“I heard that travel to Bali was not safe. Is that true?”
We get this question from time to time and I am glad to have the chance to set the record straight.
We receive all the news from Bali, and much of Indonesia, daily. I also receive the news from the US. I am shocked and saddened daily at the tragedies that occur in the US. This is one of the main motivations for moving my family to Bali. After seeing what occurs in American cities and small towns, I am considerably more afraid and cautious about being in the US.
I highly encourage you to do your own research. People don’t have guns in Bali. Violent crime is virtually non-existent in Bali. Sure there are petty crimes, and occasionally worse, but 95% of crime in Bali happens in Kuta. Kuta is the place where the partiers go. Aside from the occasional surf session, we avoid this area as it has little cultural significance, its jam packed with drunk tourists, the traffic is worse than LA, and its just not of much interest to us. There are certainly better places to party on the island.
The Bali bombings happened over a decade ago and since then, there have been no attacks. However, there have been many similar bombings worldwide since then- in London, Madrid, Boston, Oklahoma City, and the list goes on. If anyone told you those cities were unsafe for travel, you would likely dismiss that information.
In fact, you will see that the worlds largest and most exclusive hotel chains are underway with some of their most elite projects worldwide (Ritz Carlton, Grand Hyatt, Marriott, etc.).
The people of Bali are the most kind, generous, friendly and loving people I have ever encountered.
In the next few months, the APEC Summit will take place in Bali attended by Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Asia Pacific, CEOs of global corporations and other world leaders. The Miss World Pageant comes to Bali in September and the Forbes Global CEO Summit shortly thereafter. Many similar events happen in Bali monthly.
Would all of this would be going on in a place that is considered unsafe?
If thats not enough, have a look at the US State Department list of travel warnings. Indonesia does not appear on the entire list.
I am saddened when I get this question as the people of Bali are, by all accounts, the sweetest, most generous, friendly and loving people I have ever encountered and to have negative and untrue statements thrown around is a shame.
Again, I urge you to do your own research and if you have any questions, please let me know as I could write about this all day long.
I hope this information is useful for you. Feel free to ask any questions to clarify if needed.
Want more thoughts on travel to Bali? Have a look at our testimonials page.
