In Reply to: Not off the mark at all posted by Daniel on Thursday, 3. March 2005 at 23:03 Bali Time:
I'm sure that we both make some valid points. I am completely at ease with social nudity and so was my late wife. I believe that many people will, perhaps subconsciously, respond to our feelings in a similarly comfortable manner. Many others, of course, will not.
Some of our experiences in Bali in regard to nudity would perhaps have to be seen to be believed. I am talking here about nudity only and nothing at all to do with sex. Some people find it difficult to separate the two, but from your answer I see that you are not like that.
The Balinese people, as a whole, have had to adapt to some of the ways of tourists and visitors. Their economic existence depends upon it. Their acceptance, or otherwise, of some of these ways would depend on many things, such as their proximity to and dependance upon the tourist industry. Some things, such as motor transport, mobile phones, TVs and access to modern medical techniques are probably generally welcomed. Other things, such as being kept awake all night by thumping music, if you happen to live in the Jl Dhyana Pura area, are a pain in the neck.
Speaking purely from a position of health and comfort, the best thing to wear for swimming is nothing. Many visitors, including some of those from some of the countries whose citizens are actively sought by the Balinese tourism industry, prefer to wear little or nothing for this activity. As long as these people are reasonably discreet [as I'm sure most of them prefer to be], then it's just "part of the scene".
If you would like to discuss this further, feel free to email me.