Bali travel advice
Monday, 03 Oct 2005 10:24
Floral tributes to those who died in Saturday's attacks
Holidaymakers intending to visit Bali are being advised to take full precautions and follow local advice in the wake of Saturday's terrorist attacks.
At least 26 people were killed and over 90 were injured, including two Brits, when three bombs exploded in Central Kuta and Jimbaran beach.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said there were about 1,000 Brits on the island at the time of the attacks, which came almost three years to the day after bombings in Kuta claimed the lives of 202 people.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has consistently warned of a high threat of terrorism in Bali, a popular destination for backpackers, and in Indonesia as a whole.
It only relaxed its advice against all but essential travel to Bali in July 2004.
Today, the FCO says: "People still intending in the immediate future to travel to Bali should review thoroughly information on the local situation, and ensure they are taking full precautions and following local advice."
A spokesperson for ABTA said there were not a huge number of Brits with holidays booked to Bali, but added that travel firms were going into meetings this morning to review their policies and decide what advice to give to their customers.
The FCO has set up a helpline – 0207 008 8765 - for people concerned about missing relatives or friends.