Of course, there are concerns about terrorist attacks in Southern Thailand, too. The attacks don't seem to have spread as far north and west as Phuket, but you never know. I'm not saying this to warn you off either Phuket or Bali (the citizens of both regions deserve our support), but just to suggest that you need to think about relative risk (has it really changed in Bali) and be aware that risk exists in places that don't hit the headlines. Read various governments' warning reports (not just those published by your own country; a couple of perspectives are always better for helping you sort through hype), consider registering your itinerary with a travel alert service like WorldCue-iJET (which I've used before). Note that some countries (e.g. Canada) but not others (e.g. the UK) are advising against non-essential travel to Bali right now. The US and Australia advise against all non-essential travel to all of Indonesia (Canada's advisory is more selective).

I thought some of the latest bombs went off around Jimbaran beach which I thought was close to the Intercontinental, Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton - if this is so, then they have bombed in areas other than Kuta- Bali is not that big an island IMO that you can say that one area is significantly less at risk because another area has been the centre of attacks (as is the case in Southern Thailand).

Whilst everyone is saying go, and that would be my instinct to, I would urge you to check out what, if any, official advice is available, For the UK, for example this would be the Foreign Office Web Site (www.fco.gov.uk) - its current advice is

"There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. We continue to receive reports that terrorists in Indonesia are planning further attacks on Westerners and Western interests. Attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia, and are likely to be directed against locations and buildings frequented by foreigners. The terrorists have shown in previous attacks that they have the means and the motivation to carry out successful attacks.

On 1 October 2005 between 1815hrs and 1900hrs local time at least 3 bombs exploded in Central Kuta and Jimbaran beach in Bali. Up to 22 people have been killed and over 90 injured. We are in close touch with the Indonesian authorities. At least 2 British nationals were injured, 1 seriously. If you are in Indonesia, you should exercise extreme caution at all times because there remains a high threat from terrorism. If you are concerned about missing relatives or friends you should contact the FCO helpline on 0207 008 8765.

People still intending in the immediate future to travel to Bali should review thoroughly information on the local situation, and ensure they are taking full precautions and following local advice.

The Indonesian Police are on a state of high alert and have deployed extra personnel to high profile and sensitive locations including embassies, consulates outside Jakarta and hotels.

The large car bomb, which exploded outside the Australian Embassy on 9 September 2004 killing 11 people, underscores the ongoing terrorist threat in Indonesia. The extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which has links to Al-Qaida is thought to have been responsible for this attack as well as the Bali bombings, which killed 202 people in October 2002, and the Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta, which killed 12 people in August 2003.

If you are planning to travel overland or by boat to Malaysia or the Philippines, you should be aware that Abu Sayaf, a Philippines based terrorist group also pose a risk and plan to kidnap foreign tourists from the islands and coastal areas of Malaysia and the Philippines, especially Eastern Sabah. Please see the FCO Travel Advice for Philippines and Malaysia."

If the situation changes and sites like the FCO advise against travel to destinations like Bali you may find that insurance policies will be invalidated.

What's the attraction of Bali?
 

And why do people keep on going back despite the multiple bombings? I was thinking about starting a thread about this but decided to post in this thread. So, please tell me what's the attraction of Bali?

If you have not been there you will never know
It is not called Paradise for nothing
Nicest people around,great services,views out of this world.
If there is a place where everybody should visit at least once in a lifetime then that place is BALI

There are other "paradises", Tahiti, Cook Islands, and Fiji for example. Why do people gravitate towards Bali? Is it that much cheaper?

Agree. Avoid crowded areas. Stay in the hills.
--
13F

I am not sure it is. But i do not think that there is any nicer people in the world Than Balinese.I am sure that the you islands you mentionned also have nice people but my chice will always be Bali.

I still plan on going to my second home, the magical island of the Gods at the end of October.

My Balinese friends are terribly upset about the bombings asking why Bali? And now they are worried about the lack of tourism which has already affected their jobs, even those which don't rely upon tourism.

Tahiti may be beautiful, but the people are not anywhere close to the friendly people of Bali. I've been to Tahiti and couldn't wait to get back to the US.

There has never been a time when a Balinese has not had a smile and a greeting. They would give their last rupiah to me if I needed it, even though it would buy some rice for themselves for dinner. It's just hard to describe the atmosphere of Bali. It is magical, beautiful, generous and healing. I cannot say that about Tahiti.

I will continue to return to Bali and if my number is up, then what a more beautiful place to go. I just love Bali. Terrorists are not going to stop me from going to Bali. It's probably more dangerous for me to be in LA than it is in Bali.

I just hope that you all exercise caution and pay attention and avoid touristy areas. The Australians are warning about the Seminyak area, which is where the Oberoi Hotel is located, as being the next target.

That's my thousand rupiah.

A Bali trip report before, during and after the bombing last weekend:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479911

And as for Bali being a small island, I call bovine feces. It has a population of 3.4 million and covers 5600 sq.km., both more than a fair number of countries, and is "small" only in proportion to Indonesia's huge size. Around 11,000 people die in car accidents in Indonesia every year, so why aren't you 500 times more worried about this?

More questions about Bali
 

[QUOTE=notsosmart]The Balinise are some of the nicest people in the world. They have been suffering because of the original attack, and they will suffer more because of the recent ones.

I also hear Bali is an amazing place and we want to go there. Our heartfelt prayers go out to all of those who had to endure the terrorism of a very small minority who wish to push their radical ideals on the masses.

If one were to be looking for rates to fall in Bali, other than the hotel websites, is there a online site that would be good to monitor to see how much hotel/resort prices drop after this recent event? I have used the normal ones (travelocity/sidestep,etc) and so far the rates are still as high as ever though I hear that many tourist have left Bali and fewer are coming in right now.

Appreciate your input on a good site to monitor falling resort prices in Bali.

But it isn't a long way from Kuta to Nusa Dua!

I don't know how many people here are experts at assessing the pros and cons of hotel security - I guess not too many of us. Many of these luxury hotels have had security check points for years, and yet still things will go missing from the rooms, and ladies (and gents) of questionable repute will still be found plying their trade in their bars. I doubt many of the people deployed in the hotels really recieve indepth anti terrorist training - much of the security evident in hotels I would suggest is for show.

The Bali terror threat cannot be compared to that of London or NYC - while the governments of the latter cities/countries are generally stable and able to effectively engage the threat, the Indonesian Government fails on both counts, and Bali will continue to be steadily affected by the instability and breakdown of security that has long plagued Jakarta and other areas of the country. Simply put, the Indonesian Government does NOT have a handle on things, and there are plenty of other vacation sites within Southeast Asia that can offer a much less risky quality vacation experience.

I have just spent two weeks on Bali and were only 500 meters from Kuta Square when that bomb went off. Pictures from Kuta and Jimbaran. The Balinese are one of the worlds nicest people and they have been put in terrible situation since they are so dependent of tourism. Remember that 90% of the 240 million population of Indonesia are muslim and that the 3 million on Bali are hindu.

Regarding security
I am sorry to say that security on Bali is pretty awful despite all attempts to promote Bali as safer and "beefed up security". Some examples:

- I was able (by mistake) walk AROUND security check at the airport looking for the Thai ticket office. A nice cleaning lady opened a door that was clearly marked "Auhtorized personel only" and I took a elevator to the second floor. The Thai office was closed but on the way out I could walk right out into the boarded area past immigration and airport-tax. I had a backpack in a big black travelbag weighing at least 20k and it could have contained whatever, noone checked it.

- At the security screen going into Denpasar airport the metal detector indicated metal on me (i had a cellphone, businesscard holder in alu and mints) but the security guard told me it was ok.

- There are absolutely no security outside the airport which was apparent this sunday with 400 meter queue of tourist leaving Bali. A terrorist only needed a crappy Toyota to run over 500 people. No police, military or security checks here.

- Security checks at the Intercontinental Bali and Dynasty Resort Kuta only opened the trunk of the car and ran mirrors under the car. They did not check the luggage or the cabin of the car at all.

- Its fully possible to walk into the Intercontinental restaurant by the Jimbaran beach only 100 meters from the last bombing - no security on the beach.

- Most hotels have a few people walking around marked with security but they have no guns or other visible weapons. Often there is only a thin wooden barrier separating a hotel entrance from the street - a truck would easily just run through it into the hotel reception.

- Streethawkers often walk into restaurants without checking by security, they carry big bags full of merchandise - but what if they carried something else? I saw a couple of tourists really upset by this.

- There are very few police and no military visible in Kuta, Jimbaran, Seminyak at all.

I have many more examples of lacking security on Bali. I wasn't really scared during my last days but avoided crowded restaurants, Aussie rugbybars and nightclubs - I suggest that you do the same.

I just got back .
 

I have been to Bali several time , business/pleasure. I was actually in
gym on JL legian when(Saturday's) bombings went off. I had to get to Singapore on tuesday after bombing , but didnt have ticket yet . I can tell u it was emptying out . basically international flights were booked for remander of week , and few people were landing . I had to connect thru Jakarta just to get seat to SIN.
While , I will be going back in Next few months , I am not gonna lie , Bali is a soft target . Security has definately stepped up , but its not the most technological advanced place . but thats why its also targeted .

i would keep track of your surroundings , maybe avoid big clubs . but live !!

Anyone have any thoughts regarding the new US Travel Advisory dated 25 October 2005? We have plans to go mid December and have concerns. Would love to hear other's opinions. Thanks.