Is Bali Safe Right Now?
 

I am deciding on going to either Bali or Phuket in September and I was leaning towards Bali. However, those suspected Islamic terrorists were shot down this past week over there and they were said to be planning new bombings there focusing on hotels, clubs, and restaurants. After this raid I have been reading how Bali terrorism is evolving and is on the way up big time. Would this deter you from going there still over Phuket even though I originally wanted to go to Bali because I have never been.

Bali is always a tempting target for Islamic groups hell-bent on raising havoc, mayhem, and death. It's both a Hindu island (non-believers) and has plenty of Western infidels...oops I mean tourists. Nobody can guarantee your safety in any given time period. If that makes you uncomfortable, then do not go. Mostly it's taking the chance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That said, I went to Bali just a few months after the 2005 (second round) of bombings and consciously made the arrangements well after those incidents had taken place. Balinese--mostly Hindu--were really hurting for tourists and were welcoming as usual. I made the decision to stay in Ubud and a very small town/resort up on the north coast rather than Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran (where the 2005 bombings were) or Sanur. Fortunately, none of these places would be "my scene" anyway, with or without terrorists. And I didn't spend much (any?) time in Kuta clubs or shopping or those tight, confined areas where "targets" tend to cluster.

I would not hesitate to go to Bali again, regardless of what the terrorists may or may not be planning. Generally, I feel your chances of being affected by terrorism in Bali are far less than being affected by crimes and scamming in Phuket. FWIW.

+1. For me, it wouldn't deter me at all. I went to Jimbaran right after the 2005 bombing. You biggest risk in Bali is probably a traffic accident. ... but it depends on what makes you comfortable.

+1 also.
you can be a target of a terrorist action anywhere in this crazy world. Bali is a wonderful place with great people, so its that's where you want to go, do not hesitate a second :) .

I was in Bali a couple of days before the raid announcement and I didn't feel uncomfortable or safe at any point.

One thing to note is the proposed increase in gas prices later this year (government controls the price) which may lead to protests.

As mentioned above, no place is 100% safe from terrorism.

http://www.thaitravelnews.net/travel...ion-terrorism/

For that matter, you could get shot by someone just for meeting with a Congresswoman in your own state...

We were in Bali after one of the terrorist incidents. Unfortunately, these occur elsewhere, and that, we know, can include places considered safe (such as Toulouse, France). I would not hesitate to recommend Bali for its friendliness, customs, scenery, etc. nor to visit.

I'd avoid the Kuta club scene, but then again, I do so not because of terrorists - but I believe it is one way risk can be further managed.

I do manage my risks, but I am also one who will not be deterred by idiots who would like me to give up my civil rights and travel merely because they have fanatical ideas about who "we" are. I practice risk managent and "caveat emptor", but also believe in "non illegitimi carborundum" (don't let the b@$t@rd$^ keep you down) - I flew as soon as I could after 9-11, as my flights on that day were cancelled..

Use common sense.
 

When travelling anywhere in the world, you expose youself to some degree of risk. The alternative, is stay home - whch means that the despots of the world, WIN.
We've (as a family), been to Bali some 30 times.
My advice would be, go. Just use the old brain and stay away from what could be described as "bomb palaces" - and that would apply to all Asian destinations.
Though, on reflection, you would hardly descibe a double decker bus and a commuter train as a bomb palace !

My family is looking at a few options for vacation this September/October with Bali and Thailand as considerations. My beach and sun vacation travels have always been in the US or Caribbean. However, I was curious if my tattoos, particularly a large star of David, would cause issues due to the local culture. Anyone have input or thoughts on the topic?

No. It would not be a problem.

What would be some places to be considered "bomb palaces"?

The terrorist in Bali have been fundamentalist Muslins, who find the drinking, scantily clad tourist etc offensive.

So the targets have been places tourists frequent and overindulge in.

I tend to avoid busy bars and restaurants that are very expensive, that part is hard as the offerings are do good.

Security is very good but if you bear that in mind you may be safer than before

Bumping up an old thread. Have been planning a trip to Bali for this upcoming March (as of now planning to stay at the GH Bali).

My girlfriend is a bit nervous about safety / security especially in light of yesterday's attack (yes I know that was in Jakarta and not Bali).

I've never been to Bali or Indonesia period so I don't know what to make of safety and security in Bali and specifically in Nusa Dua. Curious to hear any thoughts and whether there's any reason to be have a higher level of concern for Bali than for Thailand or other areas in the region.

Basically, I'm going through the same thing right now. We already have our tickets and hotels booked for early March. And to make things even more sketchy, we're flying into Jakarta and taking an Air Asia flight to Bali from there.

I have plans going to Bali in May. Been looking at all the locations of all the bombing past 20 years, most of them are not in Bali. But yes as what others have suggested I would stay away from Kuta.