I know that this is only one of several questions about the safety of Bali on the Thorntree. I have read all the replies and it semmes the majority of people are saying "don't worry it is ok" My question is when is the last time you were there. I have recently heard through a friend that someone who was there last week said they could not leave their hotel at night.
I don't know these people and indeed haven't spoken to them so do not know if they were just paranoid. I would love to hear from someone who is there now or has just returned.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts as I am to be married in Bali in early July and have family and friends flying in from both Australia and America.
Robin
[There are 8 posts - the latest was added on Sun 23 May, 23:37]
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Currently in Ubud,Bali. Have been in various parts of Bali
since May 2. The only time I felt as though I didn't want to
leave my Hotel was while I was in in Kuta.The hawkers there
become a real pain in the ass, so much so I began to feel
trapped.Don't blame anyone making a living,but come on!The
parts of Bali I seen-East and West are O.K.....So far. I've
heard from other travlers that It would be best to not
travel to North Bali....I had intended to say until May 28
but I've changed plans and will be travel to Japan for a few
days just to be careful. As the election nears there will be
Mass Political Rallies on Bali and It will become more
difficult to travel about. Why Risk It?Let the Indonesians &
Balinese settle their political future and stay out of their
way. Bali will be here long after this situation passes.
I had the same concerns as you a while back. I was trying
to decide if I should take my honeymoon there in July.
Ultimately I decided against it because I just didn't want
to risk it, no matter what the chance was for unrest, and
picked other destinations in SEA instead. This is the only
time you're going to marry this person (probably), why even
leave room for worries like this? You have enough stress to
worry about in planning your wedding and marriage. I would
suggest choosing another destination if it's possible
(although it sounds unlikely). Also, definately purchase
travel insurance soon. If the situation in Indonesia gets
bad and travel warnings are posted about the country, you
may be able to get your money back on whatever costs you've
already paid if it's unsafe to go there. You can also get
"trip interuption" coverage should something bad happen
while you're there and you need to cut the trip short. It's
also just good practice, as usually there's health coverage
on these packages as well.
However, if you've already invested considerable money in
your wedding in Bali, I would just suggest using common
sense while you're there, and like many people say, you'll
probably be fine. Stay away from empty sidestreets and
alleys, avoid any large crowds, etc. Also, keep your family
and guests informed of the situation before you go and give
them some information as to what they should do in the
unlikely event of an unsafe or unstable situation there.
You may be a seasoned traveller, but Mom or Grandpa or Uncle
Bill may not. Realizing your risks and planning ahead are
probably your best bet if you decide to go.
I sincerely hope all goes well for you, and I apologize if
this message is a bit gloomy. I haven't been there in a
few years, but I honestly think that the chances are fairly
small that you'll run into serious problems in Bali,
although expect some minor problems to be safe. (You never
now what kind of side effects might result if there are
problems in other parts of Indonesia that may indirectly
affect Bali - national infrastructure, flight cancellations,
etc.) Also, there are bad people in every country - Bali
isn't the only place where bags get slashed or items stolen,
so be careful of the bad reports you read. It sounds like a
chance of a lifetime to get married in such a beautiful
place! Best of luck.
Robin I was in Bali 3 days ago. I know that Kuta Beach and
a lot of the area around Denpasar can be real unsafe--take
it from the millions of holiday makers that go there and
only leave their hotel when the tour bus takes them to the
furniture shop. Now I spent most of my time on Bali in Ubud
and never felt threatened at all, however I am a young man.
As for the family members, during the day and into the
evening I don't see as any problem--I saw plenty of women
walking alone at night. I can't imagine that Grandma and
Grandpa stay up much later than 9 anyway! If it makes you
feel better, walk in groups at night! Ultimately, the
decision is up to you. The Balinese do not strike me as
being real violent, and I don't think Hawaii would be much
safer.
Everyone Should Remember the market correction that the
Indonesian economy has suffered in the last year, meaning
most locals are now worth just a third of their previous
wealth. Keep this in mind as instances of social disorder
increase. Suharto may have got 5% on deals going throgh
him, but it was multinationals that scooped the other 95%.
I think the Indonesian locals are justified in mugging,
raping and slaughtering a few stupid tourists from richer
nations that have long oppressed Indonesia
Everyone Should Remember the market correction that the
Indonesian economy has suffered in the last year, meaning
most locals are now worth just a third of their previous
wealth. Keep this in mind as instances of social disorder
increase. Suharto may have got 5% on deals going throgh
him, but it was multinationals that scooped the other 95%.
I think the Indonesian locals are justified in mugging,
raping and slaughtering a few stupid tourists from richer
nations that have long oppressed Indonesia
"I think the Indonesian locals are justified in mugging,
raping and slaughtering a few stupid tourists from richer
nations that have long oppressed Indonesia."
What the HELL is the matter with you? Where did you
get your twisted set of morals? Since when is murder, rape,
and torture justified by anything? I don't think you'd make
such a half-ass comment if it was YOUR son, YOUR friend,
YOUR mom, or your-SELF that happened to be the "stupid
tourist" from another nation that just happened to be in the
wrong place at the wrong time - you'd scream bloody hell!
Why don't you think before you make such stupid comments?
I agree with RM. Michelle, just because a country is experincing economic problems does not mean they have the right to rape and murder. In fact while we may understand why robbery is on the increase, in the end it will hurt the majority of Baliness. Even if you don't agree with tourist going to places like Bali, they do provide many many people with jobs.
please don't believe that was my true address, if you guys
are ignorant to believe such a posting, then you'd possibly
believe it is my real address. sucked in you gullible
imperialist fools. menjauhi buaya darat. i hope an
indonesian local sux your brains out, or better still your
mothers. a cyberexistance must really defray your nerves,
go to bali and relax for a bit, arguing on the internet is
really futile, as my departure suggests.