Emergency Numbers — What to Know
Indonesia uses 112 for emergencies, which routes to police, ambulance, or fire. You can also call direct: 118 or 119 for ambulance, 110 for police, and 113 for fire. In Bali, public ambulance response can be very slow (30–60 minutes). Private hospital ambulances are faster and more reliable — call BIMC Hospital (0361 761 263) or Siloam Hospital (0361 779 900) directly for emergencies. The Bali Tourist Police can be reached at 0361 224 111 or through the tourist police station in Kuta. English is spoken at tourist-area police stations and hospitals.
Non-Emergency Resources
Pharmacies (apotek) are widespread; chains like Guardian and Kimia Farma stock common medications. Many medications available only by prescription in Western countries are sold over the counter in Bali. The Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) in Kuta and Nusa Dua has 24-hour walk-in clinics. For dental emergencies, Bali 911 Dental Clinic in Seminyak handles tourist patients. Your consulate can assist with lost passports — the Australian Consulate is in Renon, Denpasar, and many countries maintain honorary consulates in the tourist areas.
Emergency Phrases
| English | Local |
|---|---|
| Help! | Tolong!TOH-long |
| Call an ambulance | Panggil ambulansPAHNG-gill ahm-boo-LAHNS |
| I need a doctor | Saya perlu dokterSAH-yah PAIR-loo DOCK-ter |
| Where is the hospital? | Di mana rumah sakit?dee MAH-nah ROO-mah SAH-kit |
| Fire! | Kebakaran!keh-bah-KAH-rahn |
| Police! | Polisi!poh-LEE-see |
Practical Tips for Tourists
BIMC Hospital (Kuta and Nusa Dua locations) is the top choice for tourists — English-speaking doctors, international insurance accepted, modern equipment. Siloam Hospital (near the airport) and Kasih Ibu Hospital (Denpasar) are other solid options. RSUP Sanglah is Bali's main public hospital and trauma centre — the best-equipped ER on the island but expect crowds and minimal English. For serious trauma or illness, medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia may be recommended — ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Indonesian SIMs from Telkomsel, XL Axiata, or Indosat are cheap and readily available at the airport and minimarts. Emergency calls (112) work from any phone. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations and cafés, but can be slow outside tourist centres.
Motorbike accidents are by far the leading cause of tourist injury and death in Bali. Wear a helmet, carry your international driving permit, and check that your travel insurance covers motorbike use (many policies exclude it). Other risks include methanol poisoning from adulterated spirits (buy only sealed bottles from reputable outlets), strong ocean currents at certain beaches, and mosquito-borne dengue fever — use repellent.
🇮🇩 See all Indonesia emergency numbers