Category Archives: Indonesia

Found: A New TSA Lock

a close up of a lock
My new TSA Lock
A few days back I wrote about how my TSA lock went missing on my flight from Singapore to Bali. 
I searched all over Bali for a new lock but wasn’t having any luck. There were shops everywhere selling a wide variety of items. Some had some really nice things but most sold tacky 
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I found it odd that nobody sold travel related items like bags, apparel and TSA approved locks.

On our last day in Bali, we were heading back to the hotel after dinner. Many shops were still open and I spotted a luggage store which looked promising. I went inside and sure enough they did have the lock I was looking for. I couldn’t believe that I had finally found it. However, when I heard the price- around $10 I decided to pass (this is Asia- things are supposed to be cheaper here, right?).

The following morning we had an extremely early flight to Kuala Lumpur, once again with Air Asia. I was skimming through their in-flight menu which also had lots of Air Asia branded merchandise. Some of the items looks pretty good. They sold apparel, luggage scales, model airplanes, toys and many other items… and to my surprise TSA locks!

a close up of a padlock
AirAsia in-flight mag ad
Their locks were pretty nice, having the AirAsia logo on it. I debated buying a lock, the price seemed fair and I really didn’t want to search around Kuala Lumpur for one. The merchandise cart had already came by so I went to the back of the plane to ask about purchasing the lock. The friendly AirAsia stewardesses were happy to help.
I wanted to pay in US dollars since I was out of Indonesian rupees. The problem was that I wanted change in Malaysian Ringgitts which they could not give me back! (Indonesian currency was of no value to me since we were heading to Malaysia before heading back to Singapore.)

When they told me the price in US dollars, luckily I had the exact amount needed- $7.00. 

I think that I got a decent price and now have a nice, shiny new TSA lock to keep my bags safe!
 

Win An Orangutan Adventure In Java

a close up of an orangutan
Lonely Planet and i to i Volunteering are giving away a trip for two (winner and a guest) to Java to care for orangutans at Yogyakarta’s Wildlife Rescue Center.
This is an interesting contest to come across as I am writing this post in Bali, just a little over an hour away from Java by plane. I seriously considered a quick visit to Java but due to traveling with an infant it was a bit much to do.
The Prize:
  • Two places on the “Orangutans and Community Education in Java” tour- operated by i to i. Find out details about this tour HERE.
  • Up to AU$1500 to be used towards the purchase of economy airfare to Java. The winner and guest will be responsible for any costs over this amount. 

Some Details:

Travel must be completed by September 30, 2013
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter
My favorite rule: You can not enter if you have a criminal record, the nature of which inhibits overseas travel
Sweepstakes ends October 8, 2012
Enter for your chance to win this amazing trip HERE