Latest news with #JacobVennix
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Perth Now
TRAVEL WARNING: What you need to know if heading to Bali
Aussies travelling to Bali have been told to 'exercise a high degree of caution' following a number of tragic deaths. Smartraveller — The Australian Government's official travel advice service — updated its advice on May 30, warning tourists of an increase in drownings and drink spikings. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled,' the advice stated. 'Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. 'Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don't leave food or drinks unattended. Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok.' The warning also urged travellers to understand your visa conditions before entering Indonesia, as travellers have been refused entry for having a damaged passport. Damage can include water damage or minor tears and rips to pages. Travellers should also read the Bali Government's 'Do's and Don'ts' for foreign tourists as 'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.' The updated advice comes after at least four Aussies died in tragic incidents while on holiday in recent months. In December 2024, 32-year-old Adelaide man Jacob Vennix died after being swept out to sea while on his honeymoon. Less than a month later, three-year-old Sydney toddler Janaa Al Easawi died after being found unconscious in a pool at a villa in Seminyak. In March this year, 39-year-old Anna Maree Blight died when a wave capsized the snorkelling tour boat she was on near Nusa Penida. And just last week, young Aussie FIFO worker Byron Haddow died while on holiday — however his cause of death is still unknown.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent Bali warning issued for Australian tourists: What you need to know
The Australian government has updated its Smartraveller advisory, urging tourists to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Indonesia - particularly Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia. This follows a series of recent incidents involving drownings and methanol poisoning. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,' the update warned. 'Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. 'Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok.' The advisory also outlines important Do's and Don'ts for Bali, including safety tips and advice on how to avoid visa problems 'Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport,' it reads. 'Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged.' It also urged Aussies to respect local customs. 'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.' The updated warning follows the suspicious death of 23-year-old Byron Haddow from the Sunshine Coast, who died in Bali on May 27. Earlier this year, Jacob Vennix, 32, drowned on the island after a strong current pulled him out to sea while he was on his honeymoon. Last year six tourists, including two Australian teenagers, died of methanol poisoning in Laos. In 2024 Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, died after visiting the tourist town of Vang Vieng in November when they suffered a suspected methanol poisoning. Bali's list of 'Dos and Don'ts' for tourists No entering sacred temple areas, unless for worship while wearing traditional Balinese attire. No climbing sacred trees or monuments, including taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites. No littering or polluting Bali's environment. No using single-use plastics, including plastic bags, Styrofoam, and plastic straws. No aggressive or disrespectful behaviour, including swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials or other tourists. This includes sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media. No working or running a business without proper permits. No participating in illegal activities, such as trading in drugs or endangered animals. Do respect sacred sites and symbols. Do dress appropriately - 'when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces, tourists are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing'. Do behave respectfully. Do pay the tourist levy of about $14.25. Do use licensed tour guides. Do exchange currency at authorities' money changers. Do follow traffic laws, including having a valid international or national driver's licence, wearing a helmet, and follow traffic signs. Do use legal transportation.
7NEWS
4 days ago
- 7NEWS
Bali travel warning: Smarttraveller updates its advice for Australians going to Indonesian island following string of deaths
Travellers have been warned to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Indonesia following the deaths of multiple Australians in Bali. Government website Smartraveller has updated its advice for tourists wishing to visit the country, flagging a number of issues including drowning, dangerous boats or ferries, strict entry conditions and alcohol poisoning. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled,' it said. 'Before entering Indonesia, ensure you understand your visa conditions and entry and exit requirements. Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport. Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged. 'Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don't leave food or drinks unattended. Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok.' The updated advice follows a string of Australian deaths in Bali in the past six months. In December last year Adelaide newlywed Jacob Vennix, 32, died on his honeymoon in Bali after he was swept out to sea A month later three-year-old Janaa Al Easawi was found unconscious in a swimming pool at her parent's Seminyak villa. Smartravller also issued a warning about the safety of boats and ferries in Indonesia, saying they may not comply with international standards. 'Australians have been seriously injured or have died in marine transport incidents,' it said. In March Anna Maree Blight, 39, was killed when a large wave capsized the snorkelling tour boat she was on near the Island of Nusa Penida. Two other Australians, a couple, were also on the boat and suffered severe burn injuries. That same month surfer Samsul 'Sam' Kepompong, 33, was killed when he was hit by a wave while surfing at Ekas Beach, on the southeastern border of Lombok island. Just last week, 23-year-old Sunshine Coast FIFO worker Byron Haddow died in Bali, with his cause of death unclear. The government's alcohol poisoning warning follows the deaths of Melbourne teenagers, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who died in November last year after drinking methanol-laced drinks served to them in Laos. Smartraveller as urged those travelling to Bali to the government's Do's and Don'ts advice for tourists. 'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation,' it said.
