This is the same place where Captain Bligh landed few hundred years back. Some people say, the place where he landed only few hundred feet where you are going to land. Same place, but your boat is just much nicer.
Do contact me (Sam) when you are approaching anchorage area (provided you are arriving before dark). No set of of instructions will be given regarding where to anchor, so use your own good judgement. The first Indonesian you will encounter will be several people who are Indonesian Custom and Quarantine Officers who will board your boat. The procedure normally does not take long. Just make sure you have your fenders ready when you see them making approach.. Their English in most cases are passable, so the conversation may be reduced to essential. It is not advisable to offer them anything. Make sure your Q flag is flown when you arrive and have it taken down after they leave your boat. Do not forget to fly Indonesian flag. Make sure you fly it higher. Please don't ask.
To complete your CIQP process you must go ashore on your own dinghy. Coming ashore you will be greeted by several "dinghy boys" who will assist bringing your dinghy ashore and look after it while you are ashore. Last year they charged US $4/day for their service, regardless the number of your landing or departure. You will be guided to the building where all the paper works will be processed under one roof. It is rather painless procedure. Yes, some of you may be a little bit bewildered by the number of photo copies you have to have. Just go with the flow. Just treat it like you are having a flu shot.
Now that everybody need to connected, it is a good idea that you should get yourself an Indonesian SIM card. There are several providers out there, but Telkomsel has the most extensive coverage. No, they are not my sponsor. Internet package also will be available from Telkomsel who will set up a table just few stop away from the bar. If you are at the bar, you won't miss it regardless what state you are in. They know more than I do, so just wait until you see them. They will assist you getting properly connected. Indonesian are crazy about hand phone, so wherever there is cellular connection, there will be somebody sell top up cards nearby. Get the one for 100.000 rupiah (you may have to pay extra one thousand or two). Calling from Indonesia is relatively cheap. Just press 01017+country code .......
Some participants may be slightly disoriented at first with this seemingly chaotic place. Coming from place like Darwin, it should not come as a surprise. The crowd, the noise, what looks like traffic mayhem..well, welcome to Indonesia. Money changer will be set up at the landing, but those who prefer to withdraw money fro ATM, there is one about 300 meters away. Just watch out for speeding motorcycles, mini buses and what not.
The area where you land is known locally as Teddy's Place. He run a bar, restaurant and hotel that some wise guys call it "Temple of Doom". This place is no French Rivera, but for Gateway to Indonesia there a lot worse places.
