Looking for a non-Bogan Bali experience

[rovingrabbit]

Hey everyone. I've got a spare week of leave mid-year 2020 and looking to pop up to Bali. Never been before (but flown over Indonesia many times). I'm trying to avoid the stereotypical Bogan Aussie experience that Kuta/Southern Bali is (in)famous for. Should I be looking at Nothern Bali regions (Lovina or Kubu), or one of the nearby islands like Penida or Nusa Lembongan instead? Looking for a bit of relax time and a but of cultural experience/scenery. Any suggestions?

Yes, in my opinion Kuta and bogans are a match. Sanur and Nusa Dua much better but unfortunately more and more Aussie bogans have money and are creeping into the desirable places.

 

[Millie]

Hey everyone. I've got a spare week of leave mid-year 2020 and looking to pop up to Bali. Never been before (but flown over Indonesia many times). I'm trying to avoid the stereotypical Bogan Aussie experience that Kuta/Southern Bali is (in)famous for. Should I be looking at Nothern Bali regions (Lovina or Kubu), or one of the nearby islands like Penida or Nusa Lembongan instead? Looking for a bit of relax time and a but of cultural experience/scenery. Any suggestions?

I have been to Bali many times, first in 1997. Gili Islands are an authentic "Bali of old" experience. Apparently like Bali 30 years ago - no motorised vehicles so much more peaceful and relaxing. Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is worth a visit, in my view.

 

[sammy]

I’ll second the Four Seasons. An idyllic environment, and not a bogan in sight.
Or, try a private villa in the northern part of Seminyak, where you’ll be an easy walk to amazing restaurants.
Villa one is Also very nice, in an amazingly convenient location, but it’s a stand-alone Villa, so no breakfast is offered. There are hundreds of other villas tucked away in this area. You’d never even know they were there.

 

[2PAXfly]

My best times in Bali have been in Ubud, mind you that is getting a bit busy. In terms of hotels/resorts - I'd suggest the Warwick or the Four Seasons at Sayan. Have stayed in both, and they were excellent. When our pool at the 4 Seasons turned green overnight - they upgraded us to the Presidential Villa. Pity we didn't know another 4 people in Bali to have a sleepover! My view is that in Bali, you tend to get what you pay for.

 

[offshore171]

Another option if you’re set on Indo, is Nihiwatu, on Sumba. A couple of islands east of Bali.

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[Qantas747]

It gets to me when people class Bali as 'bogan'. Being Balinese, it's quite confronting how tourists treat our island, and it is those drunken few who give us a bad name.

These suggestions such as 'getting away to Canggu' (which, incidentally, is actually in the area of Kuta North, therefore not out of Kuta), or The Nusa Dua, don't really solve the problem. The Nusa Dua is actually out-of-bounds to anyone not staying there, meaning they have restricted locals from entering, and even enjoying the beaches there. It's awful how they were allowed to do this.

There are hundreds of villages, away from the tacky tourist hotspots of Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Ubud and Canggu, where we love having tourists, and you will receive a genuinely authentic experience. You can still get transport to all the main tourist hotspots if you need it.

My suggestion would be to go near Ubud not in it), and be open to experiencing accommodation that isn't five-star resorts (which leads to us, in the smallest villages, running out of water and electricity in peak periods because it's been drawn by the major massive hotels and chains).

And don't fall into the tourist trap of paying for things like yoga and traditional events that are actually organised by foreigners! In a Balinese village you will experience them, and much more, free. It is quite wrong, in fact, to pay for them, and all too often expats and their companies try to make a profit off unsuspecting tourists who pay exorbitant prices for a 'traditional' experience.

Learn a bit of Bahasa Indonesia (the national language) and Balinese (the native language) - which are both distinct languages and quite different from each other. People will love you for it. But most of all, be open, friendly, and enjoy our island, which is absolutely not bogan!

 

[theblank]

It really gets to me when someone calls Bali 'bogan'. Being Balinese, it's quite confronting how tourists treat our island.

Take care, I think it was only said that most australian tourists are bogan. I still agree with you, many do not treat your island with respect when they visit there, and many others dont treat your country with respect either, and that really gets my back up .

the rest of what you said is timely and spot on too.

 

[Pushka]

It really gets to me when someone calls Bali 'bogan'. Being Balinese, it's quite confronting how tourists treat our island.

These suggestions such as 'getting away to Canggu' (which, incidentally, is actually in the area of Kuta North, therefore not out of Kuta), or The Nusa Dua, don't really solve the problem. The Nusa Dua is actually out-of-bounds to anyone not staying there, meaning they have restricted locals from entering, and even enjoying the beaches there. It's awful how they were allowed to do this.

There are hundreds of villages, away from the tacky tourist hotspots of Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Ubud and Canggu, where we love having tourists, and you will receive a genuinely authentic experience. You can still get transport to all the main tourist hotspots if you need it.

My suggestion would be to go near Ubud not in it), and be open to experiencing accommodation that isn't five-star resorts (which leads to us, in the smallest villages, running out of water and electricity in peak periods because it's been drawn by the major massive hotels and chains).

And don't fall into the tourist trap of paying for things like yoga and traditional events that are actually organised by foreigners! In a Balinese village you will experience them, and much more, free. It is quite wrong, in fact, to pay for them, and all too often expats and their companies try to make a profit off unsuspecting tourists who pay exorbitant prices for a 'traditional' experience.

Learn a bit of Bahasa Indonesia (the national language) and Balinese (the native language) - which are both distinct languages and quite different from each other. People will love you for it. But most of all, be open, friendly, and enjoy our island, which is absolutely not bogan!

Terima Kasih.

(I have a few words, but it gets me into bother when the locals reply in Bahasa!)

 

[SOPOOR]

Take care, I think it was only said that most australian tourists are bogan. I still agree with you, many do not treat your island with respect when they visit there, and many others dont treat your country with respect either, and that really gets my back up .

the rest of what you said is timely and spot on too.

I think most people would agree that a place becomes bogan due to the people there.
So no one is actually calling the bali people or the city/area as bogan
Certain areas have a lot of bogans that gives it a bogan feel

If bali wasnt cheap or close to aus, you wouldnt see a bogan in sight

 

[Qantas747]

Yes my apologies @SOPOOR, it is mainly those few drunk tourists who ruin it for everyone! Have edited the original post. You are right @theblank, and thanks for the support - Indonesia is a proud country, just like Australia (and to be fair, as my loyalties lie on both sides of the sea, I have no issue with criticising our Aussie bogans ad nauseam!)

And it's true @Pushka - 'terima kasih' seems to be taken as 'thank you and yes I am fluent so please attempt to have a full conversation with me in Indonesian and/or Balinese (preferably both)'.

But really, you do seem like a respectful and open-minded traveller, so stay out of those main areas, and you'll have no problems.

 

[theblank]

You are right @theblank, and thanks for the support - Indonesia is a proud country, just like Australia (and to be fair, as my loyalties lie on both sides of the sea, I have no issue with criticising our Aussie bogans ad nauseam!)

Trims !

 

[SOPOOR]

Yes my apologies @SOPOOR, it is mainly those few drunk tourists who ruin it for everyone! Have edited the original post. You are right @theblank, and thanks for the support - Indonesia is a proud country, just like Australia (and to be fair, as my loyalties lie on both sides of the sea, I have no issue with criticising our Aussie bogans ad nauseam!)

And it's true @Pushka - 'terima kasih' seems to be taken as 'thank you and yes I am fluent so please attempt to have a full conversation with me in Indonesian and/or Balinese (preferably both)'.

But really, you do seem like a respectful and open-minded traveller, so stay out of those main areas, and you'll have no problems.

I have been to bali more than a few times now ,
And i dont mind kuta for a few days.
At the end of the day , tourism is big big dollars for your economy.
If you wanted to preserve the serenity/culture of bali, you could put a curfew or alcohol ban but i doubt that will happen as the $$$ lost would be astronomical!

 

[Pushka]

Yes my apologies @SOPOOR, it is mainly those few drunk tourists who ruin it for everyone! Have edited the original post. You are right @theblank, and thanks for the support - Indonesia is a proud country, just like Australia (and to be fair, as my loyalties lie on both sides of the sea, I have no issue with criticising our Aussie bogans ad nauseam!)

And it's true @Pushka - 'terima kasih' seems to be taken as 'thank you and yes I am fluent so please attempt to have a full conversation with me in Indonesian and/or Balinese (preferably both)'.

But really, you do seem like a respectful and open-minded traveller, so stay out of those main areas, and you'll have no problems.

yes, have been several times. On only our first visit did we go anywhere near Kuta. Although the trouble makers are usually well asleep when we venture out, during the day. We are off again in late March.

 

[Qantas747]

If you wanted to preserve the serenity/culture of bali, you could put a curfew or alcohol ban but i doubt that will happen as the $$$ lost would be astronomical!

Well, I can't do anything, only the Government can, but I know what you mean. In fact, alcohol is already illegal across Indonesia - there are a few special exemptions made for tourism and business regions, including Bali. However, as soon as you are out of the Kuta region, I assure you, there is no drinking like in the tourist areas, and it is quite serene and full of culture! But agreed - no chance of it being banned at the moment (it has definitely been talked about,and blamed by those on other islands for the Mt. Agung eruption, etc......)

@Pushka welcome! Just watch out for March 25, Nyepi Day, when everything closes... no tourists are allowed out of their hotels, no noise, drinking, fires, etc., as a way for Hindus to cleanse the island of bad spirits. No mobile reception either that day, and the airport shuts - tourists are strictly expected to follow these arrangements, too. Also happens to be my birthday this year unfortunately....

 

[Pushka]

Well, I can't do anything, only the Government can, but I know what you mean. In fact, alcohol is already illegal across Indonesia - there are a few special exemptions made for tourism and business regions, including Bali. However, as soon as you are out of the Kuta region, I assure you, there is no drinking like in the tourist areas, and it is quite serene and full of culture! But agreed - no chance of it being banned at the moment (it has definitely been talked about,and blamed by those on other islands for the Mt. Agung eruption, etc......)

@Pushka welcome! Just watch out for March 25, Nyepi Day, when everything closes... no tourists are allowed out of their hotels, no noise, drinking, fires, etc., as a way for Hindus to cleanse the island of bad spirits. No mobile reception either that day, and the airport shuts - tourists are strictly expected to follow these arrangements, too. Also happens to be my birthday this year unfortunately....

Yes, I had a check after we’d booked and was relieved it was two days before we arrive. While I’m sure it would be a peaceful day for the Balinese people, as a tourist it would be rather an issue. Sounds like you will have a quiet peaceful day....

 

[GoldCanyon340]

To go *slightly* off topic we sometimes combine Bali with a stay in Jogjakarta. Lovely city and easy to get around.

Try Ubud Private Villas in Penestanan village just far enough out of the town to enjoy the serenity but close enough to walk to enjoy the great restaurants. Plenty of places to eat in the village too

Penestanan is one of the best places to stay IMO. I'm going there next week for an extended stay in a villa with a pool. There is an excellent rib restaurant (Cupit BBQ) which is the local rib place, not the one that gets the great reviews on Tripadvisor, but is far better. If you also head through the back roads and rice fields in the general direction of the Four Seasons there are really good coffee places and local warungs there too.

 

[TAK]

Visesa

Post automatically merged: Jan 27, 2020

Hey everyone. I've got a spare week of leave mid-year 2020 and looking to pop up to Bali. Never been before (but flown over Indonesia many times). I'm trying to avoid the stereotypical Bogan Aussie experience that Kuta/Southern Bali is (in)famous for. Should I be looking at Nothern Bali regions (Lovina or Kubu), or one of the nearby islands like Penida or Nusa Lembongan instead? Looking for a bit of relax time and a but of cultural experience/scenery. Any suggestions?

Visesa is a good option

 

[Maisy33]

GET away from the madding crowd. I love Ubud as I volunteer at Villa KItty a cat shelter outside Ubud. Love walking around Ubud, but at times it can get busy. Nusa Lembongan is lovely and quiet if you’re youre into diving or snorkelling as is Amed or Pemuteran

 

[SOPOOR]

GET away from the madding crowd. I love Ubud as I volunteer at Villa KItty a cat shelter outside Ubud. Love walking around Ubud, but at times it can get busy. Nusa Lembongan is lovely and quiet if you’re youre into diving or snorkelling as is Amed or Pemuteran

Do you walk up and down the two main roads of ubud? Or do you go more out ?

 

[Maisy33]

Do you walk up and down the two main roads of ubud? Or do you go more out ?

Walk along camphuan Ridge, stunning views. Walk or cycle around all the streets