Pride, Humility, and Misunderstandings: What Foreigners Often Get Wrong About Balinese Life
Recently, a video posted by a foreign woman on Instagram sparked a wave of discussion. In it, she expressed sadness that Balinese people don’t seem to visit the same cafes, beach clubs, and Pilates studios that many foreigners enjoy. She went as far as saying it feels like “we stole their land” and that locals cannot afford clothes and are “basically slaves” in their own country.
It’s important to pause here: Bali is not a country—it’s a province of Indonesia. And the idea that locals can’t afford clothes is absurd. Just because Balinese people aren’t shopping in overpriced Western-brand boutiques doesn’t mean they can’t afford clothing. Many simply choose not to buy from those places, because it’s not part of their lifestyle or values.
As one local remarked, “Don’t worry, Balinese don’t like going to clubs or beach clubs; they prefer eating home-cooked meals with family at home, love praying at the temple, and prefer living in the village.” Another pointed out, “They might even have more money than you—they just prefer buying land or investing in their children’s education rather than flashy lifestyles.” This mindset shows that wealth is often invested in long-term values rather than transient consumer goods.
But here’s where it gets complicated: while some of her comments were naïve and patronizing, the concern about land use and cultural erosion is valid. The rapid development of Bali’s coastline and rice fields into luxury resorts, beach clubs, and expat-run businesses is a very real issue—one that has been discussed for years among both locals and long-term residents.
Still, the responses from Balinese people to her video reveal something beautiful: pride, humility, and a deep connection to culture over consumerism.
Many Balinese voices echo a perspective of simplicity and tradition.
Balinese Values Over Western Lifestyles
Many Balinese emphasize that their tastes and values differ from typical Western assumptions. One commenter responded: “Thank you, but those activities are not our priority. Yes, some of us are struggling, but we are grateful for what we have right now, even if it's only simple things.”
Another expressed a preference for communal, home-centered social life:
“We don’t need fancy restaurants or drinks at beach clubs; we have house terraces where we gather together in big groups.”
For many, wealth is not measured in lattes and cocktails by the beach, but in time spent with family, in nature, and in spiritual practice. As one local wrote:
“It’s true that some cannot afford beach clubs or fancy restaurants. However, we also don’t go there more because they are not part of our lifestyle, and the food at warung matches our tastes, so it’s not always for economic reasons.”
These sentiments challenge a common foreigner assumption that if locals aren’t participating in Western-style leisure, it must be because they’re priced out. In reality, many simply don’t want to.
A Conscious Distance from Tourist Culture
Beyond lifestyle choices, locals also take pride in consciously avoiding the tourist hotspots that many foreigners flock to. One local pointed out: “If you see a restaurant full of foreigners and no locals, it means the food is just not their taste. Try going to places with local food—they’ll be full of locals.”
A strong voice of cultural pride said: “Bali for Bali! Who else can preserve the customs, arts, culture, and traditions of Bali if not the Balinese themselves? We know all the tourist holiday facilities in Bali, but we are not interested, because we know they are only temporary pleasures and superficial enjoyment.”
It’s also true that many foreigners remain stuck in the overcrowded, overpriced Canggu bubble, missing the beautiful, secret and magical Bali that only locals get to experience. As one local put it: “You should envy Balinese because we know hidden secret eateries and cool chill places that only locals know—and they’re better than commercial tourist spots.”
Choosing Family, Nature, and Spirituality
As one local beautifully put it: “We prefer gathering with family, enjoying nature during holidays, and deepening our spiritual values. We are not hypocritical about the existence of those places, but we do not want Western culture to change the Balinese people.”
This is perhaps the heart of the conversation. Balinese culture is rooted in community, ceremony, and a spiritual connection to place. While tourism brings both opportunities and challenges, there is a conscious decision among many Balinese consciously protect their way of life from being swallowed by Western consumer culture.
The Real Issue: Land, Development, and Displacement
While the woman’s video overgeneralized and carried an air of pity that many locals found condescending, her core point about land and cultural transformation cannot be ignored. Rapid tourism-driven development has led to the loss of rice fields, rising property prices, and in some cases, displacement of local communities.
Foreign investment often drives up the cost of living and reshapes public spaces to cater primarily to tourists and expats, making it harder for traditional culture to thrive in certain areas. This is where “acting local, thinking global” becomes a powerful philosophy—not resisting all change, but ensuring it happens in ways that respect and preserve local traditions.
Calls for government action are clear: “The government should step in with policies and fair pricing strategies to protect the dignity and access of locals. Bali must not become a playground only for those from developed countries, or we risk losing the soul of Bali itself.”
Listening Instead of Assuming
What struck me most while reading through the Balinese responses was their graciousness. Even when disagreeing with the woman’s view, many replied with gratitude for her concern.
Others reminded us that “there’s no need for pity—our cultures are different, shaped by our ancestors, and we welcome guests with hospitality. But always with respect.” This balance of warmth and pride is key to understanding Balinese attitudes.
The takeaway for foreigners—whether visiting for a week or living here long-term—is simple: listen more, assume less. The absence of Balinese people at your favorite cafe does not automatically mean they are excluded; it may mean they have better things to do—things that keep their culture alive.
In the rush to “experience” Bali, we foreigners often forget that not everyone measures joy in the same currency. And perhaps, if we’re open to it, the Balinese way of life can teach us something about slowing down, valuing connection over consumption, and holding on tightly to what matters most.
In appreciating Bali, let us honor its people, their culture, and their right to thrive in their own land.