Posted by Caitlin on Tuesday, 6. October 1998 at 14:14 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Just got back - REALLY gone downhill posted by Janey Mackay on Tuesday, 6. October 1998 at 11:52 Bali Time:
I think this just goes to show that it all depends on where you go, how you get there etc.
When we went back to Kuta twice during our trip we were in foul moods within 1/2 an hour. My guess is that Nusa Nua isn't that much different.
Similarly we took one driver for a trip from Kuta to Ubud who had been recommended on the Forum (coincidently based in Nusa Dua) and the only places he stopped at were tourist trap overpriced demonstration batik/silver/carving shops.
It was only when we found a gentler surround (Ubud) and a gentle thoughful driver who largely protected us from the worst of the beggers etc that we began to enjoy our holiday properly.
Don't get me wrong - there are still hawkers that materialise at cremations, temples etc that can be unbelivably annoying and even upsetting (Bat Cave experience) but once minimised, you can cope with these experiences better. I think coach tours would be the worst in Bali - when a personal driver/guide is so cheap and there are so many recommendations on this forum it's the only way to go.
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience - I totally understand it as I experienced similar things myself, but I'd also assure others that you can find another side of Bali if you take some of the advice available here.