5 Tips to Not Get Sick in Bali (2025)
Bali’s magic—its emerald rice terraces, sun‑kissed beaches, and vibrant culture—draws millions every year. Yet the island’s tropical climate and fast‑paced
Bali is a dream destination known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. Yet beneath the island’s charm lies a serious public health concern: rabies. First reported on the island in 2008, rabies has since caused multiple human fatalities and continues to pose a risk—especially to tourists and expats who may be unaware of local dog populations and how to handle a bite or scratch. Below, we’ll walk you through the essentials: what rabies is, how to prevent it, the importance of vaccination, and how to get immediate help if you’re bitten.
Quick FAQs on Mobile Healthcare in Bali
Are rabies common in Bali?
Yes. Outbreaks have been recorded since 2008. While the government and local NGOs run vaccination drives for dogs, cases still occur.
Do you need a rabies vaccine to go to Bali?
It’s highly recommended if you plan extended stays, frequently interact with stray dogs or monkeys, or explore rural areas. The Verorab vaccine costs IDR 725K at Trishnanda Care Centre.
Is Indonesia high risk for rabies?
Certain parts of Indonesia are considered high risk, and Bali is among them. Although control efforts exist, rabies persists, especially in stray dog populations.
What do I do if I get bitten by a dog in Bali?
Wash the wound immediately with soap and water, then seek medical attention. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is critical and can save your life.
Why Rabies Matters in Bali
- Prevalence of Stray Dogs
Bali has a significant free-roaming dog population. While many are friendly, some could be infected, and a bite or scratch can transmit the virus. - Monkeys in Tourist Areas
Places like Ubud’s Monkey Forest are popular attractions but can pose a rabies risk if monkeys become aggressive or are infected. - Fatal if Untreated
Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost 100% fatal. Early vaccination or PEP is essential to prevent the virus from reaching the central nervous system. - High Volume of Tourists
With millions of visitors each year—particularly from Australia and Europe—unaware tourists may unknowingly put themselves at risk by petting stray animals or ignoring minor scratches.
How Rabies Spreads & What It Does
Transmission
Rabies typically spreads through bites or scratches from infected animals—most commonly dogs, but also cats, bats, or monkeys. The virus travels via saliva into the wound, eventually reaching the nervous system.
Symptoms
- Fever, headache, and general weakness
- Tingling or numbness around the bite
- Agitation, confusion, or hyperactivity
- Difficulty swallowing, fear of water (hydrophobia)
- Eventually, coma and death if untreated
Incubation Period
Symptoms can take weeks or even months to appear, making immediate post-bite treatment crucial.
Rabies Prevention: Top Strategies
- Avoid Stray Animals
- Do not pet or feed stray dogs or cats.
- In monkey-infested areas (like Ubud’s Monkey Forest), keep a safe distance and secure your belongings.
- Do not pet or feed stray dogs or cats.
- Get Vaccinated (Verorab)
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): If you’re staying long-term or frequently outdoors, consider getting the rabies vaccine beforehand.
- Cost: At Trishnanda Care Centre, the Verorab vaccine is IDR 725K.
- Schedule: Typically administered in a series of shots over a specific timeline (day 0, day 7, day 21 or 28).
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): If you’re staying long-term or frequently outdoors, consider getting the rabies vaccine beforehand.
- Educate Children
- Teach kids not to approach stray dogs or monkeys.
- Emphasize the importance of telling an adult immediately if they’re scratched or bitten.
- Teach kids not to approach stray dogs or monkeys.
- Be Alert
- If you see dogs behaving erratically—foaming at the mouth, aggression—steer clear and notify local authorities or your accommodation manager.
- If you see dogs behaving erratically—foaming at the mouth, aggression—steer clear and notify local authorities or your accommodation manager.
- Support Local Vaccination Efforts
- Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) and other groups run dog vaccination drives. Spreading awareness helps curb rabies at its source.
- Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) and other groups run dog vaccination drives. Spreading awareness helps curb rabies at its source.
What to Do If You’re Bitten or Scratched
- Wash the Wound Immediately
- Use soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This significantly reduces the viral load.
- Use soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This significantly reduces the viral load.
- Contact Trishnanda Care Centre
- WhatsApp
- Their mobile healthcare service can come directly to you for wound assessment, rabies immunoglobulin (if needed), and vaccination.
- WhatsApp
- Seek Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
- PEP involves a series of rabies vaccine injections after exposure.
- If you’re unvaccinated, you may also need rabies immunoglobulin to neutralize the virus.
- PEP involves a series of rabies vaccine injections after exposure.
- Monitor for Symptoms
- Fever, tingling, or unusual behavior changes can signal the virus is progressing.
- Early intervention is key—do not delay medical attention.
- Fever, tingling, or unusual behavior changes can signal the virus is progressing.
Rabies Vaccination Options at Trishnanda Care Centre
- Verorab (IDR 725K):
- Covers pre- and post-exposure.
- Administered by qualified medical professionals who can travel to your hotel, villa, or home.
- Covers pre- and post-exposure.
- Travel Insurance Documentation:
- Trishnanda provides the necessary paperwork if you need to file an insurance claim.
- Trishnanda provides the necessary paperwork if you need to file an insurance claim.
Beyond Rabies: Additional Vaccines & Services
Trishnanda Care Centre doesn’t just handle rabies. They offer a wide array of vaccinations and lab tests for other tropical threats:
- Dengue Vaccine (QDenga, IDR 1,000K)
- Hepatitis A (IDR 885K) & B (IDR 705K)
- Typhoid Fever (IDR 725K)
- Japanese Encephalitis (IDR 825K)
Lab Tests range from Dengue Test (IDR 1,000K) to Malaria (IDR 725K), ensuring you can confirm or rule out any infection quickly. IV therapy packages also help you recover faster if you’re dealing with dehydration, dengue, or other tropical illnesses.
Debunking Myths About Rabies in Bali
- Myth: “If the dog seems friendly, it can’t have rabies.”
- Reality: Dogs can carry the virus without obvious symptoms, or they can be in an early stage of infection.
- Reality: Dogs can carry the virus without obvious symptoms, or they can be in an early stage of infection.
- Myth: “You’ll know immediately if you’re infected.”
- Reality: Symptoms can take weeks or months to appear, so post-exposure shots are vital.
- Reality: Symptoms can take weeks or months to appear, so post-exposure shots are vital.
- Myth: “Culling dogs solves the problem.”
- Reality: Mass culling has proven ineffective. Vaccinating dogs is more humane and far more effective at controlling rabies spread.
- Reality: Mass culling has proven ineffective. Vaccinating dogs is more humane and far more effective at controlling rabies spread.
- Myth: “I only need a vaccine after I’m bitten.”
- Reality: Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for high-risk travelers, offering better protection and simpler post-bite treatment.
- Reality: Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for high-risk travelers, offering better protection and simpler post-bite treatment.
How to Interact with Dogs and Monkeys Safely
- Observe Body Language: A dog with a tucked tail or raised hackles may feel threatened.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Approach calmly if you must interact, but ideally, let the animal come to you.
- Stay Aware in Tourist Spots: Places like Uluwatu Temple and Ubud Monkey Forest are scenic but watch out for monkeys that may steal items or bite if provoked.
Overcoming Rabies Fears: Enjoying Bali Responsibly
Rabies is undoubtedly a serious issue in Bali, but it shouldn’t overshadow your entire trip. With proper precautions—like pre-travel vaccination and mindful animal interactions—you can safely explore the island’s beaches, temples, and local communities.
Key Takeaways
- Vaccinate if you plan to spend significant time around stray dogs or wildlife.
- Avoid contact with stray animals, especially if they appear ill.
- Act fast if bitten: wash the wound, contact Trishnanda Care Centre, and start post-exposure shots immediately.
Stay informed: Understanding how rabies spreads and the local situation in Bali helps you make better decisions.
Stay Rabies-Free, Enjoy Bali Fully
Bali’s enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures are worth exploring—just do so responsibly. Rabies may be a concern, but it’s also 100% preventable with the right measures. Whether you need a Verorab vaccine (IDR 725K) before your trip or mobile healthcare after an unexpected encounter, Trishnanda Care Centre is ready to assist.
Don’t let fear hold you back from the magic of Bali. Arm yourself with knowledge, take simple precautions, and remember that expert help is just a WhatsApp message away. Safe travels and here’s to a rabies-free, unforgettable Balinese adventure!
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