In Reply to: Tour vs Guides posted by BDN on Monday, 29. November 2004 at 09:39 Bali Time:
On an organised tour you will be taken where the tour operator wants to go, not necessarily where you may want. You will be taken to selected shops etc where the tour operator will get a commission. This way you will not have the opportunity to "shop around" and get an idea of comparative prices, range, quality etc.
With a guide you may still get some of the above, but a good driver/guide will try to fit in with your requests and also take you to interesting places you would not have known to ask about, as well as stopping along the way for good photo opportunities. You will also get to know your driver personally and maybe start a lasting friendship.
Many of us have favourite drivers we have originally met this way, or have got from recommendations on the Forum.