Bali Safety Guide — What to Watch Out For
Bali is a safe destination for most travellers. The main risks are road accidents, stomach bugs, ocean hazards and tourist scams — all of which are manageable with a little knowledge and preparation.
Road safety & scooters
- 🛵 Scooter accidents are the #1 cause of tourist injury in Bali. If you hire one, wear a proper helmet, ride slowly and avoid night riding.
- 📋 You need an International Driving Permit endorsed for motorcycles. Riding without one voids insurance and risks a fine.
- 🚦 Traffic drives on the left. Roundabouts, dogs crossing roads, and sudden stops are common hazards.
- ✅ Use Grab/Gojek if you are not a confident rider — it's cheap, safe and covered by the app's insurance.
Bali belly & food safety
- 🌊 Never drink tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water only — this includes brushing teeth in some older guesthouses.
- 🧊 Be cautious with ice in budget warungs — it may be made from tap water.
- 🥗 Raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits at budget warungs can be risky if washed in tap water.
- 💊 Pack oral rehydration salts (ORS) and a basic antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin). Consult your doctor before travel.
Ocean & swimming safety
- 🚩 Respect red and yellow flags on beaches — they indicate dangerous rip currents.
- 🌊 Several Bali beaches (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) have strong rips. Do not swim alone and stick to patrolled areas.
- 🐠 Watch out for sea urchins and fire coral when snorkelling. Wear fins and do not touch the reef.
- 🦈 Jellyfish stings are common June–October on some beaches. Lifeguards can advise on conditions.
Emergency numbers
- 🚑 Ambulance: 118 (Indonesia national)
- 🚒 Fire: 113
- 👮 Police: 110
- 🏥 BIMC Nusa Dua: +62 361 3000 911 (English-speaking international clinic)
- 🏥 SOS Medika Kuta: +62 361 710 505