Monday, 17 December 2012

Five tips for staying safe in Bali nightclubs




 


Being that it is high season in Bali, I thought it would be timely to mention a few safety tips for Bali nightclubs. Some of these have been mentioned before, but since you can never be too careful I thought it couldn’t hurt.

Use Your Hotel Room safe.


Bali nightclubs contain their share of pickpockets and opportune thieves. It is never wise to carry your credit cards or too much cash when drinking at Bali clubs.  

Bali is relatively cheap so you don’t need a huge amount of money on any given night out. It is also small and there is plenty of transport. Take what you think you may spend in cash. And if you run out of money hire a motorbike or taxi and retrieve more from your hotel.  It is a far better option than waking up in the morning with no wallet or purse. And your credit cards in a thieves possession.

Know Who You Are Taking Home


There are plenty of prostitutes trawling the Bali clubs. And Bali has a very high H.I.V. infection rate. Be sure that the lady/man you are taking home is what you think they are.

Indonesians tend to be upfront when asking personal questions. So don’t be afraid to ask your intended if they are working or not. If they are working and you intend to go ahead with the transaction. Be sure to wear a condom purchased in your own country. Condoms obtained in Bali tend to break easily.

Do Not Become Involved In An Altercation


Any foreign tourist that gets involved in a physical exchange with an Indonesian will come off second best. This cannot be said enough. They will either be set upon by other Indonesians. Or they will find themselves arrested. And they will face paying out large sums of money to solve the problem.

Remember Indonesians stick together whether it is in a nightclub or in a police station. It is always better to walk away from any confrontation.

Do Not Drink The Rocket Fuel 


There have been tourists deaths attributed to drinking rocket-fuels in Bali. A number of these drinks are methanol based.  This is a dangerous chemical that can cause blindness, coma and death if consumed in large amounts. If you are going to drink rocket-fuel, please drink it in moderation. Or better yet stick to beer or name brand spirits.

Do Not Take An Expensive Phone To A Nightclub


Expensive phones are prized by Bali thieves because they are so easy to sell. There is any number of second hand phone shops and they do not run checks for stolen property. Leave an expensive phone on a bar or table for a few seconds and you can be sure it will disappear. Put your expensive phone in the hotel safe and buy a disposable cheap one. There are plenty of shops where these can be purchased.  



©Malcolm Scott


Learn more about methanol based drinks:   www.fb.com/baliraw


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