Indonesia — Southeast Asia
Is it safe to travel to Bali?
Check current UK Indonesia advice and local volcano zones. In Bali, plan for road traffic, surf, heat and possible volcanic disruption.
General planning guidance · Check current advisories · iLuxuryTravels Editorial
UK and US travel advice may differ by region and route. These notes are not a live advisory. Check the current UK advice for Indonesia and your own government’s advice before booking and departure.
Latest UK government update (18 September 2026): “FCDO no longer advises against all travel to volcanoes in Indonesia and will no longer advise against all travel in the event of future volcanic eruptions. FCDO have added new information about volcanoes in Indonesia, including information from the local authorities who enforce exclusion zones on a number of volcanically active sites (See ‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).” Source: GOV.UK
Our UK advice summary (checked 26 October 2026): Volcanic eruptions occur frequently; follow local exclusion zones. Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Middle East escalation may disrupt flight connections.
UK advice for Indonesia says terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks, including in places visited by foreign nationals, so stay alert in busy visitor areas. It also reports high numbers of rape and sexual assault cases in Bali and Lombok, drink spiking, bag-snatching and a large increase in moped and motorbike accidents, some fatal. The US State Department rates Indonesia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
On the roads, UK advice says traffic discipline is very poor and recommends a helmet in good condition, the right licence, checking your insurance and considering a private driver or a hired car with a driver.
Also check lifeguard guidance and local conditions at beaches, ask a travel clinic about food, water and mosquito-borne illness, and follow local authority exclusion zones and ash notices for volcanoes.
Bali safety: the questions people actually ask
- Is it safe to travel to Bali right now?
- Check the current Indonesia advice and local volcano exclusion zones before booking and departure. UK advice checked 3 October 2026 no longer applies blanket against-all-travel advice to volcanoes; local restrictions still apply. Plan for roads and water conditions.
- Is Bali safe for solo female travellers?
- UK advice reports high numbers of rape and sexual assault cases in Bali and Lombok and drink spiking linked to sexual assault, assault and robbery. Be alert at night, watch your drinks being prepared and use registered transport. Read the full advice before travelling alone.
- Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
- UK advice reports a large increase in moped and motorbike accidents in Bali, some fatal. Only ride if you are licensed and insured for it and wear a helmet in good condition; consider a private driver or a hired car with a driver.
- Is the water safe to drink in Bali?
- Ask a travel clinic or your government's health service for current food and water guidance, and check your insurance covers medical treatment.
- Should I worry about the volcano?
- Follow current Indonesian authority exclusion zones and ash advisories for each volcano. Activity can disrupt flights; check insurance cover and do not assume an eruption will come with advance warning.
- Are the monkeys dangerous?
- Temple monkeys can take loose items such as glasses and phones and may bite if cornered or teased. Keep belongings secured and do not feed or tease them.
Where to stay in Bali.
The houses we hold here with nightly rates and photographs, and live hotel and rental prices from our booking partners.