Can you drink the tap water?
Tap water in Bali: how to avoid Bali belly
Don't drink tap water in Bali or anywhere in Indonesia, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Cafés and hotels use purified water and factory ice, and refill stations are common.
- Tap water safe
- Safe in cities
- Drink bottled
'Bali belly' is so common it has its own name. Smoothie bowls, salads and fruit washed in tap water are the usual culprits, along with swallowing water in the shower.
Where it differs
- Cafés in Canggu, Seminyak, UbudSafe in cities
Purified water and ice. Refill stations common.
- Warungs and street foodDrink bottled
Choose hot, freshly cooked food.
- Gili Islands and LombokDrink bottled
Water is often brackish. Bottled only.
How to avoid Bali belly
- Brush your teeth with bottled water, and keep your mouth shut in the shower.
- Eat where it's busy. Popular warungs turn food over quickly.
- Be careful with smoothie bowls and salads in cheaper cafés, where fruit may be washed in tap water.
- Wash your hands before eating, or use sanitiser.
- Carry rehydration sachets for the first few days.
Refill stations and plastic
Bali struggles with plastic waste, and many cafés, hotels and shops in Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud now offer refills of filtered water, often for free or a small fee. Bring a reusable bottle and look for refill signs, or ask your hotel for a large refillable jug.
Before you go
- Never drink homemade arak. Methanol poisoning has killed tourists.
Official advice: FCDO health advice for Bali & Indonesia
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