Mistake #1
oof. I wish I didn’t mention in my last post that I was going to talk about patience in the next post.
I’m on plane from Bali to Brisbane. Bali Blows…and if you are into sketchy sexual favors..that might be a good thing for you. For me…this place is overrated. I need to be careful before I tear it all to shreds because I only stayed a day and a half in this country. I think me leaving after one day and a half says it all anyways. But a few highlights for you…this place is filthy. This is the Cancun for Australians. This feels like a borderline 3rd world country. Before you can utter the words “well you didn’t see this or you didn’t venture out far enough”…I understand that logic…but when you get off the plane and the place is immediately giving you the ick…there is a bad taste in your mouth. I’ve seen enough. I don’t know if I was singled out more than others but maybe it was me looking like a white American tourist traveling by myself…they really wanted to take me to wherever I was going….I mean…hounding me…arms around me…non-stop following me..not taking no for an answer. It’s hot and muggy…I just got off a 6 hour flight…I’m tired. I finally pick this guy who was persistent but didn’t seem as sketchy as the other drivers…he says 300,000 R($19 USD) to go to my hotel 30 minutes away..we are going to exchange some NZ dollars on the way there because the commission fee is much less ..than the airport. We take off through the town of Denpasar..welcome to Bali! This place is trash..absolute..trash…the infrastructure is non-existent.
My dollar does go further here..and I’m sort of going into this part of the trip blind..so I booked 2 nights in a “5 star” resort…it cost me $175 usd. We arrive…the entrance to the resort is abandoned..3 story building all around..long driveway up to the resort…looked like what I imagine a fake North Korean town would look like…a complete facade. Before we get to the lobby entrance..they check on top, inside, and under the vehicle…like you are crossing the border of Mexico. I asked the driver what they are looking for…he said drugs…the lady on the plane did say that you are more likely to receive a tougher punishment for drugs than you are murdering someone.By the way..that couple was on their honeymoon sitting next to me on the flight..they are lovely…they are staying in a villa in a nicer part of town..where I’m sure they don’t have to interact with all of the other mess. I hope they are having the best time. See..I know that there are places that exist on this island that are probably amazing..and scenic…but for me…I know of a ton of places in the region of the world I am in that are amazing..and I’m cutting out time that could be spent there in order to see this place..but those other places don’t risk my safety like this one does..
This is one of those places where the resorts are nice…then as soon as you step out the gates..trash..filth. The beach…filthy…for miles…beggars..every where you turn..women touching you for “massage baby” every where you turn…and I did walk..like I always do when I arrive somewhere new…for miles….I aimlessly walked to several different towns and areas of South Bali. Its gross..its muggy…its like the last week in August in Macon, Ga…all of the establishments are open air…there is no where to get ac…my “5 star” resort has not a single closed off..air-condition facility that I can access. My room is freaking amazing though and cold as can be..which is great here. Amazing bathroom..tv…clean.. beds great…all great there…step out…and its like a decaying resort that I’m sure at one point in time was thriving…the staff is amazing…they call me Mr. Zack….they are extremely attentive…I don’t want to say over attentive…but they are quite on top of you..and I believe they mean well. They aren’t expecting tips..and if you do tip…you are the new best friend. I enjoyed chatting with several of the young guys working…one specifically saying…that America..was heaven to him…and he can only hope to visit one day. He has only seen it on “cinema”…He knows about LA, Miami, and NYC.
I try to keep seeing as much as possible in my first day…I know that there are a ton of islands in Indonesia…I know that this is the tourist destination…but like I said..I have a bad taste in my mouth…this country has a problem…the people visiting this country disrespect it as well…I witness several people throwing trash on the ground. The only time you see any type of “authority” is near the nicest resorts.
This is more than tourist trap…I have seen tourist traps….this is a shit hole. I have so much more I want to say. I feel terrible writing this…I’m sure this is someones favorite place to visit…and I know the people there are just trying to survive…they have some serious issues at the top that need to be sorted out. I have read countless articles on the “hard truth” about Bali. Its a shame because Indonesia has some amazing things that I really wanted to see…but to me….its not worth a single more day of mine..a dollar of mine..to deal with the crap you have to deal with to get there…I’ve left out a few things. A negative review is not what I hoped for or wanted to do whatsoever.
I was warned by some about Bali.
This is not my vibe…maybe if I was 19…maybe some people offering the suggestions hadn’t been here post-covid…idk what happened….but be weary of instagram digital nomads…over-hyping places…honest reviews save time…money…and in some cases lives. Don’t come to Bali.:( I’m sorry. I will let your imagination work for a little bit…going to save some pics to add on here later. Do your own research if you would like to read more of what I’m talking about…it’s quite sad and disappointing.
