Indonesia

At a Glance

Indonesia is a vast, vibrant country of contrasts — with over 17,000 islands offering everything from volcanic hikes and coral reefs to temples and street food. For many travellers, Bali is the main event: a tropical blend of surf breaks, wellness retreats, sacred monkeys, and beach clubs.

While Bali draws the most visitors, travel health risks vary across Indonesia. A dive in Komodo, a hike in Sumatra, or a motorbike ride through Java each come with different challenges. Even within Bali, risks shift between beach bars, mountain climbs, and temple visits.

Indonesia’s health risks vary by island, but mosquito-borne illnesses (like dengue) and Bali belly are common. Dehydration, reef injuries, and scooter accidents affect many travellers. Bali has modern clinics, but rural and island access can be limited. Avoid tap water, seek freshly cooked food, and carry essentials like repellent and oral rehydration salts. Rabies risk exists—avoid animal contact.

Island-hopping, volcano treks, and spicy delights await in Indonesia. Prepare for mozzies, water safety, and heat while you soak it all in.

Don't Leave Without These

Get access to curated, pharmacist-reviewed packing guides, tailored to destinations like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand — including brand names, specific combinations, and practical tips you won’t find in a generic travel article.
[Join the Travel Health Hub community]

Go-to travel health essentials — practical, proven, and always packed.

🦟 Mosquito Protection
Include repellent with 30–50% DEET, anti-itch cream, long-sleeved clothing, and mosquito nets if staying in basic or rural accommodation. Malaria tablets are strongly recommended — speak to your doctor about options like doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.

💩 Tummy Troubles Toolkit
Bring loperamide, oral rehydration salts (ORS), an antacid, and a short course of azithromycin for traveller’s diarrhoea. “Bali Belly” is common — prepare early, not when it’s too late. Hand sanitiser and wet wipes are essential when eating on the go or using roadside facilities.

☀️ Sun & Skin Care
High-SPF sunscreen (50+), SPF lip balm, and aloe or after-sun lotion are musts. The UV index is high year-round. For beachgoers and snorkellers, reef-safe sunscreen helps protect marine life.

🩹 First Aid & Docs
Include antiseptic solution, gauze, adhesive dressings, blister pads, gloves, and a thermometer. Bring a printed medical summary, prescriptions with generic names, and your travel insurance documents — including emergency evacuation coverage.

💊 Comfort & Care
Pack paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, fever, and post-flight aches. Include an antihistamine for bites or allergies, and a basic cold & flu remedy. Consider Berocca, Hydralyte, or Hairy Lemon for hangover recovery or general energy support — they’re handy in the heat, especially after long beach days or Bali nights.

🔥 Pro Tip
Access to basic pharmacies is easy in Bali’s tourist areas, but rural islands are a different story. Stock up on essentials before heading to remote beaches, dive spots, or inland treks. If you’re tattooing, surfing, or partying — pack extra wound care, electrolytes, and a spare shirt for temple visits.

Prep Well. Travel Well. Know the Risks.

Travellers to Indonesia — and particularly Bali — may face a mix of tropical health risks and preventable injuries. While Bali offers easy access to pharmacies and clinics, it also presents unique dangers related to mosquito-borne illnesses, animal bites, unsafe alcohol, and water safety.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Dengue fever is a year-round concern across Indonesia and is especially common in Bali during the wet season (November to April). Spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes, it can cause severe flu-like illness and occasionally life-threatening complications. Mosquito bite prevention is essential, even in well-developed areas.

Chikungunya and Zika virus have been reported but are less common. Malaria is not a concern in Bali itself, but some other parts of Indonesia — such as Papua, Kalimantan, and Lombok — have active transmission. Travellers to rural or jungle areas outside Bali may require malaria prophylaxis.

Japanese encephalitis is present in agricultural and rice-farming regions. Vaccination is advised for longer stays or those visiting rural areas during the wet season.

Rabies and Monkey Bites

Rabies is endemic in Bali and throughout Indonesia. While dog vaccination programs exist, stray dogs remain common, and monkey bites are a well-known issue — especially near temples like Ubud’s Monkey Forest and Uluwatu.

Each year, a significant number of Australians return home prematurely due to monkey bites sustained in Bali, often requiring urgent rabies post-exposure treatment. NSW Health reported 145 hospitalisations in 2023 alone from animal bites and scratches, with Monkey Forest a common hotspot.

Pre-travel rabies vaccination is strongly recommended, especially for extended stays, rural travel, or animal interaction.If bitten or scratched:

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek immediate medical care — post-exposure treatment may be delayed or unavailable in rural areas.
Evacuation may be required if rabies immune globulin isn’t accessible.

Eat Adventurously, Not Regretfully

Indonesia’s cuisine is bold, vibrant, and rich in regional variety — from the smoky skewers of satay ayam to fiery sambal, slow-cooked rendang, and the street-side favourite, nasi goreng. Bali adds its own flavour with dishes like babi guling (roast pork, often sold at warungs), lawar (spiced minced meat and vegetables), and the vegetarian-friendly gado-gado with peanut sauce.

While diving into local food culture is a highlight of any trip, it comes with risks — especially for first-time travellers or those with sensitive stomachs. "Bali Belly" is a common reality, often caused by contaminated food or water. You’ll find more on managing it later in this guide.

Food Safety Tips:

Stick to hot, freshly cooked meals, especially when eating at small warungs or food stalls.
Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and undercooked meat or seafood, particularly in low-cost eateries or rural areas.
Be cautious with buffets, where food may sit unrefrigerated for hours — even in high-end resorts.
In Bali, seafood is widely served, but large reef fish like barracuda or red snapper may carry the risk of ciguatera poisoning. Choose smaller fish and eat at reputable places.

What About Street Food?

Bali’s street food can be a safe and delicious experience — if you’re selective. Choose vendors who are busy with locals, cook food to order, and keep their prep areas clean. Avoid anything pre-cooked and left sitting out.

Hidden Risks:

Fresh juices may be diluted with tap water — ask if ice or water has been added.
Sambal and sauces may be reused throughout the day without refrigeration.
Local snacks made with unpasteurised dairy or sold in markets without packaging may spoil quickly in the heat.

Summary for Travellers:
Eat boldly, but wisely. Look for high turnover, hot meals, and clean kitchens. Avoid cold or undercooked dishes — especially in rural areas. And if your stomach starts rumbling in all the wrong ways, see our section on Bali Belly for what to pack and how to recover fast.

Beyond the Basics: Unique Health Risks

Every destination has its own surprises. Here are the health risks that don’t always make it into standard travel advice—but are important to know before you go.

Reef Fish Poisoning (Ciguatera and Scombroid)

Consuming certain reef fish in Bali can lead to serious foodborne illnesses such as ciguatera and scombroid poisoning. In 2014, a tragic incident involved an Australian mother and daughter who died after eating contaminated fish at a local restaurant; autopsies suggested scombroid poisoning, exacerbated by underlying health conditions .

Ciguatera poisoning is caused by toxins from microscopic algae that accumulate in large reef fish like barracuda, grouper, and snapper. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, neurological issues, and a peculiar reversal of hot and cold sensations. These toxins are heat-stable and cannot be eliminated by cooking.

Scombroid poisoning, on the other hand, results from improper storage of fish, leading to high histamine levels. Symptoms resemble an allergic reaction, including flushing, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress.

To minimize risk, avoid consuming large reef fish, especially in areas where storage practices are uncertain. Opt for smaller fish and dine at reputable establishments to ensure food safety.

Photo for editorial purposes only. Not affiliated with any specific provider.

When it doesn't go to plan

Healthcare Access and Pharmacies in Indonesia

Healthcare in Indonesia varies significantly depending on where you are. In Bali’s main tourist areas, private medical clinics and international hospitals are widely available and can manage most minor and moderate health issues. Outside these areas — particularly on rural islands or in remote parts of Java, Sumatra, or the eastern provinces — access to quality care becomes limited.

In Bali

You’ll find modern, English-speaking clinics in tourist centres like Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. These facilities can treat common travel-related issues including dehydration, gastroenteritis, minor injuries, and scooter crashes. Some offer 24-hour emergency services and evacuation coordination.

Well-known clinics include:

BIMC Hospital (Kuta & Nusa Dua)
Siloam Hospitals (Denpasar)
SOS Medika Clinic (Sanur)
Ubud Care Clinic
Prime Plus Medical (Canggu)

Many of these clinics operate privately, and upfront payment is typically required — even with insurance. Keep your travel insurance details and credit card handy in case of emergency.

Outside Bali

Medical services outside Bali and major cities can be basic, understaffed, and under-equipped. In serious cases, travellers are usually evacuated to Jakarta, Singapore, or Australia.

If you’re planning to visit remote islands, volcanoes, or surf breaks far from the mainland, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.

Pharmacies (Apotek)

Pharmacies are common in urban and tourist areas, and many medications are available without a prescription. However:

Brand names may differ from what you’re used to.
Counterfeit medications can circulate in some smaller or less regulated pharmacies.
Not all pharmacy staff speak English or understand Western medication names.

For best results:

Stick to reputable pharmacy chains (e.g., Guardian or Kimia Farma).
Bring a full supply of your regular medicines in original packaging.
Carry a list of your medications by generic name in case you need replacements.

Traveller Advice:

Know where the nearest 24/7 clinic is located in your area.
Keep digital and printed copies of your medical history and insurance policy.
For serious illness or injury, don’t delay evacuation — care outside Bali can be very limited.

Before you go

Essential Routine Vaccines

All travellers should be up to date with:
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Polio
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Influenza (seasonal flu)
• COVID-19 (including booster doses if eligible)

Infants aged 6–11 months may be advised to receive an early dose of MMR or hepatitis A before travel.

Recommended Travel Vaccines

These vaccines are strongly recommended for most travellers to Indonesia, especially those staying longer, eating local food, or travelling beyond Bali:

Hepatitis A – Common in food and water.
Hepatitis B – Spread through blood, tattoos, sex, and medical procedures.
Typhoid – Food and waterborne illness risk, especially in rural areas.
Rabies – Endemic in Indonesia. Recommended for long stays, rural travel, or monkey exposure.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) – Consider vaccination for rural stays over 1 month or during wet season.
Cholera – May be recommended for aid workers or long-term rural stays.
Tuberculosis (TB) – Indonesia has high TB rates. Consider screening for long stays or health work.

🎒 Travel should be an adventure — not a health risk.
With the right advice, you can manage chronic conditions, complex medications, and health risks confidently on the road.
Book your Travel Health Consult and set yourself up for a healthier, safer journey.

Traffic Trouble: More Than Just a Travel Inconvenience

Road safety in Indonesia — and particularly Bali — is a serious issue. For many travellers, the biggest risk isn’t food poisoning or mosquito bites. It’s traffic.

Bali’s roads are chaotic: narrow, overcrowded, and shared by cars, trucks, dogs, pedestrians, and a sea of motorbikes. Scooter-related injuries are one of the leading causes of hospitalisation, evacuation, and death among Australian tourists in Bali.

Scooter Risks: What You Need to Know

Many travellers rent scooters without experience, training, or a valid licence.
Helmets are often ignored — or offered in poor condition — but are legally required and critical for survival.
Bali’s road conditions can be dangerous: loose gravel, potholes, sudden rain, stray dogs, and unpredictable traffic are common.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major contributor to accidents.
Hospitals in Bali frequently treat tourists with head injuries, fractures, and road rash — many of which require surgery or repatriation.

Insurance Warning

Most travel insurance policies do not automatically cover scooter accidents.

Coverage typically requires an international motorcycle licence, helmet use, and compliance with local traffic laws.
Riding without a licence or helmet may void your cover, leaving you with tens of thousands in medical bills.
Some insurers offer optional motorbike cover add-ons — but they must be arranged before travel.

If You Choose to Ride:

Wear a certified helmet, long sleeves, and closed shoes.
Rent from a reputable provider with a mechanically sound bike.
Avoid riding at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Never ride under the influence.
Make sure your insurance covers motorbike use and bring documentation of your licence.

Summary for Travellers:
Riding a scooter in Bali may feel like part of the adventure — but it comes with real risks. If you’re not licensed, not covered, or not confident, don’t do it. Your health — and your finances — may depend on it.

Weather

Indonesia has a tropical climate with two main seasons: wet (November–April) and dry (May–October). Temperatures stay warm and humid year-round, typically between 24–32°C. The dry season offers lower humidity and clearer skies, while the wet season brings heavy downpours, increased mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, and occasional travel disruptions due to flooding.

Sun exposure is intense even on cloudy days. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn are common, especially for new arrivals adjusting to the climate.

Volcanoes and Air Quality

Indonesia has over 100 active volcanoes, especially in Bali, Lombok, and Java. Eruptions can trigger airport closures, evacuations, and respiratory issues from volcanic ash. Travellers with asthma or lung conditions should carry reliever inhalers and monitor local alerts. During the dry season, agricultural fires may cause regional haze and worsen air quality.

Exploring Without Limits: Travel and Chronic Conditions

Join our members-only section for trusted, personalised advice on managing diabetes, heart health, arthritis, and more while travelling the world.
Access expert tips crafted for travellers living with chronic health conditions—because smart preparation leads to smoother, safer adventures.
Stay confident, travel protected, and make the most of every journey with tailored health strategies designed to go wherever you do.

Travel Well Extras

Not on the Brochure: Bali’s Hidden Health Hazards

Alcohol Risks – Including Methanol Poisoning

There have been multiple deaths and hospitalisations in Bali due to methanol-contaminated spirits, especially counterfeit vodka or arak (a traditional rice-based spirit). Even popular tourist areas have seen incidents from low-cost drinks.

Stick to reputable bars, resorts, or sealed commercial brands. Be cautious with cocktails from roadside vendors or backpacker bars advertising free pours or “buckets”.

Sunburn, Heat Exhaustion & Hangovers

Bali’s heat and humidity take a toll. Travellers often underestimate their sun exposure, especially near water or when hungover.

Dehydration, sunstroke, and severe sunburn are frequent causes of clinic visits.
Alcohol, surf sessions, and poor hydration are a dangerous mix in hot conditions.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), electrolyte tablets, and plan breaks from sun and alcohol — especially in the first few days.

Drowning and Ocean Hazards

Drowning is one of the leading causes of tourist deaths in Bali.

Many beaches lack lifeguards, and strong rip currents can appear suddenly — even on calm-looking days.
Alcohol, poor swimming ability, and overconfidence are common risk factors.
Surfing, snorkelling, and swimming after sunset are high-risk activities without local guidance.

Check flag warnings, avoid isolated beaches, and never swim alone — even at popular spots like Kuta or Canggu.