Hi Mealea,

I'm in the Uma Pool Suite (no. 40) and it's the last of three pool suites overlooking the river.

Well after some careful consideration I have decided to go ahead with my November trip to Bali. Over the past few days I have considered New Delhi as a backup destination but have since decided to save it for another time. I am flying into Bali with Singapore Airlines via Singapore and plan to stay at the Grand Hyatt near Nusa Dua. I just cracked open a guide to Bali and wonder if anyone has some areas that they reccomend I visit? Cheers.

Hi,

I just came back from Bali last week. I went to KuDeTa for a drink. I had actually planned to go there on a Sat night, and wanted to wait and see how it was when I got to Seminyak (I was travelling in Ubud and the east prior to Seminyak). I arrived in Seminyak on a Sat and asked around (the locals) what they thought about KuDeTa and was advised that I should keep away from the big name restaurants on Sat night. Not wanting to risk anything, I took their advice and ate at a small cafe. I didn't want to take the risk also because when I arrived in Bali, there was a bomb threat for KuDeTa which turned out to be a hoax. it came out in the press, but I didn't want to take any chances. Before my trip, I had read that some Australians were warned to stay away from Kuta the night of the bombing, so I didn't want to discount any rumours...therefore, when the locals told me to avoid KuDeTa, I did.

However, I did go there for tea in the afternoon. Security was tight. As usual, they checked the cars (and our bags, I think) but there was security on the beach, as well as at the side (i.e. near the "outdoor" bar).

Just back from a week in beautiful Bali. Spygirl and Lyndie are way off beam. Which part of "death sentence" would you describe as government tolerance for the bombers? I did all the usual things, ate in terrific restaurants, bought things in local and tourist shops, walked around Seminyak and the beach a lot, was impressed by the increased but still unobtrusive security. Maccaroni Bar right in the middle of Kuta and opposite the Oct 2002 remains surprisingly my favourite restaurant - the rest of Kuta leaves me cold with its trashiness but this is great food, service, music and atmosphere. The locals are devastated and furious about the bombing. Bali was deserted. No one on the beach, no one in shops, no one in taxis. Great for the few of us actually there but dreadful for the economy and the delightful residents. The resorts all seem to have extra security both at their entrance and on the beachfront. Bags and backpacks are scanned by staff in the more prominent restaurants, and around places such as Bintang Supermarket at Legian. But this is no different from any other place I've been. Was I frightened? Not a bit. Do I think it could happen again? Yep. Do I feel insulated from the risk of a terrorist attack in Australia? Nope. Will any of this stop me going back? Nope. Good on you Marmot for sticking to your plans after sensibly weighing up the options.

and good for you for going and enjoying!!!!!!

PaulS-I'm not "way off beam" at all. Indonesia has just released a couple of bombing suspects through lack of evidence. Glad you were lucky to make it home safely.