ubud
Dec 18th, 2003, 01:11 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ubud
Thinking of traveling to Bali, the Ubud area.
The State department advises no travel due to terrorist activity. What's the real deal on this from the point of actually being there? Comments?
Thanks, Dave
The State department advises no travel due to terrorist activity. What's the real deal on this from the point of actually being there? Comments?
Thanks, Dave
Dec 18th, 2003, 01:51 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Only you can make decisions about your personal comfort level regarding safety when traveling.
However,I can tell you this. I was there last month. Stayed in Jimbaran Bay, but spent a whole day shopping in Ubud. It was as beautiful and tranquil as ever. The restaurants and shops were grateful for our business. (Excellent 4 course lunch at Mosaic for about $18US.) I would go back tomorrow without hesitation.
However,I can tell you this. I was there last month. Stayed in Jimbaran Bay, but spent a whole day shopping in Ubud. It was as beautiful and tranquil as ever. The restaurants and shops were grateful for our business. (Excellent 4 course lunch at Mosaic for about $18US.) I would go back tomorrow without hesitation.
Dec 18th, 2003, 02:44 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The US State Department as a government agency seems to be overly cautious when advising people travelling overseas. On the other hand, I'm registed as an American living in Bali and they have never contacted me to warn of any dangers.
That aside, Ubud is a lovely area, and very peaceful and quiet. Perhaps if I wasn't living there myself and had been reading the news in America I would feel uncomfortable travelling to an area I don't know. However, as people who have actually travelled there will tell you, Ubud is a very traditional area closely guarded by the local villages. Also, as there are no large hotels or nightclubs, any terrorist activity would not receive the attention the terrorists crave.
Unfortunately, terrorism can happen anywhere, in America, Europe, or even Indonesia, but in my opinion you are safer in Bali than you would be in any America city. I do spend quite a lot of time in America and am not afraid to travel so you can take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I wish I could be more articulate in describing what Bali is like....everyone I know who has been there says it's unlike anywhere else on earth for the lovely caring people, culture and religion (Balinese Hindu).
I hope you have a great time in Bali. Do take the time to go out of downtown Ubud and into the countryside. You will love it!
That aside, Ubud is a lovely area, and very peaceful and quiet. Perhaps if I wasn't living there myself and had been reading the news in America I would feel uncomfortable travelling to an area I don't know. However, as people who have actually travelled there will tell you, Ubud is a very traditional area closely guarded by the local villages. Also, as there are no large hotels or nightclubs, any terrorist activity would not receive the attention the terrorists crave.
Unfortunately, terrorism can happen anywhere, in America, Europe, or even Indonesia, but in my opinion you are safer in Bali than you would be in any America city. I do spend quite a lot of time in America and am not afraid to travel so you can take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I wish I could be more articulate in describing what Bali is like....everyone I know who has been there says it's unlike anywhere else on earth for the lovely caring people, culture and religion (Balinese Hindu).
I hope you have a great time in Bali. Do take the time to go out of downtown Ubud and into the countryside. You will love it!
Dec 18th, 2003, 05:08 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's been a two years since we have been to Ubud so I cannot speak about the safety aspect of travel there now. BUT ... I can tell you that it is one of the most wonderful towns we visited. Very quiet, peaceful and everyone we met was pleasant and glad to meet us. I would definitely recommend the Tegal Sari for accomodations. We had a suite that overlooked the rice fields, with two flors,two baths, bkfst included along with tea served twice a day. We enjoyed watching the rice farmers from sun up-sun down. The young male workers were wonderful and helped arrange day trips and made recommendations on restaurtants. It was a stones throw from town - a very easy walk. I doubt you would be disappointed.
Good luck. Travel safely.
Good luck. Travel safely.
Dec 18th, 2003, 05:13 PM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just back from Ubud - literally, returned on the 16th. Know various govts including Australia and the US still have advisories but think these are abundant caution situations. I agree with Lindsey. I would go back this weekend if my husband would not throw me out!
Dec 19th, 2003, 02:34 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We went in July - the travel advisory was on then too - we had no problems. We stayed in Ubud for 5 nights as part of a two week trip. See http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200307/11747.html for the first part of my 6 part trip report - there is a link to the next part at the end of each section. BTW, don't be mislead by the above posts - the town of Ubud itself is definitely not "tranquil" - plenty of traffic and noise. However, within a five minute drive you are in the rice fields - scenic and "tranquil". Have a great trip.
Dec 19th, 2003, 11:30 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a comment about "Ubud". Ubud is both a village - what would be considered the downtown touristy area...and a "kecematan" which is an area somewhat like a city/county area like Honolulu. Just as Honolulu is more than just Waikiki, Ubud is more than the 4 streets that make up Ubud. I always suggest that travelers get out of the downtown area and go to the outlying areas such as Kedewatan, Sayan which are only 2 miles out of downtown but very different from what you would experience in downtown. I do suggest travellers take the time to do more than a day-trip...it would be impossible to get the feel of the area in such a short time, IMHO.
Dec 24th, 2003, 10:36 AM
#8
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My wife and I returned from Bali on 19 Dec. Spent 4 days in Ubud and 4 days in Jimbaran. We rented a car and drove throughout the eastern part of the island. We did not go to Kuta ... more out of the desire to avoid the other tourists than fear of terrorists. We both fell under the spell of the Balinese ... they are truly the gentlest people on Earth ... and the island is verdant and lovely. That said, you do have to remember Bali is part of a third world country and certain refinements are lacking when you're away from the resorts. We did not experience a moment of anxiety until we exited the international terminal at LAX ... we were back in the US. We'd return to the island in a heartbeat. BTW I highly recommend the Four Seasons resort at Sayan.
Dec 30th, 2003, 10:47 AM
#9
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mugwump: I am intriqued by your trip as our upcoming itinerary is very similar. We are staying at the Intercontinental Jimbaran Bay for 3 nights, Four Seasons Sayan for 4 nights and the Alila Manngis in East Bali for 3 nights. Do you have any suggestions and or feedback from your trip? Also, how was the weather?
