Dawn

Hi: <BR>We have plans to visit Bali next week and, inlight of the E. Timor problems, we are concerned about our safety. Looking for input from anyone who has been to Bali recently.

Boris

We were in Bali in May, just prior to the national election. If there were riots in New York, would you be safe in San Francisco?

Emily

The State Department issues up-dated travel warnings for every country in the world. You can phone them or check their website at www.state.gov. Their warnings tend to be over-cautious, if anything, so you can feel quite safe if you follow their advice.

Dawn

My simple advise would be to cancel/postpone if you can. The first poster misses the point that current situation in East Timor is being controlled/supported by the Indonesian military which is also raising the heat in the capital Jakarta which means it could turn even uglier across the country. The militia are targeting foreigners as much as locals (this is unusual and is worrying). I travel into Indonesia regularly on business and have been in the country last year when the initial troubles started - it was not fun. I'm not sure you would really be able to relax on a beach with the thought in the back of your mind that things might get worse. The other side of this is that external to Indonesia a number of countries are now talking about sanctions, some of the unions are talking about boycotting etc. If you do choose to go just be fully aware of the increased risk you are taking

Angela

Dawn: I would agree with Boris rather than Dawn. I too travel extensively in Indonesia - having spent four months there last year. We are leaving for another two months trip in less than two weeks. As long as one is careful, cautious, and has their head on straight, the fact that Timor is having difficulties should not impact someone on holiday on Bali. However, I would caution those considering travel to Timor, or Jakarta for that matter. I continue to tell my worried family that one doesn't cancel a trip to New York just because there are riots in L.A. I wish you a pleasant trip.

Lincoln

I was in Bali last year. It was free of violence. It has always been free of violence. However, I think this time(the situation in Eastern Timor) is much more serious. Dawn is very right. Last year, it was some disenchanted citizens rioting in Indonesia. This year, it was a disenchanted army ready to take over the entire country. It's not NY riot vs going to SF. If there is a military coup in DC, would you travel to the US? I am also supposed to go to Bali next week. Now I have cancelled. I did not do that a year ago. The entire country

Michael

Angela, <BR>You are either naive or foolish. Having just pulled expats out of Indonesia prior to the UN troops landing this weekend I would tell you that if you think the only problems are in jakarta & bali then you are ill-informed. Indonesia is at a crucial place in its history and if you believe that you understand the climate and the military better than those who have just vacated the nation then good luck to you but again I say for your own safety then you should reconsider and again to compare NY / LA as a comparision to Timor and the rest of Indonesia is just ludicrous.

Gil

Dawn <BR>Iam australian and I just came back at end august from my eleventh trip <BR> <BR>My friend came back last week <BR> <BR>We had nor expected to have any problem in Bali <BR> <BR>But it's hotting up now and remember that problems might be not Bali's doing but enforced from Jakarta <BR> <BR>who knows ?? <BR> <BR>you might strike trade embargo or cancelled flights or withdrawal of visa rights or any of a thousand and one things that the Indonesian Government may dream up <BR> <BR>I love Bali but my next year I am holidaying in Penang <BR> <BR>When I go away it's to get away from worries not to pick up a new batch <BR> <BR>Gil

Jill Downie

We are considering visiting Bali in November. Looking for info from anyone who has stayed there recently. Also has anyone stayed in the Hilton International there? How was it?

C

I WAS IN BALI LAST YEAR FROM MID APRIL TO JUNE 5...TWO DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION. THERE WAS A LOT OF POLITICAL RALLYING, BUT ALL WAS FRIENDLY. BY COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE IN BALI RECENTLY I HEAR THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW PROBLEMS IN DENPASAR AND LOTS OF PROBLEMS IN LOMBOK B/W CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS. I WAS PLANNING TO GO BACK TO BALI THIS APRIL BUT WOULD LIKE INPUT FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE RECENTLY. MY TRAVEL BUDDY WANTS TO WAIT UNTIL SEPT/OCT. THEN MY ADDED CONCERN IS THE RAINY SEASON. <BR>ANY ADVICE??? <BR>