Monkey Bites in Ubud: What to Do Immediately
Ubud, Bali, is famous for its lush rice paddies, tranquil yoga retreats, and, of course, the Sacred Monkey Forest. While these long-tailed macaques are a highlight for many travelers, monkey bites and scratches are a real and growing concern. Whether you’re a tourist enjoying the sights or a local resident, knowing how to respond immediately to a monkey bite is critical for your health and peace of mind.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through immediate first-aid steps, when to seek medical care, risks such as rabies and other infections, and how Trishnanda Care Centre can support you with rapid, island-wide care.
Understanding the Risks: Why Monkey Bites Matter
The Growing Problem in Ubud
The interaction between humans and monkeys in tourist hotspots like Ubud has increased over recent years. While most encounters are harmless, bites and scratches can occur if monkeys feel threatened or are provoked (intentionally or not). Even seemingly minor wounds can carry significant health risks.
Health Concerns Linked to Monkey Bites
Rabies: Monkeys in Bali are known carriers of the rabies virus. While less common than in stray dogs, transmission is possible.
Herpes B Virus: Although rare, macaques can transmit this virus, which is potentially fatal to humans.
Bacterial Infections: The mouth of a monkey harbors various bacteria that can cause severe skin and soft tissue infections.
Tetanus: Any break in the skin can allow tetanus spores to enter the body if you’re not up-to-date with vaccinations.
Step-by-Step: What To Do Immediately After a Monkey Bite
Time is crucial after being bitten or scratched by a monkey. Acting quickly and methodically can prevent complications.
Step 1: Get to Safety
Move away from the animal calmly and avoid sudden movements that could provoke further aggression. Do not attempt to retaliate or chase the monkey.
Step 2: Clean the Wound Thoroughly
Proper wound cleaning drastically reduces your risk of infection.
How To Clean the Bite
Rinse Immediately: Use running water (preferably clean or bottled) to rinse the bite or scratch for at least 15 minutes. This physically removes dirt and viral particles.
Soap Up: Wash with plenty of soap. Any mild soap will do if that’s all that is available.
Avoid Scrubbing Too Hard: Be thorough but gentle to avoid causing further tissue damage.
Do Not Apply Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide Directly: These can damage tissue and delay healing.
Pat Dry With a Clean Cloth: If possible, use sterile gauze or a clean towel.
Cover Lightly: Use a sterile bandage if available.
Step 3: Control Bleeding
If bleeding persists:
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
• Elevate the affected limb if possible.
Step 4: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even after thorough cleaning, professional medical care is essential following any monkey bite in Bali due to the risk of rabies and other infections.
When to Call Trishnanda Care Centre
• Any bite or scratch that breaks the skin
• Deep wounds or heavy bleeding
• If you are unsure about your vaccination status
• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
• Fever or feeling unwell after exposure
Our English-speaking doctors and nurses are available 24/7 across Bali for urgent home visits. We offer rapid doctor-on-call services (doctor-on-call), ensuring you get expert wound care and assessment without delay.
What Happens Next? Medical Care & Treatment Options
Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
The primary concern after any animal bite in Bali is rabies exposure. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear but is entirely preventable if treated promptly.
PEP Protocols:
First Aid Is Essential (as described above).
First Dose ASAP: Rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible after exposure.
Immunoglobulin: In high-risk cases (deep wounds, bites on face/hands), rabies immunoglobulin may be recommended.
Follow-Up Doses: Multiple doses over several weeks may be required depending on your vaccination history.
Our team at Trishnanda Care Centre provides guidance on where and how to receive rabies PEP in Bali, including mobile doctor visits for wound assessment and coordination with reliable vaccination centres (Tests & Vaccinations). We also offer free island-wide medication delivery so you never have to worry about finding a pharmacy after an incident.
Tetanus Shots
If your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago—or if you’re unsure—you may require a booster after any animal bite. This is critical for preventing tetanus infection.
Antibiotic Therapy
Bite wounds carry a high risk for bacterial infection due to organisms present in the monkey’s mouth as well as environmental contamination. Your healthcare provider will assess whether oral or intravenous antibiotics are necessary based on the wound’s severity and your medical history.
At Trishnanda Care Centre, we provide both oral antibiotic prescriptions with free delivery and IV antibiotic therapy at your villa if needed (Hydration & Relief IVs).
Preventing Infection & Supporting Recovery
Watch for Signs of Infection
It’s important to monitor wounds closely over the next several days:
• Increased redness, swelling, warmth
• Pus or unusual discharge
• Fever or chills
• Increasing pain or tenderness
If any of these symptoms develop, contact our 24/7 team immediately for reassessment (doctor-on-call).
Boost Your Immunity During Recovery
Recovering from an animal bite can take a toll on your immune system, especially if antibiotics are prescribed or stress levels spike after an incident. Consider supporting your body’s natural defences during recovery:
Immunity IV Therapy
Our Immunity IV Therapy delivers hydration plus essential vitamins directly into your bloodstream for faster recovery and improved overall wellbeing during stressful events such as animal bites.
Hydration Therapy
Wound healing relies heavily on proper hydration. Dehydration can slow down recovery and increase your risk of complications. Our Hydration IV Therapy can be administered at your villa by our trained nurses for immediate support.
Special Considerations For Children & Pregnant Women
Children may be particularly vulnerable due to their smaller body size and higher risk of severe injury from bites near the face or neck. Pregnant women should seek prompt assessment due to altered immune responses during pregnancy.
Our team provides specialized care for pediatric cases and coordinates with local hospitals if advanced care is needed. For pregnant women experiencing additional symptoms such as nausea after an animal bite incident, consider our Bali Belly Mom Care IV Therapy for safe symptom relief under medical supervision.
Prevention Tips: Stay Safe Around Monkeys in Ubud
While not all encounters end badly, prevention is always better than cure.
Key Strategies:
Do Not Feed the Monkeys: Feeding encourages aggressive behaviour.
Avoid Eye Contact: Monkeys may perceive this as a threat.
Keep Valuables Hidden: Food wrappers, sunglasses, cameras can attract monkeys’ attention.
Stay Calm If Approached: Back away slowly without sudden movements.
Supervise Children Closely
Seek Immediate Medical Care If Bitten Or Scratched
Remember that even tiny scratches are considered exposures when it comes to rabies risk.
How Trishnanda Care Centre Can Help You in Ubud
When faced with an emergency like a monkey bite, you need fast access to trustworthy medical care wherever you are on the island.
Our Services Include:
• 24/7 English-speaking doctor-on-call and nurse visits across Bali
• Mobile wound care at your villa or hotel room
• Coordination for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and vaccinations (Tests & Vaccinations)
• Free island-wide prescription medication delivery right to your door
• Mobile IV therapies including Immunity Boosters (Immunity IV Therapy), Hydration Packages (Hydration IV Therapy), Relief Packages (Relief Package), and more
• In-villa lab testing (including dengue NS1+CBC if you develop fever post-bite)
Our goal is to make sure you receive gold-standard care without navigating Balinese traffic or hospital queues so you can focus on recovery instead of logistics.
For our latest promotions on all services including doctor visits and IV therapies, visit our promo page.
Take Action Now If Bitten by a Monkey in Ubud
If you or someone you know has been bitten or scratched by a monkey in Ubud (or anywhere else in Bali), don’t wait act immediately:
• Cleanse the wound thoroughly with soap and running water.
• Seek professional medical advice without delay.
• Keep up-to-date records of tetanus vaccinations.
• Get prompt assessment for rabies risk even small scratches matter.
Reliable help is only a message away Trishnanda Care Centre’s English-speaking doctors and nurses serve all of Bali around-the-clock via mobile visits or teleconsultation, supporting tourists and locals alike through every health emergency large or small.
For fast help now:
Message us on WhatsApp
“This content is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised diagnosis and treatment.”