Posted by Milt on Friday, 9. October 1998 at 11:24 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Thanks! Milt. How about type of vehicle? posted by YYH on Friday, 9. October 1998 at 08:17 Bali Time:
Dear YYH,
Good questions! Jaya normally drives his boss's Toyota Kijang which is a "sports utility vechicle" for lack of a better term. It's an older model (I guess his rich boss would rather spend his money elsewhere), but Jaya has to pay him the rental value, which I remember as Rp 70,000 a day to use for his own private driving jobs when his boss is out of town. That's a very reasonable sum for an unlimited mileage rental in Bali for a car/jeep/sports utility vechicle as it was (when I was there anyway) only about U.S. $7.00 a day.
The current laws in Bali do not require seat belts (this is changing shortly) and his boss's Kijang does not have seat belts. You may wish to write to Jaya and request he rent a newer model Kijang (they are reliable and very popular on Bali) and that you insist it is outfitted with workable seat belts. Such a vechile will probably run around Rp 100,000 a day as opposed to the 70,000 for the older model, but the extra $3.00 spent per day will be worth it considering you have your young child with you. Be sure to let Jaya know you are willing to pay the extra charge for a newer model Kijang as you absolutely must have workable seat belts. Also, try to remember that while we westerners may regard a dollar or two as nothing to negotiate over, the average daily wage of working Balinese is only about two and one half dollars. So for Jaya to upgrade from an Rp 70,000 vehicle to Rp 100,000 without being compensated is virtually the same to him as giving up his day's wage for every day he drives.
YES...by all means bring your own child seat! Not only will your child be happier (something very familiar) but you'll feel much more comfortable too. Your husband should find the Kijang to be quite comfortable. If there are any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. Otherwise, I wish you and your family a great trip!