Welcome to Ask Sheila – your place to ask me all those big (and small) questions you have about visiting or living in Bali. This week – What should I bring in my Bali travel medical kit?
Bring a first aid kit!
Last week I wrote about how to avoid Bali Belly and I mentioned that it’s definitely worth bringing a first aid kit. Lots of people reached out to ask what they should bring in their travel medical kit.
I’m not a doctor! But I have travelled extensively in Bali, and many other less-developed places in the world. Here’s what I bring with me! Hopefully, you’ll never need it!
Most visitors to Bali have a wonderful holiday with no medical issues. However, unexpected issues can quickly ruin your holiday. A well-stocked medical first aid kit ensures you can deal with minor health concerns easily.
Bring these supplies in your travel medical kit
Don’t forget that you can pick up most over-the-counter medicines here in Bali if you need them. But, honestly, the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling dreadful is to look for an “apotek” (pharmacy). So I’d suggest you either bring your medical kit supplies with you, or buy them on the first day in Bali.
1.Prescription Medications – if you have a prescription medicine that you take from home, bring it with you in your first aid kit, as well as a copy of the written prescription. You may not be able to find it in Bali.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications – bring some pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen in case of headaches, muscle ache, or to reduce fever.
3. First Aid Supplies including bandages, antiseptic wipes or liquid are very useful as cuts can get infected very easily in the tropics. Tweezers and small scissors are always useful too
4. Sun and insect protection including sun cream (very expensive to buy in Bali) and insect repellent (very cheap to buy in Bali) are essential. After sun lotion is also good in case you forget to reapply your sun cream!
Better safe than sorry! Bring a small medical kit with you and you’ll be able to treat most common traveller medical issues.
Some more tips on how to stay safe in Bali
1. If in doubt, go to a local medical clinic and speak to a doctor. You can also use the Halodoc app to speak with a doctor in Bali and they can send you medicine to your hotel or villa.
2. Buy medical insurance! If, heaven forbid, something serious happens, you wont be treated unless you can pay up front or you have medical insurance.
3. Be extra careful of mosquitos. Dengue fever and other mosquito borne diseases aren’t fun! Take some extra precautions when necessary, such as using mosquito repellents, staying in AC rooms, keeping fans on while sleeping, and using long sleeve clothing around dusk.
4. If you or your loved one has a serious medical emergency, go straight to one of the main hospitals (e.g. Silom or BIMC). Don’t wait for an ambulance. Get a taxi, scooter, pick up truck, whatever you need and get to the hospital.
5. Wear a helmet. One of the most common medical problems foreigners face is scooter accidents. I’ve seen what happens when people don’t wear helmets. Wear a helmet.
Having a well-stocked medical kit on your trip to Bali can ensure you have a stress-free and fun trip to Bali. With an adequate first aid kit, you’ll be able to manage common traveller complaints such as stomach troubles, sunburn, and insect bites, and you can focus on having a great trip to the Island of the Gods without worrying about your health. Safe travels!
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