Political Scene: The situation in Bali seems to have have settled down, although anyone presently touring Bali should do so exercising a little caution.
Theft: Some isolated cases of (hand) bag snatching and pick pocketting are still being reported. Waist bags or fanny bags are highly recommended for carrying your cash and valuables around Bali. Conceal the bag by draping your teeshirt or blouse over it, as to make it less obvious. Most hotels have one key security boxes. Please use them. Only carry as much cash as you think you will need. Wearing your expensive jewellery only invites trouble.
Abuse Some tourists, especially women, are copping a bit of verbal abuse for either being Australian or mistaken for Australians. In most cases reported, the offenders have been identified as non-Balinese.
Driving Offences
The local police will pull you over for a "licence check". You must have your international drivers licence along with the vehicle registration papers with you. Some of the police have been reported as taking bribes from offenders in lieu of offenders facing prosecution. Some bribes start from around 50,000 Rp. Motor bike riders and "Jimmy" drivers seem to cop it the most.
Night Clubs
Some reports from patrons of some of the night clubs say that slipping "Mickey Finns" into the drinks of unsuspecting women is still being practiced. Keep your on eye on your drink!
There have been incidents involving the over cautious bouncers at the Sari Club. Don't give them an excuse.
HawkersWhatever you here about the hawkers, there is one thing for sure - they will be around Bali for a long time. You either like them, tolerate them or hate them. Once you have shown an interest in their wares, they will hound you like flies. Once you stop to talk with them, more hawkers will gather around. Best if you tell the person your dealing with for all the others to take a hike or no deal. To drive a really hard bargain keep walking while you deal. If you are not interested in buying anything, don't make eye contact and keep walking as though you are on a mission. Usually saying "tidak" (no) or "singa ngulah pis" (I have no money) will do the trick. If you abuse them, well all I can say is that you are on your own. Personally I like them and have developed a system where we both understand each other.
