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

Beatrice Hamel

Bali, Indonesia

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🧬 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 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.

💉 Recommended Vaccinations for Bali

These aren’t always required, but highly recommended:

✅ Routine Vaccines (make sure these are up to date):

  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Tdap)

  • Polio

  • Influenza (flu shot)

💉 Strongly Recommended for Most Travelers:

  • 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)

💉 Depending on Your Plans:

  • 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

🧳 What to Pack (Health Essentials)

This is the stuff you want on hand when something hits:

💊 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

🧼 Health + Hygiene:

  • 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

🩳 Extra Smart Stuff to Bring:

  • 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

🦠 Stay Healthy While in Bali

  • 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

🚑 In Case of Emergency

  • 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.

🧘 Bali Health Checklist

✅ 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)

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