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Travel

Bali

Page last updated on 24 August 2023
Latest security advice
Exercise a high degree of caution
Before entering Indonesia, ensure you understand your visa conditions and entry and exit requirements. Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport. Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged (see 'Travel').

If you're travelling to Bali, read the Bali Provincial Government's 'Do's and Don'ts' advice for foreign tourists before you travel (See 'Local Laws'). Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.

Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don't leave food or drinks unattended. Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Bali and Lombok (see 'Safety').

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Bali, otherwise known as “The Island of Gods” is a popular tourist destination located in Indonesia between the islands of Java and Lombok.

If you’re looking for a tropical, warm and humid climate all year round, then look no further than Bali. The island experiences high temperatures every month of the year and winter doesn’t exist as it only has two seasons – wet and dry. The average year-round temperature is 30oC and the humidity level is unlikely to dip below 70%, so drink plenty of water and be prepared to sweat!

In terms of landscape, Bali has it all – lush forests, mountains with clear lakes, volcanoes and beautiful palm-fringed beaches. It’s not surprising that TripAdvisor awarded Bali as “best destination” winner of the 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Bali has so much to offer visitors, and wherever you go on the island, there’s something for everyone. You may want the bustling nightlife of Kuta, the fabulous food scene in Seminyak, the rich Balinese culture and history in Ubud or the best surf in Uluwatu.

Whether you want your Balinese holiday to be spent relaxing at beach bars sipping cocktails or hiking through mountainous forests, it’s important to consider your travel health and the risks of disease. Speak with your healthcare professional about the vaccinations or preventative medicines you might need to protect yourself prior to your departure.

 

Before you go to Indonesia

Do I need vaccinations to visit Bali?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all travellers are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations including; measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, influenza and pneumococcal disease.  These vaccinations are given as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).  For a full list please refer to the NIP schedule, available here. In some cases, you may need a booster or re-vaccination against a disease to ensure you still have immunity.

Travellers to Bali who are aged 5 years or older should also ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Other diseases that are considered a risk in Bali include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, malaria and rabies. Your doctor will be able to let you know which vaccinations or medications are recommended for you, based on the time of year, destination/s, activities  planned and the duration of your stay.
 

What vaccines are recommended when travelling to Bali?

All travellers should be up-to-date with their routine vaccinations before heading off to Bali. These vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chicken pox, polio and influenza.  For a full list, refer to the National Immunisation Program – available here

Most travellers

There is also an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A and typhoid in Bali, both of which can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A can occur regardless of where you are eating or staying, and typhoid is usually more common in rural areas or at street food stalls.

Some travellers

Depending on where you are staying and what activities you have planned, vaccines or preventative medication may be recommended for prevention of the following diseases:

  • Hepatitis B
    • You can contract this through sexual contact and contaminated needles, so this vaccine is particularly important if you are sexually active in Bali, having any medical procedures or are planning on getting a tattoo
  • Japanese encephalitis
    • This mosquito-transmitted disease is more common in rural areas, and you may need this vaccine if your trip to Bali will be longer than a month
  • Rabies
    • Dogs and monkeys that interact with tourists in Bali could have rabies
    • The rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors or with animals, and for small children as they are more likely to approach animals and not report bites

Malaria is not present in the resort areas of Bali, however, if you are planning on visiting rural areas for extended periods or have lots of mountain trekking planned you should consider antimalarial medication.

See your doctor before you travel to see whether any of these vaccines or preventative medications are required for you.

How long before you travel to Bali do you need vaccinations?

It is best to consult with your doctor or travel health clinic at least one month prior to your departure.They will be able to advise you about any vaccinations that you may need for your trip well before you leave, based on your specific travel plans.

What your doctor will need to know: 

  • When you plan to travel (time of year/season)
  • The duration of your trip
  • The areas of Bali you will be visiting
  • Your planned activities (i.e. if you are going trekking or visiting remote and/or wilderness areas)
  • If you will be in contact with animals
  • If you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations 

Your doctor may also conduct a general health check-up. This may be needed for your travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

If you are not up-to-date with your routine and COVID-19 vaccinations or if the doctor believes you may be at an increased risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease, then they may recommend you get a booster or be revaccinated against a particular disease.

Are vaccines covered by private healthcare?

In some circumstances, your private healthcare may cover the cost of the vaccination. 

This will however depend on the specifics of your policy with your provider – the type of cover you have (hospital, hospital + extra) and the specifics of your extras cover. 

Contact your provider to find out if vaccinations are included as part of your cover. 

I'm planning on getting a tattoo in Bali, do I need vaccinations?

Tattoo parlours overseas may not have the same health standards as we have here in Australia. There is a risk of contracting diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, as well as other skin infections. Vaccinations are available against hepatitis B, but not for the other diseases.Talk to your doctor before you go.

Avoid any tattooing that involves unsterile or reused equipment. Also try to avoid getting temporary black henna tattoos as they contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.

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Sources & Citations

  1. World Population Review. Bali Population 2022. Available at: https://worldpopulationreview.com/territories/bali-population [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  2. About Bali. Bali, Indonesia. Available at: http://www.aboutbali.com/ [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  3. Beautiful World. Bali. Available at: https://www.beautifulworld.com/asia/indonesia/bali/ [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  4. Travel Guide, The Jakarta Post. TripAdvisor presents Bali with the 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Available at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/04/21/tripadvisor-presents-bali-with-2017-travelers-choice-awards.html [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers Health – Indonesia. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/indonesia [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  6. Australian Government Department of Health. National Immunisation Program Schedule (NIP). Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-throughout-life/national-immunisation-program-schedule [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  7. Bali.com. Vaccinations for Bali. Available at: https://www.bali.com/vaccinations-health-diseases.html [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  8. Australian Government. Smart Traveller – Indonesia. Available at: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/indonesia#health [accessed 21 February 2022].
  9. Finder, Travel Vaccinations – Can I claim travel vaccinations on my private health insurance? Available at: https://www.finder.com.au/travel-vaccinations [accessed 21 February 2022].
  10. Australian Government. Smart Traveller – Infectious Diseases. Available at: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/diseases [Accessed 21 February 2022].
  11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler’s Health Pack Smart. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart Accessed 21 February 2022].

MAT-AU-2200220   Date of preparation March 2022