Last Updated on August 25, 2025
Planning a dream trip to Bali, admiring the beauty of Jatiluwih rice terraces, diving in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying beachside sunsets? You may have heard about malaria risk in Bali. Do you need malaria pills for Bali in 2025, or is this just unnecessary worry?
The short answer: Malaria is not a risk in Bali’s main tourist areas, but it is present in other parts of Indonesia. If you’re venturing beyond Bali, to see Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park, waterfalls in Sumba or other rural areas, you may need protection. Let’s break down exactly where malaria is a concern and how to stay safe.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted mainly through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, which usually bite from dusk to dawn. Rarely, malaria can spread via blood transfusions, needle sharing, organ transplants, or mother-to-child during pregnancy.
Symptoms may appear 7 days to several months after infection.
- Fever
- Chills, headache, muscle aches
- Severe cases: kidney injury, respiratory distress, seizures, coma, death
⚠️ Disclaimer: This information is general guidance. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Malaria Risk in Indonesia (2025)
| Region | Risk Level | Malaria Pills Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Resort areas of Bali or Java, cities of Ubud or Jakarta (the capital), Gili Islands* | ❌ No Risk | No pills needed |
| Rural Java (Pangandaran, Sukabumi, Ujung Kulon) | 🟡 Low Risk | Pills may be needed if staying long-term |
| Eastern Indonesia (Komodo, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Sulawesi, Sumatra) | 🔴 Moderate/High Risk | Yes, recommended |
| Papua, West Papua, Maluku, Kalimantan (Borneo) | 🔴 High Risk | Strongly recommended |
*Some conflicting info on Gili Islands, CDC list as no risk, other resource suggests risk depending on activities
Key takeaway: Most Bali tourists do not need malaria pills, but travelers venturing outside main tourist areas should consider them.
Types of Malaria Pills For Indonesia
| Medication | Regimen | Common Side Effects | Avoid if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone) | 1 pill/day (start 1-2 days before, continue 7 days after leaving malaria zone) | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache | Pregnant women |
| Doxycycline | 1 pill/day (start 1-2 days before, continue 4 weeks after leaving) | Sunburn sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, yeast infections | Pregnant women, children <8 years |
| Mefloquine | 1 pill/week (start 2 weeks before, continue 4 weeks after) | Strange dreams, anxiety, dizziness | History of depression / anxiety |
| Tafenoquine | 1 pill/week (start 3 days before, continue 1 week after leaving) | Dizziness, stomach upset, headache | G6PD deficiency, pregnant women, history of psychosis |
⚠️ Chloroquine is ineffective in Indonesia due to drug resistance.
Non-Medication Ways to Prevent Malaria
Even if you don’t take pills, follow these steps:
- Choose accommodations wisely → Prefer air-conditioned hotels over open-air bungalows in malaria-risk areas.
- Use repellent correctly → Apply DEET or picaridin, including ankles & wrists.
- Pack smart → Lightweight, long-sleeved clothes for jungle or rural hikes.
- Mosquito nets & screens → Sleep under treated nets if in rural or high-risk areas.
👉Learn more Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes Bites
👉See my Travel Vaccines by Country (2025 Guide)
👉Pack smart: Ultimate Southeast Asia Medication Travel Kit Guide
Traveler FAQ: Malaria and Bali
A: No. Main tourist areas like Kuta, Ubud, and Nusa Dua have minimal or no malaria risk. Mosquito repellent is generally sufficient.
A: Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone) is popular for short trips. Doxycycline and Mefloquine are alternatives depending on trip length and side effects.
A: In low-risk areas (most of Bali, parts of Java), repellent may be enough. In moderate/high-risk zones (Papua, Komodo), malaria pills are strongly recommended.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Travelers should always consult a qualified healthcare professional or a travel medicine specialist for personalized advice regarding malaria prevention, medications, and vaccination recommendations based on their specific travel itinerary and health history.
References
CDC Malaria Prevention by Country
About the Author
Jun is a Canadian pharmacist and the writer behind Mindful Travel and Health. She believes in simplifying travel health advice so every traveler can feel confident on their journey. Jun continues to expand her knowledge to help improve health outcomes for global travelers. Learn more →
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