Posted by Z on Monday, 19. October 1998 at 04:13 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Security? (in Losmen/Cheap Accomodation) posted by Paul F. on Sunday, 18. October 1998 at 17:49 Bali Time:
i have always found the security in the losmen to be great...usually there is a staff, or sometimes you are actually on family compound grounds, and they are always very aware and careful about who comes on the property..it is a point of honor that you and your stuff are safe..i'm not saying it never happens, but i once left $10,000 in traveler's checks in my room in ubud, while i went to candidasa for 10 days, and forgot to lock my door, and when i returned, nothing was touched...that was adjacent to a family compound..and the staff usually tells you what to do in terms of locking you room etc, so that you will be safe..i always carry my passport and rupiah and some travelers checks with me, and leave everything else in my room...i have, however, been robbed twice out of a car, and a friend of mine had her bag snatched right out of her hand, in mid day on a busy street, by a guy on a motorcycle...be careful, but don't be paranoid, it is not necessary...ps...when i leave anything in a car now, i leave the driver with the car with specific instructions to watch the car, and to be sure it is locked...if we are eating, we park it where we can see it, but anything very valuable (i am a photographer) is carried to the restaurant, or left with the driver.