Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Many West Australian travellers consider Bali to be one of the northern suburbs of Perth and it's a great place for a
relaxing tropical holiday - sun , sand, shops and surf. However everyone who's been knows of holidays ruined by Bali
Belly, dengue fever, tainted drinks, accidents, a monkey bite requiring a course of rabies shots or substandard
treatment in Bali hospitals. Behind the facade of 4-5 star resorts, hotels and villas, lies a developing country with poor
sanitation, infrastructure problems and environmental degradation.
The following information provides some broad and general guidelines about health risks and recommendations for
this destination. This should not be taken as a substitute for personal consultation with a doctor with experience in
travel health.
Accidents
Most accidents in Bali occur as a result of people doing things they wouldn't normally do, in an environment they may not be
entirely familiar with, often under the influence of alcohol. Examples include motorbike accidents without helmets, on poorly lit
/maintained roads, surfing injuries, near drowning, fights and assaults, twisted/broken ankles from potholes in footpaths, and
exhaust pipe burns.
Be sensible. Make sure your friends look after you if you are drinking, pack a first aid kit, make sure you take travel insurance
and keep an eye on travel alerts. Hospitals and doctors often require prepayment before operations or major medical
procedures in Bali. Decide whether you want to be treated there or get the first flight home for a higher standard of care (if
safe to do so). Sometimes medical evacuation back to Australia is the safest option although this generally needs to be
organised through your travel insurance.
STD's
Many travellers - young and old, male and female - put themselves at risk. Pack condoms and use them. Unfortunately, many
travellers are still caught out having sex with locals not realising they are sex workers expecting payment. Unprotected sex
carries a high risk of STD's, including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis. Herpes and genital warts may still be
transmitted if condoms are used. See a doctor on return if you have put yourself at risk and abstain until you are given the all
clear.
Animal Bites
Rabies has only been a problem in Bali in recent years. Dog bites affecting Balinese locals account for most cases, but
theoretically any mammal can transmit the disease. Watch young children around animals closely. Dont carry food in, or avoid
altogether the monkey forest near Ubud, as weekly we see people who have been bitten or scratched by monkeys and then
require rabies shots. Immediate and thorough irrigation and cleaning of animal wounds, followed by a course of shots is
essential. See more below under Rabies.
Illicit Drugs
Just don't do it. We all know the consequences in Bali.
Tattoos
Apart from the obvious risk of blood borne viruses (Hepatitis B and HIV) from having tattoos done in less developed countries,
we often see nasty allergic reactions to temporary henna tattoos. Then there are the spelling mistakes.....
Alcoholic Beverages
Apart from the obvious risks of intoxication, there have been cases of poisoning in Indonesia, most notably in Bali and Lombok,
from alcoholic drinks adulterated with harmful substances, particularly methanol. Locals and foreigners, including Australians,
have died or have become seriously ill. Cases have usually involved local spirits and spirit-based drinks, such as cocktails, but
supposed brand name alcohol can also be adulterated. A number of deaths have also been reported after drinking adulterated
arak a traditional rice-based spirit.
You should consider the risks when consuming alcoholic beverages in Indonesia, particularly cocktails and drinks made with
spirits. Drink only at reputable licensed premises and avoid home-made alcoholic drinks. You should be aware that the labelling
on bottles may not be accurate and that substitution of contents can occur.
Travel Insurance
Essential
Vaccinations
Routine Vaccinations for all travellers
All international travellers should be up to date or immune to the following as these are transmissable diseases which
may have serious complications:
Measles
Chickenpox
Influenza - especially for the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions
In addition a tetanus booster if more than 5- 10 years since last vaccinated is advisable to avoid having to get a booster
shot in Bali in the event of a tetanus prone wound