To Bali, or not to Bali

[leenie]

Hi

The wife, 4yr old and I have a 10 night Bali trip booked, departing 18Nov. 2 nts InterCon, 4 nts in a villa in Ubud and then 5 nts in a villa in north Kuta. What with the potential for nastiness relating to any justice handed down to the bombers I was wondering what people on this forum would do......we're currently evaluating our options and trying to decide what to do. We've been several times since the DFAT warnings have been at their current elevated level, so that alone has not deterred us.

So what do you think? Go ahead or cancel pronto and go to plan 'B'?

I live in Bali and have done so for 10yrs, i have never been nervous about being here, even after the bombing, I don't go to the Kuta area, not because i am nervous i just don't like the traffic etc.
As you are staying away from this area, i would say come and enjoy.

You can't let these terrorist win, if your time is up its up, you may believe this or not? you could also be run over by a bus etc..I will never let these coughs stop me from going anywhere, even if i had children, so come and enjoy Bali ...life is to short as it is, have fun be happy..
keep away from large shopping area in Kuta, there are plenty of other place to shop & do lots of other things and in Sanur you will find the prices less then Kuta.

Hope you went and are enjoying you stay on our beautiful Island.

And for those that don't want to come to Bali because you are scared, stay in your houses, don't drive your car, you could be killed, looks like this is happening everyday in Oz?

 

[simongr]

You can't let these terrorist win, if your time is up its up, you may believe this or not? you could also be run over by a bus etc..I will never let these coughs stop me from going anywhere, even if i had children, so come and enjoy Bali ...life is to short as it is, have fun be happy..
keep away from large shopping area in Kuta, there are plenty of other place to shop & do lots of other things and in Sanur you will find the prices less then Kuta.

While I sort of agree with the sentiment I don't agree with some of the logic. By staying away from certain areas, you are letting "them" as they are controlling where you go. You are advocating being careful whne crossing the road. For me avoiding Bali is just an extension of that.

 

[leenie]

While I sort of agree with the sentiment I don't agree with some of the logic. By staying away from certain areas, you are letting "them" as they are controlling where you go. You are advocating being careful whne crossing the road. For me avoiding Bali is just an extension of that.

Thats fine, we all have our own opinions and you are rightfully entitled to them, if i were a tourist i would go to these area's, my friends that lives here are with the Aus Gov and they go to Kuta all the time, i am sure if they thought there was a major problem they wouldn't allow there family to go, i don't like Kuta and that's it, but why punish the Balinese people, this is the only income they have..anyway better you stay home and be safe..have a nice day and be safe * careful crossing the road

 

[simongr]

anyway better you stay home and be safe..have a nice day and be safe * careful crossing the road

Avoiding Bali does not require me to stay home - there are around 195 countries in the world to choose from - many of which would provide a viable alternative to Bali and also are in need of the tourist $.

 

[straitman]

..anyway better you stay home and be safe..have a nice day and be safe * careful crossing the road

Avoiding Bali does not require me to stay home - there are around 195 countries in the world to choose from - many of which would provide a viable alternative to Bali and also are in need of the tourist $.

leenie,

Like simongr I have no need to visit Bali as there are many, many other countries that would appreciate my dollar spend and where the implied threat it considerably less. It does not mean that I need to stay at home.

For what it's worth I've spent many days and weeks in parts of the world that are quite inhospitable and just figure that I don't need to do so any more. At the time and in the situation prevailing the risk management was appropriate for me but it is not such for Bali (or some other places) any more

 

[JohnK]

I am in a similar situiation. I have never been to Bali and do not see the attraction. Beaches and nightlife do nothing for me. I need a good variety of golf courses and Thailand more than fulfills that obligation. That said, who knows one day I may end up in Bali....

 

[geoffl]

We used to go to Bali in the 70's then just got too busy, then, around 5 years ago we rediscovered it, and was amazed at what we found, fantastic private villa's with their own plunge pools, with free breakfast, wifi, local transport etc, great golf courses, in the Mountains and on the Coast, much better food, but still so cheap, and great people.
We still regularly visit Thailand, Vietnam, China and the rest of the world, but, for a terrific break away from it, Bali is as good as any.

 

[Soundguy]

.....around 5 years ago we rediscovered it, and was amazed at what we found, fantastic private villa's with their own plunge pools, with free breakfast.....

Care to throw any names (of Villa's) or prices in?

I haven't been back to Bali since 2000. I loved the countryside but I was disgusted by the people, many of whom I found quite vile in addition to the fact they had no respect for their own country. I was told before I went that many were deeply religious & I had to be careful not to offend their local customs etc. What I found was quite the opposite.

I might be interested to return if there was an area with few local people & nice countryside where they haven't tossed all their rubbish yet.

My concern about Bali now is less for physical safety than for the potential for corruption within the authorities. When the locals repeatedly approach you - as they do - with small parcels of drugs and other contraband and offering young children for sex and any other unspeakable thing what is to stop a corrupt cop claiming that I was actually soliciting for what the debauched locals were trying to thrust on me?

 

[geoffl]

In the last 5 years I have not been offered drugs at any time, nor any other illegal activitety. Yes, there are still areas that are not as clean as we would prefer, but, it is a third world country, similiar to Thailand, Vietnam, China etc.
Areas such as Ubud, Seminyak and Jimbaran Bay all are very relaxing and well away form the more established area of Kuta.
Websites to look at for starters are shown below, and vary in price from around $150-$450, but, when you book online, the rate is negotiable according to Season etc., remember, these are "Rack Rates". We have stayed at all of these locations and can recommend them.
www.thesamayabali.com

The Ahimsa Villa Bali Honeymoon Accomodation Villa with the Ultimate Boutique Villa Experience bali villa

Bali Rich Villas - Bali Luxury Villa, Kerobokan Bali Villa

http://www.alubali.com/

Westin Nusa Dua Hotels: The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali - Hotel Rooms at Westin.com.com

www.ubudhanginggardens.com