Lured by cheap alcohol, a lack of age restrictions at bars and a resort atmosphere, up to 6000 Australian leavers are expected in Bali to celebrate finishing school. Bali doctors say they are bracing for a wave of youngsters needing treatment for ailments ranging from Bali Belly to motorcycle accidents. In the meantime, Australian authorities have warned the year 12 school leavers about staying safe and behaving themselves while in foreign countries. BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua Australian nurse leader Nicole Bayuntara said travel insurance was a must for youngsters. “They should make sure they take out travel insurance (but) should be aware that most travel insurance will not cover injuries related to alcohol, drugs and risk taking activities,” Ms Bayuntara said. “Have respect for the country you are in and don’t do something you wouldn’t do in your own country.” While schoolies are big business for hotels, restaurants and nightclubs in Bali, not everyone is happy to share their holiday with them. Two Perth tourists told the media they were cutting their holiday short as their hotel had been overrun by young people partying late into the night. One of the women, Mrs Dyson, a grandmother from Geraldton, near Perth, fought back tears as she told of her shock at the behaviour of the teenagers in her complex. “These kids have no respect,” she said amid claims the young people in her resort were “screaming, crashing and banging” into the early hours and throwing cigarette butts into the pool. Paul Mergard, from Australian voluntary support group, Red Frogs, said he had a steady stream of teenagers asking him for advice on everything from the cost of a taxi to the dangers of buying pseudoephedrine at the local pharmacy to stay awake. Warnings about the dangers of methanol poisoning are in the minds of many leavers who have been warned away from cheap mixed drinks, however with the bars offering specials every night, many teenagers can still be seen wandering the streets of Kuta with cups of alcoholic slushies and cheap shooters.
