Got 3 weeks planned in Bali at the start of August, and would be interested to hear from anyone actually there at the moment as to how they percieve the current Aussie government warnings and the real level of threat from terrorist activity.
I imagine at this stage that it will be difficult to obtain travel insurance for the trip, so I anticipate being self insured - but how, if at all, are any emergency services equipped to deal with such attacks, and how quickly could you realistically get on a flight for singapore or other centre of medical excellence?
What sort of behviours are going to keep us the safest while we're there? I imagine avoiding anywhere lots of tourists gather, large noisy clubs, restaurants etc - but any good tips from those experienced in the culture of the area would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Alex
You could avoid travelling on 'tour buses', taxis and bemos might be a better choice at the moment.
There has been no updated travel advisory from the U.S., just Australia.
Is there really a threat?
I mean of course we never know.
I guess we can die crossing the road.
If it's our time, it's our time.
But still, we're a bit concern since we will have a toddler with us.
Will travel in Sept.
Hard to answer for sure!
It feels definitely more secure or safe here than 2 years ago. Travel is catching up and more and more tourists are seen in Bali back again. It's a bargain and still a dream of an island.
But you'll never know where terrorists hit next. Can be Bali, N.Y., London, Spain, or anywhere else in the world.
The problem is it's not the locals; as they are suffering most from the consequences of attacks. So how to know when outsiders/terrorists strike?
I guess a good way is too avoid too crowded/touristy areas like you said in your mail and maybe not worry too much.
Easier said than done....I know.... ;-/
Don't know that it will be a huge problem getting travel insurance - I've been to places before that were on the "reconsider travel" list, and not had any trouble getting insurance. Just check that you are actually covered before you hand over any money.
I agree with poster 3. I spent all of May in Java and Sumatra and never felt in any way unsafe. I believe the Aust Govt travel advisory to be quite unwarranted and discriminatory (there could be a terrorist attack in Australia too!). There certainly is no increase in risk and I believe the Australian Govt is simply covering its backside in issuing the advisory.
Should be no problem getting travel insurance.
Peter
If I had the time and the money I would be back in Indonesia in a second, warning or no warning.
The warnings in my mind mean absolutely nothing. I have now been to Indonesia 7 times and there have been warnings for at least 5 of those trips and never have I encountered any bad situations.
Last year from June to Dec I travelled alone to Bali, Java, Sumatra, Aceh with a few days in Lombok and Sulawesi and had an amazing time with no problems at all.
Being a lone female was no problem at all and I have been known to walk back to my room in Medan at midnight, accept a lift in an NGO car to go from Ketembe to Blangkejeren, sit in the street in Takengon ( Central Aceh- Gayoland territory) at midnight eating food, entertain bus drivers at a coffee warung whilst waiting for my bus and lots of other little situations like finding guys with motor bikes to take me on trips to see places like Kawah Ijen and the beaches south of Yogja and every time I felt completely safe. And another thing I do not speak the language much to the dismay of my many friends in Indonesia, so I do not have any advantage over the average traveller.
Indonesian people are simply amazingly friendly and helpful and if I wanted to, I believe I could travel the whole of Indonesia and never pay for accomodation.
Even the poorest Indonesian family will offer you a bed and food if they like you.
Having said all of this, have a fantastic holiday and let us know how you go.
Pamela.
Pamela, you're right about not paying accommodation if you wanted/needed to. Our vehicle broke down once, I was really young, and this family just offered his room. They crowded into another room so that they can help us. That was the nicest thing anybody has ever done for us. I don't remember much of my childhood but I remember that.
I find it noteworthy that the Swedish foreign ministry updated their web page 10th of July with the info that they do NOT discourage people to travel to Indonesia and specifically Bali. US and UK sites have not changed info (well UK did but only with regards to volcano on Moluku) since Sunday when talk started from the Aussies... So if you're Australian, try to look Swedish and you should feel safer?!
Just a thought, might this be a "diplomatic scheme" by the Australian government to put pressure on the Indonesian government for some completely different reason?
Greger
Just back from Bali 2months ago, luv the ppl there, be friendly to them and u would be blessed! as they will certainly treat you like 1 of their own!! I've never felt so welcome by any foreigners b4,tourism is the balinese main source of income, after the 2bombing incident(JW Jkt and Padi, Kuta)they have suffered the aftermath no less painful than the victim's family, Bali is such a "island of GOD", Bring LIFe back to BALI!
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