Posted by Adearthic on Monday, 22. February 1999 at 14:28 Bali Time:
Well! Maybe I am spoiled from living in the Northern Territory, but I found the island of Bali to be desperately polluted. In all aspects of environment. I was dismayed at the locals soul selling, with their low quality goods and the consitent desire to rip you off. The imports don't help either. The sight of a fellow Australian vomiting down the side of the taxi, on his way to MORE drinking will remain with me for a while.
Some advice. DON'T drive vehicular transportation of any kind. Get someone to drive you. The roads are utter chaos...the only reason why more people are not killed is the slow speed they travel, and the defensive and courteous attitude most drivers have. Any road travel over an hours length will leave your skin and lungs appreciably blackened from the diesel and two stroke fumes.
There are no isolated areas in Bali. There are people EVERYWHERE. I found a track into the National Park, in the North West, but stumbled across an Army bivoac. I climbed Gunung Agung, and kept running into Germans and Italians.
I had to bribe a traffic policemam for an alleged traffic offence. It cost me 60000.
The seafood is great! A lobster cost me close to 100 dollars australian, however. May as well stayed at home for that one.
Avoid Kuta.
The view from Kitamani is worth a stay. Bagus!
Lovina and Candi Dasa, also, are very nice.....the beaches are polluted however..mostly with plastic. All the rivers/streams entering the sea, have elements of sewage to them. ON YOUR MOTHERS EYES! DON'T DRINK THE WATER! Use bottled.
I stayed for 15 days...perhaps this is too long. My main aim was snorkelling. If you want snorkelling, go to Queensland.
I won't return to Bali. Queensland's worst, outperforms Bali's best.
Selah