Are you planning a trip to Bali? If so, you are probably already sold on the idea of spending lazy days lounging on the beach, sipping on a fresh coconut, and enjoying the company of friends or family. But before you start packing your bags, there is one potential danger you should be aware of – mosquitoes.
While most visitors that come to Bali will not experience any problems with mosquitoes, you should know that the tropical climate and lush vegetation don’t just bring heavenly weather and green landscapes but also those pesky mosquitoes are part of the deal as well.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mosquitoes in Bali so that you can make the best decisions to protect yourself and enjoy your holiday.
Are There Lots of Mosquitoes in Bali?
We live here in Bali and can say for sure that there are mosquitoes in Bali-lots of them. Especially during the wet season, when it’s hot and humid, they seem to be everywhere.
There is some good news though, the mosquitoes don’t seem to be as prevalent on the beaches in Bali.
Also, it’s good to know that if you are staying in a villa or hotel near the rice fields or an area with lots of trees and plants, chances are you will see more mosquitoes than if you were staying in a modern resort in the city center or right on the beach.
Mosquito Season Bali
You may be wondering when you should visit Bali to avoid mosquitoes. Unfortunately with Bali being a tropical climate full of rice fields and lush jungles, there are mosquitoes all year round in Bali.
However, the rainy season (October to April) is when they are most active. There is a lot more standing water during this time of year and that is the perfect breeding ground for these little bloodsuckers. This is also the time when dengue fever is most prevalent so it’s important to take extra care to avoid mosquito bites during this period.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones that always attract extra itchy bites all over your body then this info may be enough to put you off from visiting the Island of Gods. However, you shouldn’t worry too much about these annoying little insects since there are plenty of ways to help avoid them and minimize your risk.
Are Mosquitoes in Bali Dangerous?
Now that we’ve determined that there are mosquitoes in Bali and what season the mosquitos are the worst, let’s move on to the next one: “Are they dangerous?”.
The short answer is yes, they can be. While most mosquito bites will only result in a red, itchy bump that usually goes away within a few days, some can transmit dangerous diseases such as Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika virus, and Malaria.
Malaria Bali
Malaria is not generally prevalent in the tourist areas of Bali but is found in more rural areas of Indonesia. If you are planning to travel outside of the main tourist areas it’s important to take precautions and speak to your doctor before your trip. Your doctor knows your medical history and will be the best resource to give you medical advice.
Zika Virus Bali
There is a risk of Zik transmission in Bali, however, most people infected with Zika will have very mild or no symptoms at all. Zika is more serious for pregnant women as it can cause birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please consult your doctor before traveling.
Chikungunya Bali
Chikungunya cases are on the rise in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. This virus is usually spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and can cause fever, joint pain, headaches, and rashes.
The good news is that most people experience very mild symptoms that usually resolve themselves on their own. There is no vaccine or treatment for Chikungunya so it’s important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites if you are visiting Bali.
Dengue Fever Bali
Is Dengue fever common in Bali? Yes, Dengue fever is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Bali with around 20,000 cases reported each year. Dengue is a viral infection that is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle, and joint pain, and rash.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever and it usually lasts for around a week. However, in severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization and even death.
What if You get Bitten by a Mosquito in Bali?
Well, to be straight up honest with you-you will more than likely get bitten by mosquitoes in Bali. It’s just part of the territory when you travel to a tropical country. However, there are some things you can do to help ease the itchiness and discomfort that comes with these bites.
How do you treat mosquito bites in Bali?
First, try not to scratch the bite. I know it’s hard but trust me, scratching will only make it worse and can even lead to infection.
To help with the itch, you can apply a little bit of hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the area. You can find these over-the-counter at most pharmacies.
If you’re really struggling with the itch, then you can take an antihistamine such as Benadryl. Just be sure to read the label and follow the directions carefully.
Lastly, if you start to experience any severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rash all over your body, or fever, then it’s important to seek medical attention right away as these could be signs of a more serious reaction or infection.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Bali
The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to take some simple precautions such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito repellent, and staying in well-screened or air-conditioned rooms.
When you’re outside, try to stay in areas that are not heavily wooded or near stagnant water where mosquitoes like to breed.
If you are traveling to a rural area of Bali and don’t have an air-conditioned room, then it’s important to sleep under a mosquito net at night.
Best Mosquito Repellent Bali
There are a lot of different mosquito repellents on the market these days and it can be hard to know which one to choose. The good news is that any type of mosquito repellent that contains DEET will work well in Bali.
Some of our favorite brands include OFF! Deep Woods, Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent, and Repel 100 Insect Repellent.
If you forget to bring some, we like the Soffell mosquito lotion that you can buy at most every convenience store in Bali. It seems to work pretty well and it smells decent too.
When to Use Mosquito Repellent in Bali
As a general rule of thumb, you should always use mosquito repellent when you are outside and especially if you are in a rural area or near stagnant water.
If you are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, then you may want to reapply the repellent every few hours for maximum protection.
Best Places to Stay to Avoid Mosquitoes in Bali
The best places to stay to avoid mosquitoes in Bali are in well-screened or air-conditioned rooms. If you are staying in a villa, then it’s a good idea to make sure that the screens on the doors and windows are in good repair.
Some of the best hotels and resorts in Bali for avoiding mosquitoes include The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, The Stones Legian, Bali – a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, and Alila Seminyak.
Bali Travel Insurance
No matter where you travel, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. That being said, it’s especially important to have insurance if you are traveling to a country like Indonesia where there are risks of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.
Some things that your travel insurance should cover include medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and emergency evacuation.
We recommend World Nomads for travel insurance to visitors of Bali. They offer a wide range of coverage options and are one of the few companies that cover adventure activities such as surfing, scuba diving, and whitewater rafting.
When to Get Travel Insurance for Bali
You should purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to Bali. This way, you will be covered in case you need to cancel your trip for any reason.
If you wait to purchase insurance until after you book your flights and hotels, then you will not be covered if you need to cancel due to a medical emergency or another unforeseen circumstance.
Wrapping Up: Mosquitoes in Bali
Bali is a beautiful and exotic destination, but it’s important to take some precautions against mosquito bites. In this article, we have shared some tips on how to avoid getting bitten as well as the best mosquito repellents to use in Bali. We also recommend staying in well-screened or air-conditioned rooms to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes. Finally, we advise travelers to Indonesia to purchase travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies.