Going to buck the trend and say that i think Bali is getting worse. Plenty of the locals are getting a bit shifty these days as well. Years ago it was the Javanese but many Balinese are heading down the same path.
My driver used to be a great bloke. Took his family out, waterbom etc but last trip it was evident that he really wanted my money. Still, i think the aussies are just as much to blame for ruining the place.
I remember my first few trips to bali, didn't want to leave but i doubt very much i'll ever return.
The good news is that theres another 6000 inhabited Indonessian islands to choose from 
The locals get ****ty because loud mouth Aussies go there and think they own the place...show respect=get respect.
Locals pressing you to buy from their shops is how money is made and how they feed their families...its their job.
Go to Kuta if that's your thing ( not mine ) or venture around the island on day trips,pushbike ride the mountains,white water raft etc
Everyone is entitled to their opinion about where to holiday,I caravan around my state NSW and just came back from Ants Kite Surfari up past Cooktown far North Queensland ( fantastic trip ) and soon to hit Bali with family and friends...
For the people who say Bali is overpriced,even the dearest fish meal or steak meal is still way less that 1/3 the price you can get it for in OZ.
Accom ranges ( like everywhere else on earth ) depending on what you want.T-shirts are still $4 or so and people still try to bargain..
For me the dearest part of Bali is getting there.
Cheers Billy
Select to expand quoteMDSXR6T said..
Plenty of the locals are getting a bit shifty these days as well.
Understatement of the millenium right there..
Taxi, massage, nasi bunkus, young girl?
hey guys I am going to Taiwan next mth...looks good from what I have read and seen ...fingers crossed should be good..
Singapore If you can justify the Price Difference would make a great alternative.Good Sightseeing,Easy to Get Around,Great Shopping and Above All Very Safe.They do have Night Markets that sell Cheap Things too but It's usually Good Quality Stuff.
Food Costs If You Budget It Right aren't too bad either.Just except for Breakfast time avoid the Temptation to eat Western Food.
Any of the South Pacific Islands would make also a good alternative too.
Penang in Malaysia I have been to and It's Alright The only downside there unless you are staying in Georgetown is you require either a Bus or Taxi to get about to most places on the Island.
And last but not least often overlooked places such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam Group Tours for something new and different for a change.
Select to expand quotemacs said...
hey guys I am going to Taiwan next mth...looks good from what I have read and seen ...fingers crossed should be good..
I'm in Taiwan now. This place is unreal. Cheap and great beaches. Everyone is so friendly. I will be coming back regularly and surprised that more ppl from OZ do not visit. Such a beautiful place. Have a great time I know you will.
just back from a (too) short stay in Mauricius, the place looks great, the surf is big, the wind is strong. it looks a bit like Bali but clean (you can drink tap water), peeps are nice and all speack perfect English (and french). No hassels in the streets and, or the beach, plenty of place you can hire gear.
Driving is mad but not as bad as Indo's, I rented a small Hyunday I10 for $ 30 a day and stayed in a familly friendly hotel (not a ressort) for $ 50 per room per night.
The place is tiny and you are close to every good beach. It is end of rainy season and it would be starting to be nice beach weather from now on.
I stayed there 4 days to cut my trip to Europe as iti s a 7 hours trip tp Perth and a 12 hours trip to Paris. Air Mauritius did not charge extra for the stay over.
Was told it is possible to hire a beach bungalow that would house 2 couples for $ 120 a nite including maid services (cleaning cooking...)
My airfaire to Paris and return was $ 1500 I am not sure how much it is to Mauricius only. My mate is going to Paris doing the same route at the end of next month and booked his trip for $ 1200 return (low season in Europe)
I recomend it!
