We understand the importance of making attractive content on social media these days – our constant craving for approval calls for it, after all.
When you are having the time of your life in Bali, for example, it is only natural that you would want to pick out and share to the world your best island experience, from the dishes you eat to the idyllic beaches you bathed in.
So when these TikTokers in Bali decided to do “expectation vs reality” videos, we can only say that they are refreshingly honest.
“Don’t be fooled by insta 😅🌝,” wrote @victoria_goulbourne as she shared the view of a beautiful swimming pool on what appears to be her hotel during her visit late last year. Then, in sharp contrast, she panned her camera to a muddy estuary next to the hotel.
@victoria_goulbourne Dont be fooled by insta 😅🌝 #traveltok #bali #canggu #indonesia #traveltok #comedy #fyp #instavsreality #baliviews #balitravel ♬ original sound – Andrei King
Her video has racked up 7.5 million views as of this article’s publication.
Commenters quickly pointed out that the stream looked muddy because of the low tide and that she could’ve taken the video in a better moment.
In a more recent TikTok video, @travelling.nusapenida shared a clip of what appeared to be a couple embracing on the steps of a seemingly idyllic tree house overlooking a breathtaking view of beaches and hills. We then cut to the interior of the tree house, where there was only a mattress, a small table, and a small fan on top.
@travelling.nusapenida Expectation 😍 Vs Reality 😂 Molenteng Tree House Nusa penida bali. 🎥 Instagram dainadaina #nusapenida #bali #indonesia #travel #trip #fyp #balitravel #balitour #travelingnusapenida ♬ suara asli – NUSAPENIDA
@kathryncritt still the prettiest place I have ever seen in my life and would fully recommend going #bali #travel #indonesia #expectationvreality #travelpics ♬ My Heart Will Go On (Flute Version) – Faith
TikTok user @kathryncritt shared footage of her traveling experience in Bali, depicting both the good and the bad. Juxtaposed with a shot of a beautiful beach were a traffic jam, a long queue for fast boats to Angel’s Billabong, and local homes.
She was quick to point out she wasn’t denigrating Bali, as she says she still loves the island and would recommend it to anyone.
“I simply made this [because] of Instagram expectations,” she said.
