An experienced Australian traveller in his 50s has issued a stern warning to fellow tourists heading to Bali after falling victim to a scam that left him both angry and frustrated. Having frequently visited the Indonesian paradise for over two decades, the seasoned traveller had yet to experience the island’s darker side.
Taking to a Facebook page dedicated to Australians travelling to Bali, the man shared his harrowing experience to caution others. He explained that while he typically took precautions to avoid becoming the target of thieves, he had decided to ease up on this particular night, which would prove to be a costly mistake.
Upon arriving on a late flight and checking into a resort on Legian Street, near the Ground Zero monument commemorating the Bali bombings, he ventured out with some fellow travellers for a meal and a few Bintang beers.
Usually, the Australian man would carry an old Samsung phone with a Bali SIM card, securely locking away his iPhone. However, on this occasion, he had yet to take that precaution and was still carrying his valuable iPhone. His account of the incident unfolds with him recalling, “Walking towards the Matahari Bungalows, three ladies got up quickly and approached me, asking if I wanted a massage. I politely declined, saying ‘no thanks’.”
However, the situation escalated rapidly from there. “They circled me, and one of them aggressively pulled on my arm while another deftly took my phone from my hip pocket,” the Australian traveller recounted. “It wasn’t until I had walked 20-30 meters that I realized my phone was missing, and I hurriedly returned, but they had vanished.”
Unfortunately, this kind of scam is not an isolated occurrence in the area. The victim shared that resort staff informed him that similar incidents had occurred four or five times in recent weeks. Such scams not only tarnish the reputation of local businesses and traders but also leave tourists feeling violated.
“I have learned ‘tolong jangan sentuh’ … ‘please don’t touch’! After this incident, anyone who approaches me will feel the palm of my hand placed firmly on their chest, regardless of who they are,” the Australian man emphasised.
Other tourists commenting on the Facebook post shared similar experiences, highlighting the prevalence of this scam. One individual wrote, “Unfortunately, this was probably the same three women who pulled the same ruse on both my son-in-law and friend near Hungry Jack’s.”
The warning issued by the Australian traveller serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution and remain vigilant when exploring popular tourist destinations like Bali. Travellers are encouraged to take preventative measures, such as securing valuable belongings and being aware of common scams, to ensure their safety and enjoyment while visiting the island paradise.
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