Bali field guide
Snake, Centipede and Monkey Bites in Bali: What to Do
The first actions after a snakebite, centipede sting or macaque bite in Bali, including safe snake removal and why every monkey scratch needs prompt rabies assessment.
Published 2026-10-06
The useful part, first
Choose first aid by the animal: immobilise and transport after snakebite, wash macaque exposures for 15 minutes and seek rabies assessment, and monitor centipede stings for systemic symptoms.
In this guide
01
Identify the incident before choosing first aid
A snakebite, a centipede sting and a macaque scratch are three different problems. Snake venom can affect nerves, blood or tissue; a centipede usually causes local pain and swelling; a macaque exposure can require rabies prevention even when the scratch looks small.
Do not spend the first hour identifying a species online. Move away from the animal, photograph it only from a safe distance if this causes no delay, note the time and arrange the appropriate medical assessment.
02
After a snakebite: stop movement and go to hospital
Lay the person down, reassure them and immobilise the bitten limb in a comfortable position with a splint or sling. Remove rings, watches or tight footwear before swelling develops. Carry the person if practical and arrange transport to a hospital without delay.
Do not cut or suck the wound, massage it, apply ice, chemicals, a black stone or a narrow tourniquet. Do not improvise a pressure bandage unless a trained clinician or emergency service gives species-appropriate instructions: WHO notes that compression can be unsuitable for venoms that cause major local tissue injury.
03
A snake in the villa needs a rescuer, not a broom
Keep people and pets out of the room, close an internal door if this can be done without approaching the snake, and watch from a safe position so the rescuer knows where it went. Do not trap it in a corner or try to pick it up, even if it appears dead.
Bali Reptile Rescue publishes a 24-hour reptile rescue number, +62 821 4638 0270. Save it before an incident and verify the current number on its official contact page. Send a pin, a safe-distance photo and the last place the snake was seen.
04
A macaque scratch starts with 15 minutes of washing
Wash every bite or scratch immediately with soap or detergent under running water for 15 minutes, then use an antiseptic if available. This applies to a bleeding bite, a superficial scratch and saliva reaching broken skin, the eyes or mouth.
Go promptly to a Puskesmas, hospital or rabies centre for a clinician to assess anti-rabies vaccine and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulin. Do not wait to see whether the monkey becomes ill. Tell the clinician whether you previously completed rabies vaccination and show any records.
05
Prevent the macaque encounter from becoming a bite
Do not feed or touch macaques, carry loose food, or hold a phone close to an animal for a selfie. Keep glasses, hats and plastic bags secured before entering a monkey site. If a macaque takes an item, do not grab it back or corner the animal; follow staff instructions.
A bite is not made safe by the animal looking healthy. Rabies decisions depend on the type of exposure, local epidemiology and whether the animal can be assessed through the proper health system—not on a tourist's visual judgement.
06
Most centipede stings are local, but watch the pattern
Wash the site with soap and water. A cool compress wrapped in cloth can reduce pain and swelling; avoid placing ice directly on skin. Do not handle a large centipede to identify it. Check whether tetanus protection is current with a clinician.
Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, throat or facial swelling, dizziness or rapidly spreading hives. Medical review is also sensible for severe or expanding pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, a sting near the eye, or symptoms in a young child. Photograph the animal only if it is already safe to do so.
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