Bad subject, but I've heard you really have to watch your back and your stuff in Bali, that there are those annoying backpack strap slashers and whatnot.

I'll be leaving Oz for Bali next month and my laptop and digital camera go everywhere I go. I'd keep them both in one backpack with me at all times. Is this safe? Ideally, I'd want to pull out my backpack to write a bit while sitting on the beach, at a cage, at the pool at the hotel, etc. Am I asking for trouble just by being seen with a computer, being a lone female?

Hopefully, all the hype is just that and just another scare tactic I've been susceptible too. Thanks for the advice!

_________________________
www.whereisjustine.com

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." –Flora Whittemore

Justine,
Like everywhere else in the world theft etc, is there!
I was thinking about all these horror stories & It does happen...
But it happens to a small proportion of tourists that are actually in Bali at any given time.
It does not & has not happened to everyone there. Other than I'd say the trying to get a nhigher price for goods, but basically thpose persons handed their money over for the price they accepted at the time. Money changers trying to give you 5,000rp, instead of 50,000rp & other various notes too.
I highly recommend you stay alert & aware & look after your stuff...
Can't really say it'd be any worse than other places in the world!
Have fun, enjoy but as alwaysa be aware!!!!

Justine,

I have been here for two weeks, and to me it seems that if you are alert and use reasonable caution Bali is a fairly safe place. I think crowded public buses may be your worst case scenario, but that is the case in many countries. If you can afford it you can also avoid these by using tourist shuttles which generally you can find for $5-10 USD to anywhere on the island. It is even possible to hire a private car and driver from one end of the island to the other for about $15 USD. Of course if you are on a budget $15 USD will pay for accomodation for the night, all meals and drink (water, soda) for two days.

Over all, I feel pretty safe walking around most places in Bali - as safe as I do in cities back home. Just be prepared to have distractions from hawkers, touts and the like - sometimes they are all over. Also for what it is worth, I did get a PacSafe at 20% off when I was in Cairns and use it just to be a little more careful.

I don't think robbery is a think you'll have to worry about here in Bali. I tend to read the local papers and hear the chit chat. If there was a wave of crime going on I'd hear about it. I haven't.

I would leave expensive gear lying around but I don't expect you'll have New York style muggers chasing you.

Nick O'Neill
http://www.BaliBlog.com
BootsnAll's guide to Bali