3 days ago
Tourists warned of drownings and drink spiking as DFAT travel website updates travel advice for Bali-bound Australians
Official travel advice for Aussie holidaymakers in Indonesia has changed, with Bali-bound tourists now being urged to be aware of rough seas and spiked beverages.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has updated the Indonesia section on its website, which advises to 'exercise a high degree of caution' while visiting the Southeast Asian country.
Even higher levels of caution are advised for some areas of Indonesia, the website said.
The latest update on May 30 has now warned Australians to the dangers of methanol poisoning when being served alcoholic drinks, and it said beverages and food should not be left unattended.
'Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances,' the update cautioned.
It said there have been reports of methanol poisoned drinks in the country, including in the popular destinations of Bali and Lombok.
Smartraveller has also urged caution around swimming at Indonesian beaches, with many of them being 'unpatrolled'.
'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,' the advice said.
Tourists heading to Bali are advised to read the provincial government's behaviour guidelines before they arrive.
'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation,' Smartraveller said.
The website also says authorities in Indonesia are strict when it comes to damaged passports, with people having been refused entry with a damaged passport before.
The updated travel information comes after Australian man Lamar Ahchee was arrested in Bali last month for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine into Indonesia.
The 43-year-old originally from Cairns could now face the death penalty if convicted.
He was arrested by drug squads at an apartment in Canggu and authorities have alleged Mr Ahchee attempted to smuggle 1.8kg of cocaine into Indonesia from the United Kingdom.
