In Reply to: First time nervous visitor posted by tony7165g on Monday, 10. July 2006 at 17:54 Bali Time:
Hi Tony, this sounds like a perfect opportunity to experience a new destination. I remember feeling similarly about South Africa when i was invited to a family wedding there, yet once i did some research i was quite excited (although still worried about crime, malaria etc), and once there, had an absolutely fantastic time.
I was in Bali in May this year and never felt un-safe. Take the same precautions you would anywhere in the world - don't flash big amounts of money or expensive jewellery about, use hotel safes to store passports and keep photocopies of them in your hand luggage (or scan them into your pc and send the image to your web-based email account), don't get so drunk you can't get yourself safely back to your hotel, don't go anywhere near drugs, don't drink or brush teeth in tap water (bottled is available cheaply everywhere - make sure the seal is intact or see them open it at the table for you in restaurants), don't overindulge in spicy dishes or too much fruit all at once if you're not used to it - take it slowly, don't stay in the sun too long if you're not used to it - drink plenty water and use protective suncream. Etc, etc. Consult your doctor for vacs - I had typhoid, hep A, tetanus and polio.
I have been to Bali only twice but have LOVED it every time, because the place is so beautiful, the people are so welcoming, and the feeling is so Zen. I wasn't aware of crime being a problem and as for terrorism - well it could happen anywhere is my approach. We've just got to get on with our lives and for me, part of that is supporting the ecomony of Bali through tourism (as they are suffering from people staying away). But that's my personal choice and I would't impose those views on others.
Finally, have a fab time and enjoy this opportunity to go somewhere new. Get yourself a Mandi Lular massage, then have some scrumptious Nasi Campur and a cold Bintang while watching the sun set over the sea or the mountains.