In Reply to: Hi all posted by RB2 on Sunday, 16. July 2006 at 18:45 Bali Time:
Hi, having just returned from Phuket, I would still choose Bali over Thailand any day. I have been to Bali 4 times and Phuket once. We enjoyed Phuket but it was more expensive and not as friendly. We found a lot of the stall holders rude. They weren't keen to bargain and I was kicked out of one stall for offering too little. We were told that the europeans would pay top price so why should they sell to us (at what was a more than reasonable offer). Their attitude changed when they realised the Europeans were staying home for the world cup and of course not everyone was like this but it certainly spoiled our experience.
I was in Bali the week before the second bombing but would still be more than happy to go back there. The people are friendlier, the prices are better, we have sponsor children there and we just really love the place. We will be back next year or sooner if possible.