In Reply to: Wrong Attitude to Bali posted by Aussie Sam on Friday, 23. July 2004 at 10:03 Bali Time:
Many Balinese people are naive about money. They think because they see tourists spending up big in Bali, it is because the are very rich and compared to them this is totally true. Unfortunately what they don't realise is that tourists do not have a money tree in their back gardens and have to struggle to pay for their annual holiday. Consider this, tourists spend between 10.000rp and 15.000rp on one beer and they are seen to enjoy several.....in an evening, it is common for an Aussie for example to drink five or six beers, that amounts to, lets say approximately 90.000 to 100.000rp per evening and then food and munchies on top...plus what the Balinese know it costs for plane tickets and accommodation in luxury hotels....This then gives the impression of extreme wealth.....no wonder they try to get an extra dollar or two from you. Many Balinese people are now working for their food only !!!!.....or at minimum 200.000rp per month....that is less than many tourists will pay for a meal with friends...!!! Please consider that the Balinese people are very poor compared to the West....In rural areas where I work and live....it is extreme poverty, with no income at all. Many of our patients pick green leaves from the sides of the roads to go with their rice...come and look....and please adjust your thinking...Have a wonderful holiday in Bali and do what you can to help. Balicrisiscare.org....