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Healthy Traveling

Bali is getting better in terms of hygiene and medical facilities but it still has a way to go. And no one wants to have a medical emergency here or anywhere else while on holiday. Play safe and make sure you have medical insurance before you come. Best to have insurance that will evacuate you if you get terribly sick or have a serious injury and need airlifted to Singapore or home. Larger Bali hotels will have a reputable doctor on call and all hotel staff will know where is the nearest medical or dental clinic. Still, here are a couple of other common sense points that should keep most folks in good shape and enjoying their visit.

Drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices) to avoid dehydration. Drink bottled water ONLY. Ice in drinks, however, is not a problem. Use common sense when choosing a place to eat. Eat in established restaurants that are clean and well patronized. If you are dead set on trying the hawkers in the street stick to those not serving meats unless your system is already well adjusted.

If you are using prescription medications/drugs bring a sufficient supply. Pharmacies (known locally as Apotiks) can often fill a prescription but the dosage may not be quite the same as your home doctor has prescribed. Also, while traveling keep your vital medication with you or in your carry on - just in case your luggage is lost.

Take prompt care of any cuts or burns - do not risk infection in this heat and humidity. If you are sleeping in the open air, use mosquito repellent and a mosquito net. Malaria is not a problem in Bali, however dengue fever is an issue. Also, don't approach stray/wild dogs; rabies does exist on Bali.

For additional information and assistance there's a list of hospitals and clinics in the Emergency Info section. Additional information on health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Telephone the CDC international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or visit the CDC home page on the Internet at www.cdc.gov.