In Reply to: Echo beach shack c posted by chrisinbali on Sunday, 31. January 2010 at 22:34 Bali Time:
.. as Baldie says there is a taxi cartel (or mafia) operating (as there is around so many other places - eg La L) so if you get a driver or phone for a cab, your driver could be intimidated & driven away by the cartel. Happened to us & it was a most unpleasant experience, especially for our taxi driver.
In any case I wouldn't bother going to Echo Beach. It's crowded, a long & exey drive there & the return trip to Kuta environs is most expensive.
The food is average, the band is mediocre & does '80's songs very loudly & slowly & it's crowded. It is a "scene". People go there because people go there. If you want good seafood on the beach there are plenty of places between Jimbaran & Seminyak & you'll save heaps on transport.
If you must go to Echo Beach try Sol next door - better food (no bbq though but the best squid ever), better prices, same sunset and no crowds.
I know that many people love the scene at Echo Beach but it ain't for me.