Overview
Safety should be a top priority for every traveler. Although Bali is a beautiful place with friendly people, you should know a few safety risks that may await you during your trip. Our Safety Guide will not only give you an overview of how safe Bali is but also essential tips and advice on how to stay safe: from natural disasters to traffic and crime. By following these tips and staying informed, you can enjoy all Bali offers while staying safe and healthy.
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
General Info
Although there are some safety risks to watch out for as a traveler in Bali, the island is a very safe place to visit and possibly live. Many tourists are pleasantly surprised by how secure they feel in Bali.
The level of crime in Bali is similar to that in many European countries. Like anywhere else in the world, you should use common sense to protect your health and belongings from theft, but in general, Bali is a safe destination for travel.
One of the concerns of travelers to Bali is the safety of solo female travelers. Of course, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary basic precautions, such as not carrying your purse over your shoulder on a scooter or having your phone in a phone holder. Many solo female travelers find Bali a safe and welcoming destination. The people of Bali are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and female travelers should feel comfortable exploring the island.
Natural Disasters
Bali is located in an area of high seismic activity known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and associated tsunamis. Several active volcanoes on the island, including Mount Agung and Mount Batur, have erupted in the past, causing significant damage and loss of lives. For more information on substantial volcanic eruptions in Bali over the last century, see the Volcanoes Guide.
In the event of an impending tsunami, the island of Bali is linked to the Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System (InaTEWS). In addition, tsunami threat information is disseminated through public radio and television stations. A three-minute steady siren sound is a call for immediate evacuation. It is always beneficial to familiarize yourself with the possible evacuation route in advance, especially if you are directly on the coast or can check with your accommodation for the evacuation route.
Example of tsunami evacuation map of Sanur village
In addition to volcanoes, Bali is also prone to tropical storms and flooding, especially during the rainy season (October to March). These can lead to landslides, flash floods, and road closures, making traveling around the island challenging and dangerous.
To stay safe during a natural disaster in Bali is better to stay informed and prepared. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Keep updated with the latest news and information on potential natural disasters in Bali. Good sources of information are local news and social media, the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG), and the Indonesian National Disaster Management Board (BNPB).
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Prepare an emergency plan. Make sure you know what to do in the event of a natural disaster. This includes understanding where the nearest emergency shelters or evacuation routes are located.
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In the event of a natural disaster, follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders and emergency procedures.
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We recommend installing the Last Quake app, which also informs you of a possible tsunami in the event of an earthquake.
If you travel to Bali during the rainy season or when natural disasters are more likely to occur, be prepared for travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and road closures. Have a backup plan in place in case your travel plans are affected. For example, look at our Itineraries Guide where you can easily plan a backup program.
Ocean
Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and some of the best surfing spots in the world. However, the ocean can also pose a safety risk, and you need to know the potential dangers when staying on Bali's beaches.
One of the main risks associated with the ocean in Bali is strong rip currents. The island's coastline is notorious for them, and swimmers can quickly be sucked into the sea. When swimming in the ocean in Bali, it is essential to be cautious and look out for signs of these currents. These include different coloration and foaming of the water, with waves breaking against the beach being interrupted and a visible current taking floating algae or debris in between, moving from the beach out to sea.
💡 Tip: If caught in a sea current that pulls you from the beach to the open sea, never swim against it perpendicular to the beach. You'll get unnecessarily exhausted and won't beat the current anyway. Swim along the coast out of the current. There is a good chance you will get out of the current quickly and swim calmly to the beach. The currents tend to be relatively narrow.
To stay safe in the ocean, it is essential to follow these tips:
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Swim only where it is not prohibited. Always keep to designated swimming areas and swim in the company of others. Do not enter the ocean where you do not know it.
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Pay attention to the conditions. Before you enter the water, take a moment to assess conditions, including waves, tides, and currents. If conditions are unfavorable, consider postponing swimming.
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Look out for warning flags from lifeguards or local authorities and take their advice.
Warning flags at the beach are not always respected
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Always respect the ocean and its power. Never turn your back on the waves and swim alone or after drinking alcohol.
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In case of high tides and waves, stay away from the rocks on the shore. High waves have tremendous power and can easily throw you into the sharp edges of stones and cause injury.
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On the other hand, at low tide and low ocean levels, beware of sharp corals that can easily cut you. In the case of surfing at low tide, this is a fairly common injury in a fall from the surf.
Another risk associated with the ocean in Bali is marine life. Most marine life in Bali's waters is harmless, but some can be dangerous, such as jellyfish, sea urchins, snakes, the relatively common lionfish, and the less common but deadly stone fish; the most poisonous fish in the world, often hiding half-buried in the sand at the bottom.
💡 Tip: Packing water shoes in Bali and avoiding touching or disturbing marine animals is recommended.
Animals
Bali is home to diverse wildlife, from monkeys and snakes to exotic birds and marine animals. Encountering these animals can be an exciting experience, but it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions to stay safe.
One of the leading health problems in Bali is the risk of contracting the mosquito-borne disease dengue. Mosquitoes are prevalent in Bali, especially during the rainy season, and minimizing the number of mosquito bites is important. It is a good idea to wear long sleeves, trousers, use mosquito repellent and prefer to stay in accommodation with mosquito nets. For more information on dengue disease, see the Vaccination Guide.
Another of the most common risks associated with animals in Bali is monkey bites. Monkeys in Bali are known for their bold and mischievous behavior and are not afraid to approach humans in search of food. Although rare, monkey bites can be dangerous and transmit diseases like rabies. You can avoid monkey bites by keeping a safe distance from them and not feeding them (unless in the presence of a guide at one of the three monkey parks).
Balinese monkeys are cute, but also very sneaky
Rabies in Bali is also carried by a large population of stray dogs, some of whom may be infected. It is important not to touch or feed stray dogs to prevent the spread of rabies and to seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched by an animal. Rabies is a very insidious incurable disease that, in most cases, ends in the death of the infected person. It has the advantage of a long incubation period, which means you can get vaccinated after being bitten by an infected animal.
Bali Dog
Other risky animals in Bali are the poisonous snakes. Several species of venomous snakes live here, including cobras and various venomous vipers. Although encounters with such snakes are rare, it is essential to stay calm and not touch the snake or possibly try to photograph it. Ideally, you can call/post to the Bali Snake Patrol FB group dedicated to identifying and capturing snakes.
💡 Tip: When hiking in the tropical forest or near water sources, we recommend wearing sturdy ankle boots and avoiding reaching into dark crevices or under rocks.
In addition to terrestrial animals, Bali's waters are also home to various marine animals, see above in the Ocean section.
To stay safe around animals in Bali, follow these tips:
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Keep a safe distance when meeting animals and do not touch or feed them.
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Wear appropriate clothing, such as long trousers and sleeves and closed shoes, when hiking or exploring tropical forest areas.
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Seek medical attention in case of a bite or sting. For a map of medical facilities in Bali, see the Healthcare Guide.
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Always respect the animals and their natural environment and avoid disturbing or harming them.
Crime
Although the island is generally safe, as in any tourist destination, there are risks associated with criminal activity.
Theft
One of the most common types of crime in Bali is theft. These are common in tourist areas, especially in crowded markets and touristy areas. It is essential to keep a close eye on your belongings, especially your wallet, passport, and electronic devices, to avoid becoming a victim. Keep valuables in a safe place, such as a hotel safe deposit box, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
⚠️ Warning: Even the safe deposit box in the accommodation is often unsafe. Most of those with a numeric code have a master key that can be used to open the safe if the password is forgotten. We have encountered a situation where this key was used to steal cash directly from the safe by hotel staff.
Do not leave any valuable items in the under-seat compartment of the scooter. Every week we read about cases of stolen phones and even laptops being left on scooters. It takes thieves two seconds to open the trunk of a scooter.
💡 Tip: When riding your scooter after dark, put your bag or purse under the seat instead of over your shoulder. In many cases, lone female travelers, in particular, have been targeted by attackers who have cut off and stolen the handbag with a knife while riding.
For example, we had a helmet stolen in Sanur that was locked to a scooter by the helmet lock. The thief cut off the lock and appropriated the helmet. The scooter was parked in the early evening on the main street right between the shops. None of the locals "saw or heard" anything.
Scams
Fraud is another risk associated with crime in Bali. Fraudsters often target tourists, especially in popular tourist areas, using a variety of tactics. For example, they exchange less money at money changers or install scanning devices in ATMs. You should therefore be vigilant and, for example, count your cash carefully at the exchange office or withdraw it from secure ATMs. You can find out more about this in the Money & Payments Guide.
Drugs
In addition to theft and fraud, drug offenses are also a problem in Bali. Drug offenses in Indonesia carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences and even the death penalty. Avoid engaging in drug-related activities, including consumption (!), and be aware of the potential risks of drugs, including theft and violence.
Generally, be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and be alert to suspicious activity. If you are a victim of a crime, ask your local police or embassy for help.
Traffic
Getting around on Bali's roads can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Traffic in Bali seems chaotic and unpredictable to tourists, with motorcycles, cars, and other vehicles often sharing the streets.
One of the main risks associated with traffic in Bali is scooter accidents. Scooters are a popular means of transport in Bali, but they can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders. Scooter accidents are common in Bali; inexperienced riders, reckless driving, or poor road conditions cause many of them. We recommend always wearing a helmet, sturdy shoes (at least sneakers), and obeying traffic laws when riding a scooter. For the unwritten rules of traffic and riding in Bali, please refer to the Transport Guide.
Another risk associated with transport in Bali is the possibility of getting lost. The roads in Bali can be confusing, with many unmarked streets and often less accessible signage. It is essential to plan your route and use GPS to navigate; for example, Google Maps. Avoiding driving at night in unfamiliar areas is also a good idea. If you are an inexperienced Bali driver, always use navigation for cars, even if you are driving a scooter. Google Maps suggestions are sometimes crazy when navigating "scooter-only" roads.
To navigate Bali's traffic safely, follow these tips:
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Wear a helmet and sturdy shoes when riding a scooter/motorcycle.
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Always plan your route in advance using your GPS, and avoid driving in unfamiliar areas.
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Follow the rules of the road and drive defensively, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles.
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Try to avoid driving at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
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Be aware of potential road hazards such as potholes or other road damage, animals running around, and more, and adjust your driving accordingly.
Health & Hygiene
When traveling to Bali, it is crucial to prioritize your health and take appropriate precautions to avoid illness or injury. Bali is a tropical destination, so travelers should know about health and hygiene issues.
One of the main health concerns in Bali is the risk of overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays and skin burns. Bali is close to the equator and has a tropical climate, meaning the sun's rays are powerful. Protecting yourself from the sun is important to avoid heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn. This includes wearing a hat or other head protection and sunglasses. Sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30, and avoiding the sun during the hottest parts of the day is recommended between 12:00 and 3:00 pm.
⚠️ Warning: Riding a scooter is the most treacherous. Feel the wind blowing and cool you down, but be aware that you are still exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, you can get very sunburnt even in a short 30-minute ride. Please bear this in mind and wear sunscreen even before driving.
Another problem in Bali is the risk of disease from food and water. It's essential to be careful about what you eat and drink, especially when eating from street vendors or local markets. Ensure you only drink bottled or filtered water (ice and ice creams in Bali are made from filtered water, so they are not a danger), and avoid eating raw or undercooked food and food left out in the open for long periods.
In terms of healthcare, there are several medical facilities in Bali, including hospitals and clinics. However, the quality of care can vary, especially in rural areas. It is vital to have travel insurance that includes health and accident coverage and to find medical facilities in advance to know where to go in an emergency. For more information on healthcare in Bali, including a map and contact details for the most prominent hospitals, see the Healthcare Guide. For insurance information, see the Insurance Guide.
💡 Tip: The so-called "Bali Belly," i.e., food-induced nausea, affects almost everyone. In addition to diet and rest for a few days, activated charcoal, young coconut, or a can of Coca-Cola seem to be the best solution.
To stay healthy in Bali, follow these tips:
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Drink only bottled or filtered water, do not eat raw or undercooked foods, and avoid food left out in the open for a long time.
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Find out about medical facilities in advance. Find out where to go in an emergency, and ensure your travel insurance covers all medical treatment, including hospitalization if necessary.
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Observe personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and carry hand sanitizer when traveling.
When traveling to Bali, you have to consider that the risks are the same as more or less anywhere else in the world, and the chances of something happening to you are about the same as in Europe or the USA. So we don't consider Bali any more dangerous than other developed countries. On the contrary, we feel very safe here, even when moving around on a scooter, where, unlike in Europe, drivers expect scooters on the roads. In general, from our experience, we feel very safe in Bali and have not personally encountered any form of threat.
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