Indo in November

[Big H]

Oh and I though of hiring a scooter to explore, good or bad idea?
Cheers

Unless you have had a motorcycle before and can ride intuitively, take a taxi. Really dangerous riding scooters here; lots of fatalities (550+ last year I read island wide).

[dtc]

Thanks DTC, yeah I travel in Bangladesh, vietnam, India a lot so used to crazy traffic, although I don’t drive in those places myself.
)

Bali isnt as bad as India, but thats sort of like saying that losing a leg isnt as bad as losing two legs. Not so many cows, camels or pedal powered machines. However, there is a much higher proportion of cars/mini buses mixed in with the scooters than in India or Vietnam (havent been to Bangladesh) and they arent the safest for scooters when the cars randomly change lanes without looking.

Taxis arent that expensive; scooters arent always that well maintained. But I dont know your level of skill, you are probably better than most of the tourists who hire scooters (for what that is worth - also a low bar!). Make sure your insurance covers scooters (eg you might require not only a bike licence but an international drivers licence as well). As you say, have a look when you get there. There are a lot of unwritten rules that differ from the West, although are pretty similar to the 'rules' in India, Vietnam etc (eg if turning left from a side street, just turn without looking ...)

[mg100]

although are pretty similar to the 'rules' in India, Vietnam etc (eg if turning left from a side street, just turn without looking ...)

Haha, yeah it’s like they have blinkers on and it’s best just not to move your head, I am sure they close their eyes half the time and hope for the best.

P.S if you can help it don’t go to Bangladesh, for any reason whatsoever.

[Big H]

Scooters and nightclubs.....

https://www.itrektravelinsurance.com.au ... ving-bali/

[jaffa1949]

Before I retired as a Chiropractor on one trip to Bali, I was asked to attend and assess a spinal injury, the guy argued that an adjustment was all that was needed, wrong! It turned out he had a cervical fracture, if I had adjusted him, anything from paraplegia to death could have occurred. Iasked that he held supported until medivac,
He tried to sue in Australia for me failing to give medical care as his insurance didn't cover drunk and obnoxious.
The injuries he sustained, absolutely contraindicated any manual therapy. Preliminary interview with his solicitor with witness statements of the event showed my response was right! Sadly it turns out he was $ 60,000 out of pocket and severely injured, trying for a cash top up!

I have had many minor arguments with guys wanting a quick fix from a fellow Aussie, when they have hurt their back!
Scratches and bruises, first aid, and beyond that see a doctor advice!

Stupidity in foreign zones not a good policy!

[mg100]

This might be a stupid question but how do you travel around to different breaks with your board? Guess it’s not going to fit in a taxi?

As far as I can tell forecast doesn’t look too bad for this weekend around Balangan?

[jaffa1949]

Most places you stay have a group of drivers parked outside waiting to bargain with you offering their service.
If you bargain well and fairly they will be quite happy to work with you for the entire time of your stay.
They stay at wherever you surf and then bring you back, that is negotiated in the price!
You can be kind and buy them lunch or at least a drink, longer journeys petrol is negotiated too.
Cheaper than taxis, no meter. Just finalise the price before you take the ride!
If you bargain well, at the end of your stay, offer a tip as an appreciation for their personal service.
A good driver will also have friends with deals, be a little careful there, if it is too good to be true, you will be stung!

Tidak apa apa. = No worries.

[Big H]

Swell is small; balangan jacks up as much as anywhere so you can get a wave even on a small swell there. Really no need to go anywhere else other than Dreamland which you can walk over to on a low low tide when Balangan is too shallow to surf.

[mg100]

Thanks a lot Jaffa and Big H, most appreciated as always.