In Reply to: Returned today. posted by Back Again on Sunday, 26. July 2009 at 12:14 Bali Time:
Stick with the Padma.
In 2005, just weeks after the bombing in Jimbaran Bay, my family and 17 close friends stayed at the Padma.
Couldn't have felt more secure - individual accommodation set up so no singular building was a likely target; high walls so no visibility for non guests into the complex; security on ALL entrances/exits; comfortable distance out of Kuta, so still accessible but not too close to high risk venues; at last check, not owned by Western interests; Hawkers not allowed into the complex.
Had we not gone to Bali we would not have seen the locals who were devastated - their livelihoods had been snatched from them by some radicals supposedly acting in their best interests.
Ironically, 25+ of our closest friends are heading back to Bali in the next few weeks and bombings are unfortunately on their minds again. The Padma was their first choice.
My advice - stick with the Padma; stay away from highly promoted, or overly crowded tourist attractions, particularly in Kuta; avoid Western owned hotels.
Enjoy Bali - it's a great island.