30

Well if you spent time in "Sumatera" ,you should be at the very least least be able to spell it properly. You are not even close. Try the 'spell-check' .function---Duh

31

I really hope you're making a joke, salud.

32

"Tourists" stay in Bali - "travellers" go east.
Ha, ha, ha.

Bebik (something like that)
Bebek.

33

@31, I guess we know for sure that Salud isn't Indonesian, eh? ;<)

34

I still enjoy Bali. I don't know nearly as much about the Balinese as I should and even less about the Island than I could, but then, now I usually go to Bali after going to other places in Indonesia to relax for a while, enjoy a better tourist infrastructure and and shop for all my favorite wooden boxes, and other fun stuff in the marketplaces. I have been there enough not to get too skinned by the vendors, I like to bargain, I don't get bent out of shape by paying more than the "locals" and I like all the activity in places like Ubud. I don't really care that I have watched Bali change (modernize) since I first went in 1998 - the Balinese seem to do their thing regardless and don't seem too concerned with what anyone else thinks about their culture, ceremonies and lifestyle anyway. Besides, modernization is not such a bad thing for anyone who wants to improve their lives and living conditions and even with modernization, I still have a hard time describing Indonesia to anyone in the States who has never been there.
I have also struggled in other parts of Indonesia (Sumatra, parts of Java, Suluwesi, etc.)
and accept what those adventures had to offer. They are all different - and even primitive at times by my standards as an American tourist. But in order to find fascinating places I have to adapt and keep an open mind as best I can.
Bali is what it is, and I probably only know a little bit about what it really is about. But then that's Indonesia - endlessly fascinating, never static, constantly surprising, kind of crazy, often bewildering and still a little - or in other places a lot - rough around the edges.
I think I wandered a bit. Not sure I said what I meant, only that I meant what I said.. Oh yeah, as for LP guidebooks, they are helpful, and have pretty pictures, but definitely not the "bible."

35

I still enjoy it too....as I said above.And i'm happy if the Balinese decide for themselves,rather than other Indonesians or foreigners.

I'm glad that geedivine has changed their opinion considerably from what they said in the first post,which was rubbish.

That is....Bali was an expensive destination in the past,that has become cheaper.This is clearly not true...even people who think it is a good thing (like MadeIndra)admit that Bali has become steadily more upmarket and more expensive.

And...that going to places like Papua or Maluku will cost you 'a thousand dollars a day'...that is patent rubbish.

36

Personally,I will continue to do as I have done before..

That is...explore parts of Indonesia where I can travel cheaply and see great beaches,wildlife,go trekking,learn about different cultures....then come to Bali to relax in 'luxury'for a few days (carefully avoiding Kuta,Legian and all of that area).

I suggest any traveller considering Indonesia does the same.........

37

i posted on the wrong site, find and read, it was about the Bali thread, no further explanation is of no use to someone like you #33

38

Eh, would that be Canuck?

39

Nah, it's Mexican. Nice try with #37. Your post #30 is precisely where you wanted it.

40

Viva la Mexico

41

Bali's got those, 'Balinese' people. Until that changes - it's gonna be a place to visit.

42

yes ,Bali should be on anyone's 'shortlist as well as many others, but I will not reveal them. I always want to be the one that locks the gate

43

Well when it was Indonesia Handbook, you didn't have the riff raff you have now.

That said, Tony Wheeler himself said "We are all tourists now" and that 10 years ago.

No need to cry just leave your pith helmets at the door.

44

This branch has more multi- nicks that the Vietnam branch, I notice :)