HOW TO STAY

Now comes the all important matter of accomodation. Obviously I cannot tell you where to stay although I have my favorite spots but I can tell you how to stay and this information is ultimately more valuable than the where.

Be it chosen from your guide-book, recommended, offered by a street promotor or stumbled upon by accident “the hotel room” is an all important part of your holiday. Many a traveller take this matter very seriously while others are just happy to have a mattress and a water faucet, which is sometimes all you get. Wherever you check in always remember, you are in southeast asia so accomodation is different than the west.

Get the most out of your hotel. It’s an art.

BE PREPARED
No matter where the hotel… the Gili’s, Kuta Lombok or Kuta Bali, if it’s a back-packer type place you can expect any or all of the following;

NO TOILET PAPER … TISSUE GULUNG
Remember Asians don’t use the stuff so it is difficult for them to understand how high we hold the lowly roll. Usually they will supply it but always carry a pack of kleenex just in case. And if you want to buy a roll it’s called “tissue gulung.”

NO SOAP … SABUN
As unbelievable as this may seem many establishments look at soap as an unessarry expenditure and rely on the tourist to bring their own… so make a bar or two of Lifebouy part of your kit. The Lifebouy wrapper makes an excellent used soap carrier… open from one end… don’t throw it out.

NO TOWEL … HANDUK
Another unbelievability but in many of the lower priced places they simply don’t supply any form of body drying apparatus, except for bed sheets which work in a pinch. So pack a towel ( handuk ) or purchase one at the nearest shop because you will encounter many a hotel that offer the same absence of towel. Another handy solution, for this and other problems on the road, is the sarong. A sarong is a thin length of material worn like a dress by both sexes and is a very handy thing. Aside from making a really cool looking and comfortable garment, the sarong can be used as a towel, a bed sheet or blanket, a beach mat, curtain, dirty clothes carrier and even a scarf. Most travellers will buy a sarong before they leave Indonesia, because they are great looking, useful, exotic and cheap. $3 to $10. And make great gifts. So my advise is to pick up a sarong as soon as you land and enjoy its many functions as you go. If you want a traditional one
( no dolphins ) you will have to go to a local market.

NO BLANKET … SAPUT
It’s true… not even a sheet. Not that it really matters in this awesome climate but some waywards do like something on top of them when they sleep… once again… sarong.

MOSQUITO COILS… OBAT NYAMUK
The name in Indonesian is ” nyamuk ” meaning mosquito and ” obat ” meaning medicine so turn it around and you get obat nyamuk. Baygon is the trade name and mosquito coils is generally understood.
Some places supply mosquito coils… most do not.

So if you like sleeping undisturbed, who doesn’t, then make sure to purchase a box of mosquito coils and some anti-mosquito lotion.

Small packets of mosquito repellent are available at most little shops ( toko ). Autan is the common name. Whatever you end up calling it, obat nyamuk is very important and once again if you have it when you check in then you will be set up come bed time. Buy a box of coils… it costs nothing, lasts a good long time and makes a huge difference in getting those long awaited holiday sleeps.

Malaria is everywhere for the record… altho not common… the Balinese like to say that malarial mosquitos live only in Lombok and Lombokians like to say the same in reverse. Common sense tells us that bugs have no borders. So if you are concerned then pop those big colored pills. I’ve been here seven years and have heard of one person ( local ) catching malaria. Use your own judgement.

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Firstly let me say that what these back packer hotels lack in western amenities they make up for in service… this may not be apparent to the uninitiated Indo traveller but you can literally sit on your front porch and have almost anything lain at your feet. Indonesians are helpful by nature and happy to help the guest. So absolutely anything you need, ask the front desk or room boys. From motorcycle rental to girl rental, tickets to shows or washing your clothes… ask the hotel staff… you will be amazed.

The length of your stay in whichever destination is a critical factor in determining where you will hang your hat. For example you are spending a week in Ubud, Bali… you have time to travel backwards and forwards between your hotel and the town center so you can check in to a room outside the center for the rice paddy views. Or alternately, you have only a day or three and are on foot… better you go for the room that is close to the action. You will always be in walking distance from your hotel making for greater flexibility all around. Easy in easy out.

THE PRICE – HARGA
In case you don’t know, Indonesia is the land of negotiation… in fact its the same word, ” nego ” and there is no shame in asking for a deal… when checking into any accomodation it is generally the rule to ask for a deal… and it is that simple… none of this vip executive discounts business. ” Can I get a cheaper price?” in english or “Bisa kurang?” in bahasa Indonesia. And be reasonable… if the price is already rock-bottom then ease up. Of course there is the old ” no breakfast ” routine which makes sense only if the breakfast is substantial. But deals are available… all you have to do is ask.

USE THE SAFETY BOX – KOTAK KUNCI
There is no vague area here… every hotel should have a safe of some kind… if they don’t have a safe or safety box and you have things you value; camera, wallet etc. then you are indeed at risk. This is the third world. They covet those things you have and stealing is common on both islands.

Lock-boxing is the only true safegaurd against losing those valuables. It takes an extra ten minutes and feels like an inconvenience but that ten minutes is well worth the heartache and hassles you will face if you get ripped off. Crime is on the increase… times are very tough… tourism is way down. LOCK IT.

ROOM BOYS – ROOM BOY
The unsung hero of indonesian travel… like the taxi drivers who are wealths of street level knowledge… the room boy knows where to get things you need and is happy to go out and get them for you while you sit back and relax. ie ” Hello, permissi, can you please buy me a box of mosquito coils a bar of Lifebouy (sabun)?” Give them the money and they will return momentarily with your goods. Also very knowlegable in matters sexual and are more than happy to assist in this regard.

It takes a little getting used to but once you get the hang of it, you feel like a star. And of course tips are expected and appreciated.

LATE CHECK OUT
The extra-seasoned traveller will ask for a late check out while he is checking in… get it out of the way… you won’t have to think about it again. On the day of your check out remind them again and ask for a two o-clock… all they can say is no. It’s free… use it.

TRANSPORT
Almost every hotel, no matter how small, is hooked up with a car and driver or car and motorcycle rental. These are either family members or friends so in keeping with inn keeping your hotel becomes your home and your caretakers your holiday family. So if you utilize their services it becomes very convenient for you and profitable for them. Once again you haven’t left the grounds… more time for site seeing. Watch out for the police.

RELIGEOUS CEREMONY AND THE HOTEL
Experiencing a “real” religeous ceremony on either island could easily be one of the most memorable and exciting things you can do on a Bali-Lombok holiday. In Bali they are a little more open about having westerners join in their ceremonies and there are many more to attend. But a traditional Sasak (lombok) ceremony is every bit as exciting and colorful. So if you are really interested in attending a local gathering, ask the staff at the hotel. If one of the workers is having a ceremony back in their village, they will have the day off work and will be happy to have you to attend. And they absolutely love to show you a slice of their life… and what a slice. Don’t forget your sarong.

CHECK OUT – THE BAG STASH
The ultimate move for the wise traveller is the world renown yet highly under-utilized… bag stash… there is no way in the world you will need all that stuff for a seven day trip to Lombok… so man, enlighten your load… store the bulk in a cardboard box or one of your many packs and stash it with your new family… they won’t fuck with it, rest assured, and you will feel thirty pounds lighter, and look less like a target. Stashing is usually free altho it depends on how long you leave it for and if you will be spending the night when you return to the stash spot.

LEAVE SOMETHING BEHIND
The W.S.T.A .( world standard tipping association ) calls for a ten percent tip for maids. We all know that there is no way that this is happening but knowing that they have cleaned your room and served you breakfast every day and they earn about $50 a month there is no question about leaving a tip.
Monetarily… anything is better than nothing ( except for coins as they are all worthless ) so even 5000 rupiahs ( 50 cents ) means you just bought that cleaner lunch… so give it up for the cleaning staff.
They clean your bathroom.

And almost every one of us has an article or two that we could ( should ) live without… so my advice is to leave it with your favorite staff member… once again the guys who clean your room often go unrewarded… if you have one of these questionable articles of clothing, shoes, sunglasses whatever… just leave it in the room … it will find a nice home.

I wish I could tell you all where to stay but that info is well covered in thicker more expensive guide books. But knowing ” how to stay ” is much more important than where. Remember always carry the card from your hotel in case you need it or memorize the address so you always have it on you.

Contact me if you need to… have a good time in Bali-Lombok and don’t forget to… Get Lost.