Hard-headed tips

on island hopping

Wherever you’re island hopping, there’s something for you in a new Australian publication, Island Hop ping through the Indonesian Archipelago, written by Englishman Maurice Taylor in association with the Melbourne-based Trail Finders organisation.

Although the book deals with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, much of its island hopping lore is just as relevant for those who choose to hop through the Pacific Islands.

A few samples of Taylor’s highly professional and practical advice will give the general idea; “Appearance: It is advisable to give some thought to personal ap pearance. ‘Hippies’ are discouraged . . . Way-out clothing should be avoided and men will find life easier if their hair is not too long. Both long hair and beards are likely to be frowned upon, partly because such folk tend to look alike .. .

“Carrying luggage: Lightweight travelling is imperative and this cannot be too strongly emphasised, for heavy luggage just cannot be

manoeuvred in often crowded transport in tropical conditions.

Although a rucksack may at first sight seem comfortable, it is difficult to carry in some of the cir cumstances encountered ... Its cumbersome nature does not lend it self to many of the buses one must use, and physically it is impossible to take it inside the buses on many occasions. Suitcases are only for the affluent, who can afford a constant stream of taxis and do not wish to visit more remote areas.

“The answer is the humble duffle bag. A strong waterproof variety is the best. The cords could be re placed with firmly stitched leather straps if the material is stout enough, so that it will be more com fortable to carry. Brass tacks could be used as an alternative to stitching “Brush: A small hard brush is a handy article. It is useful for brush ing clothing which easily becomes covered with dust on unmade roads, or caked with mud in tropical streets after a storm. The feet become the dirtiest part of the body, and the brush can then take over.

Furthermore, hot water is rarely en countered and a brush is the finest tool for a good all-over scrub ...

“Polythene bags; A supply of small polythene bags will help to keep clothing clean and separate . ..

Get a dozen or more than you think you really need ... It is one of the surest ways of making friends on a bumpy country road, travelling with a family which includes a child passenger unaccustomed to such

journeys ...”

There are many more such hard headed human tips for island hop pers in the book which also contains highly detailed information on tra velling through the countries with which the author is directly con cerned.

Add in the delightful descriptions of such islands as Sumatra, for which Maurice Taylor evidently has a particular love, and you have a thoroughly worthwhile book.

F.L.S.

(Island Hopping Through The Indonesian

ARCHIPELAGO. By Maurice Taylor with Trail Fin ders. Published by Hill of Content. Melbourne. 110.50.)