Health Information for Travelers
The most common health problems for visitors are over exposure to the sun, digestive troubles, infections arising from untreated surface cuts and motorcycle mishaps. Use a sunblock and reapply often. Avoid the beach (sunny or not) between 11AM and 2PM; and wear a hat. Tropical ulcers are infections that can arise when surface wounds such as cuts, blisters or scratched mosquito bites go unattended. Even very minor wounds should be washed with soap and water and traded with antiseptic towels, powder, or cream. Treat stomach upsets with a mild diet – boiled rice and black tea is an effective remedy. Diarrhea must be followed with a rehydration treatment – coconut water is an effective remedy.
To minimize digestive problems, avoid fresh fruit that you do not peel yourself. Drink only bottled water, checking first that the seal is intact. Food at local food stalls is always fresh but it is highly spiced and hygiene can be questionable. In some tourist places, on the other hand, excessive faith in refrigeration can result in food being stored too long. In cases of serious doubt, plain rice with a little salt is generally safe.
The tropical sun is deceptively strong; so too are the currents of the Indian Ocean on the south and west coasts of Bali. Most beaches do not have lifeguards or markers. Drowning are common. Rivers which cross beaches and empty into the sea have traversed towns where sanitation can be poor or even non-existent. For this reason, and because of mudslides, avoid even upstream rivers for bathing.
To minimize digestive problems, avoid fresh fruit that you do not peel yourself. Drink only bottled water, checking first that the seal is intact. Food at local food stalls is always fresh but it is highly spiced and hygiene can be questionable. In some tourist places, on the other hand, excessive faith in refrigeration can result in food being stored too long. In cases of serious doubt, plain rice with a little salt is generally safe.
The tropical sun is deceptively strong; so too are the currents of the Indian Ocean on the south and west coasts of Bali. Most beaches do not have lifeguards or markers. Drowning are common. Rivers which cross beaches and empty into the sea have traversed towns where sanitation can be poor or even non-existent. For this reason, and because of mudslides, avoid even upstream rivers for bathing.
Things to know and do before leaving:
- Each of you has medical evacuation insurance as part of this trip.
- Be sure to set up an appointment with your medical doctor or travel clinic before leaving.
- You must be up to date on all routine vaccinations and you must be vaccinated for Typhoid and Hepatitis A. It is strongly encouraged that you get vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Please note: we will not be in areas where Malaria or Japanese Encephalitis has been reported.
- Please check out the following link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page on travel to Indonesia.
Medical Facilities in Bali
There are 24-hour clinics in the major tourist areas for minor illnesses and first aid. These cater mainly to tourists and their prices reflect that. The clinics include the Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC), in both Kuta and Nusa Dua, the SOS Clinic, and the Ubud Clinic. There is an extra charge for house calls. The local equivalents to these clinics are the Puskesmas, not always staffed around the clock and not as well equipped. Major hotels have doctors on call, our resort in Sanur will have a doctor on call. There are public hospitals (rumah sakit umum) in every regional capital - the best is in Sanglah, Denpasar. There are a few private hospitals.
Nearest Hospitals
Bali Royal Hospital
JL. Letda Tantular No.6, Renon, Denpasar - Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 247499 · baliroyalhospital.co.id
BaliMed Hospital
Jl. Mahendradatta no 57X 80516, Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 484748 · balimedhospital.co.id
Rumah Sakit Umum
Jalan Raya Yeh Gangga 9, Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 812454
Bali Royal Hospital
JL. Letda Tantular No.6, Renon, Denpasar - Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 247499 · baliroyalhospital.co.id
BaliMed Hospital
Jl. Mahendradatta no 57X 80516, Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 484748 · balimedhospital.co.id
Rumah Sakit Umum
Jalan Raya Yeh Gangga 9, Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 812454