I decided to go to Ubud this time, which is in central Bali and is far less crowded and much
more pleasant than Kuta. On the plane I met an American, called Keneth, who wanted to tag
along with me to Ubud and share a cab, which saved me 3 bus trips, so I was grateful. He
turned out to be nice guy: a social worker from San Fransisco and we became friends
instantly. It was good to have the company while I was there. We went on a tour the next
day or some of the temples and went to a fire dance in the evening. I probably wouldn't
have done all that if I was alone.
Bali is a beautiful place. The only thing that disappointed me was the number, desperation
and even outright aggression of the traders. Lying and cheating and never letting up trying
to sell you something, it ruined a few of the temple experiences for me. One in particular
which really got my goat was outside the second largest temple. Obviously it gets a lot of
visitors and it was the last item on our tour for the day. Out guide specifically told
> us that there was not entrance fee, but a donation of not more than 5000 Rupihias was
okay and that we were required to wear a sarong tied with a sash around our waist. He
said that we were NOT to buy or rent a sarong from the local women, but to borrow one
> from the entrance. When we went to the entrance we were surrounded by these women
who were forcing sarongs around us. When I objected and pointed to the ones for borrowing
they started shouting and saying that those were only for Balinese and that we
> HAD to pay them 20000 Rp each to rent their sarongs. Now at the previous temples
there were women selling sarongs for 10000 Rp. A Japanese student with us gave in quickly
and paid for us all. I was incensed and outraged, but it was too late. I know its not a lot
of money, but its the principal of lying and cheating and getting away with it and the more
they getaway with it the more they will do it, its irresponsible tourism. I have given away
a lot of money on this trip and the thing is there are many, many people who need my money,
so should it go to those who are aggressive and try and cheat me, or
> to those who are quietly trying to earn a decent living. The later I think. But
unfortunately its the former who usually get away with it and that really irks me. Apart
from that, and the dogs shagging on one of the altars in a courtyard at the rear of the
temple, it was peaceful, serene and powerful.
From Bali, to Singapore for a few days of shopping malls, air conditioned public transport,
clean streets and friendly people, and then onto Malaysia.
