Indonesia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and batik, a traditional technique of painting fabric, is one of its most famous symbols. The appeal of this art attracts tourists from all over the world, many of whom dream of learning to create batik with their own hands by attending specialized schools and workshops. However, as in any other tourist sphere, in Indonesia there are also fraudsters ready to profit from the lack of knowledge of travelers.
How to avoid fraud and not to become a victim of deception when it comes to visiting batik-art schools? Here are some useful guidelines.
Check the reputation of the school
Before enrolling in a course, make sure the school has a good reputation. Find reviews from previous students online, on travel forums or on social media. Pay attention to the presence of regular customers, not just tempting advertisements. Often scammers create fake review sites, so try to look for verification from a variety of sources.
Avoid “too good” offers
If the course price is too low compared to other schools, it should raise suspicion. Scammers often attract tourists with inflated price promises or discounts that at first glance seem like a great deal. In practice, however, such courses may not only fail to meet your expectations, but may turn out to be bogus.
Check the legitimacy of the school
Make sure that the school is registered and has the necessary licenses. Legitimate institutions always have the appropriate documents and can provide information about their activities. Course vendors who refuse to show you licenses or other official documents are most likely operating illegally.
Beware of offers without prior information
A real batik art school will always give you detailed information about the course content, instructors, schedule and cost. If you are offered a course without a clear description or are asked to pay for it right away, be wary. Also check carefully whether the price includes all the materials you need for the course.
Check the location
Sometimes scammers place advertisements on popular travel sites and offer to hold master classes in unfamiliar locations that have nothing to do with real schools. Check the address of the school on a map, research exactly where it is located, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations.
Keep an eye on the payment process
Do not pay for courses in full in advance, especially if you are asked to transfer money through unfamiliar or obscure payment systems. It is best to pay after you have visited the school in person or when you arrive at a pre-arranged location. Using secure payment systems or credit cards will also help you avoid problems with refunds if something goes wrong.
Contact travel associations
If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of a school, contact local travel associations that can provide information on verified schools. Many tourist areas in Indonesia have such organizations and they can help you avoid scams.
Conclusion
Visiting a batik art school in Indonesia is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture of this country. However, as with any other travel activity, it is important to be careful not to fall victim to scammers. Check information, read reviews, ask questions and don’t rush into paying. With the right approach, your trip will not only be exciting but also safe.
