Is Bali safe? My honest answer is crime, monkeys, volcanoes and helpful tips
Bali island Indonesia It attracted more than 6 million foreign tourists in 2024 and remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia.
“How safe is it?” is one of the first questions travelers ask. Short answer: Bali is very safe. I recommend it to families and those who travel alone. But the long answer is a little more complicated - there are a few important nuances to be aware of before a trip.
What is important to know about safety in Bali
Below are the main topics that most often excite tourists, with facts and practical tips.
1) Violent crime
According to an annual UN study, Indonesia's homicide rate is 0.3 per 100,000 inhabitants - about 92% below the global average. Compared to the U.S., Indonesia’s homicide rate is almost 20 times lower. Violent crime is extremely rare in Bali; murders are almost non-existent. Firearms in Indonesia are strictly regulated and there are no mass shootings. Balinese people are known for their benevolence and calm temperament - you will often feel it yourself.
Tip: As everywhere, keep basic caution - don't leave things unattended in crowded places and keep an eye on bags on the beach. A local guide will help you understand which areas are safe to walk in the evening and where it is better not to linger.
(2) Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorism anywhere in the world. In Bali, there were terrorist attacks in Kuta in 2002 and 2005 – these events left a deep mark, and now a memorial in Kuta stands on the site of one of the victims. There have been no such incidents on the island in the past 20+ years. Bali is unique in Indonesia in that the majority of the population is Hindu, while the country as a whole is dominated by Islam. The Indonesian government is seriously working to prevent terrorist attacks, and the number of such incidents has decreased throughout the country. There is some instability in other regions (such as western Papua), but this does not affect Bali.
Tip: If you’re planning outings in other Indonesian islands, get to know the local environment first – and once again: a guided tour with a local guide will give you much more context and reduce the risk of getting into unsafe areas.
(3) Theft and break-ins
Stealing happens in Bali, but it’s not a common problem. Many areas do not have bars on their windows, as in parts of Central and South America. Weapon attacks are almost non-existent. I personally wore expensive equipment many times – cameras, drones – and did not experience serious problems. At the same time, there is poverty and thefts, including burglaries, are happening. Often, hotel villas are more vulnerable than larger hotels: intruders know that villas are often empty during the day, and that tourists with high purchasing power stay there, so the chances of finding something of value are higher.
Tip: Use safes, lock things up, and adapt behavior a little – don’t put expensive things in plain sight, especially if you’re leaving the villa. If possible, choose proven accommodation options and read real reviews before you arrive - a guide or a local driver will prompt reliable villas and areas.
Additional topics (briefly, what else is useful to know)
Motors and roads: traffic is intense, be careful when renting a scooter.
Nutrition: “bali belli” (disorders of the stomach) occur – be careful with street food and water.
Volcanoes and earthquakes: Volcanic activity and seismic activity are present in Indonesia, but tourists are usually shared with instructions and evacuation plans.
Animals: From dogs to monkeys – animals can be uncomfortable; monkeys in the Monkey Temple and some parks should be protected from stealing things from their hands.
- Insects: mosquitoes.
Why a local guide is more interesting and safer
A local guide will not only show hidden beauty and give cultural explanations, but also save you time and nerves: tell you where to leave things safely, how to behave with traders, which routes are best in bad weather and how to properly prepare for a hike to the volcano. And most often, the guide knows local features that are not noticeable to the tourist.
Bali is one of the most friendly and relatively safe places in the world for tourists. However, reasonable caution does not hurt: keep an eye on things, choose a proven accommodation and think about an assistant guide, especially if you are traveling for the first time or plan to explore remote corners of the island. If you want, I can share a security checklist and a list of reliable guides and districts - tell you what exactly you are interested in.
You'll be met in Indonesia.private guidesAnd they'll offer you a copy.individual toursehtravel agenciesIndonesia will offer its services and organize tours and interesting excursions for travelers.
Text and photo:https://www.personalguide.ru/
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