Complete health guide
I'm talking what to bring, what shots to get, and how to keep your body thriving in tropical paradise.
Beatrice Hamel
Bali, Indonesia
𧬠First Things First: ALWAYS See a Travel Clinic
Before you hop on that flight, book an appointment with a travel clinic or your doctor.
Why? Because:
They know whatās poppinā in the country right now
Theyāll customize your shots/meds based on your trip length, areas youāre visiting, and what youāll be doing
They can write scripts for antibiotics or anti-malarials if needed
So yeah. Don't wing it. Consult first.
š Recommended Vaccinations for Bali
These arenāt always required, but highly recommended:
ā Routine Vaccines (make sure these are up to date):
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Tdap)
Polio
Influenza (flu shot)
š Strongly Recommended for Most Travelers:
Hepatitis A ā food & water-borne (like that dodgy nasi goreng from a sketchy stall? Yeah.)
Typhoid ā also from contaminated food/water (especially if youāre hitting local warungs)
š Depending on Your Plans:
Hepatitis B ā if you might get tattoos, piercings, or need medical treatment while there
Rabies ā if youāre planning on being around animals (stray dogs, monkeys in Ubud, etc.)
Japanese Encephalitis ā for long stays in rural areas or if you're spending weeks in the countryside
Malaria Pills ā not a huge risk in most parts of Bali, but if youāre island hopping or going remote, ask your doc
š§³ What to Pack (Health Essentials)
This is the stuff you want on hand when something hits:
š Medications:
Basic painkillers: ibuprofen, paracetamol
Anti-diarrheal: loperamide (Imodium) for emergency situations
Oral rehydration salts: absolute lifesavers if you get Bali Belly
Antihistamines: for allergies, bites, or mild reactions
Antibiotics: like Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin (ONLY if prescribed)
Motion sickness tablets: especially for fast boat rides
Melatonin: to reset your jetlag game
Electrolyte tablets: to stay hydrated in that Bali heat
š§¼ Health + Hygiene:
Hand sanitizer (small bottle, always in your bag)
Wet wipes (toilet paper isnāt always a thing in public restrooms)
Bug spray with DEET or picaridin ā mosquitoes go feral at sunset
After-bite cream or soothing aloe gel
Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum ā the UV here is NO joke)
Lip balm with SPF ā often overlooked, totally essential
Mini first aid kit: plasters, tweezers, antiseptic cream
𩳠Extra Smart Stuff to Bring:
Reusable water bottle (refill at filtered water stations)
Travel insurance ā this isnāt optional, babes. Get that coverage.
Proof of vax (especially COVID) ā some places may still ask
Prescription meds + doctorās note ā bring what you need for your full stay
š¦ Stay Healthy While in Bali
Donāt drink tap water ā even for brushing your teeth
Be careful with ice ā stick to bars/restaurants that use filtered ice
Ease into local food ā donāt go spicy, greasy, and raw on Day 1
Wash your hands religiously (or use sanitizer constantly)
Avoid petting stray animals (we know the Bali dogs are cute, but donāt risk rabies)
Use mosquito repellent, esp. in early mornings & evenings
š In Case of Emergency
Hospitals in Bali? Decent in main areas (like BIMC in Kuta/Seminyak or Siloam in Denpasar)
Ambulances exist, but theyāre slow AF due to traffic. Go straight to a clinic if possible.
Phone a local driver or ride app if you need to get to a hospital fast.
š§ Bali Health Checklist
ā
See a travel clinic before you go
ā
Get your vaccines sorted
ā
Pack meds + a small health kit
ā
Avoid sketchy water and food
ā
Use mosquito repellent like your life depends on it
ā
Get insurance (seriously, just do it)
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