31-1-2024 (JAKARTA) Authorities in Indonesia’s tourism hub of Bali are seeking a British influencer after she sparked controversy by denouncing the island’s traffic congestion and describing the renowned Kuta beach as “absolutely awful” in viral TikTok videos.
Travel content creator Corrin expressed her frustration earlier this month regarding Kuta’s congested streets and reckless drivers who ignore pedestrian crossings, making it difficult for people to navigate.
“Everyone says come to Bali, it’s an amazing place to come. Honestly, I hate it,” she remarked in the video, highlighting the chaotic traffic near a Kuta intersection, a favourite destination among international tourists.
In another video, Corrin lamented the lack of cleanliness at the beach, pointing out the strewn rubbish along the waterfront, expressing disappointment that such aspects were not highlighted to tourists.
While acknowledging her videos’ negativity, Corrin clarified that she did not intend to portray Bali in a negative light.
@cor_98 I just cant belive what i have whitnessed why on earth dont people show you this side of things on the beach. Kuta beach has been an absolutle dissapoinment. I really dont want to be negative about Bali but so far its just been Awful hopefully jungle life is much better! #indonesia #beach #kuta #litter #dissapointment #travelling #truth #fyp ♬ original sound – Corrin
However, Bali’s tourism task force, responsible for managing unruly tourists and deporting offenders, including those who disrespect sacred sites, remained unconvinced by Corrin’s explanation. They vowed to gather information on the tourists critical of Kuta and collaborate with immigration authorities, as reported by The Bali Sun.
Responding to Corrin’s criticism, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, Bali’s acting governor, acknowledged the challenges faced by Kuta, referring to it as the “face of Bali.” Jaya admitted that the tourist hub had become unkempt due to damaged stalls and uncleared rubbish along the beachfront. He personally led a beach clean-up effort in collaboration with local residents last Friday.
This incident coincides with Bali’s implementation of a new tourist tax starting February 14, aimed at preserving the island’s environment and culture. The $10 fee, payable electronically, applies to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia.
Despite the criticism, Bali remains a popular destination, with over four million international tourists visiting the island in the first 10 months of 2023.
