In Reply to: Advice travelling alone Bali-Situbondo posted by Ammie on Wednesday, 9. September 2009 at 11:04 Bali Time:
Hi there, have not been up that way for 20 + years and was then travelling by motorbike but worth it .
Plan to get to Surabaya from Bali ( bus probably the easiest) then on will have to make a connection with a bus to Situbondo.Not sure what route it will be on and unless you speak Indonesian Surabaya bus terminal is not the best place to find out.
go to an agent in Bali and get them on the case for you.Make sure that you have the connections written down so that you can show someone.
If you get to Surabaya terminal in the night ( or in the day for that matter) stay where there are lots of people.It is a frantically busy place 24/7 with buses coming and going everywhere and you will need your wits about you.
Try to travel executive class- the basic class is uncomfortable and often has delays while they stop everywhere.
Sit near the front so you can yell at the driver if need be and make sure he knows where you want to get off.
Buses include a meal ticket across Java- when they stop go in and get your meal but keep an eye on the bus as they will go at short notice.
Not sure if that helps, it is great to travel this way in Java as you invariably meet really great peole who try to help you out but the communcation can be difficult as once you are off Bali English usage reduces considerably.
Dress modestly for your travels as you will be heading into predominantly muslim areas and you will feel more comfortable