In Reply to: Is Bali for me?? posted by gnik on Thursday, 12. March 2009 at 19:22 Bali Time:
but I would start by saying that I bet the large majority of people that didn't like Bali are those that have stayed or spent most of their time in Kuta/Legian when they were there.
I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they didn't like Bali when they've stayed predominantly in Ubud or Sanur or Lovina or Candi Dasa etc.etc.
But of course,it depends on what YOU like and what YOU want to get out of your time there.
This May/June will be my 6th time in Bali since 2000 and I have previously stayed all over the Kuta/Legian strip.My last trip I stayed Ubud/Sanur and was my best trip ever.
I'm travelling with my wife,her 2 adult children,and their partners and this being their first time I don't want it tainted by staying anywhere near Kuta.In saying that,it can be a lot of fun too.
There's no doubt that 'the strip' is where all the action is and there's lots of shopping.Last time I caught a taxi in just for the day and stayed on for a 'Kuta sunset' and then dinner in one of the many great restaurants...but it was a very tiring day if you know what I mean.
My advice (depending on how much time you have) would be to divide your holiday up into time in Ubud then time in Sanur with a couple of day-trips into Kuta just to mix it up for a bit.
Sometimes you hear whispers of the mystical 'real Bali' (whatever that is)...personally,I'm not sure such a thing even exists but if it did it certainly wouldn't be anywhere near Kuta.
P.S. - If you want to avoid the end of season footy trip crowd don't go from late Sept. onwards.
But you definitely have to go to Bali,it's a must.