I feel somewhat blessed that I have been to Bali twice and on both occassions feel even more blessed that my family and I have missed the bombings by a matter of weeks on both occassions - first time by 3 weeks, this time by 2 weeks.
I have also lurked on this forum for a couple of years and got plenty of info from it (thanks) and now feel compelled to write something.
I also love Bali because of all the reasons expressed in the forum. I havent made long lasting friendships in Bali but in the short times we were there, the balinese people (most of them anyway)treated us like we were long time friends. Having travelled all over the world, I have been exposed to plenty of hospitality whilst on holidays (most of it trained or conditioned) but in Bali, it always seemed a lot more genuine and humble. Couple this with all the other benefits of a bali holiday (shopping/prices/weather/food/drinking/culture/ proximity etc) and there is nothing else like it...A holiday in Fiji or the Gold Coast or even Sth Thailand just doesnt compare for all these reasons.
For all this, I consider myself to be blessed to have had the experience of Bali without the fear or uncertainty. Admittedly, the 2nd time round we did keep away from the night club areas more due to the prospect of getting caught up in some new drug drama but the last thing we were worried about was the prospect of another bomb. My wife, 6yo son and I went along our merry way and had a fantastic holiday.
Even friends/family that had hesitations about Bali before we left, expressed plenty of interest after our safe (drama free) return with some of them even talking about going in the near future. Unfortunately, 2 weeks later this all changed and Bali is now blacklisted in their minds again.
I just hope that everyone that has not experienced Bali yet, can one day get the opportunity to do so without all the uncertainty of the current climate. So if you are thinking cancelling your trip, think about putting if off until you feel safe, but make yourself the comittment to go some day. I will definatly return, hopefully sooner than later....