Why do Balinese seem more genuinely friendly than Thais? (best, country, place)

[Caravelli]

This is a subjective judgement, but here goes...

I've been to both Bali and Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, and one thing I've noticed is Balinese just seem genuinely friendly than Thais. While there were genuinely friendly Thais, far more seemed to have ulterior motives, and you got the feeling everyone was trying to rip you off. Despite the fact Bali gets a lot of tourists too, I was actually surprised that aside from the usual sellers, I was never cheated, ripped off in Bali, and people seemed mostly honest and interested in you. Another difference is, I had many massages in Bali and was never once offered a 'happy ending', while it seems in almost all cases, even in posh spas, I was offered it in Bangkok.

My friend said it could be related to religion. Perhaps Balinese still have a more rural mindset? Bangkok people are big city people, and maybe the large Chinese Thai influence on business too? Also in Phuket. Maybe the Balinese, despite years of tourism, are sort of more down to earth?

[macjr82]

I think it's big city vs more rural. Outside of Bangkok Ive met some of the nicest, most genuine people I've come across in Thailand, and also from Thai's abroad. being that Thailand is primarily a Buddhist country I don't think religion plays a huge factor. I think it's just the same difference in meeting people in NYC versus Upstate New York. As far as the happy endings, Bangkok, and Pattaya, as wel as Phuket to a lesser extent, or well known worldwide sex tourism destinations. From what I've seen, even in Thai massages abroad clients are more often searching for a place with a "happy ending", if not more, than just a regular massage.

[Iphoneneedsbattery]

My personal thought is that balinese are less materilized.
Ive met nice thais, but less genuine

[Goshio22]

It is a norm for Indonesians to be friendly at its best to its "tamu" or guest and treat them with respect. As a tourist visting you are regarded as "tamu". Rural or not that would pretty much happened anywhere around the country, and apart from touristy areas, there isnt really ripping off culture. But the rural culture did plays a role since many people of the urbans in fact comes from the villages and they brought in their strong sense of community and keeping them alive in cities.

As for the interest, it seems that Indonesians in general are more curious compared to Thais and the people here are more straight and open. English proficiency also plays role, while Indonesians generally (outside Bali) dont speak English or good at it, the Thais are even worse.

As for sex tourism, its not happening openly or as crazy here because its a taboo. I think it got to be the buddhist culture of thailand plays role why prostitution are seen as ok, i've read about it somewhere why prostitution isn't that much of a taboo in Buddhism. Indonesia in comparison whether they're hindus, muslims or christians they dont like open prostitution because it doesn't fit the society's moral standard. Even the prostitute working in bali apperently consist mostly javanese rather than balinese.

Originally Posted by Iphoneneedsbattery

My personal thought is that balinese are less materilized.
Ive met nice thais, but less genuine

Yes indeed they are.