Prostitution? – It’s big in Bali. You can pick up girls (and boys) almost in any place where people gather for drinks and party and “dozens of brothels and massage plus plus joints” can be found all over the place. Sexual diseases and HIV is rather widespread. Travelers should keep in mind that prostitution is a big business in Bali, and that what may seem like innocent fun can sometimes turn into hassling or a demand for cash.
Luckily, things are quite direct, so cautious visitors will easily be able to tell what they are getting themselves into in any situation. Note “Prostitution is illegal in Bali”, however, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye, and prostitution is not necessarily a tourism related phenomena. Indonesian men who can afford it like to go to massage places regularly, asking for a massage with what they call: “Happy End” or “Massage Plus Plus”.
Anything you might be tempted to experience or consume in Bali is available. If you can imagine it, it’s out there. People don’t get killed here in the red light district, Bali is not Mexico City, but some tourists wake up without their wallet or watches after their adventures, or with a transmitted disease that is difficult to get rid off and more difficult to explain once they are home.
Bali Girls and Boys
The Bali Girls
In Bali’s discos, clubs, bars and even pubs you’ll meet many young local girls, “kupu kupu malam” (“night butterflies”) also called working girls mostly coming from the poorer rural areas of Java. And nowadays also more often young men who compete with the females. All taxi drivers, security guards, street vendors will know the more “popular” karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta, Legian, Sanur, and Denpasar, along with the various “Houses of ill Repute” in narrow back lanes. These “helpful” people want to share their knowledge, whether you want to know or not. A silent but direct “massage?, young girls?, marihuana?” slips the tongue of many taxi drivers you might pass, while walking the streets of Kuta, Legian or Seminyak.
Bali Beach Boys
The Bali Beach boys that hang out mostly at Kuta Beach and Legian Beach are never too shy to approach foreign women – age and looks don’t matter to them, they look for the willingness for interaction. If they start to bug you, give them a clear feedback that you are not interested. And if you are neither in the mood to talk to a stranger or to accept his all so kind offer to help you put sun-lotion on your body, tell them clearly so. Also here, setting clear boundaries is important. They would never dare asking an Indonesian women, let alone touch one. It’s not appropriate in their culture. Some of the Bali beach boys who start holiday affairs with tourists have actually not just one girlfriend, but many.. Some foreign ladies come to Bali regularly and enjoy a good time as a couple, and pay the bills. Some beach boys are married and have children, while the wives do know about the business that brings in some extra cash. It’s between adults what happens between adults, but many foreign women – young and old – had to realize that nothing is at it seems and that true love between a Balinese Surf Guide and a lady from abroad is not easy to find in that kind of holiday setting.