Accessing Bali: Sometimes difficult for people
Bali is a relatively small island with a relatively large amount of things going on from traditional practices, to modern day Balinese life, to natural wonders, to tourist facilities. Being one small island these things are easy to access. There are fine beach-front hotels within 1 mile from the airport. A drive to the arts-center of Ubud takes only 90 minutes and a 3 hour drive will get you all the way east or west.
Still I do sometimes feel that newcomers do not access what is on offer as easily as they would like and I feel a bit awkward recommending places. Some people want the Disneyland ticket-book scenario, where from 10am-2pm they are at one attraction, then from 3pm-5pm at another attraction, then go somewhere else for another event. To me you can arrange something like that, but the special-ness of Bali is in its relaxed culture. This is something you have to soak in for a while to enjoy the full benefit. Hitting attractions is okay but you will miss out on a big piece of Bali if you do not allow yourself to enjoy a simple place for what it is.
When I tell people to go to East Bali and to drive around and explore I feel like they want me to join the dots and have a schedule of events. That is not really the way it goes.
By Nick | Permalink
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Comments
Yes that’s agreed. I also encounter cool people who feel a certain frustration that Bali (away from Kuta) is not mapped out like a nationl park.
One of the comments I have heard over the last 2 years is “I thought it was going to be real cheap. In Thailand dinner is only $1.50.” If you want nasi gereng for $1.50 you can find it, no worries (its actually about $0.65 in Bamboo Corner), but people want the nicer places for nothing.
G’Day Nick,
There are those people who like just hanging around Kuta and getting pissed at night and go shopping till they drop. If that’s their thing, that’s cool BUT don’t return to your home country and say “I’ve been to Bali’. That’s crap.
Bali is such a beautiful and exotic island with a culture, that if you take the time to let it into your senses, will delight you as well as amze you beyond words. The people are kind and peaceful and willing to share with you their way of life.
This you cannot find on the streets of Kuta. Hire a car, rent a bike, climb aboard a bemo, or just take a walk away from the rat race of the Kuta strip and you will be pleasantly surprised. Gwt out there and experience the REAL bali and not the brochure Bali.