[takeaways] • Bali is generally considered a safe destination by many visitors, but official government travel advice varies and should always be checked before you fly.
• The UK's FCDO advises against all travel to specific parts of Indonesia — not the entire country — though Bali carries its own specific risk warnings around crime, drink spiking, and methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol.
• Tap water isn't safe to drink in Bali — always use bottled water, including for ice and brushing your teeth.
• Opportunistic crime like pickpocketing and phone snatching is the most common risk for tourists, particularly in crowded areas.
• Bali experiences active volcanic activity and a wet season from October to March, when flooding and mudslide risks increase.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Indonesia keeps you connected to the best local network data if you need support during your trip. [/takeaways]
If you've never visited Indonesia before and are considering visiting the island of Bali for your next break away, you may be wondering just how safe it is for tourists to explore. What are the crime levels like, is there a risk of food and drink poisoning, and what about natural disasters?
In this guide, we consider "is Bali safe" by looking at some key safety considerations and providing links to resources that go into more detail. Before you book flights, make sure you are completely clued up on and are comfortable with what to expect from Bali!
Is Bali safe? The bottom line
Bali is, according to several anecdotal sources and visitors, a safe destination for tourists, though official travel advice varies — so caution is a must.
While there will always be some risks with regard to crime, health and safety, and even natural disasters, tourists are, according to word of mouth, unlikely to be affected provided they take care of themselves, their possessions, and what they ingest. However, it is always worth taking individual accounts with a pinch of salt.
There may be some differences in official advice depending on where you are traveling from. For example, the FCDO, for the UK government, currently advises against all travel to specific parts of Indonesia due to terrorism and security concerns in those regions — this is not a blanket warning against the whole country, but it's important to check exactly which areas are covered before you book, as advice can change.
The FCDO also advises that there are reports of drink spiking across Bali, and that sexual crimes are regularly reported. As their guide recommends, it's wise to be more alert at night and to stick to well-lit areas. Always make sure someone knows where you are, and don't travel alone if you can help it.
[warning]The FCDO has also documented cases of serious illness and death caused by methanol poisoning from alcoholic drinks in Indonesia, including in Bali. Counterfeit alcohol containing high levels of methanol has been found in licensed bars, shops, and hotels in tourist areas — it cannot be identified by taste or smell. Seek urgent medical attention if you or anyone you're traveling with shows signs of methanol poisoning after drinking, and exercise caution with unfamiliar or suspiciously cheap spirits.[/warning]
That means, even though many people claim Bali is safe on paper, it's still a good idea to use common sense and to take precautions if you aren't sure about what to expect.
Food safety in Bali
The term "Bali Belly" exists for a reason, and a bad stomach can affect new visitors if they don't take precautions when eating out and drinking water in Bali. For example, according to Bali International Hospital, tap water isn't fit for drinking, meaning you should always consume bottled water. That goes for using ice cubes and brushing your teeth, too. In fact, as the hospital guide states, even fresh juices and iced coffees may also be at risk.
Various sources and visitors claim that street food vendors across Bali are safe to eat from; however, caution should be exercised. For example, it's never good practice to eat from vendors with surfaces or stalls that are unclean. When choosing eateries, restaurants or otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to look for venues with long lines or busy tables — they're likely to be safest to eat at.
[tip title="Practice basic hygiene to avoid stomach upsets"]Washing your hands with soap and water is a must, as is avoiding sharing knives, forks, spoons, or other utensils. Bali International Hospital explores these tips in more depth in the guide linked above.[/tip]
General crime
Crime in Bali that is likely to affect tourists, if at all, will be opportunistic. That means visitors need to be especially careful around crowded areas for pickpocketing and bag theft. Phone snatching, too, is an opportunistic crime that can occur in a split-second, even if you just hold your device out for a moment too long.
In general, avoid keeping your valuables accessible or out in the open around some of the busier market areas. It's also wise to avoid leaving any items on beaches or shores unattended, as they are at risk of being stolen when you're not looking.
[tip title="Keep valuables close and invest in a crossbody bag"]We recommend keeping money and valuables worn away from the side of the street where people walk down. Where possible, invest in a crossbody bag.[/tip] [warning]There is also a risk of violent and sexual crime, meaning caution is advised if you are traveling solo. Where possible, travel as part of a group, and regardless of what you do and how you travel, always make sure someone you know and trust is clear on where you are going, and what you are doing.[/warning] [warning]Always keep anything you eat or drink in clear sight. Don't accept drinks or meals from strangers, and don't leave anything unattended.[/warning]
Using reliable transport is also a must — rely on ride-hailing apps or officially sanctioned taxis rather than depending on random transport available from the street side.
It's also worth remembering that, should you need to withdraw cash while you're away, you should stick to doing so inside bank buildings and financial institutions.
Natural disasters
Bali is home to a variety of active volcanic peaks, which means monitoring local weather and meteorology reports is a must if you are traveling anywhere near mountainous areas. As a primary measure, make sure you have travel insurance in place just in case you are caught during a natural disaster and need medical assistance.
Bali doesn't always experience earthquakes or tsunamis, but they are possible — and, during the island's wet season between October and March, flooding risks are likely to be higher, and if you are traveling to rural corners, you might be at risk from mudslides.
Natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions may cause flight disruptions, but major disasters on the whole are uncommon. That said, it does still pay to travel safely and to be well prepared in case you need to evacuate or ask for help.
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As Bali.com confirms, the emergency numbers in Bali to remember are 112 for general emergencies, 110 for police, 113 for fire services, 118 or 119 for ambulance services, and 115 for search and rescue. You should call 129 for help during natural disasters.
Travel tips for Indonesia
Let's close our guide with some general travel tips to keep in mind when exploring Indonesia.
[tip title="Keep track of flight news during natural events"]Transport delays may arise when, for example, the region experiences earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Always plan ahead and keep track of the latest flight news, and adjust accordingly.[/tip] [tip title="Visit during the dry season for the most predictable weather"]The best time for visiting Indonesia varies depending on what you're looking for in a vacation! However, many people choose to vacation here during the dry season, meaning booking flights and accommodations any time between May and September is prudent.[/tip] [tip title="Carry cash for smaller vendors and purchases"]You'll be able to use cards to pay for hotel stays and food across major tourist resorts here, but don't always assume they will be accepted across the islands. Always carry some cash with you if, for example, you are buying from smaller vendors, or if you are making small purchases.[/tip] [warning]Before you visit, always make sure that you are up to date with your travel vaccinations — advise your doctor of your trip and raise any health concerns before you go.[/warning] [warning]Certain regions of Indonesia may be restricted due to civil unrest, so always check the advice offered by your regional government body before booking and flying.[/warning] [faq] [q]Is Bali safe to visit?[/q] [a]Bali is generally considered safe by many visitors, provided standard precautions are taken. Official government travel advice varies by country of origin and should always be checked before booking, as some governments — including the UK's FCDO — advise against travel to specific parts of Indonesia due to terrorism and security concerns, though this is not a blanket warning covering the whole country.[/a] [q]Is tap water safe to drink in Bali?[/q] [a]No — tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Always use bottled water, including for brushing your teeth and ice cubes in drinks. Fresh juices and iced coffees made with tap water or ice can also carry risk, so it's worth asking how drinks are prepared.[/a] [q]What is the risk of methanol poisoning in Bali?[/q] [a]There have been documented deaths and serious illness in Indonesia, including Bali, caused by counterfeit alcohol containing high levels of methanol. This has occurred even in licensed bars, shops, and hotels in tourist areas, and methanol cannot be detected by taste or smell. Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you're traveling with shows symptoms after drinking, and exercise caution with unfamiliar or unusually cheap spirits.[/a] [q]What crime should tourists be aware of in Bali?[/q] [a]Most crime affecting tourists in Bali is opportunistic — pickpocketing, bag theft, and phone snatching in crowded areas. There is also a documented risk of drink spiking and sexual assault, particularly at night, so travelers (especially those alone) should stay alert, stick to well-lit areas, and keep a trusted contact informed of their plans.[/a] [q]What are the emergency numbers in Bali?[/q] [a]The general emergency number in Bali is 112. For police, call 110; for fire services, call 113; for ambulance services, call 118 or 119; for search and rescue, call 115. For help during a natural disaster, call 129.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for visiting Bali?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for Indonesia is a convenient way to stay connected to the best local network data throughout your trip — useful for accessing support quickly if you need it, and for staying in touch during your stay. It means no hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇮🇩" label="Bali" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$9.40" href="/products/bali" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Bali[/esim]
