I agree with others. If you haven't been there it is hard to comment about not wanting to go there.
Play2win. I went in 1994 and again in 2007, 2009, 2010 and just this year.
Things have changed alot since 1994 however back then there were still "sleazy" parts of Kuta. I was offered some jiggy jig by a girl on a motorcycle for $2.00 just because I was walking down the street by myself. drugs were also offered by people on the streets then and the stories of the corrupt coppers were also around back then...
In 2010 I swore that I would never ever go back as it had changed considerably (even since 2007) however was pursuaded by the trouble and strife. However this time around both herself and me agreed that the place had changed.
There were bogans everywhere, trying to screw the stall holders for every last cent they could get (there is a difference between haggling and being absolutely offensive in a price for items), there were drunk idiots swearing in loud voices everywhere, even during the day.
No one saying hello as you passed (even the locals weren't smiling and saying hello). This time I found the locals were more inclined to grab your arm and try to pull you into their stall, this I had never encountered previously.
People only go over there now to get blind and do things you can't get away with over here.
It has lost it's appeal for me. Have been to Phuket once, will go back again (until that changes also).
Can't believe that you can fly to Bali from the east coast now... I never heard of Bali when the song was released, only until I moved to W.A did it become a place I could afford to go to.
But like someone said, you get what you pay for, and for my money add a little bit extra and get a lot in return.
I also agree that outside fo Kuta is certainly different, beautiful scenery. I would suggest to go to Bali at least once and do the touristy thing and visit the volcano, rice fields etc... However having done that once (twice actually), there isn't anything else practical to do there now.
