I'm that DM, the one that doesn't balance all encounters to your character's level and ability. In fact, I refuse to even try.
There are places you should avoid until you are stronger, and there are places you should avoid at all costs. When you hear rumors of a dragon circling a particular forest, or when sailors tell you that ships never return from a particular island, or when the guards remark that you "don't look strong enough" to handle whatever is inside a certain cave...those are called "hints" and you should listen to them.