Is Bali Safe to Travel Right Now?
Let’s have a look at how safe Bali is.
The short version – the parts of Bali most Kiwis visit are well set up for holidays with plenty of hotels having their own security personnel.
I’ve been sending New Zealanders there for more than 25 years so have seen first hand the security changes over the years.
SafeTravel’s advice for Indonesia is “exercise increased caution”, a step above the mildest level, so it isn’t risk-free. Below are the questions I’m asked most, followed by what the official advice flags and what I do about each.
What “safe” actually means for your kind of trip
Most safety content online is written for backpackers worried about scams and hostels. Those aren’t the questions I get from New Zealanders planning a comfortable, well-organised Bali holiday. The questions I’m actually asked are different:
Medical access. The main southern tourist areas have good private clinics and hospitals.
Mobility and pace. Is Bali safe for those with mobility or walking issues? Some parts yes, and others no. Nusa Dua offers the best in safely walking around with footpaths and spacious beachfront resorts. Other areas would need to be discussed first if mobility is an issue.
Food and water. Bali has wonderful food and in quality restaurants meals are generally of an international standard. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and ask me where to eat. Mild stomach upsets, often called “Bali belly”, are common among visitors.
Money and taxis. Unofficial taxis and money changers offering unrealistic rates are the usual trouble spots for tourists. I arrange your transfers in advance, so you don’t need to deal with either.
Travelling with Family
If you’re weighing this up for a family trip, Bali is genuinely well set up for it, with family-friendly resorts and private villas, many with their own security personnel.
What the official advice actually says
SafeTravel New Zealand rates Indonesia at “exercise increased caution”, with higher advice levels for some parts of the country. It’s a nationwide rating rather than a Bali-specific one, so treat it as the overall picture and check the full advice before you travel. These are the things it highlights, and what I do about each of them:
Earthquakes. Bali and Indonesia are seismically active.
Crime. Petty theft in Bali isn’t too common. Keep valuables out of sight and use the hotel safe. Unofficial money changers are the most common trouble spot.
Traffic accidents. SafeTravel highlights scooters and motorbikes, and they are the biggest everyday risk for visitors in Bali. It’s the main reason I offer a private driver for sightseeing rather than leaving you to rent a scooter.
Boats and flights. SafeTravel notes safety incidents with boats and flights. If your trip adds an outer island such as Nusa Lembongan or the Gili Islands, it matters which boat operator you use, and I only book operators I’m comfortable with. Our guide to Bali’s outer islands has more.
Terrorism. Indonesia is listed as having a higher threat, and places tourists visit, such as hotels and bars, are named as possible targets. It’s a general risk rather than something most visitors ever see, but it’s worth knowing about, and I keep an eye on the official advice for clients who are travelling.
Civil unrest. Demonstrations do happen in Indonesia. Any Bali demonstrations tend to be in Bali’s capital city, Denpasar, where tourists rarely go.
Insurance. SafeTravel recommends comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation by air, and cover for any high-risk activities.
Why ask me instead of a forum or generic site?
You can find Bali safety threads on Reddit or Quora with thirty different answers from thirty different trips. What you can’t easily find is someone who has been sending New Zealanders to Bali for more than 25 years, speaks Indonesian and follows the Indonesian news, and will pick up the phone if something changes while you’re away.
FAQ
Is Bali safe for older travellers? Yes, with the right planning. The main tourist areas have good infrastructure and private medical care, and I plan the pace, the area and the accommodation around comfort and mobility rather than a rushed itinerary.
Is it safe to take children to Bali? Yes. Bali is a popular family destination. The key is choosing the right area and accommodation, which I plan around your family rather than a generic package.
Is it safe to hire a scooter? I don’t recommend it. Scooters and motorbikes are the biggest everyday risk for visitors, and many travel insurance policies don’t cover scooter accidents unless you hold the right licence. A private driver is easy to arrange and not expensive.
Is the water safe to drink? Stick to bottled or filtered water, including for cleaning your teeth.
Do I need travel insurance? Yes, always. SafeTravel recommends comprehensive cover that includes medical evacuation by air, and I can point you to appropriate cover as part of planning your trip.
What if something happens while we’re away? You have one direct point of contact, me, for the whole trip, not a call centre.
Get a straight answer for your Bali trip
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