Very few buildings have disabled access, and even international chain hotels may not have fully accessible facilities. Pavements are riddled with potholes, loose manholes, parked motorcycles and all sorts of street life, and are very rarely level for long until the next set of steps. Even the able bodied walk on roads rather than negotiate the hassle of the pavement sidewalk.
Public transport is entirely inaccessible for wheelchair users. Cars with a driver can be hired readily at cheap rates, but wheelchair-accessible vehicles can only be arranged through specialist accessible tour operators.
Guides are easily found in tourist areas, and though it's not usual practice, they could be hired as helpers eg as wheelchair-pushers if needed. At the same time, as in many developing countries, Indonesians are extremely helpful and welcoming, so no wheelchair-using traveller will wait for long in front of a step without someone coming to help. The owners of Accessible Indonesia www. They offer tours principally to Java, Sulawesi and Bali, as well as day cruises, diving and snorkelling expeditions and wheelchair-accessible transfers.
They are well used to problem-solving to overcome infrastructural barriers. There is access information for international airports and basic access information about the destinations they serve on their website. Many everyday purchases in Indonesia require bargaining. Accommodation has a set price, but this is usually negotiable in the low season or if you are staying at the hotel for several days.
Bargaining can be an enjoyable part of shopping, so maintain your sense of humour and keep things in perspective. As a general rule apart from tourist shops , if prices are displayed, prices are fixed; if not, bargaining may be possible. Indonesia is fairly safe compared with many places in the world. There are some hassles from the avaricious, but most visitors face many more dangers at home.
