In Reply to: I said "DON'T GO"! posted by felicity on Wednesday, 5. October 2005 at 12:28 Bali Time:
Hi Fel
Some people love Bali, some people don't. I can very easily accept that. However, I feel very sad for you making your decision without apparently visiting the areas away from the 'touristy areas' as you call them.
Go to places like Amed or similar, get out of the air conditioned vehicle and walk into the hills where there are no roads, only tracks leading to remote housing, traditional shack-type housing, communicate with the locals who still don't speak Indonesian - only Balinese, language is not a barrier for these people. This is a totally different experience and some people probably won't like it. There is no night club, no bintang, but the people are genuine - unlike a lot of tourists.
I believe you are going to Bali with erroneous expectations and it is no wonder you will be disappointed.
I do love Bali. There is filth, and there is also beauty. But that is Bali. It is a land of contrasts. How can you evaluate beauty if you've never seen the other side.
The evil we have experienced only helps to enhance our enjoyment of the beautiful side of Bali even more.
Take care