rhkkmk

after the bombing in bali last fall this site was flooded with comments and concerns....this week there has not been one comment or concern after the most recent tragedy.....why not??

sian9

I'm definately concerned about the bombing in Jakarta. I'm going to Singapore on Aug. 14 and can't help to wonder about the entire security situation in SE Asia. The US state dept has'nt issued any new warnings for Indonesia or any for SG as of yesterday when I checked but that still does'nt instill me with any additional confidence. I'm very sad for all the innocent people who were killed in Jakarta and find it a totally senseless act.

Lindsey

Please don't be worried about traveling to Singapore. I am an American ex-pat living in Singapore and if I thought it was dangerous to be here, I would have taken my children and hightailed it back to the US. After traveling fairly extensively in the region for the past 2 years, I believe Singapore has the best security in Asia. You will not see a lot of it, because much of what goes on is behind the scenes. But trust me, that the govt here has eyes and ears in many places and does not hesitate for a moment to do anything and everything necessary to keep people safe here.
Now...all that said....with the situation in the world today, I think ALL travelers, regardless of where they go, should be exercising more caution and using common sense about keeping a low profile.
Enjoy your stay here and let me know if you have any questions about this tropical island nation.

Craig

Bob, not a day has gone by since the Jakarta bombing without someone, knowing that I have recently been to Bali, asking me how I feel about it.

My stock answer to those with concerns has been that a bombing in Jakarta was inevitable. Jakarta is a big city and the terrorists have not gone away.

The Bali bombing was a total shock and surprise. The island was perceived to be "safe" mostly because its people are primarily Hindu. Over 200 people were killed, making it the biggest terrorist act since 9/11. There have been numerous "smaller" attacks since then, including the one in Jakarta. Interestingly, the US travel warning at that time for Indonesia correctly included Bali.

If you are looking for comments and concerns, check out www.balitravelforum.com. Not only have there been numerous posts on the Jakarta bombing but also on Amrozi's death sentence (very much in favor), the possible reason for the timing of the bombing.

The fact that the Jakarta target happened to be a Marriot caused me to make a mental note that you favor Marriots and other western-owned hotel chains when traveling in SE Asia. Perhaps you would sleep better at night as we did, staying in a different type of accomodation.

rhkkmk

craig---i only posted this message to see why there had been no comments when in the fall there were 10's of them...

for now i'm sticking with the hyatt, but ubud is on my mind....did i tell you i heard from your driver and we are all set with him??

Craig

Thanks, Bob. I did see previously that you had hired my driver. I am flattered. The point of my post was that perhaps Forumites perceived this latest incident in Jakarta to be of much less significance than the Bali bombing due to its smaller size and the fact that it was not the first incident of its kind.