In Reply to: How clean is it? posted by Sap on Sunday, 30. September 2001 at 08:23 Bali Time:
Generally you could not call the beaches along the Tuban to Legian strecth clean though under some conditions they can be ok. You should know that there is no reticulated sewerage systems here. Apart from some of the larger resorts/hotels which have more advanced systems, nearly all waste is discharged into the stormwater drainage system after rudimentary primary treatment (solids removed). The water here is also full of visual and environmental pollution particularly plastic bags, containers and other crap ostensibly the product of servicing tourism and with very poor infrastructure for waste management.
The authorities appear to be working on creating a better landfill/treatment facility north of Kerobokan but the problem of rubbish lost to the drains etc by accident, laziness and by landfilling every bit of low lying land with rubbish is a long way off.
On the bright side, there are still some great beaches with clear and clean water. Have a look around and while you are doing so go to Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Uluwatu is a beautiful area but the beach would not be for your boys I don't think. Padang Padang however can have great swimming and surfing.
Have a great time