Bali Rabies
Bali has experienced continuous dog-mediated rabies transmission since 2008.
Stray dogs are the main source of infection, although monkeys at tourist temple sites including Ubud and Uluwatu can also bite and scratch travellers.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for most Bali itineraries, including shorter holidays.
Current UK guidance allows:
- A two-dose rabies schedule on days 0 and 7 for many healthy adults
- A traditional three-dose schedule on days 0, 7 and 21 or 28 where appropriate
If exposed:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
- Apply antiseptic if available
- Attend hospital or A&E immediately
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.
Pre-travel vaccination is particularly valuable because RIG availability can be limited internationally.
Malaria
Malaria risk varies significantly across Indonesia.
Low-risk areas where bite avoidance alone is usually sufficient include:
- Bali
- Lombok
- Java including Jakarta
- Sumatra
Higher-risk areas where antimalarial medication may be recommended include:
- Papua
- West Papua
- Parts of Sulawesi
- Flores
- Sumba
- Remote Nusa Tenggara regions
Antimalarial tablets are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is present throughout much of Indonesia, including Bali.
Vaccination may be recommended for:
- Rural or rice-field exposure
- Stays of one month or longer
- Repeat travel
- Wet-season travel
- Flexible or uncertain itineraries
Dengue and Mosquito-Borne Illness
Dengue fever is widespread across Indonesia and is particularly common in Bali.
Aedes mosquitoes bite during daytime hours, so travellers should:
- Use insect repellent during both day and night
- Wear long, loose-fitting clothing
- Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible
No dengue vaccine is currently routinely recommended for first-time UK travellers.
Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Traveller’s diarrhoea, commonly referred to as 'Bali Belly”, is extremely common.
Travellers should:
- Drink sealed bottled or treated water
- Avoid ice from unknown sources
- Practise regular hand hygiene
- Carry oral rehydration sachets
Standby antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed during routine travel consultations.
Other Health Risks
Sun and heat exposure can be intense year-round across Indonesia.
Motorbike accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury requiring medical evacuation from Bali. Travellers should:
- Wear helmets at all times
- Avoid riding unfamiliar roads without experience
- Ensure appropriate travel insurance cover
Volcanic activity can affect travel to regions including Mount Agung and Mount Merapi. Travellers should monitor FCDO travel advice before departure.
Indonesia also enforces extremely strict drug laws with severe legal penalties.
Routine UK Vaccines to Check
Before travel, ensure routine immunisations are up to date:
- Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster)
- MMR (two documented doses)
When to Book
We recommend booking your Bali or Indonesia travel vaccination appointment four to six weeks before departure.
This allows time to complete multi-dose vaccine schedules where required:
- Two-dose rabies schedule: minimum two weeks
- Three-dose rabies schedule: three to four weeks
- Japanese encephalitis schedule: minimum four weeks
What We Can Supply
Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.
During your visit we can:
- Assess your itinerary and travel health risks
- Provide personalised vaccination advice
- Administer appropriate travel vaccines
- Support mosquito bite prevention planning
- Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required
Antimalarials and standby antibiotics are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber, NHS GP or private prescriber.
Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with Bali travel vaccinations, rabies vaccination and personalised Indonesia travel health consultations.
Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.
