Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Bali? What to Know
No, you should not drink tap water in Bali. Stick to bottled, filtered, or boiled water to avoid stomach upset and stay healthy throughout your trip.
The short answer is no. Tap water in Bali is not considered safe to drink for visitors, and most locals do not drink it straight from the tap either. The water that reaches your accommodation may travel through old pipes or storage tanks where contamination can occur, so it is best avoided for drinking.
The main concern is not the source water itself but the delivery system. Bali's plumbing and treatment infrastructure varies widely between areas, and bacteria, parasites, and other microbes can enter the supply along the way. Travellers who are not used to local microorganisms often experience stomach upset, commonly known as Bali belly, even from small amounts of unsafe water.
For drinking, choose sealed bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere from minimarkets like Indomaret and Alfamart. Check that the cap seal is intact before buying. Many hotels, villas, and cafes now offer filtered or refillable water stations, and reusable bottle refill points are increasingly common in tourist hubs like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu.
If you prefer to treat your own water, boiling for at least one minute makes it safe to drink. A quality water filter bottle or a UV purifier pen also works well and cuts down on single use plastic, which is a growing problem on the island.
Be cautious with the small things too. Use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach, ask for drinks without ice if you are unsure of the source, and avoid swallowing water in the shower. Most established restaurants and bars in tourist areas use ice made from purified water, so ice is usually fine in those settings.
Washing with tap water, showering, and bathing are perfectly safe. The risk comes only from swallowing the water. With a little care, the vast majority of visitors enjoy Bali without any water related illness at all.
If you do get sick, stay hydrated with bottled water and oral rehydration salts, which are sold at any pharmacy. Symptoms usually pass within a day or two, but see a doctor or visit a clinic if they are severe or persist, especially if you notice signs of dehydration or fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ice in Bali safe to use?
In established restaurants, cafes, and bars in tourist areas, ice is typically made from purified water and is safe. The cylindrical ice with a hole through the middle is factory produced and reliable. If you are at a very small local warung or street stall and unsure, simply ask for your drink without ice.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Bali?
Most travellers brush their teeth with tap water without any problem, as the amount swallowed is tiny. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or want to be extra cautious, use bottled or filtered water instead.
What is Bali belly and how do I avoid it?
Bali belly is a common traveller's stomach upset causing diarrhoea, cramps, and nausea. Avoid it by drinking only sealed or filtered water, choosing busy restaurants with high turnover, washing your hands often, and being careful with raw or undercooked food.
Are there water refill stations in Bali?
Yes. Refill stations are increasingly common in areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak, and many cafes, hostels, and yoga studios offer them. Bringing a reusable filter bottle is a great way to stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
What should I do if I drink unsafe water and get sick?
Rest, drink plenty of bottled water, and use oral rehydration salts from a pharmacy to replace lost fluids. Symptoms usually ease within one to two days. Seek medical care at a clinic if symptoms are severe, include high fever, or last longer than a couple of days.