Health in Bali

Bali has a good infrastructure and well developed tourist amenities which include modern medical centres and international standard private hospitals. All major resorts have 24 hour drop-in clinics and many major hotel resorts also have on call doctors. Tourists staying in the south of the island are never far from English speaking medical assistance. Bali has a tropical climate with some health risks especially for those unaccustomed to the food, weather and hygiene standards of a developing country. Here are some common sense tips and tricks to staying fit and healthy in Bali.

Tropical heat
You can expect a steamy tropical climate year round in Bali with no let up from the hot sunshine even during the rainy season. Any length of time exposed to the heat will leave people fatigued and dehydrated. High factor sunscreen and regular liquid intake is vital. Rehydration salts are also a good idea. Limit your time outdoors during the day as it is easy to underestimate the power of the tropical sun. Sunburn can occur even during cloudy overcast days without adequate protection. Surfers and snorkellers are particularly at risk and should invest in plenty of high factor waterproof sun block. More on weather in Bali

Bali belly
Adjusting to the heat, spicy cuisine and hygiene standards can take time and a bout of the runs or an upset stomach is a real possibility. Steer clear of drinking tap water as bottled drinking water can be found everywhere and is very cheap. Food preparation and hygiene standards at some roadside cafes leave a lot to be desired and should be treated with caution. Food may be pre-cooked and displayed in the open air under a hot sun often for hours before being served. After a tiring day in the heat always add a little extra salt to meals in order to replenish what’s lost through perspiration.

Dogs
Bali has a problem with roaming packs of feral dogs overrunning some rural towns and villages. These stray animals are a nuisance with incessant barking but also there are still some cases of rabies being reported in Bali. The authorities have a strict quarantine policy at sea ports now which has helped combat this, but the risk is still very real. In the case of an animal bite or scratch, always seek immediate medical assistance just to be safe and wash the wound immediately with spirit strength alcohol such as rum or whisky.

Dengue fever
Bali has been officially a malaria free zone for many years, however, Asia has seen a sharp rise in the number of dengue fever cases reported. Bali itself has had several cases in the past year mainly located in the east of the island. This mosquito-born disease produces similar symptoms to malaria but there are no available vaccines. The best prevention is simply to avoid being bitten apply mosquito repellent liberally at regular intervals, sleep under a mosquito net and use an air conditioned well ventilated room.      

Arak
Since early 2009 there have been two serious outbreaks of poisoned arak rice wine resulting in several deaths of local Balinese and foreign tourists. It is still illicitly brewed in most towns and villages and hygiene standards are very suspect. Due to the adverse publicity, it is now rarely available in tourist shops and bars. Play it safe and steer clear of all home brewed arak however tempting it may be.

Healthcare
Medical facilities at a local level are very basic throughout Bali with the notable exception of Sanglah hospital in Denpasar which is one of the best in Indonesia. Things are much better in the major resorts of south Bali which all boast 24 hour clinics and English speaking medics. The capital Denpasar also has a handful of international standard hospitals. They offer first class casualty and primary care facilities – at a price. Private medical care in Indonesia is very expensive and a little impersonal. It is not uncommon for an inpatient with a minor illness to run up a medical bill of $1,000 per day. Comprehensive travel insurance is a must when travelling to Bali.   

Safety in Bali
Living in Bali
Weather in Bali

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