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They are considered renting a house as opposed to a hotel, but I'm certain they plan to attend clubs and go to the beaches while they are there, and I'm not sure what lodging is better. Any advice you can give me on whether the government warnings should be heeded, or if they are overly cautious, along with any tips for his safety would both be appreciated!
What government advisories? Even OZ (DFAT) has toned down it’s notoriously hyper rhetoric about travel to Bali.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/education-travel-to-inonesia-may-get-easier/story-e6frgcjx-1226350343409
Unlike #2 I wouldn't say "There's nothing you have to worry about". Parents worry and accidents happen. Last year a young Australian male tourist was walking down the street in Kuta and died when he touched a lamppost that had become electrified due to a short circuit. And you seem to be suggesting that because Bali is not a Muslim-majority part of Indonesia that it is safer. Which, with all due respect, is utter nonsense.
I think most of the government are acknowledging Bali's effort to fight crimes and terrorism thus making the island safer for tourists now.
i also recomend not hyring a scooter unless you are an experience rider,
as many young travellers think they can ride and end up crashing the bike and getting seriously hurt,
and than get a shock when they have to pay large amounts of money to fix the bike.
like others have stated keep your witts about you and use common sence.
one other thing make shore his travel insurance covers everything and take out all the extras.
as young kids will do things that you and i as parents wont.
I do not get drunk and I do not drink arak or jars of fruit juice and arak. Arak can be poisonous, due to dodgy local stills.
I burn mosquito coils at night and use tropical strength insect repellent to prevent Dengue Fever.
I do not touch dogs, cats or monkeys in Bali.
I do not say or do anything to provoke police, security staff or bouncers.
Your son should use metered taxis for transport and stick with his group.
“do you think desentana means what he says due the the fact that there is a reception, a hotel manager etc so if something does go wrong there's someone to turn to, whereas in a private house you are pretty much on your own ?”
Actually, the ratio of staff to guests in many private homes and villas is greater than in many hotels and includes live in pembantu and satpam (security guards). In addition, those private homes that are located within villages have the additional feature of banjar security.
Overall I can’t see any legitimate reason why anyone would be any safer in a hotel over a private home here on Bali, and in many cases private homes offer greater security and safety.
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Travel Safety in Bali
My son is planning a trip to Bali around August 20 for about 10 days. Government advisories against traveling there have me concerned. How realistic is it that he could travel there with friends of the same age and be safe?They are considered renting a house as opposed to a hotel, but I'm certain they plan to attend clubs and go to the beaches while they are there, and I'm not sure what lodging is better. Any advice you can give me on whether the government warnings should be heeded, or if they are overly cautious, along with any tips for his safety would both be appreciated!
1
I think a lot of the warnings stem from 2002, 2005 and 2009 terrorist attacks, as well as the country's risk from seismic activity. Bali sees a lot of incoming travel from young Australians and a fair number of Brits and most cases go untroubled. I think it's a matter of not doing anything particularly stupid and you should be OK.2
Just like OneScot sayś..There´s nothing you have to worry about. At this time Indonesian have a fasting moment. But majority people in Bali is not a moslem. So there is no problem with that. And Bali at low season now (i think,consider on fasting moment -_-¨). There´s a lot of cheap lodging in Bali. You can search at Jalan Poppies, very near to kuta beach.3
“Government advisories against traveling there have me concerned.”What government advisories? Even OZ (DFAT) has toned down it’s notoriously hyper rhetoric about travel to Bali.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/education-travel-to-inonesia-may-get-easier/story-e6frgcjx-1226350343409
4
Tell your son and his friends not to all go and get drunk at the same time and they will be ok! Seriously though, you have little to worry about. I am assuming your son and his friends are sesible young people who are aware of their safety and the safety of others. They should just take the normal precautions they would take in any big city nightlife environment if they go out clubbing. They should be aware of where their valuables are at all times - use money belt for this. Don't keep a lot of money in wallet. Don't get sucked in by people offering services at ridiculous prices - ask around first before you buy - be hard-nosed about this. Bali is a very safe place considering the sheer numbers of visitors it receives each year. There are many good quality hotels on-line offering accomodation to suit all budgets. I think the houses for rent might be more expensive as they tend to be luxury villas. Others may have suggestions. Stop worrying: worrying has never influenced anything. Passing on sound advice is something positive you can do.5
Do a key word search using "security AND indonesia" - see the "Search All Forums" box at the top right of this page. Questions about security and safety in Indonesia and foreign government travel advisories have been asked countless times on this site.Unlike #2 I wouldn't say "There's nothing you have to worry about". Parents worry and accidents happen. Last year a young Australian male tourist was walking down the street in Kuta and died when he touched a lamppost that had become electrified due to a short circuit. And you seem to be suggesting that because Bali is not a Muslim-majority part of Indonesia that it is safer. Which, with all due respect, is utter nonsense.
7
A hotel in Bali is by no means no more safe than a private villa.9
Try this news article - http://www.balivillaholidays.com/news/194/australia-downgrades-travel-warning-to-bali/I think most of the government are acknowledging Bali's effort to fight crimes and terrorism thus making the island safer for tourists now.
10
Bonek thanks for the reminder of the live power poll, i keep an eye out for low lying cabels when i am there on wednesday.i also recomend not hyring a scooter unless you are an experience rider,
as many young travellers think they can ride and end up crashing the bike and getting seriously hurt,
and than get a shock when they have to pay large amounts of money to fix the bike.
like others have stated keep your witts about you and use common sence.
one other thing make shore his travel insurance covers everything and take out all the extras.
as young kids will do things that you and i as parents wont.
11
I have been to Bali 12 times and survived.I do not get drunk and I do not drink arak or jars of fruit juice and arak. Arak can be poisonous, due to dodgy local stills.
I burn mosquito coils at night and use tropical strength insect repellent to prevent Dengue Fever.
I do not touch dogs, cats or monkeys in Bali.
I do not say or do anything to provoke police, security staff or bouncers.
Your son should use metered taxis for transport and stick with his group.
13
@ #10“do you think desentana means what he says due the the fact that there is a reception, a hotel manager etc so if something does go wrong there's someone to turn to, whereas in a private house you are pretty much on your own ?”
Actually, the ratio of staff to guests in many private homes and villas is greater than in many hotels and includes live in pembantu and satpam (security guards). In addition, those private homes that are located within villages have the additional feature of banjar security.
Overall I can’t see any legitimate reason why anyone would be any safer in a hotel over a private home here on Bali, and in many cases private homes offer greater security and safety.
14
The mosquitoes carrying Dengue Fever bite during the day. Mosquito coils at night are useful for Malaria ridden mozzies however Malaria is not a huge problem on Bali. Just try to avoid being bitten any time of day. Dengue is nasty!
