In Reply to: Sarinande Beach Inn : Kuta / Legian Beac posted by Craig Thomas on Friday, 9. April 1999 at 05:00 Bali Time:
I never found Kuta intimidating - busy, fun ect but not intimidating !!
I felt safe walking down the laneways even after midnight (how many places can you do that ???)
It all depends on what you want from your trip, but if you want to see more than just shops & nightclubs, spend some time away from the Kuta area, Ubud is a nice place to visit and it is only a short drive from Kuta.
Hawkers are as big a problem as you make them - understand that it is their way of putting food on their family's table & then it is not a big problem. In fact, some of the hawkers are great people to talk to - buy them a drink (most of them prefer a softdrink) and you will get a great insight into Indonesian life.
On my next trip I'll spend most of my time in Sanur & Ubud, but I'll still spend a few nights in Tuban, as that is still a place worth spending some time at.
Most of all, go with an open mind & you will love the place :)