When it comes to travelling and outing, Bali is amongst the topmost touring destination in Asia. This island is home to some of the most breath-taking sights and places in the world. We, at Bali News, always wish your travelling should always a care-free task, smooth-sailing, relaxing-on-the-beach-while-sipping-cocktails experience. However, sometimes unexpected healthcare emergencies may come. It may be a severe case of Bali Belly (traveller’s diarrhoea), a surfing injury or painful sunburn can ruin a dream vacation. But worry not as Bali’s medical infrastructure is very much advanced, with facilities like air ambulances, multilingual staff and specialists in difficult emergency departments. For minor illnesses, staff from villa or hotel will also be able to provide a local GP for medical assistance.
Treatment for minor ailments and common traveller’s health issues is easily accessed in Bali. For serious conditions, you will need to escape the island. It’s important to take a note of certain precautions you should take while staying in Bali, especially regarding rabies, mosquito bites and the tropical sun. The advice we provide is a general guide only and does not replace the advice of a doctor trained in travel medicine.
Things to note before you start the journey
Make sure all your medications are packed before you start your journey. A signed and dated prescription from your doctor describing your medical conditions and medications is mandatory when you are travelling internationally. If you are taking any medication regularly, bring it to double in quantity.
Medical Insurance
Make sure that your health insurance coverage at your home country will cover you in Bali as well. You can also think of taking out travel insurance, bring a copy of the policy as evidence that you’re covered. It’s always a good idea to get a policy that pays for medical evacuation if any emergency arrives.
Recommended Vaccinations
Specialised travel-medicine clinics are the best point of contact; they have stock of all available vaccines and will be able to provide you with specific recommendations for you and your trip.
Required Vaccinations
The only vaccine required as per international rules and regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination is only needed if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone (primarily some parts of Africa and South America) within the six days before entering Southeast Asia.
Medical Checklist
These are some of the required items for a conventional personal medical kit: Antibacterial cream, Antihistamine, Antiseptic (e.g. Betadine), Contraceptives, DEET-based insect repellent, First-aid items (scissors, bandages, thermometer), Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications, Steroid cream for allergic/itchy rashes, Sunscreen and hat.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Travellers are advised to prevent mosquito bites by taking these steps:
- Use a DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed skin.
- You should sleep under a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin.
- Choose your accommodation with screens and fans (if not air-conditioned).
- Impregnate clothing with permethrin in high-risk areas.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers in light colours.
- Spray your room with insect repellent before going out for your evening meal.
Rabies
To minimise your risk, consider getting the rabies vaccine, which consists of 3 injections. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years’ protection. This may be worth considering given Bali’s rabies outbreak. The vaccines are often unavailable on Bali, so get them before you go.
Typhoid
This serious bacterial infection is spread via food and water. Its symptoms are a high and slowly progressive fever, headache and possibly a dry cough and stomach pain. It is diagnosed by blood tests and treated with antibiotics. Vaccinations are 80% effective and should be given one month before travelling to an infected area.
Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Traveller’s diarrhoea (aka Bali’s belly) is the most common problem affecting travellers – between 30% and 50% of people will suffer from it within two weeks of starting their trip. In over 80% of cases, traveller’s diarrhoea is caused by bacteria and therefore responds promptly to treatment with antibiotics.
Hospitals
There are two facilities in Denpasar that offer a good standard of care. Both are more affordable than in international clinics. Bali Med Hospital in the Kerobokan side of Denpasar has a range of medical services with a basic consultation is around IDR 200K. RSUP Sanglah Hospital is the best hospital on the island, although the standards are not the same as at those in first-world countries.
Avoid drinking directly from tap water
Tap water in Bali is never safe to drink. Widely available and cheap, bottled water is generally safe but check the seal is intact when purchasing. Look for places that allow you to refill containers, thus cutting down on landfill.
Alcohol Poisoning
There are ongoing reports of injuries and deaths among tourists and locals due to arak (the local spirits that should be distilled from palm or cane sugar) being adulterated with methanol, a poisonous form of alcohol.
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