Are Bali and other popular travel destinations no longer safe? New warning alert!
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Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches and budget-friendly holidays. However, a recent travel advisory highlights a new issue for tourists.
Authorities are warning travellers heading to Bali and other tourist destinations to be cautious around animals, as more Australians report bites and scratches during their holidays.
According to NSW Health, ‘Bites and scratches from wild animals such as monkeys can cause severe and life-threatening diseases such as rabies.’
One of the main attractions drawing tourists to Bali is the Ubud Monkey Forest, where visitors get a chance to witness monkeys in their natural habitat.
Such places are popular among tourists, especially Australians, to capture memorable selfies with these creatures. Yet, despite their endearing appearance, it might not be wise to approach them.
Keira Glasgow, the director of the NSW Health One Health branch, emphasised the importance of maintaining distance.
‘When travelling, it’s very important to avoid physical contact with any animals,’ Glasgow mentioned. She further advised that people should not feed or play with animals, as this might lead to unwanted interactions.
A past incident in 2019 involving a Melbourne woman serves as a reminder of the lurking dangers. The woman incurred an $8,000 medical bill and experienced emotional distress after a monkey in the Monkey Forest attacked her.
In 2023, about 145 tourists from NSW sought treatment for injuries caused by animals. Many of these incidents happened in locations across Southeast Asia, similar to the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Glasgow provided guidance on how to address such wounds: ‘If you are bitten or scratched, always use appropriate first aid. You should wash the wound well with lots of soap and water for at least 15 minutes and use an antiseptic solution that has antiviral properties, such as povidone-iodine, to help prevent infection.’
‘If you still feel unwell after returning home from travelling, even if you have had medical treatment, please contact your GP immediately or call triple-0 if it is an emergency.’
Members, have you been to Bali? How was your experience? Or are you planning to visit and include the Ubud Monkey Forest on your itinerary? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Authorities are warning travellers heading to Bali and other tourist destinations to be cautious around animals, as more Australians report bites and scratches during their holidays.
According to NSW Health, ‘Bites and scratches from wild animals such as monkeys can cause severe and life-threatening diseases such as rabies.’
One of the main attractions drawing tourists to Bali is the Ubud Monkey Forest, where visitors get a chance to witness monkeys in their natural habitat.
One of Bali's top attractions is the Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida. Image source: Pixabay.
Such places are popular among tourists, especially Australians, to capture memorable selfies with these creatures. Yet, despite their endearing appearance, it might not be wise to approach them.
Keira Glasgow, the director of the NSW Health One Health branch, emphasised the importance of maintaining distance.
‘When travelling, it’s very important to avoid physical contact with any animals,’ Glasgow mentioned. She further advised that people should not feed or play with animals, as this might lead to unwanted interactions.
A past incident in 2019 involving a Melbourne woman serves as a reminder of the lurking dangers. The woman incurred an $8,000 medical bill and experienced emotional distress after a monkey in the Monkey Forest attacked her.
While you shouldn't touch the monkeys at Ubud's Monkey Forest, they often touch tourists. Image source: Pixabay.
In 2023, about 145 tourists from NSW sought treatment for injuries caused by animals. Many of these incidents happened in locations across Southeast Asia, similar to the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Glasgow provided guidance on how to address such wounds: ‘If you are bitten or scratched, always use appropriate first aid. You should wash the wound well with lots of soap and water for at least 15 minutes and use an antiseptic solution that has antiviral properties, such as povidone-iodine, to help prevent infection.’
‘If you still feel unwell after returning home from travelling, even if you have had medical treatment, please contact your GP immediately or call triple-0 if it is an emergency.’
Members, have you been to Bali? How was your experience? Or are you planning to visit and include the Ubud Monkey Forest on your itinerary? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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