is it safe to drink the water in bali?

Whenever traveling to a new place far from home, it's always good to check if you can safely drink the water. This is because different countries have different water treatment standards, so you may be used to a certain amount of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and/or heavy metals being filtered out that aren't removed in other places. Bali is no exception. Unless you are from Indonesia or a country with similar water standards, odds are you cannot drink the water. This means if you're from a place like the United States, Australia, Canada, or Europe, you do not want to drink this water and should drink bottled or boiled water instead to minimize your chances of getting sick with Bali Belly.

No, all foreigners cannot and should not drink the tap water from Bali, Indonesia. The tap water there does not meet international purification standards so if you do accidentally drink the water, odds are you will get sick. Instead, it's advised that you drink bottled or boiled water for the duration of your visit.

why can't you drink the tap water in bali?

The tap water in Bali is unfortunately known to have high percentages of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and/or heavy metals. The water we drink at home has higher purification standards than that, regardless of where you're from, so drinking Indonesia's water will make you sick. It does not make local Indonesian people sick because they are immune to it. They've grown up in these conditions, so those are the parameters that their bodies are used to. Since your body isn't used to those particular strains of bacteria, even if the water does meet standards, it will likely reject the water because of that foreign bacteria. There are also old, corroded, or unsealed pipes in many regions, allowing contamination even if the source is clean.

Can you brush your teeth with bali tap water?

No, you cannot brush your teeth with the water in Bali or other parts of Indonesia for the same reasons you cannot physically drink the water. Your body is not used to unfiltered water and will flag any unknown bacteria as a threat, causing you to become sick from trying to push that bacteria out. You may hear from some travelers that it's completely fine to brush your teeth with the water as long as you don't drink or swallow anything, but I personally think that that's a risk that just isn't necessary. Do you really want to get Bali Belly from brushing your teeth with the water when you could've just used a little bit of bottled water? I would rather be safe than sorry and say no, but taking that risk is up to you.

can you wash your hands with bali water?

Yes, you can wash your hands with Bali water or water anywhere in Indonesia. Despite the fact that this is unfiltered water that may not be safe for you to consume without getting sick, you can use it externally on your body. This includes washing your hands, taking a shower, or doing laundry with Bali's local water. As long as you're not ingesting it, you should be totally in the clear!

is bali belly caused by drinking the tap water in bali?

Yes, Bali Belly can be caused by drinking the local water in Bali or anywhere else in Indonesia. This illness, which is also known as traveler’s diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset, is typically your body's reaction to new bacteria, viruses, or parasites that it isn’t used to. It can be caused by drinking the water, eating contaminated food (which may have been washed with the water), unclean hands, food from street vendors or warungs, etc. To learn about how you can minimize the chances of getting Bali Belly while on your trip to Bali, Indonesia, click here.

how to drink the tap water in bali without getting sick

If bottled water is not an option then there are a few ways to safely drink the tap water-it just requires a little treatment first! You can use a filtered water bottle like Grayl or Lifestraw Go (they come in so many colors so check them out),  you can boil the tap water before drinking it, you can use water purification tablets like these ones which are super affordable, or you can refill at cafes, co-working spaces, and hotels equipped with free filtered water refills.

is bottled water ok to drink in bali?

Yes, bottled water is a great way to safely stay hydrated while visiting Bali or other parts of Indonesia. Bottled water does meet international purification standards, which means that it will not be full of the local bacteria, viruses, parasites, and heavy metals that the local water is chalked with. I relied on bottled water my entire two week trip in Bali for both drinking water and for brushing my teeth and I felt completely fine the whole time. Not one symptom of Bali Belly or anything worse (thankfully!).

Tips to stay safe while drinking the water in Bali

If you're looking for a short list of tips that can keep you safe while drinking the water in Bali, consult the advice below:

Traveling to Bali? Here’s What Else You Should Know

Now that you know the truth about Bali’s drinking water and how to stay safe, you're one step closer to a worry-free trip. But don’t stop here — there’s so much more to learn about planning the perfect Bali getaway. Scroll down to discover more insider tips on transportation, where to stay, what to pack, and how to avoid travel mistakes. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to subscribe for weekly travel tips, tricks, and destination guides that’ll help you travel smarter and safer — not just in Bali, but around the world.