So you’re finally in a good committed relationship (go you!) and your partner suggests a trip to Bali. At first, you’re excited but then you remember that urban so-called ‘Bali Curse’. Is there actually a curse on couples who visit Bali? Well, that depends on who you ask.
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The legend
Once upon a time, there was a young prince and princess who fell deeply in love on the island. And well, to put politely, they were intimate while they were still unmarried. But as it turned out the prince was not looking for a fairytale ending and did what any* modern day man would do: he ghosted the princess and was never seen or heard from again.
Naturally, the princess didn’t take it very well – ghosting was not as common back then as it is now. It’s said that she then put a curse on all unmarried couples who visited Bali so that they would break up after leaving the island. We feel you sister, but that’s a tad harsh.
*most men
The variations
As with any urban legends, different versions of the Bali Curse exist. Some say the curse only affects unmarried couples who do the deed (okay, sex) while in Bali, while others say unmarried couples who travel with family and friends are unaffected. Another version says the curse only affects couples who visit the famous Tanah Lot Temple.
Read also: Temple run: Religious sites in Bali you must visit
The statistics
We put the Bali Curse to the test the only way we know how – on an Instagram poll. We put it to The Luxe Nomad followers – have you ever really been struck by the Bali Curse, or is it just an urban myth? The answer was pretty conclusive: only 22% of you had actually experienced the curse, while a resounding 78% hadn’t. (Yet?)
‘I went to Bali with an abusive boyfriend and after a night of excess with my ex and his party addicted friends I went to Petitenget temple in Seminyak early in the morning by myself, completely sick of myself and our lifestyle. I prayed and sat, watching the locals make bamboo decorations for a festival. I also sat on the beach afterwards and looked out into the lapping ocean. Soon after that trip I broke up with my abusive ex but Bali is also where I met a new boyfriend who is an amazing person. Bali is a spiritual hotspot and if you connect with the spirits, they will find out whether your intentions in love are pure or impure. And if you need saving from an abusive relationship they might save you too!’
‘Had my first trip with my then boyfriend there! This year we’ll celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary.’
‘We met in Bali a year ago and so far not breaking up any time soon. Instagram content holds up.’
‘My husband proposed in Bali exactly six months after our first Bali trip together!’
‘We went twice for a friends’ weddings. Third and fourth time there we were scouting for our own wedding venue. And soon to be fifth for our big day!’
Read also: Everything you need to know about planning a Bali wedding
The conclusion
Modern day couples have resorted to Google for answers, as seen on various forums online. But the fact of the matter is, it is a myth with no actual truth to it (none that has been reported anyway). And as much as it would be easier to blame a fictional princess for the demise of a relationship, sometimes it just comes down to two people who aren’t right for each other.
A relationship only has a 50/50 chance of surviving anyway; either you get married or break up, which explains why so many people think the curse is real.
At the end of the day, Bali is and will always be a bucket list destination that is most definitely worth the visit. Think beautiful beaches, delicious exotic food and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. So book that flight to Bali, and fight the good fight.
How can you say no to this?
Image credits: Main, 1, 2, 3
This article has been updated.
