A traveller who spent four months in Bali says the island remains one of her favourite destinations, but visitors should be aware of health and safety risks that aren't always visible in holiday brochures.
Image: Magnific.
Bali is often marketed as a tropical paradise where travellers can unwind without a care in the world.
For one traveller who spent four months on the Indonesian island, that reputation largely held true.
In a post that has sparked discussion online, she described Bali as one of the safest places she has visited.
"You can stay out late at night without worrying about being mugged or attacked. Balinese people are some of the kindest and most welcoming people I've ever met," she wrote.
However, she went on to explain that her experience taught her that safety comes in different forms.
"But staying here long enough, I realised that 'safe' doesn't always mean what I think it does."
After spending four months on the Indonesian island, the traveller shared a series of warnings for visitors, saying her first week in Bali taught her that "even paradise needs precautions."
Among her biggest concerns was counterfeit alcohol, a problem that has made headlines across parts of Southeast Asia.
Health experts have repeatedly warned travellers about methanol poisoning linked to illegally produced or tampered alcohol.
Symptoms can resemble intoxication at first but can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
Experts advise buying alcohol only from licensed and reputable establishments and checking that bottles are properly sealed.
The traveller also highlighted the infamous "Bali Belly" after a friend became so ill that they required intravenous fluids.
While the name sounds almost humorous, Bali Belly is actually travellers' diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water.
Authorities and travel health experts have repeatedly warned about counterfeit alcohol in parts of Southeast Asia, where illegally produced or tampered spirits can contain methanol.
Image: Magnific.
Medical experts estimate that it is one of the most common illnesses affecting tourists visiting Bali, with symptoms ranging from stomach cramps and nausea to severe dehydration.
Drinking bottled water and being mindful of food hygiene can help reduce the risk.
Getting around the island was another surprise. Bali's roads can be chaotic, with heavy traffic and thousands of scooters weaving through popular tourist areas.
While many visitors rent scooters to explore independently, inexperienced riders can find the conditions challenging.
Travel experts often recommend using ride-hailing services or experienced local drivers if you're unfamiliar with riding in busy traffic.
Animal encounters can also carry risks.
Bali has spent years working to control rabies, but health authorities continue to warn residents and tourists to seek immediate medical attention after any bite or scratch from a dog, monkey or other mammal.
Rabies remains present on the island and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, making prompt treatment essential.
Perhaps the traveller's biggest lesson was about travel insurance.
While Bali is often seen as an affordable destination, medical emergencies can become expensive very quickly.
Reports of tourists requiring emergency treatment, rabies vaccinations or hospital care have highlighted how costs can climb into the thousands of dollars without adequate cover.
Despite the warnings, the traveller made it clear she still loves Bali and would return.
Her message was not that people should avoid the island but rather that travellers should arrive prepared.
After all, the most memorable trips are often the ones where you experience the real destination not just the version that appears on your Instagram feed.