involving foreigners last year – from 194 cases in 2023 to 226 in 2024 – with 108 such incidents logged between January and June of this year, according to local news outlet The Bali Sun. Local politician Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih attributed the issue to an influx of low-budget travellers staying long-term in unlicensed accommodations that have proliferated since the Covid-19 pandemic. 'The quality of tourists coming to Bali is decreasing,' Agung said as quoted by The Guardian. 'This is due to the rapid growth of illegal homestays, which allows low-budget foreigners to stay longer in Bali.' A police officer walks past the villa in Bali where Australian national Zivan Radmanovic was shot dead and another man injured, on June 15. Photo: AFP More than 60,000 visitors arrive on the island each day, which has a population of 4.2 million. Last year, Indonesia's most visited island welcomed over 6.3 million foreign tourists, and the provincial government hopes to surpass that figure by attracting 6.5 million this year. Advertisement But the pressure from such volumes is mounting, say locals, who fear that rapid growth without adequate controls is attracting criminal elements.
