Last Updated on January 6, 2026
In the pharmacy, Bali is the #1 destination that confuses patients. They look at a map of ‘Indonesia’ and see a big red ‘Malaria Risk’ warning. I spend a lot of time calming travelers down and pulling out the specific island maps. The reality is nuanced: Bali itself is generally safe, but the island next door has a higher risk of malaria.
As a pharmacist, I let my patient’s know that 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 (2026)
| Region | Risk Level | Do You Need Pills? |
|---|---|---|
| Bali (Main Island) (Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) Resort area of Java, cities of Jakarta (the capital), Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu) | 🟢 No Risk | No. Insect precautions (spray) are sufficient. |
| Gili Islands (Gili T, Gili Air, Gili Meno) | 🟡 Conflicting Data (See Note Below) | Discuss with Clinician. CDC says “No,” but other medical databases (Travax) say “Yes.” I generally recommend pills for backpackers or those in open-air bungalows. |
| Lombok, Sulawesi, Sumatra | 🟠 Moderate Risk | Yes, Recommended. Depending on the specific area but yes, especially if hiking or staying in rural accommodations. |
| Papua, West Papua, Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara, Sumba, Labuan Bajo, Komodo Islands, Kalimantan (Borneo) | 🔴 High Risk | Yes, Strongly Recommended. Risk is high. Note: Papua travelers may need additional treatment after the trip to prevent relapse. |
💊 Pharmacist’s Note: The “Gili Islands” Debate
If you look at the CDC (US) guidelines, they list the Gili Islands as ‘No Risk.’ However, other specialized medical databases (like Travax) advise that there is a risk and recommend malaria pills.
My Approach: I tend to be conservative. If you are staying in a sealed, air-conditioned resort on Gili Trawangan, the risk is likely negligible. However, if you are backpacking, sleeping in open-air bamboo bungalows, or visiting during the rainy season, I often discuss taking Malarone with my patients. It is better to have the protection and not need it, than to rely on conflicting data.
💊Key takeaway: Most Bali tourists do not need malaria pills, but travelers venturing outside main tourist areas should consider them. While US CDC guidelines consider Bali low risk, I also check the Canadian CATMAT guidelines, which agree that chemoprophylaxis (pills) is generally not recommended for the main island of Bali.
Types of Malaria Pills For Indonesia
| Medication | The Pharmacist’s Take | Regimen | Common Side Effects | Best For… | Avoid if… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone) | The Gold Standard. It has the fewest side effects and you stop taking it just 7 days after the trip. | 1 pill/day (start 1-2 days before, continue 7 days after leaving malaria zone) | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache | Short trips (1-2 weeks) where you want zero hassle. | Pregnant women |
| Doxycycline | The Budget Option. It is very cheap, but you must take it for 4 weeks after you return. Warning: Causes sun sensitivity. | 1 pill/day (start 1-2 days before, continue 4 weeks after leaving) | Sunburn sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, yeast infections | Long-term backpackers on a budget who will cover up from the sun. | Pregnant women, children <8 years |
| Mefloquine | The “Once-a-Week” Option. Convenient dosing, but carries a “Black Box” warning for psychiatric side effects (anxiety, vivid dreams). | 1 pill/week (start 2 weeks before, continue 4 weeks after) | Strange dreams, anxiety, dizziness | Long-term travelers who cannot take Doxycycline. | History of depression / anxiety |
⚠️ Chloroquine is ineffective in Indonesia due to drug resistance.
⚠️ Why I Don’t usually recommend Doxycycline for Bali:
Bali is a sun-destination. Taking Doxycycline while surfing or sunbathing puts you at high risk for a painful phototoxic rash (severe sunburn). Unless you plan to stay fully covered, Malarone is usually the safer choice for a beach holiday.
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 (2026 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.
✈️ Read More on Travel Health
If you found this guide on Bali useful, you might also like:
- Travel Vaccines by Country: How to Check What You Need (2026 Guide)
- What Routine Vaccines for Travel to Consider (2025 Guide)
- Ways to Protect Yourself from Dengue Fever in Cambodia
- Essential Medications for Travel to Southeast Asia
- How to Prevent Altitude Sickness When Traveling to Machu Picchu
- Southeast Asia Heat Survival Guide: How to Prevent Heatstroke & Dehydration
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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