Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's worth being aware that if you're
driving
the chance of entanglement with the police in-
creases somewhat.
Women travellers
Bali and Lombok do not present great difficulties for
women travellers
, either travelling
alone or with friends of either sex; basic issues of personal security and safety are essentially
the same as they would be at home. Women should take similar responsibility for their own
safety, especially in bars and large parties.
However, an image of Western women as promiscuous and on holiday in search of sex is
well established on both islands, although attitudes on Bali are a little more open-minded than
most places on Lombok.
Observe how local women
dress
both on the streets and on the beach. While topless sun-
bathing is popular among tourists - and it's unlikely that local people will say anything direc-
tly - it's worth being aware how far outside the local dress code such behaviour is. Whatever
you do on the beach, you should cover up when you head inshore, and visits to temples or
festivals carry their own obligations
regarding dress
.
There's a large population of
young men
on both Bali and Lombok known variously as
Kuta Cowboys, mosquitoes (they flit from person to person) or gigolos, whose aim is to se-
cure a Western girlfriend for the night, week, month or however long it lasts. Older women
are increasingly targeted for attention. The boys vary considerably in subtlety and while the
transaction is not overtly financial, the woman will be expected to pay for everything. You'll
see these couples all over the islands, and if a Western woman and a local man are seen to-
gether, this is the first assumption made about their relationship. Local reaction is variable,
from hostility in the more traditional villages through acceptance to amusement. Sex outside
marriage is taboo in the Muslim religion, and young girls on Lombok are expected to con-
form to a strict moral code. On Bali things are changing and while sex outside marriage is
not actually approved of, it is accepted that it happens - although marriage is still expected
should the girl become pregnant.
Reporting a crime or emergency
If you have anything
lost
or
stolen
you must get a
police report
for insurance purposes,
so head for the nearest police station (these are marked on the maps in the Guide). In areas
without local police, such as the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok, ask for the local village
headman,
kepala desa
or
kepala kampung
in smaller villages, whose job it is to sort out the
problem and take you to the nearest police. The police will usually find somebody who can
speak some English, but it's a good idea to take along someone who can speak both Indone-
sian and English, if you can. Allow plenty of time for any bureaucratic involvement with the
police. If you're unfortunate enough to be the victim of violent crime, contact your
consulate
at once.
