Are there any compulsory vaccinations for Indonesia?

No, proof of vaccination is not required upon entry. However, the entry regulations regarding covid can change constantly. You can find the current regulations here.

Which vaccinations are recommended?

Basically all basic vaccinations are recommended according to the Swiss vaccination schedule. In addition, protection against hepatitis A and B and booster vaccinations against polio are recommended if last vaccinated more than 10 years ago. Other vaccinations are discussed below.

^{Rice fields are part of Bali's typical landscape}

How common is food poisoning in Bali?

It is easy to get food poisoning in Bali, as tap water is often contaminated with bacteria and viruses. However, the common but harmless traveler's diarrhea, as well as the life-threatening abdominal typhus, can be countered by following the basic rule: "Cook it, boil it, peel it or leave it."
If you do get traveler's diarrhea, it is essential to drink enough and eat salty foods. If you have additional fever, stomach or intestinal cramps, or blood in your stool, you should see a doctor as it could be abdominal typhus, which requires an intensive antibiotic therapy. Fortunately, this serious food poisoning is rather rare in Bali - Lombok - Flores and vaccination is only recommended for longer stays (1 month or more).

Loperamide (Immodium ©) can be taken for simple diarrhea for short-term symptom relief.

What about malaria?

Fortunately, Bali counts few cases of this potentially life-threatening disease in regions visited by tourists. It is not necessary to carry any medication with you. However, you should still protect yourself against mosquitoes, as other diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika and Japanese encephalitis can be transmitted by mosquito bites. Currently, many cases of dengue are counted, especially in the big cities.

What is the best way to protect yourself against mosquitoes?

You should protect yourself against mosquitoes both during the day and at night. It is best to wear long-sleeved, loose clothes in light colors, which are impregnated with insecticides (Nobite®Textile). Repellents (Anti brumm®, at least 30% DEET) should be applied regularly and after sunscreen on the skin and rubbed in well. At night you should sleep under an (impregnated) mosquito net or with the air conditioner running.

Should I get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is an extremely rare but potentially dangerous disease transmitted by nocturnal mosquitoes in remote areas, especially near rice fields. Travelers are hardly affected by this disease, therefore this (expensive) vaccination is not generally recommended for short stays in Indonesia. If a trip of several months in Asia or Southeast Asia is planned or if there is an increased risk (such as a stay near rice fields, pig farms, or the wetlands) this vaccination can be considered.

Is a vaccination against rabies useful?

Indonesia unfortunately counts many cases of rabies in humans. This non-treatable viral disease is transmitted via bites or scratches from mainly street dogs but also cats, bats, wild animals and also monkeys. In Bali it is not uncommon to encounter monkeys in the temples. These are often not afraid of humans and can behave aggressively - especially when food is around. Travelers (especially unvaccinated travelers) are strongly advised to keep their distance from these animals and not to take food into the temples. In case of scratch or bite injuries, one must immediately clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly (10-15 minutes) with plenty of water and soap before going immediately to the hospital for an active and, if necessary, a passive vaccination (= rabies antibodies directly into the wound). The decision whether or not to get the rabies vaccination should be weighed according to travel style and individual risk exposure. However, it is generally recommended for travelers.

^{A coveted itinerary between Bali, Lombok and Komodo Flores}

It's not just about you.

Travelers are often responsible for spreading diseases. With a vaccination, you not only protect yourself but also the local community, where the health system may not yet allow the entire population to be sufficiently vaccinated. Good examples are the recurrent measles outbreaks in Africa or the COVID-19 pandemic. It is therefore particularly important to keep in mind that diseases can be a serious problem in areas where vaccination rates are low. Unfortunately, disease outbreaks caused by (Swiss) travelers have already occurred in the global South, such as a measles outbreak in Colombia.
You can contribute by getting vaccinated against relevant diseases, taking precautions (malaria prophylaxis, food hygiene) and seeking medical treatment in case of illness after returning home (preventing the spread of resistant germs).

Let's talk about sex

During a trip, you will meet many people. Sometimes these encounters are fleeting, sometimes they can become very personal and even intimate. Since in many countries travelers are at increased risk of contracting an STI (Sexually Transmitted Illness, e.g. syphilis, gonococci or HIV), you should inform and protect yourself. Get vaccinated against the most relevant STIs, such as hepatitis B. A clarification of any existing STIs before the trip can be helpful. Take condoms with you on your trip and use them during sexual intercourse. Be careful when consuming alcohol and other intoxicants, as these increase the risk of unprotected sex. Get tested for STIs after having unprotected sex while traveling.

Summary: Relevance

Jap. encephalitis:              For long-term travelers in Southeast Asia

Malaria:                                 Malaria rare but present

Dengue:                                 High risk endemic

Typhoid:                                   Food poisoning common, typhoid fever less common

Rabies:                                    Bites and scratches frequent, rabies sporadic

Safety:                                    Moderately safe, safety index score 58 (0 worst, 100
                                                                                     best)