Where Not to Go in Bali

Bali's exotic, friendly culture and tropical beauty has been drawing in throngs of tourists for decades, and despite the transformation of the island into a mass tourist destination, it still remains in many ways an authentic, pleasant place to visit. Still, time on a vacation is short and there are some experiences on Bali that simply do not live up to their. When it comes to these places and attractions on Bali, don't believe the hype.

Kuta

Unless you are a fat, tattooed 19 year old wannabe surf rat looking to hook-up with the opposite sex, there is no reason to set foot in Kuta. This tourist ghetto is even worse than the (in)famous Khao San Road of Bangkok, because unlike its Thai equivalent, Kuta is set on what would otherwise be a beautiful beach. For cheap accommodations and even for nightlife, there are other places to go in Bali. Skip this oversold play pen.

Ubud Central Market

Ubud justifiably retains its reputation as Bali's arts and crafts center, but if you get lazy and shop at the central market, be prepared for disappointment and rip-offs. "Authentic handmade batik" is found only in the imaginations of the gullible, and for the most part the stalls are full of tourist trap knickknacks. For real shopping in Ubud, go to the outlying villages and visit the actual workshops in which the arts and crafts are made, or visit the higher end galleries in Ubud proper. The Ubud Central Market is like a slice of Kuta cut out and transplanted in the middle of what would otherwise be a beautiful little town.

Made's Warung

Appearing in every guide book published since 1970 has seriously dented the authenticity of what is supposed to be an authentic warung, or Indonesian eatery. Some people like going to places like Made's specifically for the traveler-and-expat experience, and if that fit's the bill then Made's is the place to be. Otherwise, to eat like a local look around for something not in a guide book.

Ubud's Monkey Forest

If you are only in Bali for a week, the antics of the macaques in Ubud's monkey forest will probably prove amusing. However, if you stay on the island for more than two weeks, you will probably encounter the same species of monkey up to the same hijinks somewhere else. Furthermore, the run amok monkeys of the forest are always mounting raids outside the boundaries of their sanctuary and into the surrounding streets. For a real show, park at a neighboring café or buy a bottle of water and stand on a street corner.

Sources: Personal Experience