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When it comes to holidaying or moving to any country, one of the most reasonable questions to ask is, "Is Bali safe?".
Ask anyone who has been to Bali and they’ll likely tell you that it’s one of the safest places in the world. However, as with any destination, there are certain precautions that visitors should take to ensure your overall wellbeing.
In this article, we answer the question "Is Bali safe?" and provide tips on how to stay secure while travelling to or living in Bali.
Bali is home to a total population of over 4.5 million people, and it receives close to 6 million international tourists each year. This makes it the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia.
According to Social Expat, Indonesia's leading online expat resource, the majority of visitors to Bali have a safe and enjoyable experience. This is supported by last year’s crime statistics that report 223 criminal cases 2023 – 195 of which were solved by Balinese police, equating to a 74.1% crime resolution rate.
Given the sheer number of people who live in and travel to Bali on an annual basis, these are promising numbers that suggest an incredibly safe environment overall.
Bali is home to three active volcanoes, which may raise concerns for those considering a visit or move. However, the Balinese government and communities have made significant efforts to ensure that they’re prepared for natural disasters.
The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction recognises Bali as one of Indonesia's most advanced provinces in terms of disaster risk management. This includes early warning systems, evacuation plans and regular drills conducted by local authorities that mitigate many issues associated with natural disasters.
While no place is entirely immune to natural disasters, Bali's proactive approach to lessening risks has significantly contributed to its safety record.
87% of Indonesians are muslim, and Indonesia itself is the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. Bali, however, is a predominantly Hindu island with over 85% of its population practising Balinese Hinduism.
The fact that Bali has managed to maintain harmony between these two religions speaks volumes about the level of safety and tolerance on the island.
This coexistence also adds to Bali's unique cultural charm and diversity.
Clearly, Bali is one of the safest destinations on the planet when considering the number of residents and visitors who flock to its shores.
Like anywhere though, it pays to be vigilant and exercise common sense. Here are the top safety tips for those visiting Bali that'll guarantee a safe and enjoyable trip.
Bali belly is a term used to describe an upset stomach or traveller's diarrhoea that's common among tourists in Bali.
This can be caused by various factors, such as unfamiliar food, water and changes in climate. While a few places do have safe drinking water, most of the water in Bali remains unsafe for consumption.
Our water safety advice is this: don't drink tap water, buy bottled water instead and look for square ice in your drink, which is a sign that it’s been made in a factory rather than by hand.
One of the most significant draws of Bali is its unique culture, and it's essential to respect this when visiting.
This includes dressing appropriately (modestly), especially when entering temples or religious sites, not touching sacred objects without permission and generally obeying any requests to maintain distance during processions or ceremonies.
This tip goes for any popular tourist destination in southeast Asia, but it could be equally applied to any place in the world – respect local customs and traditions.
While it's not necessary to obtain an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in Bali, it's highly recommended.
If you're ever stopped by the police for whatever reason, they'll often ask to see your IDP.
In the event of an accident, not having an IDP can result in your insurance claim being voided. Given that driving in Bali is hazardous at the best of times, it pays to have one!
As much as we hate to say it, drug trafficking is alive and well in Bali.
Yes, it's one of the world's pre-eminent destinations for partying, but the penalties for being caught with drugs are severe. The Balinese authorities do not tolerate any form of drug activity or use. Offenders can be imprisoned immediately and even face the death penalty.
Out of all these safety tips, staying away from drugs and drug-related activities is the most important one.
Eastern, southern and central Bali are notoriously famous for tourists getting excessively drunk.
As much as we don't want to be the fun police, excessive drinking often leads to accidents and incidents that could be easily avoided. Unsuspecting tourists are more at risk of being robbed or taken advantage of by people looking to prey on inebriated individuals.
And while violent crime isn't common, being sensible when partying goes a long way to ensuring your personal safety and the safety of your friends.
While it's natural to want to explore Bali independently, hiring a local driver is always the safest option. The roads in Bali can be chaotic, and road rules are often loosely followed… if at all.
Having a guide and transportation ensures that you won't get lost or put yourself at risk of being involved in an accident.
Plus, having someone who knows the area well can recommend safe places to eat and visit, making your trip even more enjoyable.
Bali is a safe destination, but like all holiday destinations there are travel and health risks.
It's vital to obtain travel insurance that covers any unexpected incidents, such as medical emergencies or flight cancellations.
Not only does travel insurance guarantee prompt medical treatment and emergency services, but it also provides you with the peace of mind necessary to enjoy your vacation to its fullest.
Bali is a one of those popular tourist destinations that's also become a hub for partying, especially in southern and central Bali.
Drunk tourists riding scooters, crazy traffic and petty crime aren't uncommon when there's thousands of tourists concentrated in one area.
To stay safe, use a money belt, be aware of tourist scams and enjoy Bali's nightlife in a group rather than alone. You'll find that Bali after dark is generally safe, but it would suck to have your Bali trip ruined by something that could’ve been easily avoided.
Last but not least, exercise caution in crowded areas when it comes to traffic, dogs and even local taxis.
It's not uncommon for motorcycles to ride on footpaths, and stray dogs can be found in many areas. While most stray animals are friendly, it's best to avoid them as they can carry diseases and may behave unpredictably.
Keep an eye on your belongings when walking through major cities or towns and obey traffic rules if you're hiring a scooter.
As you can see, most concerns about whether Bali is safe or not can be avoided by using common sense. It's a safe destination, for sure, but it's best to stay vigilant and follow these basic precautions for a hassle-free holiday.
Bali is a generally safe destination, and the vast majority of visitors never have any issues with safety. However, as with any travel destination it's always wise to exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.
Common sense inoculates you against most safety concerns or scams that target unsuspecting tourists, but when it comes to natural disasters or dengue fever, it pays to know the guidelines provided by the Indonesian government.
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