Downgraded: Bali’s public health strategy
While a vigorous attempt to contain the spread of the H1N1 flu virus is understandable and sensible, Bali is taking the notion to a new level:
Upon landing at Bali’s airport planes will be taken to a remote aircraft parking area where the plane and its passengers will be sprayed with disinfectant. Passengers will then be disembarked and subjected to thermal scanners.
However, the Jakarta Globe is reporting that Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport is now requiring all arriving international air passengers to undergo a blood test. Nyoman Murtiyasa, the head of the airport’s health office, quoted in the Jakarta Globe said that all passengers arriving from overseas would be required to take a blood test at the airport.
Thermal scanners? Sure. Blood tests for everyone? Extreme. They make United States passport control seem downright lovable.
Downgraded: Airline uniforms
The airport administrators at Nepal’s Kathmandu Airport are taking an unusual step in an effort to reduce bribery: They are banning pockets in airline personnel uniforms. In a few months, expect reports of secret back-room sewing operations and black market tailoring.
Upgraded: Onboard duty-free, online check-in
Remember when airlines gave you extra miles for online check-in? It’s not coming back, alas. But Virgin Atlantic will give you a coupon for £6 off onboard duty free shopping when spending £30 or more. Whoo?
Downgraded: Jamaican sand wars
500 truckloads of white sand were stolen from a Jamaican resort development site in July 2008. Now, it’s going to trial, and other resort owners are among the accused. (hat tip to Veronica Stoddart)
Upgraded: Overview of disparate carry-on luggage rules
Steven Frischling at Flying with Fish has compiled a great list of 65 airlines’ carry-on baggage restrictions. Be sure to check the rules before your next flight.
Upgraded: Cruises with a theme
Downgraded: Pirates; Conscience
Finally, a cruise concept for the bloodthirsty: A Russian company is sponsoring pirate-hunting cruises. $5000 gets you on board, and you can rent AK-47s and buy ammo. The money quote: “They are worse than the pirates. At least the pirates have the decency to take hostages; these people are just paying to commit murder.”
Upgraded: Eclipse travel
THIS is a concept trip I could do: Special flights to view the upcoming solar eclipse. (Thanks, Kim!)
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June 30th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Is the pirate cruise thing for real? I guess if you kill someone on the open seas there’s no country that can indict you.
June 30th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
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#Travel – Downgraded: Bali’s public health strategy While a vigorous attempt to contain the spread of t.. [link to post]
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June 30th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
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RT @upgradetravel: New post: Upgrades and Downgrades — blood tests, airline uniforms, pirate cruises, sand wars & more [link to post]
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June 30th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
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@upgradetravel Thanks for the mention on the blog! – Fish
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July 1st, 2009 at 4:24 am
The Bali spraying is not for the H1N1 but rather for a nasty case of severe influenza known as Singapore Flu or as it’s sometimes referred to a hand, foot and mouth disease (HMFD).
Now still it seams to be an overreaction, given that only one person seams to have died from it.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:47 am
Odin, the spraying may be for HMFD, but all reports I’ve seen refer to H1N1. The blood tests were absolutely aimed at H1N1.
Also the government has subsequently backtracked on the blood tests:
That said, travelers to Indonesia, including Bali, will be asked to wear masks for three days after arrival:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:44 am
Blood tests??? You’ve got to be kidding, what an overreaction.
July 1st, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Thanks Mark for that additional information, that was not what my hotel told me when I asked them.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Regarding on Bali’s public health strategy, seems like unusual to perform a blood test upon arrival. Especially after my favorite Japanese pop singer, Ayumi Hamasaki, just recently went to Bali for some kind of activities related to her upcoming new single in August. (I’m just wondering if Ayu was done blood testing there…)
That blood testing strategy seems to be ridiculous and offbeat to me…
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
The pirate cruise is unfortunately satire.
November 10th, 2009 at 2:41 am
We went on a honeymoon trip to Bali, we stay in nusa dua. When we booked tour, I was taken aback by the very low price of the hotel, and I was afraid that he would disappoint me, but no, the hotel was amazing … very cozy, clean, spacious rooms .. beautiful garden with pond, and in it are teeming with “mad” fish, near which were stopped by the tourists to feed them with bread, a green area, and I would not call it a small, all matches hotel.. The people at the pool is not so much, and I will refute the rumors that have to get up at 7 am, to take a lounger on the beach, free lager can be found at any time. Guide services world without limite, we have not used, because had time to get acquainted with a woman who gave us the contacts of the local English speaking driver, he told me many interesting things, very cheerful, a wonderful man and a tour takes twice as cheaper.he give us various gifts and tell details, where to go, where good and reasonable prices. His name putra, since its well known, in case the need to leave his phone number: 081805338662 you will not regret it. In general, Bali is very beautiful and exotic place, there are very friendly people! entertainment very much, enough for all, both for youth and adults. We are pleased to be back there and I advise everyone to go there to fly … it’s unforgettable!
January 31st, 2010 at 5:33 pm
[...] Mark Ashley of Upgrade: Travel Better has blogged about health authorities in Bali/Indonesia going one step further over the top by taking blood tests of all arriving visitors. [...]