Posted by scott bremer on Thursday, 4. February 1999 at 15:53 Bali Time:
Thought I'd give a quick overview of my recent trip. Stayed at the Casa Padma Hotel and it was nice. $47 U.S. included daily breakfast and round trip transfers. It's in a good location 2 blocks from the action in Legin (Just down from Peanuts Bar) and only $ 1.50 U.S. taxi ride from Kuta. Hired a driver from there "contract" company and for $ 100.00 U.S. got 3 1/2 days of customized tours. Biggest rip off was at Besakih, They ask for donation before you go in and then assign you a "religious leader" to show you around (it's along walk to the top). He even offered to carry my back pack, nice guy, uh!!! Trouble is when you get ready to leave he lays a very heavy rap on you that Americans nornmally give him $ 40.00 U.S. (as he's holding my bag). Talk about being pi--ed off! I gave him 15,000 (rup) which I planned on doing anyway. Grabbed my bag and told him what a rotten scam he had going. I'd say go with a tour group and you probably won't get this pulled on you. Tanah Lot was incredible. Hawkers in Legin/Kuta were not as bad as I thought, I said no thank you (they all understand) and smiled and they pretty much left me alone. The bad place for Hawkers was the Mt Batur area. They were so "on you" I actually losty my cool and had to push my way out. Total insanity I must say. Beach at Kuta very much overplayed for beauty although nice waves. Guam beaches put it to shame as did some in P.I. and Thailand. Eating is rediculous. Cheap, Cheap, Cheap (away from name brand hotel resteraunts) and no shortage of western fast food. Being in the military and seeing this was my 27th country visited, I would sum it up for people like this: If married and looking for romance Bali is great! If your single (man/women)and looking for a little touring and a little nightlife Bali is Good. If your male, single, and want to party hardy with lots of women go to Pattya Beach in Thailand. Best of Luck to all who wander. Enjoy... Life is Good!