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Influencers at war over Bali! Molly-Mae’s sister Zoe’s scathing review of the country divides online critics over whether it is a digital nomad’s dream or an ‘overcrowded s***hole’

BBG News

Molly-Mae Hague’s sibling, Zoe Rae, faced criticism as she departed Bali merely 48 hours following her arrival, due to the destination falling short of the lofty standards portrayed by other social media influencers.

Following her candid appraisal in a YouTube video, people who follow Zoe expressed their astonishment at her response, as the nation she was reviewing is a part of the global community still undergoing development and where many individuals struggle with poverty.

As a committed admirer, I’ve discovered that while opulent accommodations such as the Radisson Blu Utuwata offer an alluring glimpse of exclusivity, much of the nation fails to align with the polished, picture-perfect image portrayed by digital influencers online.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but feel the sting of laughter directed at dear Zoe, 28, when she admitted her oversight after grumbling about missing the bullseye on their special occasion. You see, Zoe and her beloved Danny chose Bali as their anniversary destination, only to find out (apparently quite belatedly) that this was an unlucky choice for them.

Alternatively, some concurred with the ex-army medic’s sentiment, expressing their own surprise at the grime and foul odors they encountered in their critical evaluations of the nation.

Following an examination of views expressed on TikTok, there seems to be disagreement among influencers regarding their experiences in Bali. Some posts praise the region highly while others criticize it harshly, labeling Bali as an unpleasant choice for a vacation.

In spite of having a large oceanfront room at the Radisson Blu, a luxury hotel, they opted to depart sooner and fly off to Dubai prematurely.

Zoe pointed out that Bali seems more lavish on social media platforms compared to its actual state, due to influencers portraying it as an upscale destination, even though it’s still a developing nation.

She asserted that it failed to live up to their lofty expectations, as they had been told about delightful dining spots, beautiful beaches, fitness centers, and cozy cafes.

She firmly maintained that the genuine image of Bali, as experienced personally, differs significantly from what’s portrayed online, an opinion she attributes to influencers presenting distorted versions on their platforms.

HATE IT

Among those online commentators who shared similar views with Zoe and Danny, one was Harry – a fitness and travel influencer, known on TikTok as @resurgent_harry.

Harry expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his followers, as he was particularly pleased that the couple shared their thoughts. After traveling across the country for two long months, he had put in a tremendous effort to appreciate the place.

In a recent post, Harry expressed his happiness about the comments made by Zoe and Danny. He stated that Bali serves as an alternative to Dubai for those who cannot afford it.

For two whole months, I journeyed to the enchanting island of Bali, but try as I might, I couldn’t find a genuine connection with it. Remarkably, my feelings mirrored those I’ve had for my long-time friend Danny over the years.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’d like to highlight an intriguing perspective on two destinations: Dubai and Bali. If you’re yearning to share glamorous snippets of your life with the world, Dubai might be your pick. It offers an infrastructure, ecosystem, and lifestyle that is uniquely its own, a carefully crafted backdrop for those coveted photos. However, if you’re seeking a more organic, less curated experience, Bali might be more suited to your tastes. It lacks the structured, polished atmosphere Dubai provides, but offers a rich, authentic lifestyle all its own.

Sharing his displeasure with Bali, he went on to say: ‘It’s incredibly congested. There’s a lack of proper infrastructure, yet it remains pricey. It’s visually appealing, but only in tiny areas. The gyms are fantastic, but you can easily get run over by scooters on the sidewalks as soon as you leave them.’

It seems running isn’t an option right now due to the overwhelming amount of litter on the beaches. Unfortunately, the area is swamped with trash. Some individuals there might be attempting to project success, and even offer a course for purchase to reinforce this image.

Apologizing for any potential inconvenience, I typically avoid sharing negative experiences about locations online. However, among all the places I’ve visited, Bali stood out as the least enjoyable destination for me. On a brighter note, I had the opportunity to travel to Ukraine last year.

Additionally, @pavlazarou concurred, stating that he felt too frightened to consume food and found the odor distressing, following what appeared to be an instance of manipulation on Instagram, which is commonly referred to as ‘gaslighting’.

We’ve been in Seminyak for three days and Jangu for another three, and I must say that I find Bali disappointingly subpar.

I’ve found myself utterly disillusioned in this place; it seems filthy everywhere you look, and the odor is overwhelming. Eating here feels like taking a risk, as if every meal might be my last. Social media has deceived me into believing this locale is charming, but I’m beginning to see it for what it truly is – a stinky, unappealing mess with little to no entertainment options.

I’m not trying to be a downer, but I came here hoping to have a great time, yet I just can’t seem to understand all the excitement. Honestly, this doesn’t really live up to what I expected it would be like. I guess I don’t quite get it.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but feel the pull towards Ubud, Uluwatu, and the enchanting Gili Islands. My heart yearns for an experience that surpasses the current situation, hoping those destinations live up to their reputation. At this moment, all I crave is a swift escape back home.

At the same time, Corrin found the traffic in the country extremely difficult to handle, expressing this discomfort to her 4,000 TikTok followers. She described it as nearly intolerable.

The user with the handle @cor_98 expressed their feelings about Bali in this way: “Many people rave about coming to Bali, calling it a fantastic destination. However, I can’t stand it – just take a look!

‘The roads are heavily congested everywhere you look. It’s quite a sight to see how densely populated they are. It’s truly disheartening; traffic is so severe that it’s impossible to navigate through, let alone cross the street.’

At the crosswalk, people continue to pass despite your presence. Essentially, it seems as if you’re inviting danger by standing there. I’ve rarely witnessed traffic congestion as severe as this; it has left a profound impact on me and shifted my entire viewpoint.

LOVE IT

On the other hand, numerous supporters of Bali extolled its charm, often highlighting the stunning vistas over the ocean captured in picturesque videos showcasing the region.

Fiona Wang, also known as @heyfionawang on social media, emphasized that the authentic charm of Bali hasn’t been exaggerated, as she shared a sneak preview of her lodging.

She explained: ‘Initially, I thought Bali was overrated, but that was only because I didn’t know the right places to visit. Just look at this – it’s the ocean, the pool, and that stunning view is from my villa.’

‘To clarify, this place is priced at just $120, and it goes by the name Segara Seaside in Nusa Ceningan. In my upcoming video, I will provide a comprehensive review and unveil an authentic side of Bali that’s not overrated.’

In the meantime, Tom Birchy (also recognized as @tombirchy) shared that he was gradually warming up to Bali, having been initially critical or disliking the country beforehand.

Upon our arrival two days back, as we navigated the city streets, we found ourselves exclaiming, “Wow, it seems quite grimey here.” Notably, there was a river that didn’t appear to be in its pristine state.

After spending two days here, I must admit there’s a certain allure growing on me. Still, it’s evident that this place isn’t my cup of tea; it’s unique in its own way, and now I understand its appeal.

He acknowledged that it’s understandable why individuals might choose the island as a location to establish themselves as digital nomads.

If you’re around 28-35 years old and a digital nomad seeking a community of similar people to settle down with, consider Bali. Specifically, the region where I currently reside, Changu, is highly recommended.

Highlighting its advantages, he pointed out: ‘It offers breakfast places and artisanal coffee shops, meeting all your needs.’

However, I feel it lacks a genuine, authentic vibe. It appears more like an imitation of Australia, which seems to be the approach in this place.

Indonesia is both an Islamic nation and a secular state, thus it has designated areas like Bali for entertainment and party culture, such as nightclubs and vibrant social scenes.

‘Everything is stored here to prevent it from spreading into other areas. Quite intriguing, isn’t it? Indeed, it’s fascinating. I love all the unique shops, there are so many boutiques here. It’s a captivating place, I might even reconsider my feelings about Bali.’

Alex (alcross) likewise advocated for people to explore Bali, since she enthusiastically suggested delightful eateries and breathtaking sunsets as must-visit attractions.

She mentioned: “I’m currently relaxing on Uluwatu beach in Bali, and I wanted to quickly share my thoughts. So far, I’ve spent four nights here, and what I love about it is how peaceful it is compared to Jangu. As of now, this is the only place I’ve visited.

‘The beaches here are more peaceful and serene, offering a laid-back ambiance. However, navigating around requires knowledge of scooter riding. But overall, it’s fantastic – a perfect fit for my preferences compared to Jangu. There are numerous excellent restaurants and picturesque spots for sunset viewing.’

According to Liam Etheridge (liametheridge2), he was captivated by Bali due to his fondness for beaches, and fortunately, it met his expectations.

Is Bali in Southeast Asia a good destination for travelers right now? Many are wondering about this, but my straightforward response is definitely yes. I chose to visit Bali mainly due to its beautiful beaches, which were the primary reasons for me wanting to come here.

‘The beaches in Bali are incredibly exciting, particularly for surfers. The waves at Uluwatu and Noosaduwa are excellent for surfing. Additionally, another appealing aspect, which we haven’t experienced yet, is the diving.’

In the island of Ko Tao, Thailand, we earned our scuba diving certifications, and each instructor recommended Bali as the place to go for incredible diving opportunities. Bali offers a plethora of activities, including rice terraces and mountains that are perfect for hiking at sunrise or exploring volcanoes.

Additionally, you’ll find captivating waterfalls there too. If you appreciate such scenic attractions, a visit to Bali would undeniably be rewarding.

In a colorful critique, Mashtag Brady expressed his viewpoint as follows: ‘An unbiased assessment of Bali – an absolute marvel! It baffles me to see the chatter about its supposed inferiority. I have received numerous inquiries asking why I chose to visit such a place that’s supposedly terrible.’

This place is absolutely fantastic! It’s hard to believe there could be a better spot. I’m really enjoying myself here, and the sense of freedom is just incredible!

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2025-07-16 16:20

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