We love Bali - who doesn't? But recently a friend asked me about an alternative to Bali. There have been lots of recent articles in travel publications about “overtourism” in Bali, and some people are looking for an escape that doesn't come with traffic jams, crowded beaches, and queues for Instagram spots.
The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) defines overtourism as “tourism that has moved beyond the limits of acceptable change in a destination due to too many visitors.” According to the Bali Hotels Association, Bali saw more than 6 million international tourists in 2018. That's a lot of people on one island.
Overwater Villas as an Alternative to Bali
I shared Telunas Private Island with my friend. At Telunas Private Island there are only 15 overwater villas, so there is never a crowd. It holds a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and has recently received the CHS (Clean - Healthy - Safety) certification, ensuring consistency in health and safety protocols throughout the resort.
Every villa has a large master bedroom overlooking the sea, a double chaise lounge on the deck, a living room, and a spacious loft - perfect if you're bringing kids. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are provided free of charge. The overwater spa is one of the most unique in Southeast Asia.
Getting to Telunas vs. Getting to Bali
The average flight time from Jakarta to Bali is about 2 hours. The flight time from Jakarta to Batam is 1 hour and 43 minutes. From the Batam airport, you take a short taxi ride to the local ferry terminal - and then the real adventure begins. A local pancung winds through the islands south for about an hour, and suddenly you arrive at Telunas.
If you want to unwind, stay in an overwater villa, kayak and paddleboard on the sea, and have a sunset massage at an overwater spa - I'd recommend Telunas Private Island. It's everything you love about a Bali escape, without the crowds.
