Is Bali Safe? The Risks That Are Actually Worth Planning For

Bali is a safe destination by most measures, and the things that actually injure travellers are rarely the things they worry about before arriving.

The real risk: scooters

Scooter accidents are by a wide margin the most common serious incident involving visitors, and the most common travel insurance claim on the island.

• You legally need an International Driving Permit endorsed for motorcycles. Without one, most insurers will decline an accident claim.
• Rental shops will not check. That is not permission — it moves the risk to you.
• Wear the helmet properly. Head injuries are what turn an accident into a catastrophe.
• If you have never ridden a scooter, Bali is not where to learn. A private driver costs little split between two people.

Water

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered, and be cautious with ice in smaller local places — though ice in established restaurants and cafes is generally produced commercially and fine.

Brushing your teeth with tap water is a risk some travellers take and some do not. Bottled is the cautious call for a short trip.

Petty theft

Opportunistic rather than confrontational. Bag-snatching from scooters happens, phones left on beach towels disappear. Standard precautions cover almost all of it: carry bags on the side away from the road, do not leave valuables unattended, use the hotel safe.

The sea

Underrated risk. Many west-coast beaches — Canggu, Echo Beach, parts of Seminyak — have strong rips. Swim where there are flags and lifeguards. Sanur and Nusa Dua have calm, shallow water and are the sensible choice with children or weak swimmers.

Things not worth losing sleep over

• Violent crime against tourists is rare.
• Monkeys at temple sites will steal glasses and phones, but that is a nuisance, not a danger — do not carry loose items there.
• Stomach upsets are common and usually mild. Bring rehydration salts.