Bali's idyllic weather and lush landscapes create a paradise for
Instagram-worthy photos and a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife, including
animals, insects, and reptiles. However, it's important to remember that not
all of Bali's creatures are as welcoming as its people. Here's what you need to
be cautious of on this paradise island.
For a medical emergency in Indonesia, call 119. If you cannot get through, ask a lifeguard or your accommodation to help contact a local ambulance service.
Animals
Monkeys
In cartoons and Disney movies, monkeys are often depicted as cute and
harmless creatures, playfully frolicking around. However, the reality in Bali
is quite different. Monkeys here are clever, mischievous, and sometimes
aggressive, especially when they are in groups.
These monkeys are known for their boldness, snatching anything that catches
their eye—food, water bottles, glasses, phones, earrings, you name it. In
places like the Monkey Forest in Ubud, there are even rumors that some monkeys
collaborate with locals, stealing items and returning them for a reward.
If you plan to visit areas inhabited by monkeys, exercise caution. Keep
shiny or valuable items out of sight, as these can easily attract unwanted
attention. Remember, monkeys have sharp teeth and can carry diseases, including
rabies. If you're bitten by a
monkey—or any animal—seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound
appears minor.
Balinese Dogs
Balinese dogs, often called "balidogs," aren't always the friendly
companions you might expect. These dogs can carry a variety of diseases,
including scabies, demodicosis, fungal and bacterial infections, fleas, and
lice. While it's uncommon to contract these illnesses, it's wise to wash your
hands thoroughly after touching a dog.
Balidogs also pose a hazard on the roads. They have a peculiar habit of
lying in the middle of streets, especially at night, making roads like the one
from Canggu to Ubud particularly risky for scooter riders.
Like other dogs, balidogs can be aggressive and may bite. They become even
more dangerous when in packs. For instance, there was an incident where a pack
of balidogs attacked an Australian tourist.
Additionally, despite efforts by Bali authorities to vaccinate stray dogs,
rabies remains a concern with balidogs. If you're bitten by a balidog, even if
the wound seems minor, it’s essential to see a doctor promptly, as you may need
to undergo a series of rabies shots.
Cats
Though cats may seem like ideal cuddle companions, they can transmit various
diseases, including ringworm (dermatophytosis), feline scabies, fleas, lice,
and even toxoplasmosis—a parasite humorously said to make people love cats
unconditionally. Cats can also carry and spread rabies. To protect yourself,
always practice good hygiene after touching any animal, especially strays.
Reptiles
Snakes
Photo: heworldtravelguy.com
Keep your distance from snakes and do not try to handle them. Keep other people and pets away. If a snake enters your home, contact a trained snake handler rather than trying to remove it yourself.
Wear closed shoes when walking through vegetation and use a flashlight at night so you can see where you step. If someone is bitten, keep them and the bitten limb still and arrange emergency medical care immediately. Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, or apply a tourniquet. Do not try to catch or handle the snake. A photo taken from a safe distance may help identification, but must not delay treatment.
Insects
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
When it comes to bees, wasps, and hornets, the best approach is simple:
avoid disturbing them or their nests, and they are likely to leave you alone.
Bali is home to many wild and semi-wild bee species. Occasionally, swarms
may come close to people's properties, but they typically do not sting unless
provoked. If you are stung, follow these steps: check if the stinger is left in
the skin and remove it, clean the area with an antiseptic solution, apply a
cold compress, and ask a pharmacist about treatment if the area is itchy. Antihistamines may relieve itching; they do not treat a severe allergic reaction.
Call for emergency medical help if a sting causes breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat, or fainting or collapse. If the person has a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector, use it straight away as directed. Seek medical advice promptly if symptoms get worse or if the sting is near the eye, mouth, or throat.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are active year-round in Bali, but their numbers can increase significantly during the rainy season, which typically runs from October to March. The rainy season creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding due to high humidity and the prevalence of standing water in puddles, water containers, and clogged drains. This environment supports the rapid development of mosquito larvae. In contrast, the dry season from April to September generally sees a decrease in mosquito activity, but mosquitoes can still be a concern, especially if there are sources of standing water around.
Mosquitoes are a common nuisance in Bali and can pose serious health risks, such as transmitting dengue fever. Dengue is common in Bali and can range from mild illness to severe disease that needs hospital care.
If you
experience symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, a bright red rash, or
joint and muscle pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, or blood in vomit or stool, especially as the fever goes down. If dengue is suspected, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen because they can increase the risk of bleeding.
The Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue are particularly active during the day, but they can also bite at night.
To protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce the risk of dengue fever, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, eliminate standing water, and use mosquito nets and screens.
Ants
If ants invade your home, act
quickly to prevent damage and discomfort. Use a local insecticide like Baygon
to eliminate them before they can damage your furniture or steal your food.
Ants are incredibly strong—they can carry away parts of your meal and may even
bite if their attempts to steal food fail.
Ant bites and stings can cause pain and swelling. Seek emergency medical help if a sting causes breathing difficulty, swelling of the mouth or throat, or collapse.
To avoid insect bites while
exploring nature in Bali, apply repellents available at local stores like
Indomaret and AlfaMart.
Tomcat
Tomcats are rove beetles that can cause a blistering skin reaction when crushed against the skin. Remove the insect gently without crushing it. Wash any skin that has been in contact with it using soap and clean water. Seek medical advice for severe irritation or if your eyes are affected.
Centipedes
Centipede bites can be painful. Wash the area with water and keep it clean. A cold pack wrapped in cloth can help with local pain while you arrange medical advice. Seek prompt care if the pain persists or symptoms worsen.
Cockroaches
Bali is home to cockroaches—large, flying insects about the size
of a matchbox. If your home becomes infested, it's best to contact a
local pest control service, many of which also handle ants and flies.
Arachnids
Scorpions
Scorpion stings can be painful. Avoid handling scorpions, and do not assume a sting is harmless.
Seek medical advice after a sting. Seek medical help immediately if a child or older person is stung. Get urgent help if symptoms are severe or worsening, and call for emergency help for breathing difficulty, fainting or collapse.
Wash the area with water and keep it clean. A cold pack wrapped in cloth can help with local discomfort while you arrange medical advice. Do not put ice directly on the skin or on an eye.
Spiders
Leave spiders alone and avoid handling them. If you are bitten, seek medical advice if pain or swelling is severe, persists or worsens. Breathing difficulty, fainting or collapse needs emergency medical help.
Underwater: Bali's Fascinating yet Hazardous Creatures
The beauty of fish in Bali’s waters is captivating, but it’s safest to
admire them from a distance. Their appearance can signal potential dangers:
some fish have sharp spines on their fins that contain potent protein-based
toxins. Some fish stings can cause serious injury and require urgent medical care.
If you get pierced by a fish spine, follow these steps:
- Get to Safety: Get out of the water safely and arrange medical help.
- Leave Embedded Spines: Leave any deeply embedded spine or barb in place. Removing it can worsen bleeding.
- Apply Heat: Immerse a stung hand or foot in hot but not scalding water, no hotter than 45°C. Test it first with the rescuer’s hand and stop if it burns. Take extra care with children, older people and fragile skin. Do not delay medical care to prepare the water.
- Watch Closely: Keep the person under observation and watch for breathing difficulties or collapse.
- Check Tetanus: Ask the treating clinician whether a tetanus booster is needed.
Seek urgent medical assessment after a suspected stonefish sting, a deep puncture, or severe pain. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR and follow instructions from emergency services.
Stonefish
Stonefish stings can be life-threatening. Unlike the brightly coloured lionfish, the stonefish excels at
camouflage, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. This makes it easy to
accidentally step on, which can be extremely dangerous. Its venom, like that of other venomous fish, is
protein-based. Treat a suspected sting as an emergency and get medical help immediately. Hot water may ease pain, but preparing it must not delay medical care.
Blue-Ringed Octopus
This small octopus can deliver a dangerous bite. Admire it from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing it.
A suspected blue-ringed octopus bite needs emergency medical care, even if it is painless. Keep the person completely still. If trained, apply a pressure-immobilisation bandage to a bitten limb and keep it splinted, without cutting off circulation. Monitor breathing continuously. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR, including rescue breaths, and continue until normal breathing returns or medical help takes over.
Sharks
If you encounter a shark, keep your distance and follow local warnings and the instructions of a qualified dive guide.
If someone is bitten, help them leave the water as safely as possible. Once out of the water, press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth or dressing while someone calls for emergency medical help. If life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg does not stop with firm pressure, apply a tourniquet if one is available, 5–7 cm above the wound and not over a joint. Tighten it until the bleeding stops, note the time, and do not loosen it. Keep the injured person warm while waiting for help.
When it comes to Bali's wildlife, the best advice is straightforward: always
observe animals, fish, and insects from a safe distance, and avoid touching or
disturbing them, no matter how cute or harmless they may seem. By following
these guidelines, you're likely to enjoy only pleasant memories of your
encounters with Bali’s fascinating wildlife.
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