Health & Safety in Bali
Vaccines, hospitals, common scams, tap water and sun — the practical basics before you go.
Vaccines & insurance
Routine + Hepatitis A
Standard travel advice covers routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid for most visitors. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Travel insurance is not optional
Confirm your policy covers scooter accidents (a common exclusion without the right license) and medical evacuation — private hospital care is far cheaper than a Western country, but evacuation for serious injuries is not.
Hospitals
Private hospitals offer far faster, more reliable care than public ones for tourists.
BIMC Hospital
Kuta & Nusa Dua locations, 24-hour ER, English-speaking staff, direct insurance billing with most providers.
Siloam Hospitals
Denpasar location, full-service private hospital with a wide range of specialists.
Kasih Ibu Hospital
Central Denpasar, commonly used for both emergencies and routine care.
Water, sun & common scams
Tap water
Don't drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and be cautious with ice at very informal street stalls — most cafés and restaurants use filtered ice safely.
Sun protection
Bali sits near the equator — UV is intense year-round. Reef-safe sunscreen (avoiding oxybenzone/octinoxate) is both better for you and for the coral around Nusa Penida and Amed.
Scooter rental "damage" scams
Photograph your rental scooter from all angles before riding off, and use a rental company with online reviews rather than the cheapest street stall.
Overcharging at unmetered taxis
Use Grab or GoJek where possible, or agree on a fare before getting in an unmetered "Bluebird look-alike" taxi.