Safety in Bali and crime risk
Beach lifeguard tower spots swimmers in trouble
The vast majority of Bali’s three million annual visitors enjoy a safe and trouble free island experience. The Balinese are noted for their warmth and peaceful nature and especially proud of their unique culture and history. Bali is a tolerant society and should hold no fears for western visitors. However it is always wise to acquaint yourself with the few potential risks to safety to ensure a Bali holiday is remembered for all the right reasons.
Transport safety in Bali
Safety on the roads is one of the major concerns during a holiday in Bali. Many people enjoy the freedom of a motorcycle to explore the island at leisure and they can be hired virtually everywhere. They are extremely cheap to rent and there is virtually no regulation. The quality of motorcycles varies widely and you are expected to pay for any repairs so inspect it carefully beforehand. Road traffic laws are rarely enforced and the Balinese are impatient and erratic motorists. Every year there are hundreds of serious accidents and several deaths on the roads involving foreign tourists.
Drugs in Bali
Indonesia has a zero tolerance of drugs possession and anyone caught with even a single joint can expect a prison sentence or a hefty ‘fine’ which is often demanded on the spot by corrupt police officers. In extreme cases this can amount to as much as several thousand dollars. Serious cases of drug running will definitely mean a long stay in prison and potentially the death sentence. In short just say no to any offers of illicit drugs as some local dealers often work in cahoots with the police and take a cut of any bribes paid.
Crime in Bali
Bali police are generally friendly to tourists
There is very little crime in Bali but with over three million visitors each year it is inevitable that some people are going to fall prey to an opportunist thief. Always lock valuables away in the hotel safe and keep watch over your belongings on the beach at all times. There are police posts in all resorts and a large tourist police station at Kuta beach. The police are helpful in dealing with reports of crime but detection rates are notoriously low.
Women and gay travellers in Bali
The Balinese are well used to the sight of single women venturing out alone and enjoying themselves. There are few places off limits although in smaller towns and villages off the beaten track there may be a few raised eyebrows and plenty of attention from local males. Gay travellers are warmly received in Bali especially in lively Seminyak which has a vibrant gay club scene and there are several hotels who pride themselves on being gay-friendly.
Fraud in Bali
As with elsewhere in the world, credit card fraud is on the increase in Bali. Take extra care at ATM cash machines and simply walk away if there is a suspicion of tampering. Never leave sight of your credit card or debit card when paying for goods or meals in restaurants and where possibly use cash. Many of Bali’s WiFi connections are not fully encrypted so take extra care with online banking and personal information or you may find yourself severely out of pocket by the end of your trip.
Terrorism in Bali
The terror attacks of 2002 and 2005 in Bali have proved very damaging for the island’s image but it has since recovered remarkably well. There is a conspicuous security presence nowadays with many police on the streets especially after dark.
Most medium sized and large hotels also have private security guards 24 hours a day and there are metal detectors placed in all sizeable department stores and supermarkets. It is usually quite unobtrusive and shouldn’t really cause any inconvenience during a holiday. Never leave your own belongings unattended and it is important to remember that terrorism in Bali and elsewhere is very rare indeed.
Scams and touts in Bali
Apart from a few dishonest moneychangers, Bali is relatively scam free. The main complaint of many visitors to Bali is the sheer number of street hawkers and transport touts who mainly congregate around central Kuta and Legian. You will encounter incessant offers of transport, guided tours, massage, gifts and souvenirs and timeshare deals at every turn. Some timeshare sellers can be very persuasive and even abusive so it is best to keep your cool and simply ignore them from the outset.
