Navigating Bali: Hilarious Google Maps Moments with Tourists

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As a foreign tourist visiting Bali, it’s only natural that location guidance tools such as Google Maps become one of the tools relied upon. This is especially true when foreign tourists use Google Maps as a guide to new tourist attractions that they have never visited.

Without these tools, navigating Bali’s complex road network and numerous tourist attractions can be a daunting task, leading many to turn to Google Maps for assistance.

There’s a touch of comedy in the videos that show how foreign tourists using Google Maps in Bali end up in some rather challenging situations. Titles like ‘POV: You Use Google Maps in Bali‘ or ‘When You Use Google Maps in Bali‘ add to the amusement.

In one video, a tourist following a big, smooth road ends up stranded on a small, damaged highway. This is a common issue with Google Maps in Bali, as the app often directs users to the most direct route, which may not always be the best option due to road conditions or local traffic patterns.

@ricardotalu Bali 🙏🏿❤️ #uluwatu #bali ♬ september on crack ft. a recorder (Earth, Wind & Fire – September) – frickin weeb

Content creator @reesebros even made a complete video skit showing the struggles of foreign tourists in Bali using Google Maps. They strayed into rice fields, local settlements, and the beach before finally entering the field and meeting the buffaloes.

 

Lihat postingan ini di Instagram

 

Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh Tom & Kell (@reesebros)

The story of tourists using Google Maps in Bali has even been discussed by the Indonesian national media. In 2023, a viral video was uploaded of a Caucasian woman climbing the fence at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

According to the Airport team, the tourist was desperate to climb the fence because she was confused about finding an exit from the airport when using Google Maps.

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Even a slight misstep in using maps can lead to dire consequences. In May of this year, 2024, a British tourist tragically lost his life after falling into a ravine in the Tigawasa Village area, Banjar District, Buleleng Regency, Bali.

From the narrative of his surviving partner, the two were riding a motorcycle from the direction of Denpasar City towards Lovina Beach.

While using the application, they were directed to cross the steep and narrow route, Tigawasa-Lovina Village. Because they did not master the route, the motorcycle suddenly fell into the ravine.

Have you ever found yourself in a funny or challenging situation while using Google Maps in Bali? We’d love to hear your story!

Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat for more food and drink recommendations in Indonesia:

 

SEO Writer

Imelda is a content writer specializing in viral news and Indonesian culture. Her work revolves around researching and analyzing current events, social media trends, and popular culture.

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