Bali Villa Robberies

Bali villa rentals can be robbery targets

Isolated villa rentals

There is a growing trend for people to buy or rent villas in the less populated areas of Bali. Due to a lack of security and remoteness, these far flung villas can become prime targets for home invasions. Bali has its share of crime and criminals and these villas advertise the wealth of their occupants. They can be very tempting targets.

High profile cases

In 2011 there were three very high profile villa robberies. An American man was stabbed after he confronted and fought with two home invaders. An Australian woman was bound and bashed in her rented villa. And a British woman was beaten and murdered during a villa robbery. This prompted the then police chief to issue a shoot-on-sight order for anyone committing crimes against tourists. This command was scary in itself as I can imagine Bali Police receive very little firearms training.

When I first arrived to live in Bali I was warned by a long term Bali resident that under no circumstances should I ever interrupt intruders if they broke into my home. He had suffered two robberies and pretending to be asleep during one home invasion, he had witnessed the two men that had broken into his villa carrying machetes. This expat warned that in Bali most criminals would rather kill than be caught.

Of course this dubious honor is not Bali’s alone and home invasions happen all over the world. But it does pay to be vigilant epically if you are residing in an isolated location. 

©Malcolm Scott

Read more

Recently I came across a very well written article on villa security in Bali. The link follows:

http://www.baliadvertiser.biz/articles/feature/2011/security.html

The Beauty of Balinese Women

Some men holiday in Bali hoping to fall in love with a Balinese woman.

A number of western men travel to Bali with the sole intention of meeting a Balinese lady and falling in love. This is understandable. Balinese women can be extremely attractive and some would consider them to be the most beautiful in Indonesia. But Indonesia consists of 17,508 islands 33 provinces and a population of over 238 million people. So why do western men find Balinese women so attractive?

Balinese Beauty

Balinese women tend to have a rounder, softer face than their Javanese counterparts. They are also inclined to have a more voluptuous figure. Perhaps it is due to their deep spirituality but Balinese women also seem to radiate a peaceful and content quality. A Balinese lady in full ceremonial dress can be a vision to behold.

Attentiveness

Many Balinese women seek the more traditional female role of carer in a relationship. And they are extremely thoughtful and attentive to any man that they love. But a Balinese woman who adopts this role will also expect her partner to assume the same traditional male role of provider and protector.

Education

Although poor in some areas Bali is one of the richest provinces of Indonesia. This wealth ensures that younger Balinese women receive an adequate education and that many experience a contemporary lifestyle.  Although Balinese women are deeply rooted in their traditions and spirituality they manage to balance this with the modernity of most western women.

Friendliness

The Balinese are considered by most people as an extremely friendly race of people. They are in fact renowned worldwide for their approachability and kind nature. Most Balinese women are very affable, carefree and welcoming of friendship.

Humour

Balinese women are always ready with a smile and laughter. In fact, most Balinese women spend most of their time laughing or attempting humour. This humour sometimes has a cultural difference, but it can be easily understood or just marvelled at.

Marriage

Balinese women have a high regard for the values of traditional marriage. They are taught that they should follow their man. This does mean that they should follow his rules blindly. It means that they should allow for their husband’s opinions and then act according to their merit.

The majority of these observations could be considered generalisations. And perhaps it is wrong to group people into simple explanations. Please understand that these thoughts are little more than an attempt to explain the attractiveness of Balinese women.

©Malcolm Scott

Mike Tyson with a Machete - revisited

In Bali Raw I wrote about the circumstances surrounding an event that involved a security guard turning on us, his employers, with a knife.

I explained how Wyan, our security guard/gang member, was caught pulling a scam. And then with drug-addled logic he decided his best course of action was to stab his accusers. It wasn't the first time Wyan had pulled this stunt. Previously he had done two separate stints in Kerobokan Prison for stabbing his bosses. Obviously this is not the best thing to have on a C.V. So what were we thinking when we hired this man to be part of our security team?

Why do foreign businesspeople have personal security?

Doing business in Indonesia can be fraught with complications and it can sometimes be difficult to understand the rules and to then act accordingly. Indonesian businessmen often have personal security present when they are conducting important business. Generally this is done to show off wealth and importance. But it also sends an implied threat. A rip-me-off-at-your-peril type message.

Foreign businessmen encountering this type of security sometimes become tempted to hire their own personal security. Largely they do this in an attempt to keep things on an even keel with their Indonesian counterpart. They are after all operating in a foreign country and the rule of thumb would be to do as the Romans do. 

"The bigger the badder the better" logic

The trap is that hiring this type of individual for demonstration purposes has a tendency to turn into a you-show-me-yours-and-I'll-show-you-mine schoolyard pissing contest. "The bigger the badder the better" becomes the thinking.

Personal security are not trained or licenced

Unfortunately these types of personal security are not professional. They do not undergo training and they are not licensed or screened. They also have a tendency to turn on their employer by attempting some kind of scam. When this happens the businessman may find himself in the daunting position of
having to relieve an Indonesian of employment in his own country. And this type of situation always creates a large amount of resentment. If the employee who is being terminated belongs to a gang then the situation is prone to become dangerous.

Attempting to keep up with the Joneses in a place like Indonesia can be full of pitfalls. And it is perhaps wiser or safer to work within completely understood boundaries. Indonesian businessmen are operating in their own country. They often have contacts in high places and they are governed by rules they understand completely. For them removing a troublesome employee is not an issue. The same cannot be said for a foreigner conducting business in Indonesia.



The 'Mike Tyson with a Machete' chapter starts on page 169 of Bali Raw.

©Malcolm Scott

Balinese Barong Masks

My favourite thing about Bali Raw would have to be the jacket. Bali Raw's cover was organised by Monsoon Books so I had little to do with its creation, but I was excited when it was sent to me for approval. 

The reason for this excitement was partly because I felt it looked great. I loved the colours and the picture seemed to leap from the jacket and demand attention. I also liked the suggestion of something being covered up or hidden that a mask created.

Something I didn't realise, until I had done a little research, was the importance the Barong Mask has in Balinese culture. The Balinese are a profoundly religious people and I believe they deserve the utmost respect when it comes to their beliefs. I also admire the deep spirituality of the Balinese people. With this in mind I feel it's important that I mention a little about the Barong Mask and its meaning.

The Barong Mask has a protective function in Balinese culture. These masks are used during the Barong Dance - a ceremony designed to drive away evil spirits or demons and to help guard the borders of a village. The Barong Dance dates back to ancient animism, a religion practiced in Bali before the advent of Hinduism. And the beautiful masks the performers wear are considered to be a symbol of health and good fortune. 

Balinese ceremonies are vibrant affairs that are rich with colour, music and culture. They are certainly worth a visit. And I would like to suggest to anyone that is having a Bali holiday that they go to see at least one Balinese ceremony.

©Malcolm Scott

Happy ending massages in Bali

The full service massage has a long history not only in Asia but also in western society. In the past it was used as a form of treatment by physicians and psychiatrists on both sexes. For male patients its purpose was to help release tension. For female patients it was utilised to induce birth, amongst other things. It is interesting to note that the use of this therapy led to the invention of the vibrator.

Although this kind of massage may now be deemed a solicited and unsavoury endeavour in western culture, Asian society would seem to be far more understanding of its positive health and societal advantages. For many this type manipulation is considered a relaxation technique rather than a sexual
encounter.

Where to find a Happy Ending massage parlour

Bali is famous for its Happy Ending massage parlours. They are spread around Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur. They can also be found in the smaller suburbs and more out of the way places around Denpasar. Any establishment advertising massages may provide this service, but some will not. The best method is to enquire politely and to take any rejection with grace.

There are a number of larger Happy Ending Parlous a few minutes outside of Kuta. Any Taxi driver on Legian street will know where these are. For a small fee they will wait for their fare while they receive their massage. These large establishments cater for men. 

Full service massage for women

It is rumoured that some of the female masseurs working in upmarket spas accommodate women. I have not heard of massage parlours where males administer to females.

Full service massage for gay men

The full service massage is also available to gay men in Bali. These men should look for the massage parlours predominately staffed by males or that have names hinting at the service they provide. One that springs to mind would be Banana Massage. The back roads around the Seminyak are where most
of these establishments can be found. 

Asking for a happy ending massage

A subtle way of asking for a happy ending massage is to enquire about a full service massage. Most masseuses working in Bali will understand this reference. For the less shy, another technique is to totally disrobe before the massage. This generally sends the required message. 

Price

The price of this service varies and anyone seeking a happy ending massage should always negotiate with the masseuse. 

©Malcolm Scott

More about Happy Ending Massages can be found in my book, Bali Raw. You can buy it from iTunes here to read on your iphone or ipad for less than $5 (AUD). Amazon and other retailers also sell it.