A common question asked by Bali tourists is if tap water in Bali is safe to drink. The simple answer – no, it’s not safe to drink due to the risk of contamination.
Since Bali’s tap water isn’t fully purified like tap water in the West, your best friend in every scenario will be bottled water. It’s your best bet and it’s quite affordable.
The last thing you want during your Bali holiday is to be stuck on the toilet with a case of Bali Belly. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe with water in Bali.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Bali?
No, Bali tap water is not safe to drink. It’s not purified nor does it meet international standards. Due to the lack of government-regulated purification standards, the tap water may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Tap water in Bali might contain harmful bacteria and parasites like E.coli which can give you Traveller’s Diarrhea if ingested. Aside from the harmful contaminants, Bali tap water might also have unwanted traces of metals, dirt, and sediment.
Can I drink tap water in Bali hotels?
You should not drink tap water in Bali hotels. It does not matter whether it’s a 5-star luxury resort, family-owned homestay, or a run down hostel.
Always request bottled water from the hotel staff, or buy your own from a local convenience store.
Some hotels and villas may provide a gallon of Aqua, Balian, or Cleo water with a dispenser. These are from safe sources.
Does tap water in Bali give you Bali Belly?
Drinking tap water in Bali will increase the risk of getting Bali Belly. So, if you’ve mistakenly ingested a bit of Bali tap water, you don’t need to stress too much about going to the toilet.
Unlike more developed countries in the West, tap water in Bali is not purified. Therefore, the water might contain parasites, E. coli, or other harmful stuff that can really upset your stomach.
It’s important to note that Bali Belly is a catchy phrase for Traveler’s Diarrhea. This is caused but ingesting contaminated food or introducing new bacteria into your system.
Traveler’s Diarrhea like Bali Belly can be caught at any destination where there’s a significant change in your diet – Mexico, India, Thailand, and even Brazil.
Read more: Bali Belly – Expert Tips and Best Treatments
What to do if I drank tap water in Bali?
First of all, don’t panic – not everyone gets sick. If you accidentally drank Bali tap water, you’re risks of getting sick are increased, but not always guaranteed.
Take some precautions and monitor yourself for symptoms. Bali Belly usually kicks in within 6 hours to a day. If there are no signs of stomach issues, you’re in the clear.
Within that first day, make sure to drink plenty of bottled water and avoid alcohol and caffeine to be on the safe side. Just in case, see my list of hospitals in Bali.
Are ice cubes made from Bali tap water?
Ice cubes in Bali are generally safe, especially at your hotel or popular restaurants. The only situation where it might be a bit risky is ice cubes from street food and smaller food stalls (warungs).
Here is a fun fact about Bali: ice cube production in Bali are actually regulated by the government. This is to help avoid issues that contaminated ice cubes might cause – like a case of Bali Belly. And since Bali is heavily dependent on tourism, the government aims to prioritize food safety.
Can I brush my teeth with Bali tap water?
Technically you can, but I don’t recommend it.
My suggestion: by some small bottles of water to keep in the bathroom. If you’re staying at a reputable hotel, villa, or resort, they will likely already have this in place for you.
Many tourists and expats brush their teeth using Bali tap water and are completely unharmed, but it’s best to completely avoid the risk. You wouldn’t want this silly mishap to ruin your short time in paradise.
Can I boil tap water in Bali?
Boiling tap water in Bali can be a great solution to make it safer to drink. If done properly, boiling water for at least 3 minutes can kill most bacteria and viruses.
Tips on boiling water in Bali:
- Use a clean pot
- Boil for at least 3 minutes
- Cover it while it’s cooling
- Store it in a clean jug
Can I wash my hair with tap water in Bali?
Yes, it’s safe to wash your hair with Bali tap water.
Keep in mind, the water quality might be different from that of your home country and it may affect your hair and scalp. Female tourists in Bali can testify to this – dryness and frizziness (also a result of the climate).
General tips: Use a good conditioner and shampoo. If your hotel has an in-house water filter or a shower filter, that’s always a nice bonus.
Can I wash dishes with Bali tap water?
Yes, generally speaking, you can wash your dishes with tap water in Bali. Make sure to use dish soap as it helps remove unwanted bacteria. However, you should let your dishes dry before using them as some of the bacteria might still remain.
Using bottled water might be impractical in this case but for baby products like baby bottles and cups, I would recommend using bottled water or boiled water to wash them.
Which bottled water is safe to drink in bali?
All brands of bottled water in Bali are safe to drink as they meet Indonesian and International health standards. You can find bottled water at an convenience store like Circle K and Indomaret. You can also request bottled water at a restaurant.
The most common bottled water brands in Bali include Aqua, Cleo, Le Minerale, and Pristine. Some big chain convenience stores will have their own brands as well for a few cents cheaper.
If you want to lower your chances to catching Bali Belly while eating local food in Bali, request a bottled water instead of a poured glass – just to be on the safe side.
How much does bottled water cost in Bali?
Bottled water is relatively cheap but the exact price will depend on the brand and where you buy it from.
Small bottles of water from a supermarket or convenience store will cost between IDR 3k to IDR 7k (AUD $0.30 – AUD $0.70).
The bigger 1.5L bottles of water will cost anywhere between IDR 5k to IDR 12k (AUD $0.50 – $1.20).
The large 19L gallons can be found anywhere from IDR 20k – 30k (AUD $2.00 – $3.00). Some convenience stores can deliver these to your villa or hotel if the hotel staff is unavailable.
Bottled water is generally more expensive at restaurants at bars which have high markups. Expect to pay around IDR 40k – 70k (AUD $4.00 – $7.00) for bottled water. The price will depend on the establishment and whether it’s in a glass bottle or plastic bottle.
Where does Bali tap water come from?
There are 3 main sources for supplying tap water in Bali, all of which range in quality but are still unsafe for foreigners to drink straight from the tap.
Mountain springs and rivers – These are natural water sources that run down from mountains. This is the source of most water in Bali.
Wells and groundwater – This is more common in rural areas and villages. Homes and businesses in these areas rely on underground wells and boreholes for water.
Government supply – Bali’s water company (PDAM) treats and supplies water to homes and businesses. Even though it goes through some purification, it’s still unsafe as it does not full remove bacteria. Some of the government supply pips are also old.
My experience with Tap Water in Bali
I’ve had several occasions where I either purposefully or mistakenly drank tap water in Bali. I was once in a hotel far in Balian Beach where everything was closed after 9:00 pm and I was stuck in the hotel without any water.
Due to the climate, thirst got the best of me and I had no choice but to pour myself a lukewarm cup of fresh Bali tap water from the bathroom sink. The consequences were unbearable.
By the next morning I was in fetal position absolutely regretting my decision. I practically lived on the toilet for the next few days.
As someone who has travelled to some of the most “unsafe” places on the planet, I can assure you there is no such thing as “building immunity” to any kind of stomach bacteria – unless you were born and raised there.
Don’t let a splash of H2O ruin your holiday in Bali. Stay on the safe side, avoid the tap water, and use bottled water instead. It’s affordable and you can rest assured that you won’t be stuck on the toilet.
In summary, here’s how to stay safe with water in Bali:
Other useful resources:
- Bali Belly tips and treatments
- Book a private car and driver
- Bikago Scooter Rental
- Get a Wise Card for Bali
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about this Bali’s rich culture.
