I
Indofred
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- #41
FRED’S GUIDE TO TOILETS IN INDONESIA
One of the most important things a new traveller to Asia has to consider is having a shit. This essential element of any holiday is so often ignored by the major travel writers.
This is a sad omission I will correct now.
The most awkward thing a new visitor has to contend with is the squat bog.
As you can see from this example of a crapper in a petrol station, you don‘t sit down at all.
To use one, I find it best to completely remove your trousers and underwear before squatting down and pooing your funky stuff. New visitors to Asia often find a greater need for being close to a toilet after eating spicy food. Because you will have to remove your trousers, it’s better not to leave things until the last moment. The laundry services may not be keen on serving you if you leave things late.
These squat toilets sometimes have an arse hose to clean the clingy bits of crap away but most just have a container of water and a scoop. The idea is you splash water on your arse and use your left hand to scrape away any loose offerings. Many westerners find this a bit off putting so I usually suggest having a pack of soft table napkins with you at all times. These napkins are also handy when eating with your hands as the restaurants usually provide just a few very thin tissues and double up very nicely as arse wipes.
It is not advisable to but really rough, very cheap or thin ones.
Public toilets rarely have soap to wash your hands so it’s a good idea to have some in your day bag. I usually pinch the small ones from hotel bathrooms.
Almost all expensive hotels have sit down toilets but cheaper hotels and toilet umen (Public toilets) are squats. Newer shopping centers usually have some of both but older places, usually just squats.
The best and cleanest public toilets are in Pertamina petrol stations but many other ones are quite good. Unlike in Malaysia, I have yet to find a shit encrusted, seriously disgusting one but there is time yet.
Finally it’s worth noting that, unlike in the west, many restaurants don’t have toilets. If you think you may need an anal evacuation, best to go before you eat.
It’s very common for western travelers to get themselves invited into homes out here especially if you wander away from tourist traps. A typical Indonesian home or cheap hotel bathroom will be equipped with a squat bog and a large, square water holder. I have heard of westerners trying to take a bath inside the container. The idea is you use the scoop to pour cold water on yourself. Don’t worry about getting the bathroom wet, it’s a wet room so no problem.
With that, I hope this will help you when you first come across an Asian toilet and bathroom.
One of the most important things a new traveller to Asia has to consider is having a shit. This essential element of any holiday is so often ignored by the major travel writers.
This is a sad omission I will correct now.
The most awkward thing a new visitor has to contend with is the squat bog.
As you can see from this example of a crapper in a petrol station, you don‘t sit down at all.
To use one, I find it best to completely remove your trousers and underwear before squatting down and pooing your funky stuff. New visitors to Asia often find a greater need for being close to a toilet after eating spicy food. Because you will have to remove your trousers, it’s better not to leave things until the last moment. The laundry services may not be keen on serving you if you leave things late.
These squat toilets sometimes have an arse hose to clean the clingy bits of crap away but most just have a container of water and a scoop. The idea is you splash water on your arse and use your left hand to scrape away any loose offerings. Many westerners find this a bit off putting so I usually suggest having a pack of soft table napkins with you at all times. These napkins are also handy when eating with your hands as the restaurants usually provide just a few very thin tissues and double up very nicely as arse wipes.
It is not advisable to but really rough, very cheap or thin ones.
Public toilets rarely have soap to wash your hands so it’s a good idea to have some in your day bag. I usually pinch the small ones from hotel bathrooms.
Almost all expensive hotels have sit down toilets but cheaper hotels and toilet umen (Public toilets) are squats. Newer shopping centers usually have some of both but older places, usually just squats.
The best and cleanest public toilets are in Pertamina petrol stations but many other ones are quite good. Unlike in Malaysia, I have yet to find a shit encrusted, seriously disgusting one but there is time yet.
Finally it’s worth noting that, unlike in the west, many restaurants don’t have toilets. If you think you may need an anal evacuation, best to go before you eat.
It’s very common for western travelers to get themselves invited into homes out here especially if you wander away from tourist traps. A typical Indonesian home or cheap hotel bathroom will be equipped with a squat bog and a large, square water holder. I have heard of westerners trying to take a bath inside the container. The idea is you use the scoop to pour cold water on yourself. Don’t worry about getting the bathroom wet, it’s a wet room so no problem.
With that, I hope this will help you when you first come across an Asian toilet and bathroom.
)
