The dangers of some areas of Bali, especially Kuta

To add to the above:

Money Changers:

In general, it is recommended to change money at either of two reputable chains of money changers in Bali. That means either Central Kuta Money Exchange or Bali Best Rate. Both have websites and several branches and have a great reputation.

http://www.centralkutabali.com/news.php?id=506http://www.balibestrate.com/money-changer.php

If you are unable to visit one of their branches and end up changing money at some small places that offers no commission or unbelievably good rates then be careful. Make sure that YOU are the last person to count the money and don't let the money changer get anywhere near those notes again as they can basically do magic tricks with them and you could find yourself with far less than you realized.

If this happens, ask for your original money back or take photos of the money changer and threaten to get the police. The police, especially will usually accompany you to the money changer and scare the heck out of them and you will get your money back. These rotten money changers already give a very bad reputation for Bali so the police generally will assist you and the money changers know this.

As for exchanging money at the airport, the rates are not very good so just change enough to get you around for a while, maybe enough for a taxi to your hotel and some more, perhaps Rp500k or less, and then use one of the reputable money changers mentioned above to get a good rate without issues.

ATM machines:

ATM machines are another big problem in Bali and many tourists have lost lots because gangs of often foreigners such as Russians etc install skimming gadgets on ATM machines. Sometimes these are in the most popular places and sometimes they are in supermarkets and convenience stores, or they may be installed on the isolated ATM machines you see around. The safest way to withdraw cash form an ATM machine is to use one that is located inside a bank.

Also, remember that if an ATM machine fails to dispense any money then call the bank immediately to report it as there is a chance your account would still be debited.

Fake Blue Bird taxis:

This has become a plague in Kuta and the south. Taxis painted exactly the same colours as Blue bird taxis and having the same logo will pretend to be Blue Bird, so be warned if you are trying to flag one down. Their meters run at a very fast rate so if you are not careful it is easy to get ripped off. Remember that genuine Blue bird taxis use the airconditioning, keep their windows closed, the drivers do not have tattoos and they generally do not talk much and they should not smoke. A good alternative to taking a taxi is using a Grab car.

Winning Tickets:

This has been in Bali since I first visited in the early 1980's. Yes, you will always win and they will act surprised and excited and tell you to follow them to get your prize. In most cases it is related to Timeshare units. The best is to simply ignore them and walk on without speaking to them and they'll leave you alone.

Driving Licenses:

In Bali you need to have either a local driving license or an International Driving Permit. The police are not particularly fussy about which type of IDP you have, but I have always used the 1949 one in the past and never had problems. As long as it's valid they will usually accept it. There are supposedly rules about getting a letting from a police station in your home country and going to a police station in Bali to register your IDP but actually nobody does it and most police in Bali don't care about it. For motorbikes and scooters, not all rental companies ask for a license, but if you have an accident then without a license insurance usually doesn't cover you and hospital bills in Indonesia can be huge. Always wear a helmet too. foreigners die in motorbike accidents from time to time.

However, if you are an expat then I recommend getting a local driving license which is valid for 5 years.

Snatch thieves:

Visitors in Bali more and more frequently (before Covid) get their bags snatched by people on motorbikes. Not just handbags but also mobile phones and cameras, so keep your bags away from the road side and always watch your belongings.

Well, thats something happening all over the world, but most of that bad things in Bali its happens only in the limitated area of Kuta, so its unfair to talk only about cons, a good advice must consider both, cons and pros, and Bali has so much more pros than cons.

So, after the warnings of our indonesian friend Fred, that spent a few days holiday in the area of Kuta in Bali, its important for potential new expats to know also the pros to live in Bali.

Healthy Lifestyle – For those who love having a healthy lifestyle, filled with working out, yoga classes amazing dive spots and surfing, Bali is absolute paradise. However, it isn't just the activities that draws so many people to Bali, one other main reason is the healthy food. From local to Western food, Bali is filled with healthy food options, both vegan and non vegan.

The People – The Balinese people are extremely friendly, welcoming, and will almost always go out of their way to help you. It is the kind people that made a lot of western people fall in love with the island of Bali, and perhaps it will be the same for you! On top of that Bali is currently an extremely popular destination for expats and digital nomads, making it easy to find people with similar interests and to create your own community away from home!

Coworking Spaces & Cafes – As the expat and digital nomad community group grew, so also did the amount of coworking spaces and cafes that offer a decent wifi, a great place to get some work done in between exploring the island.

The Cost of Living – The cost of living in Bali is considerably lower compared to many destinations in North America, Europe and Australia. Eating out, doing grocery shopping, activities, and even rent a house, a car or a motorbikeare often a fraction of the price.

Activities – But it isn't just the great prices, the healthy lifestyle and the people that draws so many travellers to this island, it is also the amount of beautiful sights and activities this island is home to. Stunning temples, pristine white and black sand beaches, endless rice fields, spectacular waterfalls and even a volcano that you can climb for sunrise. This island can keep you busy for months, and due to its size every single one of these places is at most 3 to 4 hours away, no matter where you decide to live on the island!

The culture - the key to understand the Balinese culture is their conception of time, that is not so important as in the western culture.
The rhythms that mark life in bali are very slow, the priority is to feel good about yourself and with others, after which everything else comes, including business.

The Weather – And last, but definitely not least on the list, of the pros of living in Bali is of course the weather. While you might encounter some tropical rain and thunder storms during the rain season, overall the weather in Bali is lovely! Sunny and warm days year round, great for escaping those cold winter days back home.

Fred posting a lot of blablabla for nothing.

All the  things he mentions are present and happen in nearly all Asian cities, BKK, HKG, SGP,  HCMC, SEOUL, Phnom Penh, K.L., just to mention a few I lived in... Not to mention 100's of.other places in the world.
Anybody worried or scared of those things should simply stay away from nightlife or entertaintment areas and stick to more quiete places. Or simply stay home with mom, and never walk further then 500m from.the church.

I regulary go to Seminyak, Legian nothing of this bothers me. I politely and smilingly decline "offers" and that's it. Anyway, I am experienced enough in that field to find what I want by myself, IF Iwanted.
Living now 3 years in Sanur, never been pested once. Except by souvenirs sellers....

Yes, apart from the problem of ATM's and money changers and the annoying fake Blue Birds (solved by using Grab cars or renting a vehicle), the rest just requires common sense.

I've been visiting Bali since 1981 and often spent months at a time there including living in Sanur for a couple of years. Lots and lots of time spent in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and beyond including sitting in Poppies Lane 1 playing my guitar with locals with a crowd and and chatting with Made and Peter at Made's Warung with my surfboard beside me noshing their 1/2 nasi campur 1/2 gado-gado and banana pancakes. I interviewed some of the local surf heroes back in the 80's, Ketut Menda, Wayan Gantiysa and Made Kasim for a surf magazine article I wrote in the 80's. I've seen local Balinese sellers and massage women chase thieves on the beach in Kuta and beat them with their flip flops until the police came, often saying that the thief is Javanese. Who hasn't seen that?

But Kuta is just one place in Bali which happens to be close to the airport and has beaches, shopping, restaurants and lots of hotels. It is perfectly safe for families, kids, and singles. I find it extremely rare to be offered a girl or drugs, I cannot remember the last time that happened, probably because I often travel with my family. I presume the most single guys know how to say "no" and walk on. Even my kids when they were teenagers didn't need to be told that.

These days the majority of people who visit Bali have some kind of plan or itinerary. They research which areas they want to stay, perhaps 2 days in Legian, 5 days in Sanur, a week in Ubud, maybes a few days on Nusa Lembongan. They book their hotels in advance and they get to see the real Bali: terraced rice fields, traditional villages, stunning sunsets, beautiful ceremonies, volcanoes, black sand beaches, wonderful islands, villages specialized for their specific handcrafts, white water rafting and so on. They seldom stay more than a couple of days in Kuta because Kuta isn't the real Bali.

You just need to research and do some planning. Bali does indeed have a big reputation, that's why so many people either want to live and work there or retire there or visit for a vacation. I don't agree that there is this big dark side of Bali. That's akin to scaremongering and totally wrong. I think that is a big over-exaggeration. Drugs and prostitution are not "in your face" in Bali in any way at all. Sure it exists but name one place where it doesn't? You just need to say "no" and there is no problem. Have you seen the drug scene in the UK or in any other major city?

I think expats are pretty smart people and certainly able to take care of themselves and make the right decision when traveling. Bali is an amazing place and I hope it gets back to normal soon so I can visit again. There is no need to paint a dark picture of a place when it isn't an issue. I think it's also doing Bali an injustice by some of those comments.

I have lived in bali 15 years ,kuta does have a few issues but not exaggerated as the poster suggests , bali itself is quite a unique place ,not perfect nowhere is  Imho.

It does not compare to java where infidels like me are made to feel uncomfortable ,lets not get into the "din" 5 times a day , increased levels of crime , women in the larger cities will not wear gold as they do in bali .
Etc etc etc .

I always feel comforted when approaching bali on the ferry from ketapang in java and i see the white Buddha welcoming me back home , a peaceful place .

Marcello Manganese wrote:

Well, thats something happening all over the world

It isn't something that happens in most of Indonesia, but you do get these things in many tourist areas in other parts of the world

Marcello Manganese wrote:

, but most of that bad things in Bali its happens only in the limitated area of Kuta, so its unfair to talk only about cons,

That's why the thread title mentions Kuta. It's absolutely fair as potential expats considering that area should have more than tourist brochures to consider before they make a big move.

Marcello Manganese wrote:

, a good advice must consider both, cons and pros, and Bali has so much more pros than cons.

I'm assured much of the island has a lot going for it, but this thread is one of reality in Kuta and some other areas, not an advert for Bali.
Do you deny these problems (in a non-covid world) are rife?

Bali Frog wrote:

Fred posting a lot of blablabla for nothing.

All the  things he mentions are present and happen in nearly all Asian cities, BKK, HKG, SGP,  HCMC, SEOUL, Phnom Penh, K.L., just to mention a few I lived in... Not to mention 100's of.other places in the world.

Nice reasoning, but invalid. I know there are lots of places these happen, but not in most of Indonesia, and this is the Indonesia section of the forum so pointing out the massive difference is valid.

I've got used to a world where the above are all but non-existant, so seeing them tossed into my face was a bit of a shock. I've lived in Central Java and various bits of South Jakarta and South Tangerang, visited most of Java from tiny villages to large cities, and spent time working in many other parts of Indonesia, but Bali's Kuta (and some other areas) is the only place I was confronted with the list above.
I suppose you can get used to that lifestyle, but potential expats might well life to know before they decide on their course and destination.
Quite why anyone would want to defend that sort of behavour is something I don't really understand.

It happens in other countries so it's fine in Kuta - Is that really an argument?

Bali Frog wrote:

Anybody worried or scared of those things should simply stay away from nightlife or entertaintment areas and stick to more quiete places. Or simply stay home with mom, and never walk further then 500m from.the church...

Or live in places where these things don't happen, or it's minimal and not shoved into your face.
Hence the point of the thread, that being to inform.

Shill88 wrote:

ATM machines:

ATM machines are another big problem in Bali and many tourists have lost lots because gangs of often foreigners such as Russians etc install skimming gadgets on ATM machines. Sometimes these are in the most popular places and sometimes they are in supermarkets and convenience stores, or they may be installed on the isolated ATM machines you see around. The safest way to withdraw cash form an ATM machine is to use one that is located inside a bank.

Also, remember that if an ATM machine fails to dispense any money then call the bank immediately to report it as there is a chance your account would still be debited.

This is happening in pretty much every city in Indonesia so I left it off the list, but I gather Bali has an especially bad problem. I saw my first in Purwokerto, so I reported it to both the bank and the police, but neither knew what it was so it got left. The news about the first Eastern European gang getting busted in Bali happened some few days later, then the bank finally inspected the ATM.
Most arrests appear to be East Europeans of various nationalities, including Russians, so it looks like they're using that to fund a party lifestyle.

Interesting , my bali positive post ,is now under review , Why ????

Is this forum now becoming member biased ? strange

"I  suppose you can get used to that lifestyle, but potential expats might well life to know before they decide on their course and destination.
Quite why anyone would want to defend that sort of behavour is something I don't really understand.

It happens in other countries so it's fine in Kuta - Is that really an argument?"

Another load of bollocks ...

1) I  supose, or at least I hope, that any person with a brain before deciding to move to another country do a few visits before in order to see the different areas and their "specificities".  No way I would live in Semyniak for retirement. Now as a young man 30 / 35, no way I would have settled down in boring Sanur. You see my point ?

2) Where did you read I defended that behaviour ? TBH, I am more bothered by tbe ripp off taxi mafia at the airport than by a guy offering me  Viagra or some 3 day old Aussie news rag !

3) Where did you read I said it's fine in Kuta ?
Hell, I have travelled enough, and been in plenty red or dark areas in the world. I am not traumatized by it.

And as somebody wrote, if you walk with wife and kids,nobody will bother you.

One more thing : Loud, bare chested, tattooded Aussie entering a restaurant gets on my nerves more than all the things mentionned.

Fred wrote:

Marcello Manganese wrote:

Well, thats something happening all over the world

It isn't something that happens in most of Indonesia, but you do get these things in many tourist areas in other parts of the world

Marcello Manganese wrote:

, but most of that bad things in Bali its happens only in the limitated area of Kuta, so its unfair to talk only about cons,

That's why the thread title mentions Kuta. It's absolutely fair as potential expats considering that area should have more than tourist brochures to consider before they make a big move.

Marcello Manganese wrote:

, a good advice must consider both, cons and pros, and Bali has so much more pros than cons.

I'm assured much of the island has a lot going for it, but this thread is one of reality in Kuta and some other areas, not an advert for Bali.
Do you deny these problems (in a non-covid world) are rife?

Bali Frog and Shill88 already replay to u, I just want to add a consideration.
U claim that such thing doesnt happens in most of Indonesia, wich Is not true, I visited many islands of Indonesia and in all that I had notice of prostitution, drug dealers and people who want scam western people.
Moreover, drug dealers and prostitute in Bali coming from other islands of Indonesia, mostly from Java, u can read that everyday on the newspapers.

Marcello Manganese wrote:

Fred wrote:

Marcello Manganese wrote:

Well, thats something happening all over the world

It isn't something that happens in most of Indonesia, but you do get these things in many tourist areas in other parts of the world

Marcello Manganese wrote:

, but most of that bad things in Bali its happens only in the limitated area of Kuta, so its unfair to talk only about cons,

That's why the thread title mentions Kuta. It's absolutely fair as potential expats considering that area should have more than tourist brochures to consider before they make a big move.

Marcello Manganese wrote:

, a good advice must consider both, cons and pros, and Bali has so much more pros than cons.

I'm assured much of the island has a lot going for it, but this thread is one of reality in Kuta and some other areas, not an advert for Bali.
Do you deny these problems (in a non-covid world) are rife?

Bali Frog and Shill88 already replay to u, explanimg very well why Ur thread Is not a good point, I just want to add a consideration.
U claim that such thing doesnt happens in most of Indonesia, wich Is not true, I visited many islands of Indonesia and in all that I had notice of prostitution, drug dealers and people who want scam western people.
Moreover, drug dealers and prostitute in Bali coming from other islands of Indonesia, mostly from Java, u can read that everyday on the newspapers.

Marcello Manganese wrote:

Moreover, drug dealers and prostitute in Bali coming from other islands of Indonesia, mostly from Java, u can read that everyday on the newspapers.

The point is, these things are in your face in Kuta, but are hardly seen in most of the rest of the country. It's very clear some areas of big cities like Jakarta also have problems, but not in the same way we see in Kuta.
Jakarta and other large cities do have crime problems, but I have only twice been offered sex in the street outside the Kuta area, and very rarely drugs. I've also had rip off taxis on Java, but that comes to five in 14 years including 2 Blue Bird. It should be noted, both complaints to Blue Bird were answered within 30 minutes, and they took reports exceptionally seriously.
Apart from Blue Bird, I didn't find a single honest driver in the South of Bali.
I have no idea where Kuta's prostitutes come from as I didn't knowingly speak to any - I wonder how you do.

Fred wrote:

Marcello Manganese wrote:

Moreover, drug dealers and prostitute in Bali coming from other islands of Indonesia, mostly from Java, u can read that everyday on the newspapers.

The point is, these things are in your face in Kuta, but are hardly seen in most of the rest of the country. It's very clear some areas of big cities like Jakarta also have problems, but not in the same way we see in Kuta.
Jakarta and other large cities do have crime problems, but I have only twice been offered sex in the street outside the Kuta area, and very rarely drugs. I've also had rip off taxis on Java, but that comes to five in 14 years including 2 Blue Bird. It should be noted, both complaints to Blue Bird were answered within 30 minutes, and they took reports exceptionally seriously.
Apart from Blue Bird, I didn't find a single honest driver in the South of Bali.
I have no idea where Kuta's prostitutes come from as I didn't knowingly speak to any - I wonder how you do.

As I said, u can read daily in the newspapers about drug dealers and prostites arrested, with names and city of origin, at the same time In wondering why, with all the Amazing places in Bali, u decided to spend ur few days holiday in that horrible Kuta, well knowed as place of dissolute night life.
Its not true that only in big city in Indonesia u can find drug dealers and prostutes, and they are Hide, everybody there know how to find that.
Just to remain to Java, I want to share 2 my personal experiences.
1) my wife Is javanese, most of her family live around Siidoarjo, est Java.
Every year we go there for Harisan (u are indonesian, so no need I axplain what Is that) and we rent a bus to go to Madihm, est Java, a Village where lives the oldest members of the family.
The first time, when we was around 20/30 minutes from Madihn, a sister of my wife (note, I said sister, a woman!!!) pointed me to agroup of wooden shackks and said "there men go to meet prostitutes".
2) before move to Bali I lived 1 year in Malang, easrern Java. A friend of mine came to visit me, and we decided to hire a care with driver to go to a beach out of Malang.
On the way back, in the evening, the driver ask if we want go to a Red district close to Malang, where we can also buy some ecstasy to make out sex experience outztanding. We declinae, but we was not shocked at all, Just because things like that happens everywhere, but maybe u should write a thread about the dangerous for potenzial expat who want to move ro Java.
I wont report all the stories similar to mine that I hard from other expats and locals, suppose I been clear.

Ah, about cabs, u must be very unlucky, but try to take a taxi a couple of times and have bad experience cant make a realiztic statistic, for 2 dishonest there are 100 honest.
My son start to come ti visit me in Bali when he was 15, and since the First Time he knows that when he go out with Friends and want to take a can, the First thing to do Is to ask if there Is a Meter, and if there Is, to ask to turno on It, if the driver refuse and ask for a fixed price, Just let him go and stop another can.

Of course there's prostitution on Java, but we lack the hordes of men shouting 'lady lady' at random tourists.
Quite why you'd want to defend pimps is beyond me.

kuta covers a couple of sq kilometers behind the beach , i ate  there after work for a couple of years before going home in nusa dua , im sure there will be hookers , its not in your face like thailand ,drugs also ,but no one ever offered me any .
Taxis ,always take bluebird , the company called taksi are always expensive , there are a few shady money changers ,iv reported a few on behalf of clients . And of course pre covid there was plenty of tourists .

But  not many expats live there , there are plenty of good suburbs , ie jimbaran , the bukit , seminyak ,sanur ,nevermind the rest of the island .

I once thought to live in java ,malang area ,it used to be quiet ,with respectful nice people , not anymore . Too many people , too many radicals , and of course increased levels of crime .

Imho , java aint safe for us bules anymore , as it used to be .

I've never seen hordes of men shouting "lady lady", to be honest. If I walk along Jalan Kartika Plaza or near Kuta Square I might get one person whisper something like this about young girls. But that's it. It is so low key. Same for men trying to sell ganja, it's spoken quietly and usually nobody ever offers it at all. It's very low key and since we are not policemen then the normal thing is to just ignore them and be on your way. I know Kuta really well and I've never seen it "in your face". If it was such a huge issue then I am sure the police would be onto it. But I have never seen what you are talking about in Kuta. Hordes of men shouting "lady lady"? I just cannot believe that. Perhaps though, don't smile at the pimps and make sarcastic comments which could encourage them. Just learn to ignore anyone offering those kinds of services and walk on. They will leave you alone and that is what most people do.

Also, I don't think many expats new to Indonesia would jump at the chance to grab a prostitute or some drugs on arrival and jeopardize living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Expats are generally pretty knowledgeable and wise.

Prostitutes and drugs are probably in every city in Indonesia, but if you don't touch drugs and you don't do prostitutes then there really is no issue. In anycase, you probably should better try to warn the 5 - 8 million tourists who visit Bali each year about this kind of thing rather than us expats.

Fred wrote:

Of course there's prostitution on Java, but we lack the hordes of men shouting 'lady lady' at random tourists.
Quite why you'd want to defend pimps is beyond me.

Where u read that I difend Pimpa?
Please dont pur in my mouth words that I never said.
U didnt replay my question, why with all the outztanding places that Bali can offer, u choose to spend ur few days holiday in the horrible Kuta?

Fred,  with you immense knowledge about Bali and it's "customs" you are surely aware that the very quiete, slow paced pensioners beach town of Sanur has a (in)famous reputation concerning working girls ?
Ho, and you probably also know who patronize those places ? I'll give you a hint...it are not bulés.....

Guys, reading this thread i have to say there is nothing worth arguing about. Fred was correct at the beginning and there was really nothing more to say.

All the forums share common problems. Among them, a local reads a negative comment and becomes defensive. But the local cant see the living situations from the eyes of the expat, its impossible, so let the expat have their view which isnt meant to downgrade a whole country. The second common problem is that there is always an expat who refutes a negative comment because he/she has lived in 141 countries and believes he/she knows better and how negative things dont much matter at all.

Both of those problems share a common answer. What about a visitor who has lived at home in their country and never traveled? The most frequent questions from such people is about safety, theft, ripoffs, NOT the glowing reviews in brochures written by tourist agencies. Fred was correct and wrote not to downgrade but to basically answer brand new travelers who would want to know. I do the same in my postings, writing for us AND newcomers who never traveled before and are coming to a place for the first time. The truth isnt always so pretty.

I said years ago in this forum that I was fooled badly before I came to Malaysia (and Indo) for the first time. Before I came it was all sunny roses when I asked questions -- oh its so beautiful, so nice, so wonderful!!! After I came and had experiences to the contrary, those same people became silent and disappeared.

YES there is good and bad in this world. Its easy, too easy to hear the good and difficult to grab the unhappy or un-beautiful side thats just as necessary to know. I appreciate Fred and Shill very much, just as I do the country defenders. Both sides are valid, let readers decide whats important to THEM.

cvco wrote:

Guys, reading this thread i have to say there is nothing worth arguing about. Fred was correct at the beginning and there was really nothing more to say.

All the forums share common problems. Among them, a local reads a negative comment and becomes defensive. But the local cant see the living situations from the eyes of the expat, its impossible, so let the expat have their view which isnt meant to downgrade a whole country. The second common problem is that there is always an expat who refutes a negative comment because he/she has lived in 141 countries and believes he/she knows better and how negative things dont much matter at all.

Both of those problems share a common answer. What about a visitor who has lived at home in their country and never traveled? The most frequent questions from such people is about safety, theft, ripoffs, NOT the glowing reviews in brochures written by tourist agencies. Fred was correct and wrote not to downgrade but to basically answer brand new travelers who would want to know. I do the same in my postings, writing for us AND newcomers who never traveled before and are coming to a place for the first time. The truth isnt always so pretty.

I said years ago in this forum that I was fooled badly before I came to Malaysia (and Indo) for the first time. Before I came it was all sunny roses when I asked questions -- oh its so beautiful, so nice, so wonderful!!! After I came and had experiences to the contrary, those same people became silent and disappeared.

YES there is good and bad in this world. Its easy, too easy to hear the good and difficult to grab the unhappy or un-beautiful side thats just as necessary to know. I appreciate Fred and Shill very much, just as I do the country defenders. Both sides are valid, let readers decide whats important to THEM.

So do u know that Fred Is indonesian, didnt u?
So, as u stated, he has a different perspective compared with us as western expats.
Nobody here is denying that such bad things happens in a small area of Kuta, but the Fred raprentatiion is very exraggerated, like all long term expats here are testifying,.
I suppose that people that had never travellled and are thinking to move in a new place, must have a real picture of the Country they choose, including pros and cons, from people that live there, not from someone who spent a few days holiday in a small district of that Country.

cvco wrote:

Guys, reading this thread i have to say there is nothing worth arguing about. Fred was correct at the beginning and there was really nothing more to say.

All the forums share common problems. Among them, a local reads a negative comment and becomes defensive. But the local cant see the living situations from the eyes of the expat, its impossible, so let the expat have their view which isnt meant to downgrade a whole country. The second common problem is that there is always an expat who refutes a negative comment because he/she has lived in 141 countries and believes he/she knows better and how negative things dont much matter at all.

Both of those problems share a common answer. What about a visitor who has lived at home in their country and never traveled? The most frequent questions from such people is about safety, theft, ripoffs, NOT the glowing reviews in brochures written by tourist agencies. Fred was correct and wrote not to downgrade but to basically answer brand new travelers who would want to know. I do the same in my postings, writing for us AND newcomers who never traveled before and are coming to a place for the first time. The truth isnt always so pretty.

I said years ago in this forum that I was fooled badly before I came to Malaysia (and Indo) for the first time. Before I came it was all sunny roses when I asked questions -- oh its so beautiful, so nice, so wonderful!!! After I came and had experiences to the contrary, those same people became silent and disappeared.

YES there is good and bad in this world. Its easy, too easy to hear the good and difficult to grab the unhappy or un-beautiful side thats just as necessary to know. I appreciate Fred and Shill very much, just as I do the country defenders. Both sides are valid, let readers decide whats important to THEM.

Sorry but I have to disagree with you cvco.

You've got three or four western expats living in Bali who know it extremely well. Marcello is very knowledgeable about many things Indonesian including formal procedures. I've lived in Bali too with four children going to international school there. And I was importing extensively from Bali twenty odd years ago as well as been surfing since the early 80's and manufacturing garments all over Bali a while back. I know Bali extremely well as do all these other expats. We all understand the issues and the serious ones are absolutely not about prostitution and people selling drugs on the streets. What Fred has posted in the beginning is not the stark reality of the dark side of Bali, it is a huge exaggeration of something that most of us know are minor issues and which exist in every town and city in Indonesia, Asia, and allover the world. Painting such a false picture is detrimental and very misleading.

We all know the beauty of Bali is away from the south but let's not get carried away and call Kuta a sinister drug infested place full of prostitutes. It just isn't. And it has nothing to do with us only liking to hear the nice things about Bali. It's not that at all. It's about us not liking to hear things about a place that we know are false or exaggerated. Now talk about drunk Aussies at night and I won't say a word...

Finally, I believe that all of us who are disagreeing with Fred's comments are all western expats who either live or have lived in Bali. These are the real Bali experts.

Clearly fred and cvco ,dont know kuta and surrounds ,so therefore should not publish their uneducated opinions , Imho .
A travel guide around around the periphery of jakarta where fred lives ,maybe more interesting ,not that i would consider living there bcs of the noise ,traffic and crime .
But ya each to their own .

Fred, you know I love you and I have great respect for all the great work you've put into this forum, year after year, but, and with all due respect…your knowledge and understanding of Bali is not up to the standards which are needed by the expatriate community. 

Quite frankly my friend…your initial post read more like something to be expected on an old Bali tourism discussion board, or on blogs authored by one particular criminal on Interpol's watch list posing with a myriad of false identities.   

Just to begin…in all my 21+ years of 24/7 living on Bali, I have never once met another expat here in Bali who lives in Kuta.  And, while I am well aware that some of the Indonesian residents of  Kuta are in fact Balinese, I have yet to meet one of them either. 

No, I am not trying to even infer that your list of “bewares” as you posted isn't accurate, or without truth, but I will argue that those issues are far less a concern these days than in times past.   

Kuta is not Bali.  And I will never cease telling people who claim to have been to Bali, that their singular visit, and their time spent in Kuta was not a visit to Bali.  It was only a visit to Kuta. 

So with that said, I will end by extending my invitation to you and yours that on your next visit to Bali…come see us in Ubud, and let us gladly show you the real Bali.

The problem here is people trying to deny the truth. Of course larger cities all over the world, including some in Indonesia, have problems, but their issues are not even close to the 'in your face' mess that tourists have brought to Kuta.
I have been offered prostitutes in Jakarta and Jogjakarta, but that's a few times in years, not a dozen times a day as I was in Kuta.
I have been offered drugs in other areas of Indonesia, even Wonosobo, but that was 4 or 5 times in 14 years, not 5 times walking down one street as it was in Kuta.
It's also true these problems are rife in Phuket and  similar places, but quite how that makes the issues Kuta has any lesser, or even something to ignore, is beyond me.

There are several international schools not far away, and very likely other expat employers, so it's important potential expats get a true picture of what they'll face.
That includes everything I've mentioned, but in a way that I've never seen anywhere else in Indonesia. Of course there are crimes all over the country, but I was truly shocked at the utter mess mass tourism has brought with it.
Expats considering the area should know they'll get bombarded with low life scum, scams, and everything else, and they'll get it every time they wander into the areas I mentioned.

It seems the damm US government hates Bali as well

https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/4c6 … 0df9f9e648

Credit/debit card crime continues to be a concern. The bulk of this type of crime involves dishonest employees of smaller businesses and/or restaurants copying details of the card or swiping it through a "skimmer," enabling them to make fraudulent cards with valid credit card numbers. Police have reportedly broken up multiple theft rings that had installed skimmers on ATMs in tourist-friendly areas such as [b]Bali, [/b]in some cases operated by Eastern European nationals. The volume of such reports in 2019 remained consistent with previous years. Review OSAC's reports, The Overseas Traveler's Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute the majority of expatriate deaths in Indonesia, especially on the resort island of Bali

https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/bali/sa … s-dangers/

1. Driving a scooter might be trendy, but it comes with its own dangers!
Driving a scooter in Bali is probably one of the worst ideas you could have, unfortunately it's been made popular thanks to Instagram. Most of the accidents occurring in Bali are because of tourists who don't know the very specific local rules of driving (it's not the same as legal rules!).

It seems like recently, there have been a growing number of reports of missing cash or valuables at villas. And surprisingly, CCTV cameras often reveal that it is other tourists themselves who are intruding into other guests' rooms!

If you're a lady, and you're alone, it's advisable not to walk alone at night in these areas, as it can attract unnecessary attention. Whether it's snatch thieves or an attack in an isolated location, you can never be too careful!

Kuta's village head knows there's a serious problem

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/202 … nsion.html

The thousands of visitors that flock to Bali every year are starting to get under the skin of Kuta village head I Wayan Wasista, whose village has metamorphosed from rice paddies and fisher villages to an all-day tourist epicenter. From begging and alcohol-induced acts to crimes like theft and skimming, he expressed concerns about the rising numbers of lawbreaking visitors in his area. “Back then, would we have ever envisioned that there would be tourists committing crimes, like skimming or robbery? I'm quite surprised myself. How have we come to this?”

No point trying to hide the truth - Tourists have naffed up the place to the point local leaders are questioning the wisdom of things.

scouser59 wrote:

It does not compare to java where infidels like me are made to feel uncomfortable ,lets not get into the "din" 5 times a day , increased levels of crime , women in the larger cities will not wear gold as they do in bali .
Etc etc etc .

Yes, when you really want to make a point, let's go for idiotic bigotry, then makes up some lies to back it up.
Women don't tend to wear a lot of gold in most of Java, not because of fear of crime, but it simply isn't the culture. However, suggesting it's fear of crime really pushes a point, even though it's total crap.

Thinking on, perhaps it is millions of people at fault because of their dislike of infidels, or maybe they just take badly to bigoted dicks. I can only speak with 14 years of experience, or almost non-experience, of what you claim, so my 3 or 4 encounters with nasty twats with hate filled eyes may be just down to me never going out of the house .. or I'm not a bigoted git - not sure which.
That isn't to say there isn't an issue, there clearly is, but it's a small but very vocal group when compared with the population.
However - I have been to Liverpool, a filthy toilet of a city I hope I will never see again. If you are from that especially nasty dump, I can see why you might think Bali is crime free.

Just a thought.

I have lived in south bali fpr 15 years , and know very well kuta and legian areas , you do not , you live in java near jakarta .

God knows where you were when you were offered all these drugs and women ,its never happened to me , maybe you are one of those guys whom is attracted to the "dark side".

scouser59 wrote:

I have lived in south bali fpr 15 years , and know very well kuta and legian areas , you do not , you live in java near jakarta .

Wrong

Ya ok boss , whatever you say is correct , we who live here are all wrong ,have a nice day .

scouser59 wrote:

Ya ok boss , whatever you say is correct , we who live here are all wrong ,have a nice day .

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/202 … nsion.html

Those dammed Bali local government officials have the nerve to disagree with you - Terrible how wrong they are. NOT

"I have been offered prostitutes in Jakarta and Jogjakarta, but that's a few times in years, not a dozen times a day as I was in Kuta.
I have been offered drugs in other areas of Indonesia, even Wonosobo, but that was 4 or 5 times in 14 years, not 5 times walking down one street as it was in Kuta."
Of course if u visit Jakarta a few times Jakarta, u will be offered prostitutes just a few times, and the same with Wonosobo.
The point here is that if u visit places where u know u can find prostitutes and drug dealers, maybe its because thats is what u are looking for?
Here thare are 5 (FIVE) long term expat in Bali that testify that its a lie what u are blatering about people on the street in Kuta that insists to offer dozen of times to visitors pronstitutes and drug, or better, if that happen to a single person , its just because they know that person as a good client.
Fred, u are also a maipulator, u posted a link to an article that talks about the many dangers related to crime in Jakarta (more than different serious crimes that visitors and expat can face in Jakarta) and u have extrapolated 2 small notes regarding Bali.
Why didn't u highlight this point of the article?
"The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jakarta as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests."
Or some of the others points listen in the article regardings consistent dangerous crimes that people must know before visit or decide to move Jakarta?

https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/bali/sa … s-dangers/
Another article that u manpolated, extrapolating some sentences from their context.
This is how the article begins
"Going on holiday brings so much joy and excitement, when imagining it you tend to only focus on the potentially amazing things you'll experience. It's very important, however, to also remember the dark side of humanity, and the potential dangers associated with a region/country.
Bali is no exception to this rule, despite boasting incredible landscapes, majestic volcanoes, and amazing people, it has its fair share of safety concerns that you should definitely familiarise yourself with before you go!
Don't let any of this scare you, provided you follow our tips, your holiday in Bali will be memorable (in a good way)!"
And again Im wondering why u choose for ur few days holiday the well known dark side of Kuta instead one of the many amazing spot that Bali offers.

[link under review] … nsion.html
Those dammed Bali local government officials have the nerve to disagree with you - Terrible how wrong they are. NOT"
Another manipulation...
"he thousands of visitors that flock to Bali every year are starting to get under the skin of Kuta village head I Wayan Wasista, whose village has metamorphosed from rice paddies and fisher villages to an all-day tourist epicenter. From begging and alcohol-induced acts to crimes like theft and skimming, he expressed concerns about the rising numbers of lawbreaking visitors in his area. “Back then, would we have ever envisioned that there would be tourists committing crimes, like skimming or robbery? I'm quite surprised myself. How have we come to this?”
Nothing new under the stars, bad tourism is everywhere in the world, what makes a difference is that Balines authorities thake serious measures, while in other parts of Indonesia (Jakarta, for exnple) the authorities turn a blind eye.
So, Im sorry Fred, but ur attempts to discredit Bali are useless, u just must esplain why for ur few days holiday in Bali u decided to stay in the well known district of Kuta where everybody know he can find pronstitutes and drug, instead to visit the also well known many wonderful that Bali has to offer.

At the end, dear Fred better u let us long term expat taliking about Bali, u dont have any knowledge about this Island and u also are indonesian, so ur perspective doesnt fit with western people perspective.
Keep on talk about the area where u live and stop ur useless attempts to discredit Bali, a place that u dont know at all.

Thanks Marcello for your work clarifying his manipulations , some people wish only to hear the sound of their own voice ,which is rather tiresome ,and are happy to insult others .

I think the owners of the forum should have a look at this vitriol ,as it debases general discussions and reduces membership,from reasonably minded people .

scouser59 wrote:

Thanks Marcello for your work clarifying his manipulations , some people wish only to hear the sound of their own voice ,which is rather tiresome ,and are happy to insult others .

I think the owners of the forum should have a look at this vitriol ,as it debases general discussions and reduces membership,from reasonably minded people .

Completaly agree with u, I already informed Julien and Priscilla about that, and also about the personal offences that Fred sent to me in privite.