Hi,

Self and travel buddy will be riding Malaysia to East Timor via Borneo in a couple of months.

He has some concerns about safety, having heard stories of bogus "officials" demanding special payments, and even highway robbery at gunpoint.

Recently a contact in Indo, from whom we were seeking advice about ferry schedules, came back with the advice that we should avoid Flores at all costs, due to bandits and bogus officials. Interestingly, he is from Java and it tends to confirm my earlier advice that Indonesians frequently advise against travelling in other provinces (i.e. anywhere but their own province). I have no idea if he has actually been to Flores, although he was recommended as being well travelled. Coincidentally he did not provide any information at all about the ferry schedules.

I've travelled in poor countries before, usually alone, had my camera snatched, been the only white person in sight, and I know that sh!t can happen when there's an opportunity and a motive. That's something you have to manage in adventure travel.

But reading the various blogs and posts, I'm really very surprised that this guy has warned against Flores. It seems like a fine place to ride. I've been emailing with an Aussie couple who road across it last year and they loved it, although they said the road is slow going.

So my request is this: aside from con-artists trying their luck on niaive tourists, is there really anything my travel buddy needs to worry about in Indonesia? In particular Flores, Sulawesi or Kalimantan? Can anybody on the forum confirm an actual armed hold-up? (no anecdotals please ... just confirmed incidents).

cheers
Colin
Sydney

__________________
www.motoindo.com
One-way and multi-island rentals ex Bali

I can't comment specifically on those islands Colin, but I can corroborate your comments that people all over the world are highly parochial and xenophobic, thinking that everyone but there are immediate neighbours are out to get them. In my experience, quite the opposite usually proves to be true.

Best thing to do is go there with an open mind - that way the people you meet will sense your friendly vibe and be more likely to treat you appropriately.

__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

We spent about 5 months riding the length of Indo. No trouble anywhere. Lots of friendly people. The only exception was when we stored our bikes in Kupang with a family, somebody stole some stuff out of a pannier.

Yes, Flores is slow going, but so are Sumatra and Java, unless you want to do battle on the main roads. Plan to fly out and get new 2-month visas once or twice.

Biggest danger, as usual, is the traffic. Like in India, it is expected and necessary to use the horn a lot, as people never look back.

A friend who lived in Philippines and Indonesia advised me to avoid the area around Danau Poso on central Sulawesi, due to ethnic strife.

__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

Thanks guys ... does not really sound like a hot bed of violence ang gansters.

Peter, that issue of leaving the bikes unattended crossed my mind too. For example, we go some place where we have to walk to see a waterfall, or even just going for lunch and leaving the bikes. One of the downsides of bike touring. At least with two of us we can cover short stops for petrol or bathroom - that would be hard for solo touring.

Happy rides...

Colin

__________________
www.motoindo.com
One-way and multi-island rentals ex Bali

I live in Jakarta and regularly travel in Java and Kalimantan.I have recently returned from a trip to Flores and Sumba.

There is no security problem that an experienced traveller cannot cope with.Oportunistic theft may happen but not heavier crime.Imho you've got more chance of being mugged in London.

It's a great place to travel in.Mind the traffic,its only one peg up from India but nobody is deliberately trying to run you off the road-they just drive differently!!!!!!!!

..

Taking notes..

Thailand now. After some Cambodia and hit KTM Malaysia couple of days,my plan is too getting Indonesia in 2 months.

One thing i am wondering. My childhood legends are Komodo Dragons. Is it possible to go Komodo Island with or without bike?


Mehmet

Im native indonesian

Nowdays, you dont have to worries about security concern in indonesia. flores, sulawesi, java, and kalimantan they were all ok. Except the papua closed to the freeport mines.

there is an american guy who did it, Travel every island in indonesia last year. His writing his trip on FACEBOOK, You may check and contact him at "darren young".

for poso it was a few years back ... the city was already safe although i havent travel there.

good luck ...

__________________
cheers,
www.daddynaeva.wordpress.com