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Are dogs in Bali dangerous?

Author

Emma Newman

Published Mar 17, 2026

Are dogs in Bali dangerous?

Most dogs in Bali are super friendly. They are used to being around humans as much as any pet dog and are often fed by humans still so are very much used to being around and touched by humans. But you should be aware that most dogs you will see are strays, even if they have a dog collar.

Subsequently, one may also ask, do they eat dog in Bali?

Recent reports have uncovered that the Balinese people are brutally killing dogs and serving them to unsuspecting tourists. Bali law states that eating dog meat is legal but selling it to tourists under a false name, is not. These poor creatures are caught, muzzled, shot, poisoned and butchered on a daily basis.

Also, are there a lot of stray dogs in Bali? "Bali Dogs" are a unique breed to the island (that is the pure bred) and have quite a history attached to them. You will see dogs, but "not" hordes of stray mangy dogs roaming the streets.

Subsequently, one may also ask, is Bali dangerous for tourists?

Dangers & Annoyances. It's important to note that compared to many places in the world, Bali is fairly safe. There have been some high-profile cases of visitors being injured or killed on Bali, but in many cases these tragedies have been inflamed by media sensationalism. Boat travel carries risks.

Do dogs in Bali have rabies?

Rabies has not been eradicated from Bali, however. There were about 15 cases of human rabies reported in 2015. It is estimated that there are thousands (some say tens of thousands) of dog bites in Bali each year. Although very rare, monkeys can get rabies and any monkey bite should be treated accordingly.

How do you avoid dog meat in Bali?

What You Can Do
  1. DON'T buy dog meat or eat in restaurants selling dog meat.
  2. WRITE to your Indonesian Embassy calling for a ban on the slaughter and consumption of dogs.
  3. REPORT to BAWA any warungs (local restaurants) you see advertising dog meat (“RW”) or people stealing or killing dogs for RW.
  4. GET EVIDENCE.

What food should you avoid in Bali?

To reduce your risks, we recommend not eating these foods in Bali:
  • Food from street vendors - eat at hotels and reputable restaurants.
  • Leafy green vegetables and salads - they could be contaminated after being washed with tap water.
  • Rare or undercooked meats.
  • Seafood.
  • Chicken particularly if it's not fully cooked.

Are dogs sacred in Bali?

"In Hindu tradition in Bali, the dog is considered a holy animal. They are very patient and loyal to their owner. The Balinese love dogs because dog is their friend."

What should I wear in Bali?

Pack light cotton and loose clothing; your skin will thank you.
  • The ideal outfit to wear when exploring Bali is a T-shirt, shorts and sneakers.
  • Pack light cotton clothes to go the beach.
  • When hiking, pack warm and wet-weather clothes.
  • Traditional clothes for a Hindu ceremony in Bali © Artem Bali / Unsplash.

How much is massage in Bali?

From $10 for a 1 hour Bali massage to $120 for a massage in a day spa… they are all blissful, dreamy & budget friendly.

Are rats in Bali dangerous?

Rats have been known to carry rabies, a serious threat under the prevailing situation in Bali.

Can you eat beef in Bali?

Balinese Hindus, for example, consider cows to be holy and therefore refrain from eating beef. Tourists are not expected to do the same, but you may consider not ordering beef when eating with a local (also, bringing and eating beef in temples or sacred places is prohibited).

What is traditional Bali food?

Here are the traditional dishes to try in Bali if you want to experience the essence of the island on your plate.
  • Satay. Satay, or sate in Indonesian, are basically grilled slices of chicken, goat, beef, or pork skewered on sticks.
  • Babi Guling.
  • Betutu.
  • Lawar.
  • Nasi Jinggo.
  • Urab.
  • Tum.
  • Sambal Matah.

What is illegal in Bali?

Bali's drug laws are very strict and should not be trifled with. Indonesian Law No. 35/2009 lays down harsh penalties for drug users caught with Group 1 drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. You can get life imprisonment for possession or the death penalty if you've been convicted of trafficking in drugs.

Is Bali expensive to visit?

Bali is already the most expensive tourist destination in Indonesia and is slowly becoming more expensive as tourists discover more of Bali, but cheap food and accommodation are still widely available if you don't mind basic accommodations, stick to your budget, and bargain respectfully for prices.

Is it safe to drink alcohol in Bali?

Re: How safe is drinking local alcohol in Bali? Drinking cocktails in high end establishments is fine. An occasional beer (as we're not beer drinkers), cocktails, Arak, Brem, spirits, wine and never a problem.

What should you not do in Bali?

9 Things Not To Do In Bali
  • Do Not Enter The Temples With Your Shoes On.
  • Avoid Drinking Tap Water.
  • Do Not Visit Temples Wearing Revealing Clothes.
  • Avoid Using Your Left Hand For Giving Or Accepting Things.
  • Drug Possession And Consumption Can Land You In Jail.
  • Maintain Decorum During Nyepi.
  • Honking Without Reason Is Prohibited.

What are the dangers in Bali?

Common claims
  • Natural disasters. Volcanoes and earthquakes have resulted in some travellers being stuck at their destination for longer than planned, or even being unable to reach their destination at all!
  • Animal bites. Animal bites are common in Bali, mostly from stray dogs or wild monkeys.
  • Theft.
  • Surfing injuries.

Are there sharks in Bali?

Short answer; Yes, there are sharks in Bali. In fact, Bali has had a total of five shark attacks - none of which were fatal - since 1990 and they all happened in a small surfing village on the west coast of the island.

What is the best month to go to Bali?

April to October is the best time to visit Bali, when there is little rain, low humidity, and lots of sun. Bali is a good year-round destination. There is a wet season but it can still be a fine time to visit Bali. If you want to save money the best months are May, June, and October.

Is Bali safe at night?

Yes, Bali is considerably one of the safest cities in Indonesia. People are friendly and very much service-oriented (due to its tourism nature), hence crime is rather low. Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua are some of the more popular night destinations; meanwhile, Ubud or Uluwatu area tend to be very quiet at night.

What should I be careful of in Bali?

10 common tourist traps/scams in Bali and how to avoid them
  • Phony commission drivers.
  • Taking taxi rides in Bali.
  • Tour guides at Goa Gajah (Elephant cave)
  • Experience an authentic Balinese market.
  • How to deal with temple touts – Besakih Temple.
  • Touts at Kuta Beach.
  • Seafood at Jimbaran.
  • Drinking Arak, a traditional Balinese alcohol.

How can I help a stray dog in Bali?

Instead, consider lending a hand to one of the many organisations that help the stray dogs of Bali during your visit.

A List of Animal Organisations in Bali

  1. Bali Dog Adoption and Rehabilitation Centre (or BARC)
  2. Villa Kitty.
  3. Bali Rescue Dog Squad.
  4. Mission Pawsible.
  5. The Bali Dog Halfway House.
  6. Bali Pet Crusaders.

Do squirrels in Bali have rabies?

Rats, squirrels, chipmunks, or rabbits rarely carry the rabies virus. Fish, reptiles, and birds are not known to carry the rabies virus.

How do you get rid of street dogs?

Call Animal Control or ASPCA.
Animal control officers and animal shelter employees are specially trained to deal with stray and/or aggressive animals. They can remove the stray from your yard without any injury to themselves or the strays.

How many dogs in Bali have rabies?

At the start of the rabies outbreak in 2008, the dog population in Bali was estimated to be approximately 600,000. Following the recent eliminations of fall 2015, there are now only an estimated 100,000 pure Bali dogs on the island.

Should I get vaccinated before going to Bali?

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are strongly recommended as are vaccinations for typhoid, tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria. Check with your doctor about the shots you need before you go.

Do I need a rabies vaccine for Bali?

A rabies vaccination is still not a must if you come to Bali but considering the fact that dogs (and monkeys) who could interact with tourists can have rabies, and that Bali's dog population is estimated at 500.000, a vaccination is not a bad thing before coming here. Avoid the street dogs, don't get too near to them.

Do I need any vaccinations to go to Bali?

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are strongly recommended as are vaccinations for typhoid, tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria. Check with your doctor about the shots you need before you go.

Can you get rabies from monkeys in Bali?

Monkeys in Bali are not known to have rabies, but there is an epidemic of the disease among dogs there. Transmitted through saliva, rabies can't be tested for. The virus travels to the brain via the nervous system and can hide in body tissue for up to 16 years.

Why are there no cats in Bali?

It says that the local cats been brought into Indonesia from Holland (by the colonialists) and than the cats (especially those later surviving on the streets etc) degenerated due to the unsuitable habitat, namely the food. There are no mice available, the rats and other kinds are not edible by cats.

What to do if you get bitten by a monkey in Bali?

Monkey Bite Treatment
IF YOU HAVE A CATEGORY II or III bite you need to get the Post Exposure Rabies Prophylaxis injections (PEP). This is the vaccine for rabies. It consists of 4 injections over the course of 2 weeks. An injection on Day 0, Day 3, Day 7 and Day 14.

What vaccinations do I need for Bali 2018?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Indonesia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.

Do the monkeys in Ubud have rabies?

Well, first of all, you should know that, yes, as a mammal, monkeys are able toget rabies; however, they do not tend to be the source of the virus. Ubud Monkey Forest is in cooperation with the Primate Research Center of Udayana University to make sure that the monkeys are always in excellent health.