The Dangers and Disappointments of Chasing After Viral Locations

In the dazzling world of online travel, it’s easy to get swept up in the seemingly flawless experiences curated by social media pages and teams. From pristine beaches to breathtaking mountain vistas, the allure of these “must-see” locations is undeniable. But as seasoned travellers, we’re here to offer a reality check: chasing these viral hotspots can sometimes lead to disappointment, as inevitably, some locations look prettier on Instagram than in real life. This is the danger of chasing after viral locations on social media. 

Here’s what you need to consider before letting that stunning grid post dictate your next adventure: 

1. Unrealistic expectations vs price

Like it or not, social media content is meticulously curated to portray positives to the extreme. While this can spark curiosity about a travel destination or attraction, it can also sometimes be misleading in that the posts on social media are way more hyped up than the actual experience itself. 

For example, when looking into new attractions in Malaysia, we found Dream Forest Langkawi to be an exceptionally interesting concept. However, as we dove deeper and looked into reviews, it quickly became apparent that the attraction is much better online than in real life. 

Visitors often left reviews criticising the underwhelming experience, highlighting the poorly-produced animation, the below-average lighting and projection (which is marketed as one of the main highlights), and the lack of unique activities outside of the “same lighting design which is repeated again and again”. 

A recurring point that seems to be repeated throughout is that Dream Forest Langkawi is only fun for kids, and that the lack of other attractions makes it extremely underwhelming, given the hefty price point of the entrance tickets. In fact, many reviewers commented that they left feeling scammed. 

2. Safety

Nature attractions look really good on Instagram, but reels and photos often leave out the impact on wildlife and the safety of such locations. 

As we researched more into Dream Forest Langkawi, we were shocked to see that a guest had been bitten by a venomous snake while visiting the attraction! There were several reviews left about coming across local wildlife while walking around the attraction, as well, which led to questions being asked about the park’s haphazard handling of local wildlife. 

There was also a visitor who recounted falling branches that ended their tour prematurely. Thankfully, no one was injured, but that does call into question the safety of such locations. 

3. Unkempt facilities

What you see online is what was intended to be showcased. When it comes to attractions, they often focus on the main activities, or those which seem the most fun. Very often, other facilities are not shown, and for some, it’s for good reason. 

As one visitor highlighted, apart from the main attraction zones in Dream Forest Langkawi, most of the other facilities seemed to be poorly maintained: broken toilets, empty F&B areas, and equipment that didn’t function as intended.  

4. Poor communication and customer service

An Instagram post showcases mostly the location, but rarely does it highlight the actual experience of a regular paying customer. 

In the case of Dream Forest Langkawi, one visitor was shocked when their reservation was cancelled by the attraction to accommodate a private event without prior notice! Allegedly, this customer had tried to contact the park’s customer service for a week to settle this amicably but was repeatedly ignored, leading to them leaving an irate review. 

Another guest highlighted the unfriendly staff who forcibly demanded them to delete certain photos and videos in the photo printing area. 

Final thoughts

While it’s undeniable that an awe-inspiring post on social media can spark interest in a certain location, as discerning travellers, we should always look beyond the glitz and glamour of Instagram filters. Before making plans ot FOMO-ing into a new trending location, remember to always look up the reviews before making that decision! It could save you from a world of disappointment!