A British tourist has savaged a holiday hotspot, saying the Indonesian island of Bali is “absolutely poo”.
Richard Monckton took to TikTok to share his views of the province’s traffic, but went on to praise locals.
In one video, posted from the @rmonckton1986 account, the disgruntled traveller said: “I’ve just come to Kuta and let me just show you what it’s about because let me tell you now it is absolute carnage.
“I don’t like traffic so I’m in the worst location in the world and honestly Ubud was the same.”
Kuta is a resort in the south of Bali and a popular destination for foreign tourists, while Ubud in the north is known for its traditional arts and crafts.
Mr Monckton continued: “Everyone else’s experience may be different, but for me Bali is absolutely poo… Thailand absolutely p***** all over this place.”
The TikToker’s opinions divided the platform with some users angered by Mr Monckton’s criticism.
One wrote: “Thanks for coming to Bali island & pls don’t come back.”
Another agreed they too didn’t like the traffic on Bali.
After his initial post, Mr Monckton returned to TikTok, posting another video in which he explained his views further and praised Balians.
He said: “You are beautiful, kind, caring people… All I was trying to say was that it’s so busy here. It stresses me out because I hate traffic.
“I love and respect your country but it’s just f****** hectic, because I come here to chill.”
WARNING: THE TIKTOK VIDEO BELOW INCLUDES SWEARING
Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali saw rising numbers of foreign tourists until the Covid pandemic, with more than six million arrivals in 2019.
During Covid, traveller numbers fell but they have since begun to climb again. Foreign arrivals recovered to more than a million for the first time since 2020 last year, according to the latest figures from Statista.
Hailed for its colourful culture, natural wonders and friendly people, Bali is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, but it is about to get more expensive for foreign tourists.
The island will introduce a new tourist tax from February 14 designed to help fight the consequences of mass tourism.
Visitors will be charged 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (£7.48) when entering the island, with the fee also applying to children.
The levy will be imposed on top of the current visa fee of 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (£24.94) for 30 days travel.
