Huuummmmm Bali.. Paradise it is not!

Same experience!!
Sorry your experience of Bali was ruined...we have had the exact same experience as you (we learnt to stick to the tourist transport!). But even with the tourist transport the Indonesians can be incredibly rude...Neil pinned one guy up against the bemo when he tried to trip me up (when I was wearing my big backpack) and had his hand around his neck - like Dale it takes a lot to get him riled but somehow the Indonesians in Bali (and some in Lombok) just know how to push it too far with the tourists there. Hope Lombok and the Gilis were better for you. We NEVER want to go back to Bali again...it's such a (bad) contrast to the rest of Indonesia! Safe travels and keep smiling! xx

Bali
Hi Sophie and Dale... I read your blog with great interest and agree completely with your thoughts on Bali. I left 24hrs ago and wont be returning in a hurry for much the same reasons... I didnt mention in my blog the state of the cats and dogs in Bali... it really is very sad and yes completely colours ones views of the Balinese... Enjoy your next destination... Nic

Bali
Hey guys. I'm sorry that you had a not so ideal time in Bali. I am an American - Indonesian living in NYC and I even have to admit that the Balinese can be greedy at times and its always at the expense of their own people. And its not just foreigners that get the short end of the stick but also to their own people that they act this way too. I always have a good time in Bali and always manage to visit every time I'm in Indonesia. BUT really Indonesia is more than JUST Bali. I get so aggravated every time someone mentions Bali is the only island to visit but there are so much more to see. Bali wouldn't be Bali if it wasn't for the Javanese for example. I can speak fluent Indonesian and I basically blend in with my brown skin and asian face but even I still get harassed in Bali for more money than I should be putting out. But you know what I think led some Balinese that way? because I observe some of the foreign tourists esp Aussies that visit the island and they totally SUCK in bargaining. so it ruins any chance of bargaining for other people when they just give in so easily because *insert foreign accent here* "its so cheap!" I swear when I watch these tourist sometimes I just want to slap some sense in them and tell them get to know some local people and get some good tips, they could even save some money but I figure they might be pretty well off in their homeland. (rich parents) Bali is beautiful there culturally and naturally and it does balance out between modernity and the traditional- Basically it has something for everyone. I love Bali and I would advise not to stay in Kuta unless you like the idea of a overpopulated, drunken mess, touristy overrated area. :) Also if you can, rent out your own car or go on tours. Ubud is def a must and yes the shopping there is spectacular for shopaholics like myself.