Is it safe to travel to bali in 2025?

Despite the fact that Bali is considered one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world, many people wonder whether it's safe enough to actually visit. It's a fair question, especially when you take into consideration the fact that Indonesia is a developing country. Fortunately, Bali is considered to be very safe for travelers, including solo travelers and first timer visitors. If you're looking to book a vacation at this iconic Indonesian island, you'll want to read the information below to learn about current news happening in Bali right now, the latest travel advisories, and more to prepare for your trip and really understand the present circumstances.

Fortunately, nothing too bad has happened according to the latest Bali news in 2025. While there has been news coming out about boating accidents, tourists taking scandalous photos in sacred places, and new regulations to ensure tourists showcase respectful and safe behavior, that's about all there is. There haven't been any articles coming out that should deter interested travelers from coming to this beautiful island, which is great news for you!

What Are the Latest Travel Advisories for Bali?

For Americans, the United States advises that Indonesia has a level 2 advisory, which means that our country suggests to exercise increased caution when traveling there because of terrorism and natural disasters. Fortunately, some of the only areas they do not advise any travel to include the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan), which are very far away from Bali (on another island of Indonesia). Since Indonesia is composed of a large group of islands including Bali, even though there is a travel advisory for other areas of the country it does not seem like the United States is worried about its citizens going to Bali specifically.

Australia advises that visitors should exercise a high degree of caution due to some security risks. The country's website states that "Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don't leave food or drinks unattended." They also warn their citizens about travel to Papua (Papua), Papua Highlands (Papua Pegunungan), Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and South Papua (Papua Selatan) due to political issues.

What Are the Safety Risks of Traveling to Bali?

No country is perfect and regardless of where you choose to go on vacation, there are going to be things you need to look out for specifically when it comes to that particular country. In Indonesia, or rather Bali specifically, travelers should look out for the following safety risks and know how to minimize their chances of being in these adverse situations:

Scooter Accidents

Since scooters are relied on as the primary method of transportation in Bali, it's no surprise that a scooter accident is one incident you have to watch out for. If you've never driven a scooter before, you'll want to read both this article weighing the pros and cons of multiple methods of transportation and this article about driving etiquette in Bali. Bali barely has any street signs and many drivers simply use a friendly beep to let others know they are coming around the corner, so driving here can get super chaotic.

Natural Disasters (Earthquakes & Volcanic Activity)

Bali recorded over 580 earthquakes in 2024! While the majority of these incidents were super minor, visitors should be aware that this is a country that does experience natural disasters like this, so it's imperative you know what to do if you find yourself in this situation. Just remember the words drop, cover, and hold on. Get down to your hands and knees, cover your head, and crawl under a sturdy piece of furniture or interior wall if you can.

Dengue Fever & Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Cases of dengue fever have surged significantly in 2024–2025, especially in Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Bali authorities suggest that both tourists and locals use insect repellent and avoid stagnant water areas to keep their risk to a mosquito-borne illness at bay.

Petty Theft & Scams

Petty theft and scams are common in Bali. This means that all visitors should be on the look out for pick pocketers, ATM skimming, and bag snatching. Make sure to wear a bag that's secure around you and that would be hard to grab. Beware of scams like the money changer scam, where you will be exchanging currency and the exchanger will count the money multiple times and then keep a few notes for themselves.

Alcohol-Related Incidents

Overconsumption and contaminated or fake alcohol (especially arak) can lead to serious health issues. Stick to reputable bars and avoid suspiciously cheap drinks or a drink that was bought by another individual. Watch each drink be made the entire time a bartender makes it if possible, especially while out bar hopping or going to night clubs. Recently there has been issues with spiked drinks in Bali, namely spiked with methanol, so it's advised that tourists drink canned beverages.

Bali Belly

Bali belly is one of the most common illnesses a tourist will get while in Bali and this is because it involves drinking Indonesia's water. While a visitor might not directly order a water or a drink with ice, they do not even think about the fact that many juices or drinks are made with the local water, salads or any raw fruits/vegetables are washed the water, and these can make you sick. To learn more about Bali belly and decrease your risk of getting an illness similar to the stomach bug on your trip, click here.

Cultural Offenses Leading to Fines or Deportation

More recently the Indonesian government has seen influencers and social media stars posing in provocative positions or even naked in front of sacred places in Bali. While it should go without saying, when you visit another country like Bali, make sure to be respectful of their culture. Bali is a place where public displays of affection are not well perceived and there are many sacred spots that should be met with the utmost respect. If you do not respect the culture, you run the risk of getting fined or even deported from the country.

Is Bali Safe for Everyone?

Everyone can expect to feel safe in Bali, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion. Similar to other vacation destinations, it's important to prioritize traveling to safe areas of the country, staying vigilant, and understanding the country's culture and traditions so that you can respect its citizens and stay out of harms way. As long as you do that, you will be totally fine in Bali! This is a popular vacation spot, especially for Australians, Americans, and individuals from the United Kingdom for a reason. If it wasn't safe, you wouldn't hear about so many people visiting.

What Are the Most Common Scams in Bali?

The most common scams to look out for in Bali include:

Natural disasters like earthquakes, volcano eruptions, flooding, landslides, and tsunamis are all possible when visiting Bali due to the country's geographical location. Fortunately, most of these do not happen often which means that they shouldn't deter you from traveling to Indonesia, but rather you should just know what to do in the case of an emergency. If there is:

How Is the Healthcare System in Bali for Tourists?

Bali's healthcare system is generally reliable for tourists, especially in more popular areas like Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. There are multiple international facilities with English speakers and modern equipment so you will be able to get quality care on the island. However, most Bali hospitals are private and require payment upfront which is why travel insurance is so important. You may even have to pay on your card first and get reimbursed later if you do have travel insurance.

What Safety Tips Should You Know Before Visiting Bali?

If you're visiting Bali for the first time and looking to have a safe, relaxing trip where you don't have to worry about your health or well-being, then make sure to follow the tips below:

What Are the Safest Areas to Stay in Bali in 2025?

While Bali is an overall safe part of Indonesia, the safest areas to stay include Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Canggu, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Amed. These are all villages that have lots of fun things to do but are also super safe. As long as you stay vigilant, especially at night, you should have a great experience in any of these areas. The worst crimes that you may seem are petty crimes like pick pocketing, bag snatching, and overpriced taxi rides.

sooo.... is bali safe to travel to in 2025?

YES, Bali is safe to travel to in 2025! Despite some lower level advisories from multiple countries across the world, Indonesia is a safe place to visit for vacation and Bali itself is even safer. This island is known for amazing beaches, water activities, beach clubs, and gorgeous jungle, and there's a good reason while millions of tourists visit this island each year. When visiting as long as you stay vigilant, use street smarts, and stay on top of the news beforehand, you'll be completely fine!

Ready for Bali? Stay Safe and Travel Smart

Bali is still one of the most magical places in the world to visit, and with the right precautions, your 2025 trip can be both safe and unforgettable. Now that you're equipped with essential safety tips and updates, scroll down to explore even more Bali-related travel guides — from where to stay and reviews of famous spots like the Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces to what to pack and how to get around. And if you found this helpful, make sure to subscribe by clicking the button below for weekly travel tips, tricks, and insider advice to help you plan smarter, travel better, and explore more.