I am sure this question has been asked multiple times so sorry for the repeat inquiry. I will be spending at least 2 weeks in Bali/Lombok area this summer as part of an extensive SEA trip and have questions re: personal saftey in this area. Living in the US I am bombarded with discouraging information about Bali and though I tend to brush most of this off as paranoid setiments from non-travelers... eventually these thoughts begin to build doubts in my own head. Basically, I would prefer to use public transport to travel the islands and stay in cheap accomodations but is this advisable? What are the general issues that I might encounter on my trip which to watch out for? Additionally, any information, statistics, personal accounts, etc. to reasure my intuition that Bali is safe would be much appreciated.

Bali's just as safe as anywhere else in the world....except Iraq.

Dont worry.......just go!!

Bali is safe, I've had a similar conversation with a chum from the states, concerned about France! My view is that if we took the stories of hi-jackings, bombings, murders, muggings, alien abduction, et al that appear to occur on a daily basis, then no one would ever travel to the USA.

Go and have a fantastic time and don't forget to post your experiences on here.

Leaving aside natural disasters and terrorist act--of which we are at risk just about ebverywhere in the world nowdays there are just a few things one needs to be aware of on a personal safety level.
There are a lot of financially strapped people in Bali so you need to be carefull with money and valuable possessions.Incidences of pick pocketing,theft and money scamming are known.Stay well clear of anyone tryig to sell you drugs---Banged up in prison first questions asked later.
The people in Bali are not agressive people they,as a rule,do not pick fights and /or arguments.
Public transport is fine---Nick has written lots of articles on various form of public and private transport,can be found in Bali Travel Guide.Cheap acommodation is also o.k but as with everything negotiate you price first---lots of articles on this topic also.
I suggest that you pore over the Baliblog Bali Travel guide for a few hours and you will get a really good idea of what to expect.
Go to Bali and enjoy all it has to offer.
Cheers laurs

Great points about the US! I agree, and like I said in my original post, "most" of the time I do not let the media information get to me but for some reason it has. Thanks for the posts, it has/will be of much help.
On continued note.... I have also put into consideration maybe starting my Indonesian trip in Jakarta and working my way down through Java to Bali. Does anyone have any opinions on travel in Java? Any additional safty concerns, raves or recommendations? One thing that I saw what Intrepid Tours offer a 15 day tour from Jakarta to Bali hitting Pangandaran, Yogyakarta, Seloliman Nature Reserve, Mt. Bromo, Bali Barat National Park, Lovina, etc. The cost is $790us.... I was wondering in your opinions if this is a good option? Do you think it is worth taking the organized tour to see the islands or not? Also, cost wise... how much cheaper could I do 15 days in Indo hitting the same locations on my own for? Thanks guys and girls for the help!

Regarding whether you go on an organized tour. If it's your first time in these parts it could be a good idea.

But you can garuantee you'll be able to do it at a fraction of the cost if you go it alone

Hi Solo,

I think you are missing the joy of traveling here. Sure have a programme of sorts, but if it is a rigid timetable what will you do if you come across a place that you want to spend more time at or the reverse, you don't?

I get just as much fun planning my trips as I do in the actual doing bit. It is normally the unforeseen, unplanned parts that give the most pleasure and are remembered more fondly.

Nowadays there is so much information on the web to get an idea of most parts of the world; the bare bones should be easy to scope out.

Without doubt, doing-it-yourself, will be cheaper, you’ll have far more fun, move at your own pace, make friends with people you would like to spend time with, fifteen days with an unknown group would not be an ideal choice.

Great input... thank you. And Peter.. I do agree fully that the act of spontanious travel is best, I also enjoy the planing and pre-departure aspect of travel near as much as the act itself. The reason that I was questioning the overland tour group for Java was simply for security reasons. Like I said in the original post, being here is America it is near impossible to talk about Indonesia without some sort of negative feedback. Yes, if I like a place I would either go back or simply bail out on the tour... but I was unsure as to the pros/cons of traveling like this in this specific region. I am ignorant as to how much easier I could accomplish the same itinery on my own versus in a pre-paid group. But overall I do agree with your statments and I do think in the end that I will trek out on my own.

Walking around the city / towns areas, villages and beaches in Bali and Lombok, you'll find it quite safe.

Yes there have been terrorist attacks in the last few years, but they targeted nightclubs and very high profile areas, that were packed with tourists.

Probably 95% of the places you go will not fit that profile, and anyway, further attacks are not likely, in my opinion.

Better focus your energy on how you are going enjoy your trip. As I have said 500 times before, your transport situation will be key. Here are your options: Walking, riding a bicycle / motorbike, driving a car, hiring a car with driver, taxi, Perama toursit bus, local bemo buses.

Bali is a small island, but in the heat, a few miles up hill takes it out of you. Cheap accommodation is easy to find, if you don't mind basic rooms with a fan / cold water.

Happy travels

Go! Don't miss the treat of a lifetime. Bali is safe, I wouldn't hesitate to go there by myself & I am a 55 yr old woman. The food is wonderful and cheap as are the rooms. As you would anywhere you go be aware of your surroundings.

Sounds good. Thanks everyone for the advice. I got my ticket (though I don't leave for another 5 months!) and am ready to rock!