Travelling Java, Indonesia during natural disasters

I'm travelling to bali next week and from there hope to head up into west java through solo and yogykarta, all the way up to jakarta. I have planned about 4 weeks of travel and have a budget of $400AUD.....can i ask?

1. i have read reports that yogyakarta is on high alert since the Merapi eruption. Do you think it may be safe to pass through this city?? they say if theres heavy rain there could be volcanic floods there!!! eeekk!!

2. Is this indonesian region completely shut down from this distaster or do you think all buses and trains are still running regardless (as long as they're out of the danger-zone of course).

3. I am not sure about prices for accomodation/food. i know Bali should be alot more expensive. I want to do this on a backpacker budget so do you think $400AUD / $410US / 3,600,000IDR is enough for a week travels, maybe trying to encompass some tours and such.

4. Finally, what is the maximum you can take from an ATM there and what in your oppinion is the best way to carry money there. I am thinking of withdrawing my weekly budget once a week to save charges and stuff.

Thanks a million guys, would love to hear back

Cheers Reply to this

Hi Barry - meant to reply to your thread yesterday but got distracted by the natural disaster indo thread - have posted some info there regarding the seismic activity and volcano doin volcano things. You may have already heard there are delays with flights in and out of Indo this week expected to be sorted by the weekend. I was doing a bit of ash plume modelling and given winds and weather things should be fine flights wise within about 5 days. Heavy rain wont do too much more damage - volcanic floods are simply well, floods with ash 😊 so that = mud. Mud = increased likelyhood of landslips given the right terrain...ie downslopes on deforested areas.

You will have no trouble with the budget - unless you are a heavy drinker and nightclub hopper $400AUD should be more than enough. Id take your weekly budget out and avoid the horror ATM fees - keep in mind not all islands have ATMs. My suggestion for the best way to carry money??? - In your UNDIES LOL. (Just keep in mind if you do happen to meet the love of your life for a night that you have cash in your dacks before you remove them).

Do you really need to go through Yogyakarta at this point in time? Going though Denpassar when the flights have been sorted out will reduce any risks of problems. I flew up earlier this year to do some research work on Anak Krakatau and was alerted to Merapi's likely eruptions so yes, there is always a risk of volcanic eruptions anywhere on the sunda arc/ring of fire region but....just steer clear of Merapi while its active and also to allow essential service people to get in and assist.

Just phoned a friend who is in Bali at the moment and its business as usual other than the flights. Have a great time! Reply to this