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| Gili Meno, Lombok Tengah, West Nusa Tenggara 83352 |
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GETTING AROUND The main modes of travel are taxis (“official” and “unofficial”), ojeks (motor cycle taxis which you can hire to take you to your destination as a pillion passenger), privately operated mini-buses and walking. There are no becaks or bemos, so common in some Indonesian towns and cities. If you are bold enough and maybe just a little crazy, there's also driving yourself!
Step out your hotel door, exit any shop or walk down any street and you will be offered taxis, taxis and more taxis. Wait by any thoroughfare and you will have a car glide up, perhaps beeping the horn and flashing its lights with the driver asking where you would like to go. NEVER alight from the driver’s near side if you stop in the street. If a following Ojek or car sweeps by and hits the door YOU are considered responsible for the damage to the Ojek or car and the taxi as well as any compensation due to the injured.
Be aware that ojek drivers spend much time sitting around in particular locations just waiting and looking. They tend to become the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood, sometimes providing information to both the police and those outside the law. But there is no doubt that using Ojeks is riskier than using a taxi.
Stand by any major street or road and within a couple of minutes a private Mini bus will roll up beeping the horn or flashing its lights. Signal and they will pick you up. You need to determine whether the bus is going where you want to go (sometimes not easy if you have no Indonesian) and settle on the fare. Most mini buses have no indication on the outside of the vehicle as to their destination.
Most of the places you are likely to want to visit in and around Nagoya can be reached by walking. But be aware that the street layout can be quite confusing and it’s a good idea to know how to ask for and understand directions in Indonesian or to purchase a map.
Be aware too that many of the pavements are in poor condition and watch how you go. Sometimes traders use the footpaths as trading or storage areas so you will need to walk in the streets. Be careful of vehicles.
You SHOULD NOT walk around Nagoya alone at night other than in the main entertainment and shopping districts. As a group of two or more you will be fine in but venture out alone in some areas and you are needlessly inviting risk.Take great care at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings – they do not mean the same in Batam as in Western cities.
If you really have to test your nerve by driving yourself then remember that despite what the issuing authority in your home country may have told you your International Licence will not be recognised here. You must have a licence issued in Batam or run the risk of being sued and locked up in the event that you have an accident.
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