New travel warning for Aussie tourists in Bali

Australians are being warned about the risks associated with travelling to Indonesia, particularly the holiday island of Bali, after a number of incidents.

Australians are being warned about the risks associated with travelling to Indonesia, particularly the holiday island of Bali, in a new updated travel warning.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website urged travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” while holidaying in Indonesia.

“Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,” the website said.

“Many beaches are unpatrolled.”

Tourists have been warned to exercise caution on Bali’s beaches. Picture: iStock

Travellers have also been urged to be alert to the potential risks of drink spiking and methanol poising, and never to leave food or drinks unattended.

“Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok,” Smartraveller said.

Tourists at Kuta beach. Picture: AFP

Aussie travellers have also been warned to ensure their passports are in pristine condition, as travellers have been denied entry to the country due to tears or water damage to their passports.

It urged Australians travelling to Indonesia to respect local customs, publishing a list of dos and don’ts.

“Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation,” Smartraveller said.

The Smartraveller site also issued a reminder about saltwater crocodiles, which are present in Indonesian rivers and lakes.

Originally published as New travel warning for Aussie tourists in Bali