What to do within the hour
- Wash the wound under running water with soap for 15 minutes (the most important step, according to the guides consulted).
- Disinfect with iodine or alcohol; press on the wound if it bleeds.
- Get treated the same day: the facilities named by guides for post-exposure treatment are BIMC Hospital, Sanglah General Hospital, Kasih Ibu Hospital and Trishnanda Care Centre. Call ahead, as stock and hours can change.
- Tell your insurer (see travel insurance for Bali) and keep receipts and the medical report.
Monkeys or dogs: where the risk is
| Situation | Risk to remember | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Monkeys at Ubud, Uluwatu and temples | A scratch or bite is treated like a dog bite, according to the guides | Carry nothing in your hand, do not stare at the animal |
| Stray dogs on beaches and in villages | Most dogs in Bali have no visible owner | Do not pet, run from or feed them |
| Cats and other animals | Same advice after a bite | Wash and see a doctor |
Avoiding trouble with monkeys
In the Sacred Monkey Forest of Ubud and at Uluwatu, do not show food, do not wear sunglasses or carry an open bottle in view, close your bags and do not look a monkey in the eye while smiling (it may take it as a threat). Never touch a baby. If a monkey grabs something of yours, let it go: getting a phone back is not worth the risk. For other precautions, see scams and safety in Bali.
The vaccine before departure and the cost
Talk to a doctor or a travel medicine clinic before leaving: vaccination before exposure makes treatment simpler if you are bitten (confirm with your doctor). On the spot, the full treatment involves several injections spread over several days and, if you were not vaccinated, immunoglobulin (confirm with the doctor). No current official price was found; a single online account mentions a bill of about 97 million IDR (about 6,000 USD) for a traveller bitten by a monkey: check that your insurance covers rabies and whether it requires you to pay up front.
Good to know
The articles and lists read mention dog vaccination campaigns and areas flagged as at risk in the south of the island; the information changes, so ask your hotel which hospital is nearest. For the things not to forget before leaving, see before you go to Bali.
FAQ
What should I do if a monkey scratched me in Ubud? Wash for 15 minutes with soap and water, disinfect, then see a doctor the same day.
Do I need a rabies vaccine before going to Bali? Discuss it with a doctor or a travel medicine clinic; post-exposure treatment is needed in every case after a bite.
Where can I get treated? Guides name BIMC, Sanglah, Kasih Ibu and Trishnanda Care; call before travelling there.
Can I pet Bali's dogs? Better not to: a dog that looks calm can bite.
