we are staying at the Ayodya Palace - until very recently it was the Bali Hilton. Staff and surroundings are truly magical, but i know that one can get a bit of 'the guilts' when you leave your 5star enclave and see first hand the hardship locals face..but i do feel the people have a warmth to them. We spent time in Thailand previously - 3years ago on honeymoon, which was 5star, and prior again to that as poor backpackers, living in the bush practically. i think the locals are happy for you to be initially visiting their country as that will help them economically (ok maybe not them directly) and are happy to sit and talk to you..but thats just my 2c

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