I'm talking what to bring, what shots to get, and how to keep your body thriving in tropical paradise.
Before you hop on that flight, book an appointment with a travel clinic or your doctor.
Why? Because:
They know what’s poppin’ in the country right now
They’ll customize your shots/meds based on your trip length, areas you’re visiting, and what you’ll be doing
They can write scripts for antibiotics or anti-malarials if needed
So yeah. Don't wing it. Consult first.
These aren’t always required, but highly recommended:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Tdap)
Polio
Influenza (flu shot)
Hepatitis A – food & water-borne (like that dodgy nasi goreng from a sketchy stall? Yeah.)
Typhoid – also from contaminated food/water (especially if you’re hitting local warungs)
Hepatitis B – if you might get tattoos, piercings, or need medical treatment while there
Rabies – if you’re planning on being around animals (stray dogs, monkeys in Ubud, etc.)
Japanese Encephalitis – for long stays in rural areas or if you're spending weeks in the countryside
Malaria Pills – not a huge risk in most parts of Bali, but if you’re island hopping or going remote, ask your doc
This is the stuff you want on hand when something hits:
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
Hand sanitizer (small bottle, always in your bag)
Wet wipes (toilet paper isn’t always a thing in public restrooms)
Bug spray with DEET or picaridin – mosquitoes go feral at sunset
After-bite cream or soothing aloe gel
Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum – the UV here is NO joke)
Lip balm with SPF – often overlooked, totally essential
Mini first aid kit: plasters, tweezers, antiseptic cream
Reusable water bottle (refill at filtered water stations)
Travel insurance – this isn’t optional, babes. Get that coverage.
Proof of vax (especially COVID) – some places may still ask
Prescription meds + doctor’s note – bring what you need for your full stay
Don’t drink tap water – even for brushing your teeth
Be careful with ice – stick to bars/restaurants that use filtered ice
Ease into local food – don’t 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 don’t risk rabies)
Use mosquito repellent, esp. in early mornings & evenings
Hospitals in Bali? Decent in main areas (like BIMC in Kuta/Seminyak or Siloam in Denpasar)
Ambulances exist, but they’re 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.
✅ See a travel clinic before you go
✅ Get your vaccines sorted
✅ Pack meds + a small health kit
✅ Avoid sketchy water and food
✅ Use mosquito repellent like your life depends on it
✅ Get insurance (seriously, just do it)
Bekijk mijn gids voor de beste gratis dingen om te doen, evenals routes en reistips om uw reis onvergetelijk te maken.