i went in 1990 so a long time ago and I went backpacking as part of my "round the world " experience.
I remember feeling that Kuta was the Australian "Benidorm" - busy and commercial and full of drunken Ozzies!
We also went to Ubud - which I felt was beautiful - quite a hippy place full of arts and local crafts and the monkey forest - watch out for the monkeys they are very tame and jump into your arms !
Our accomodation was lovely and we were backpacking - high standards of cleanliness and luxury - the hotels will be stunning as most of the far east has very high standards - a 3 star over there is like a 5 star in Spain!
I think it is a place to go to experience the culture - the beautiful scenery and of course the people.
Happy Holidays!:bliss: