Bali: What made it special?

hello nick, its good to see that you have a real genuine interest in the history of your new home, and its good to see you back home safely with your family. oh! for bali in the `old` days, not that long ago!

Actually, in the 20 or so years I’ve been going to Bali (about twice a year on average), what has impressed me is that it has still retained much of its charm. Sure, destinations like Candidasa have come and gone; yes, Ubud is commercial and can be expensive. But there are still a remarkable number of affordable, charming, “local” places to visit. I hate to say it, but the troubles Bali has experienced over the past few years have made it a better place for tourists, though of course not for locals. I still recall 1995, trying to negotiate prices (or even find a reasonable hotel) and finding hotels and losmen either full, or with a “take this price or leave it” attitude–with breakfast extra! I stay at those same places now, 10 years later, and my presence is much appreciated, and the rates are less now than at that time, even accounting for inflation. This island, though so small, is capable of keeping some of the “old days” alive, in my opinion, indefinitely.