Bali businesses feeling the pinch

Bali businesses are feeling the effects of a drop in consumer confidence. The October 2005 bombings have scared a lot of people off for the moment, and some places have to re-structure.

Last night I was in Internet Outpost in Kuta at around 8pm. There were 4-5 other customers. Earlier in the streets around Kuta, there was an obvious lack of pedestrians and many handicraft vendors sat, looking on at the few that did pass. The funny thing was at around 8.30 when I walked down the street for a bite, more people were around. Warung 96 was 90% full, the 2 places next door and across the street were 60-70% full. Down the street though, Good Luck has closed. That’s too bad because they served some of the best food on Jl. Benesari.

Seminyak is busier and this article talks to a few other people about the Bali tourism scene right now.