If you’re headed to Bali soon, you might be wondering if it’s safe to drink tap water and what would actually happen if you did. Tap water is one of the most common sources of illness for those who are visiting foreign countries, yet avoiding contaminated tap water can be easier said than done.

Unbeknownst to some travellers, many places have unsafe levels of bacteria and other contaminants in their tap water, and Bali is no exception. In fact, many travellers become ill due to brushing their teeth with the tap water, ingesting it via wet plates or glasses, or drinking it accidentally.

Learn all about hygiene for water coolers in villas, or hotels, where to find free drinkable water in Bali and how a small $15 AU device can make your life in Bali much easier if you’re staying long term.

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Is the tap water in Bali safe to drink?

The short answer is no, it is not safe to drink tap water in Bali. The quality of the water is not regulated, and it may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals. It is important to use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth and to avoid ice that is made from tap water.

Additionally, be cautious when consuming fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water and don’t make tea, coffee or prepare pasta or rice dishes using tap water.

Note that these recommendations mostly apply to first-time Bali visitors or those on shorter trips. If you live here for more than a few months, or have been travelling through South East Asia for some time, you can relax a little bit more and won’t have to worry so much. Once your body is used to the new bacteria types, you can safely brush your teeth with tap water and won’t fall ill from small amounts left over from washing dishes or cooking pasta.

My experiences with Bali tap water and why you can trust this guide

I’ve been living in Bali off and on for years now, and before that, I used to come to the Island of the Gods as a tourist at least once a year. I don’t drink tap water here, obviously, and as a child, I once spent time in the hospital in Thailand because I drank the pool water in our hotel, so I will not be repeating that experience.

Tap water in Bali is not potable, and I always warn my friends and family who are visiting not to underestimate it. In some countries, tourists are advised not to drink the water, but the locals do, and you can essentially build up a tolerance over time if you drink a little bit as your body gets used to the germs.

However, this is not something you should do in Bali, and you will find that even the locals do not drink tap water in populated areas.

The problem with tap water in Bali isn’t just bacteria and poor waste management. It’s also outdated and dirty pipe systems, which make the water dangerous to consume. Keep in mind that this mostly applies to populated areas like Canggu, Seminyak, Denpasar and Kuta and that more remote parts of the island often have their own water supply, which may be safe to consume in some instances.

As a tourist, it’s not worth the risk of being ill for several days, though, so definitely stick to bottled water.

Why is the tap water in Bali toxic?

Unfortunately, Bali water is considered toxic due to high levels of bacteria and other contaminants, making it unsafe for drinking. This poses a significant challenge for locals and visitors alike, who must rely on expensive bottled water or filtration systems to ensure their health and safety.

Despite efforts to improve the water quality, the tap water in Bali is nowhere near drinkable, and won’t be anytime in the near future.

What happens if you drink Bali tap water?

Drinking tap water can be risky when you’re travelling in a foreign country, and Bali is no exception. The water supply in Bali is still a work in progress, and some areas in Bali still have limited access to clean water. If you drink tap water in Bali, you might get an upset stomach that can ruin your vacation.

Bali belly, also known as traveller’s diarrhoea, is a common disease experienced by travellers in Bali who drink contaminated water. It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in Bali and stick to safer options like bottled or filtered water. Staying hydrated is important, but it’s equally important to be cautious.

What is Bali belly?

Bali belly is a term used to describe the unpleasant stomach illness that many travellers experience when visiting Bali or other Southeast Asian countries. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever. This stomach illness is often caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water, so it’s important to be careful about what you eat and drink while travelling in these areas.

While it can be an uncomfortable experience, Bali belly can typically be treated with rest, rehydration, and over-the-counter medications. Don’t let the fear of Bali belly keep you from exploring these beautiful destinations, just take the necessary precautions and enjoy your travels.

Why I’m not a fan of the term Bali belly

Bali belly is nothing more than food poisoning, and in my opinion, it’s blown out of proportion sometimes. It’s very common for tourists to face stomach problems when on a trip to countries like Mexico, Colombia, Thailand or the Phillippines. Indonesia is just one of many, but for some reason, Bali food poisoning gets its own name and is treated like a completely different illness.

It gives Bali a bad name and creates unnecessary stereotypes and bias. It’s just food poisoning, so if you’ve experienced that before, there is nothing to worry about. For the sake of this article, we’ll refer to it as Bali belly.

How to avoid Bali belly in Indonesia?

Bali belly is caused by bacteria found in local food and water, leading to diarrhoea, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid Bali belly. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting sick:

1. Choose restaurants and food vendors that have a high volume of customers to ensure their food is always fresh
2. Stick to bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Bali at all costs
3. Carry hand sanitiser and use it frequently to keep your hands germ-free.
4. In restaurants or bars, get bottled drinks like beer, soda or seltzers instead of home-made or mixed beverages
5. Keep an eye out for ice cubes with a hole in the middle, which means that they are made from drinking water. Other ice cubes may still be safe to drink, but it’s hard to be sure.
6. Avoid buying fresh fruit and vegetables that can’t be peeled or cooked.
7. Don’t order dishes that aren’t cooked, like salads
8. Make sure meat is cooked all the way through, and avoid dishes that are served raw such as sushi or tartare
9. Read reviews of restaurants before you go to verify cleanliness
10. Avoid fresh fruit smoothies or drinks where ice is blended

By following these tips, you can minimize your risk of getting Bali belly and enjoy all that Bali has to offer. However, unfortunately, food poisoning is somewhat unavoidable when travelling to countries like Indonesia. It will likely happen to you at least once and can be anything from unpleasant for a day or two to incredibly uncomfortable, knocking you out for up to a week.

You can take measures to prevent Bali belly, but in the end, it can come from anywhere, even expensive Western restaurants. My personal advice is to eat every bit of street food, enjoy drinks with ice and just embrace it. Chances are, you’ll get it from somewhere unexpected, and even if you do everything by the book, there is no guarantee you’ll be spared.

Who knows? You might even get lucky and avoid it altogether.

Bali belly symptoms

This common condition, also called traveller’s diarrhoea, can be experienced by anyone who eats or drinks contaminated food and water. The symptoms of Bali belly typically include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, or even fever in severe cases.

Luckily, the symptoms usually only last for a few days, but could affect you for a week or more if you’re unlucky.

What to do if you get Bali belly?

If you find yourself feeling unwell in Bali, it is important to stay hydrated and rest. Stick to simple, bland foods such as rice, toast, and bananas. Over-the-counter medications can also help alleviate the symptoms.

Head to a local pharmacy, where you’ll get plenty of recommendations for medication. You can also have things sent to you via apps like grab or gojek if you’re not well enough to leave the house.

Despite the discomfort, Bali belly is a common ailment among travellers to this beautiful island destination, and with proper care, it can be treated effectively and is not dangerous.

Bored at home and stuck with Bali belly? Distract yourself by planning your next Instagram post with these fun quotes and caption ideas about Indonesia, Bali, travel couples or short quotes.

Travel insurance for Bali

Every traveller should have insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospital visits and unforeseen accidents. SafetyWing is not only the best choice for shorter trips but also offers long-term plans for digital nomads or those travelling for extended periods of time.

They have a great selection of plans, including trip insurance, which supports you in case of cancelled flights or lost baggage.

My favourite part is that they offer adventure sports coverage ad-ons, so you can do all the exciting activities without having to worry about taking unnecessary risks.

No matter where you’re travelling, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Find out more about SafetyWing here.

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How likely are you to get sick from drinking tap water in Bali?

While this risk of getting sick from tap water cannot be completely eliminated, taking certain precautions can greatly lower the likelihood of getting sick. Avoid drinking tap water in Bali and opt for bottled water instead. Unless you properly drink a good amount of tap water or consume contaminated ice, the likelihood of you getting sick from water is limited.

You have to consider that hygiene conditions on the island are improving constantly. While using tap water to make ice used to be common, it’s now extremely rare in tourist areas as restaurants don’t want to risk their reputation.

Plus, locals do not consume ice made from tap water either, so its existence has become somewhat of an urban legend in recent years. No one wants to get sick, so there are essentially no restaurants left who use tap water to produce ice cubes.

It’s also illegal in Bali to make ice cubes from tap water and all restaurants by law have to buy them from a supplier or produce them with a licensed machine.

Is fresh coconut water safe to drink?

Yes, fresh coconuts are completely safe to consume and will not make you ill. They are sealed and not in contact with tap water in any way, so you can safely drink them.

In fact, coconut water is great for hydration, so it might help you recover from Bali belly if you are ill.

Tips on how to avoid drinking tap water in Bali

While Bali has made strides in improving their water treatment systems, it’s still recommended to avoid drinking tap water to prevent any potential illnesses. Instead, opt for bottled water or bring a filtered water bottle with you.

Additionally, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water, at least in the first week or so of your trip. It can be easy to forget this initially, so put a bottle of water next to your toothbrush or leave yourself a note to remind you.

Be cautious when eating fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with tap water, and thoroughly dry any cups or dishes before using them. Keep your mouth closed in the shower, and do not ingest any water when swimming in the pool or ocean.

Staying hydrated is important, but make sure to do so safely while in Bali.

Where does tap water in Bali, Indonesia come from?

Unlike many countries, Bali does not rely on a central water treatment plant to provide its residents with clean water. Instead, the island has a unique water management system called subak, a traditional irrigation system that has been used for centuries and is even recognised by UNESCO.

This system is a complex network of canals, tunnels, and pipes that transports water from the mountains to the rice fields and eventually to the villages. This ancient practice not only provides Bali with fresh water but also helps to sustain its agricultural industry, making it an essential part of the island’s culture and heritage.

The water from your tap in Bali either comes from the PDAM, Bali’s main water supply company, or from groundwater, which can be accessed with a well. Unfortunately, both options are highly polluted and not potable. Upscale accommodations may have water filters installed, but these are incredibly expensive. More primitive filtration systems are not sufficient, so you cannot safely consume tap water in the majority of regions in Bali.

Sometimes, the water from the tap might even smell bad or be slightly discoloured, which is another sign that it is definitely not drinkable.

What’s the best water filter in Indonesia?

Unfortunately, most travel water filters are not suitable for making tap water in Bali drinkable. Even advanced and expensive ones like the Lifestraw drinking bottle cannot filter out viruses from the water, which is essential. Generally, UV-based purification systems are best, although the most economical and practical choice is simply buying bottled water.

There is also the Tulip Filter, which is gaining popularity in Bali and allows you to filter tap water through a simple, gravity-based system. A single US $35 filter can make up to 7,000 litres of tap water drinkable.

However, its effectiveness is not as safe long term as drinking bottled water, which was examined in detailed in this report by the World Health Organisation. It’s suitable for shorter stays in Bali though, so don’t shy away from it if your guest house or hotel has one.

Generally, UV-based water is regarded as cleaner than something that was filitered.

Very rarely you might see these water purifiers in Bali, but they’re not very common. We use them occasionally, but much like the Tulip Filter, it’s better to stick to bottled water long term.

Bottled water in Indonesia

Bottled water is a popular commodity in Indonesia due to the country’s lack of access to clean drinking water from the tap. Indonesians often turn to bottled water as their primary source of hydration, but the quality of these bottles may vary. Aqua is the most common water brand and also often the cheapest.

There is also Cleo, Crystalline and Le Minerale, all of which you can purchase in local minimarts or convenience stores. A 1.5-litre bottle usually costs between IDR 4,000 and IDR 15,000 (~ $0.40 AUD and $1.50 AUD), depending on the brand and where you buy it. There is also Balian water, which tends to be one of the more expensive choices. It comes directly from Bali, more specifically Mount Agung and is naturally filtered through volcanic rock, giving it exceptional quality.

However, the reliance on bottled water creates an immense amount of waste, contributing to Indonesia’s environmental issues. There are cleanup initiatives like Sungai Watch, but Bali has a significant plastic problem. Despite the potential risks, bottled water remains a crucial resource for many Indonesians who don’t have access to clean drinking water.

Refilling water bottles in Bali

The vast majority of hotels and villas have water coolers or dispensers with drinking water which is perfect for refilling your bottles. There are also some restaurants that offer this, but the number is far more limited.

Most aren’t publicly accessible, and you won’t really find things like water fountains on the island. If you have a reusable water bottle, it’s recommended to fill it up at your accommodation and then buy plastic bottles when needed.

There is also the Refill My Bottle initiative, which provides a map of all the places you can refill your water bottle for free in Bali. Unfortunately, it can be glitchy at times, and since they’re a small company, their website and corresponding app don’t always work the way they should.

Hygiene of water gallons and dispensers in Bali

Water dispensers are available all over Bali and vary from full-on machines which dispense boiling or ice-cold water to small hand pumps. Gallons cost between IDR 18,000 and IDR 45,000 (~ $1.80 AUD and $4.50 AUD) (plus a refundable deposit for the jug), so they’re very affordable.

Unfortunately, water coolers or dispensers are notorious for collecting bacteria and mold, especially in the hot, tropical climate of Bali. They are difficult to clean and can collect algae and grime in as little as six months. Even if a dispenser looks clean from the outside, the interior may be dirty and can make you sick.

Avoid this water brand in Bali

Aqua is Indonesia’s most widely available water brand, and even though their bottled water is fine, their gallons, unfortunately, do not have the best reputation. They’re among the cheapest and are often not cleaned properly between uses, leading to bacteria buildup and dirt.

I’ve personally had bad experiences with Aqua gallons, and it’s very common in Bali. They are often inofficially refilled with sterilised water, which can still contain harmful bacteria and viruses if the process isn’t done correctly.

Steer clear of Aqua gallons if you can, and choose more reputable options like Cleo or Balian instead. Make sure that the gallons you purchase are properly sealed and that the water inside is clear.

Plus, Aqua is currently Indonesia’s largest plastic polluter and not a brand that cares about sustainability or the effect they have on the environment.

Have a look at the examples of a contaminated Aqua gallon and a dirty dispenser below.

Is there a drinking water fountain at Bali airport?

Yes, there is a drinking water fountain at Bali Airport close to Gate 1 in departures. You can safely refill your water bottle here before you depart, although the dispenser is occasionally out of order.

There are currently no refill stations at arrivals unfortunately, but you can purchase bottles from a shop.

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Bali, Indonesia?

While the answer is technically yes, it’s not recommended for tourists to do so. Tap water in Indonesia can contain harmful bacteria that your body may not be used to. To avoid any potential health issues, it’s best to use bottled water to brush your teeth, at least for the first few days in Bali and stay away from the tap.

If you’re only in Bali for a week or so, it may be advisable to avoid brushing your teeth with tap water to minimise the risk of getting sick.

If you’re in Bali for longer, you can slowly switch to brushing your teeth with tap water if you do not notice any stomach problems.

Can you drink the tap water at resorts in Bali?

As you plan your upcoming vacation to Bali, one question you may have is whether or not you can drink tap water at your resort. While there are some resorts in Bali where water purification systems have been installed, making the tap water safe to consume, this is still very rare.

To be on the safe side, it’s recommended that you stick to bottled water during your stay unless the staff explicitly lets you know that it’s safe to drink the tap water. Bottled water and water gallons are widely available in accommodations around Bali.

Is tap water in Bali safe to drink once it’s boiled?

While it is generally not recommended to consume tap water anywhere in Indonesia, boiling tap water can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses. Boiling water kills most bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause sickness.

However, it’s important to note that boiling water will not remove chemical contaminants, which can also pose health risks. Should you have no other water available, you should boil tap water for at least 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the exact temperature of the water, which can sometimes be difficult to tell.

Keep this in mind when preparing tea and coffee, which should be done with bottled water.

Drinking water in Bali FAQ

Before you go…

I think we made it clear that drinking tap water in Bali is a very bad idea, so let’s get started with planning the rest of your trip. Read about the cheapest airport pickup, the best way to find travel buddies and the most exciting group trips. You’ll also love our guides to a €10 all-you-can-eat-and-drink rooftop club, a secret abandoned theme park and the best beachfront hotels in Uluwatu.

Don’t miss out on our Canggu guides, including the best Italian restaurants, best beach clubs and best night clubs.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.