In Reply to: PLEASE HELP! posted by Emma on Sunday, 11. April 1999 at 13:43 Bali Time:
I don't know where you are writing from, but in U.K. British Airways run some excellent clinics, there must be some of these run by other airlines world wide. Even if you don't use them for the actual immunisations then you can get some good advice from them. At the very least I'm sure that you should make sure that your polio and tetanus are up to date, some people reckon that you can stop there, but I would seek further advice. You don't need anything for Malaria unless you are maybe going to some of the other islands. Make sure your insect repellent is at least 15% deet, and preferably sweat proof. Don't forget a high factor sun tan lotion, the sun is very hot and you will get burnt very easily, even in an overcast sky.
As to clothes, jg is right, you can buy so much there, that you hardly need to pack anything, but if you do want to take stuff with you, try to make sure that it is cotton if poss. You will feel much more human wearing cotton. And beware about buying just anything a lot of the fabrics are Rayon, which at a quick glance can look and even feel like cotton, but is much hotter in that climate, and it also creases a lot more than cotton. Money and safety, pay attention to what jg says, keep the bulk of it in the Hotel safe, if you are not staying anywhere where there will be a safe then get your self a cotton or linen money belt and wear it always (in the sea wear one of those water proof containers around your neck, if your are worried about cards, make sure that it is large enough for them too.). Don't bring too much money with you, use a card at the ATMs which are everywhere in the tourist areas.
(Not by the way so easy on Flores, and maybe Lombok , so if you are going there take enough with you.) Just remember if an ATM doesn't give you either money or a slip of paper explaining why - then phone the card emergency number right away, because you will probably get charged that money that you tried to get. Unless you are making a thumping big purchase, such as a lot of furniture, or expensive jewellery or gold or silver, then you will get a better price with cash. It often doesn't matter which currency, Rupiah, Dollars, or £ sterling, they don't seem to make much allowance. If you want wine take it with you, beer is cheap. Also spirits are expensive, and sometimes you might find it difficult to find mixers to go with your spirits, so it might be an idea to get a small bottle of concentrate and take that....What else? Well, bugs aren't too bad really, even if you do come from a colder climate. There are lots of wonderful lizards that eat a lot of them, so if you find one in your room, don't expell it encourage it!! Although, this year, on a long walk, I stopped to look at a fantastic Spider in it's web. It was bright yellow and black, and very LARGE, suddenly it turned over and spat at me.. (or at least I think that is what it did! It might have been the other end!)
It missed, so I don't know whether it would have been harmful, and I couldn't find a picture of it in any of the books, but it sure was a heck of a surprise!
Goodluck with everything, you'll love it, I'm sure. It just is the greatest experience that you'll never want to stop having.