There’s a reason why Bali is considered to be one of the most popular paradisal destinations on the planet. Boasting wild jungles teeming with tropical life, picturesque coastal vistas, and stunning temples and other religious sites steeped in culture and history, there are plenty of things to do for all types of travellers, be they adventurers, beach bums, or lifelong learners.
But travelling to Bali definitely isn’t without its fair share of risks. From getting your passport swiped by a monkey to contracting the infamous ‘Bali Belly’, tourists do need to practice a little healthy caution to make sure they don’t fall into some trouble in paradise.
So what steps can you take to make sure your Bali getaway goes off without a hitch? Below, we’re sharing our top tried and tested safe travel tips – Bali edition. Read on, to make sure you’re well-informed about all the unique risk factors surrounding this beloved beachy destination.
Secure travel insurance with medical cover
The first thing you’ll want to do when preparing for a Bali holiday is to simply secure Bali travel insurance. This is travel insurance cover that’s tailored to accommodate all the most common risk factors of a Bali holiday. And yes, that includes Bali Belly, but also risks of physical injuries from scooter or surf accidents, and other dilemmas like lost or stolen luggage.
It’s also highly recommended you read up on the health and medical coverage included in your travel insurance policies before you finalise any particular Bali policy with a selected insurance provider. Be sure to compare things like premiums and excesses, plus extras and inclusions across all of your shortlisted policies so you can get the best deal on the most suitable coverage.
Use sunscreen and bug repellants
Even though you have travel insurance, you’ll still want to avoid ending up in the ER or even at a GP clinic during your time in Bali. For this reason, you’ll definitely want to make sure you never leave your accommodation for the day without at least applying sunscreen and insect sprays to your person. If you’re anticipating doing a swim or a spa day, you’ll naturally also want to pack some sunscreen and bug repellants along with you so you can reapply as needed.
If for any reason you forgot to pack these in your suitcase before your flight, don’t stress as you should be able to find sunscreens and other safety essentials at convenience stores across Bali’s tourist hotspots. Just make sure you’re only buying quality, branded products, however!
Only swim at patrolled beaches
Lounging on the beach is hands down one of the best ways to spend your time in Bali. But if you are planning on going for a swim at some of the best beaches in Uluwatu and surrounding regions, then you’ll need to make sure you’re staying safe on the coastline.
For starters, this means only swimming at patrolled beaches and during daylight hours. A lot of Bali’s most popular beaches are known to have their own strong and frequent rip currents, which can be particularly dangerous for inexperienced swimmers and surfers. This is why it’s essential to follow directions provided by lifeguards and other local authorities when visiting beaches across not only Uluwatu, but further along the southwest coast and across Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu.
Beach visitors in Bali are also advised to refrain from consuming alcohol on the shore, as this can impede your ability to act safely around the water.
Drink only bottled water
Speaking of drinking responsibly, it’s no surprise that the tap water in Bali isn’t totally safe for tourist consumption. We just don’t have the gut biome to support some of the microorganisms naturally found in the region’s water infrastructure. And yes, this includes ice cubes made from tap water too!
Thankfully, you can buy 1L+ bottles of water at supermarkets and convenience stores all over the island. You may even be able to find smaller sized bottles for easier transportation, but we recommend purchasing 1L+ bottles to refill your smaller bottles daily. Not only is it better value for money, but you’ll also reduce your plastic waste significantly and help keep Bali beautiful!
Maintain caution when eating out
Alongside drinking only from secured water bottles, you’ll also want to maintain basic hygiene practices like washing your hands before you eat, and only eating from licensed eateries, if possible. Indonesian street food can definitely be amazing, but there are also very real risks of food poisoning if you eat with the wrong vendor.
We get that the perfect Bali itinerary does involve great food and restaurant experiences – and that includes sampling street food. So just to stay on the safer side, why not do a little research beforehand and prepare a list of what Indonesian foods you’d like to try during your stay? From here, you can do some quick searches on Google and Trip Advisor to find all the top-rated local restaurants and eateries that offer those dishes. That way, you can enjoy all the tastes of Bali with reduced risks of Bali Belly!
Pack practically and securely
One of the most comedically tragic things that can happen to you on a Bali getaway is being robbed by a monkey. It sounds ridiculous, but it actually happens all the time. These wily little creatures flock to tourist hotspots to try and wheedle food and other goodies from unsuspecting victims.
The best way you can protect yourself from falling victim to monkey antics is to keep your valuables on you at all times, and make sure all important documents are securely stored in a crossbody bag with a firm clasp. Similarly, try to keep a firm grip on devices like phones or cameras, as you don’t want a monkey to run up a tree with these items only to drop them from on high.
Alongside monkey theft, there has been some pickpocketing and other small crimes across Bali that tourists are advised to be wary of. Acting respectfully and modestly can naturally help you avoid being targeted by any malicious parties.
Avoid travelling alone
Finally, while Bali is relatively safe for solo travellers, visiting local areas during evening hours can still leave you vulnerable, particularly on weekend evenings. So if you are planning to hit up the beach clubs and dance the night away, make sure you’re doing so with a few buddies or gal pals in tow.
By keeping an eye out for each other, you can make sure you all get to enjoy some fun nights out across the island.
Make the most of your Bali getaway with these safe travel tips
Experiencing Bali naturally means saying ‘yes’ to some adrenalin pumping activities, whether it be swinging on the edge of the world, surfing the gnarliest waves, or dancing the night away in Uluwatu. No matter where you find yourself on the island, however, or how you’re planning to spend your time, keeping these safe travel tips in mind can help ensure your Bali getaway only delivers good vibes.
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