In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes

“In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes: the lethal King Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Pit Viper, Sea Snake, Krait, and Python. Stay cautious while exploring Bali’s diverse landscapes and be aware of these venomous creatures.”

In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes

Bali is home to numerous non-venomous snake species in addition to six different species of dangerous or venomous snakes. Bali is a well-known tourist destination in Indonesia.

But your trip to Bali doesn’t have to be ruined by snake fears. In Bali’s tourist regions, snakes are rarely an issue and normally won’t bite unless they’re grabbed or trodden upon. To begin with, they usually try to stay away from humans.

After years of living in Bali and exploring the entire island, including many less-visited locations, my wife and I have only come across one or two snakes. An expert snake catcher in Bali assisted with the photography for this guide.

Although it’s unlikely that most tourists or short-term visitors to In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes, it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes and know what to do if you come across one.

This snake guide will walk you through the process of identifying harmful Bali snakes, identifying who to call for snake removal, what to do if you get bitten by a snake in Bali, and what to do if you find a snake in your resort or in the rice fields.

How To Avoid Bali Snakes

First of all, the following advice will help you keep safe from and steer clear of snakes while visiting Bali:

• In Bali, treat every snake with respect and consider it venomous. Refrain from touching them and leave them alone.
• Never attempt to kill or capture snakes. Seek assistance from an expert. Later in this post, I’ve provided some snake catchers’ contact information.
• To see where you’re going at night, carry a strong light. In the dark, you don’t want to tread on a snake.
• When trekking or strolling amid vegetation, move at a leisurely pace and speak up. The majority of Bali’s snakes will flee if they detect human presence.
• If you plan to hike in the rainforest, you should ideally wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Snake bites typically occur on the limbs.

• Take pictures of the snake from a minimum of two meters (7 feet) away in order to identify it.
• If you truly want to stay away from snakes and other intruders, Bali’s closed bathrooms are safer than those with an open layout.

6 Dangerous / Venomous Snakes Of Bali

• Island Pit Viper (Trimeresurus Insularis)

One of the most frequent venomous snakes in Bali is the Island Pit Viper, which has been responsible for several bites and fatalities in Java as well as Bali. It is present throughout Bali’s rural districts.

This snake has a reddish-brown tail, a bright green body, and a triangular head. The color of its tail and the form of its head are the easiest ways to distinguish it from other non-venomous green snakes that have a similar appearance.

It’s a pretty lovely type of snake, and you can see them in areas like the Indonesian Komodo islands. Other lovely colors that they have are vivid blue and banana yellow.

This snake in Bali prefers to hide during the day in the jungle among trees and other vegetation since its green color makes it difficult to spot, but at dusk it comes down to the ground to hunt.

While hiking in a less-traveled area of Nusa Penida island with lots of greenery, I once came dangerously close to stepping on an Island Pit Viper (this was not in a major tourist location).

The snake was curled up in the middle of the path, and my foot landed inches from it. Luckily, its head was turned away from me, so it was unaware of my approach.

The Island Pit Viper bite can result in internal hemorrhage, necrosis and swelling of the tissue, and even death. Those who survive bitten from this snake in Bali might need to have limbs removed because there is no antivenom available.

This snake, typically found in tropical rainforest trees, feeds on rodents, lizards, birds, and frogs, reaching 1.5 feet in length.

The local snake, known as “Lipi Gadang” in Balinese and “Ular Hijau” in Indonesian, is a “shady serpent” and requires extra caution when handling.

• King Cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah)

The largest poisonous snake in the world, reaching lengths of up to 4 meters (13 feet), is the King Cobra. It is primarily found in the provinces of Jembrana, Buleleng, and Tabanan in rural west Bali.

The King Cobra can lift a third of its body off the ground and stand nearly a person tall when it spreads its hood in defense.

This snake has a small hood with yellow or vanilla colored interior, and its body is olive/brown with light pale diagonal stripes.

The King Cobra is a wise snake that only bites when it feels threatened or hurt. Despite its fearlessness, the snake would nevertheless sooner flee the area than engage in combat.

King Cobra bites can swiftly result in respiratory failure, muscular paralysis, and even death. There is no anti-venom for king cobras in Bali, and their venom can kill twenty people with a single bite.

This is the snake’s primary activity period. It is almost exclusively carnivorous and has the ability to eat other snakes.

The Ular King Kobra (Indonesian) or Lipi Selem Bebek (Balinese) are the local names for this snake. Handle it very carefully!

• Javan Spitting Cobra (Naja Sputatrix)

The Javan spitting cobra grows to a maximum height of 1.3 meters (4 feet) or less, making it significantly shorter and smaller than the King Cobra. Spitting cobras are widespread throughout Bali’s rural areas.

This snake expands its hood in response to perceived threat, just like the King Cobra does. Due to its muted brown and vanilla coloring, when the hood is closed, it is easily confused with non-venomous snakes in Bali.

These Bali snakes can spit their venom up to two meters (7 feet) away and have a very poisonous bite. Venom that gets into the eyes can result in blindness, agony, and inflammation. If a cobra spits in your pet’s or your own eyes, you should rinse the affected areas under running water for 30 minutes. Avoid rubbing your eyes since it could get worse!

A bite from a Javan spitting cobra can result in respiratory failure, muscle paralysis, tissue necrosis, and even death. Nonetheless, certain hospitals in Bali have anti-venom on hand.

The Javan spitting cobra is mostly interested in rodents, frogs, lizards, and other snakes for food. It can be spotted during the day or at night.

This snake is locally known as “Lipi Sendok” in Balinese or “Ular Sendok” in Indonesian. The cobra’s hood resembles a spoon, hence the Balinese name, which translates to “spoon snake.”

• Malayan Krait (Bungarus Candidus)

Although the Malayan Krait is one of Bali’s most poisonous snakes, its simple dark hues can occasionally lead to confusion with non-poisonous Bali snakes. It can be found throughout Bali’s rural areas.

This snake can grow to a length of around 1 meter (3 feet) or less, although in Bali it usually has black and white stripes. It can also be all black. It prefers to hunt at night and occasionally gets caught roaming into homes.

Malayan Krait bites can result in respiratory failure, paralysis of the muscles, and even death. Most bites that go untreated are deadly. Although there is no anti-venom for this snake in Bali, a bite might be possible to be survived with ventilator-assisted breathing.

The Malayan Krait has a peaceful disposition and it’s reluctant to bite unless provoked. It mainly likes to feed on other snakes, but it can also eat small mammals, lizards, and frogs.

The local names for this snake are ‘Ular Weling’ (Indonesian) or ‘Lipi Poleng’ (Balinese). The latter means ‘black and white snake.’ Treat it with extreme caution!

• Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda Colubrina)

This poisonous sea snake, which is also referred to as the Yellow-Lipped Sea Krait, may be found both on land and in the water. It’s typical in Bali’s coastal waters and environs.

With equal-width black and blue-grey stripes running the length of its body and a paddle-shaped tail to aid in swimming, this sea snake has a yellow snout. The females can reach a length of two meters (6 feet), making them larger than the males.

You may see a Banded Sea Krait on a beach in Bali. This species spends much of its life swimming around coral reefs in shallow waters, where it hunts fish and eels. It also comes ashore to rest and deposit its eggs.

When diving or snorkeling, if you come across one of these sea snakes, give it plenty of room. Their neurotoxic venom is extremely harmful and may be fatal, although they are not aggressive and are reluctant to bite.

This snake is known locally as “Ular Laut” in Indonesian. Handle it very carefully!

• Reticulated Python (Malayopython Reticulatus)

In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes Even though it lacks venom, the Reticulated Python can nevertheless be aggressive. Pythons can be found in Bali’s rural areas and infrequently in the town itself, mainly as a result of flooding during the country’s rainy season.

In Bali, small pythons pose no harm to people, but if they grow large enough, they may become deadly if they constriction (squeezing an individual to death). Python lengths for adults range from 3 to 9 meters (10 to 30 feet), with records for lengths of up to 5 meters being attained in Bali.

The first priority in cases when a large python is suffocating and constricting a human is to free the snake, preferably with multiple individuals helping to manage the snake. To avoid bites, begin unwrapping the snake by starting at the tail end and having one person hold the snake’s head.

The Reticulated Python is an excellent swimmer and climber that is mostly active at night. It consumes birds, lizards, and mammals for food. This snake is known locally as “Ular Piton” in Indonesian.

Are There Snakes In Bali Rice Fields?

In Bali’s rice fields, snakes can definitely be seen. But a lot depends on the area of the island we’re discussing.

If a snake were to be sighted at the well-known Jatiluwih Rice Fields or Tegalalang Rice Terrace, it would likely be hiding in the rice paddies and avoiding people. Despite my many visits over the years, I have never spotted a snake in either of these locations.

In a rice field close to Sanur, I once spotted a green snake, but it went too swiftly for me to identify it. Yes, there are snakes in Bali’s rice fields, but as long as you don’t bother them, they should not pose a threat to you.

You should have no trouble with any of Bali’s snakes as long as you watch where you’re walking.

Are There Snakes In Bali Resorts?

Although most visitors have a very minimal chance of encountering snakes in Bali resorts or hotels, it is nonetheless conceivable.

Residents in the Ubud area have reported encountering snakes in their gardens, toilets, or living rooms, including cobras and kraits. Pet dogs have also reportedly been spat on by cobras.

Although they are not common, certain circumstances do occasionally arise. It’s a necessary aspect of life in Bali. For this reason, it’s crucial to know how to recognize Bali’s poisonous snakes just in case.

Fortunately, there is always the option to stay in south Bali, where most visitors can almost certainly never encounter a snake. Places like Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur are good choices if you can’t bear the idea of living close to snakes.

Who Can Help With Bali Snakes?

• Ron Lilley. ☎ +62 813-3849-6700.. Ron is a British expert in snakes who resides in Bali. He can assist with snake identification, removals, property proofing, and information on snake bites.
• Bali Reptile Rescue. ☎ +62 821-4638-0270 or +62 856-3933-154. A family-run business in the area that specializes in snake removals is Balinese. In addition, they provide snake education and herping trips that allow you to see Bali’s natural snakes (more on that later).
• Dr. Tri Maharani. ☎ +62 853-3403-0409. one of the top specialists in treating snake bites in Indonesia. If bitten by a poisonous snake in Bali, provide Tri’s number to the attending physician, and she will assist you.
• BIMC Hospital. ☎ +62 361-761-263 or +62 811-3960-8500 (Kuta). Among the best hospitals in Bali. They are located in Nusa Dua, Ubud, and Kuta.
• Sanglah Hospital. ☎ +62 361-227-911 (15). An additional Denpasar hospital with expertise in handling snakebite cases.

Bali Snake Bites: What To Do If You’re Bit

Here are some first aid recommendations for Bali snake bites. Additional information is also available on the websites of the WHO and CDC.

If you or your friend has been bitten by a suspected venomous snake, follow these steps:

• Move out of the location where the bite happened right away.
• Obtain a good picture of the snake from a safe distance to aid in treating the bite.
• The victim needs to remain as still and composed as possible.
• For future reference, mark the exact moment the bite occurred.
• Remove any tight items, such as bracelets or rings, from the area surrounding the bitten portion of the body if swelling develops.
• Completely immobilize the patient, then get them to a medical facility as soon as you can.
• In the event that vomiting occurs, place the patient in the recovery position on their left side.

Do NOT do any of the following for snake bites:

• Avoid catching or picking up poisonous snakes, even if they are dead or have their head severed.
• Avoid driving to the hospital unless absolutely necessary, as snake bite victims may experience dizziness or faintness.
• Never use a tourniquet.
• Avoid cutting the wound in any way or slashing it with a knife.
• Refrain from attempting to extract the poison.
• Avoid using ice, cold or hot packs, or submerging the wound in water.
• Avoid using alcohol as a narcotic.
• Avoid using electric shock, natural remedies, and conventional first aid techniques.

Snake Bites & Deaths In Bali

For informational purposes, here are some confirmed cases of snake bites and deaths in Bali over the years:

• Australian surfer Peter Crawford died in Bali in 1999 after a snake bite. Although I’ve heard that this was an island pit viper, I’m not positive what kind of snake it was at this point. [Refer to Surfer’s Journal]
• A 5-meter (15-foot) python murdered an Indonesian security guard at the Hyatt hotel in Sanur in 2013. The snake curled around his neck and choked him when he was attempting to assist in getting it off the road at night. (Refer to the Jakarta Post)

• In 2016, I Putu Agus Edi Darmawan, a member of the Bali Reptile Rescue organization, died at Jembrana Hospital in West Bali after a king cobra bit him on the finger while he was moving a mother cobra and her eggs for their safety. At the time of his death, he had been rescuing snakes for 15 years and was a well-liked member of the Bali snake community. (Source: News from Tribun)
• In 2017, a brown snake bit an Australian woman in Ubud, resulting in vomiting and loss of consciousness. Despite the illness, she survived with anti-venom treatment.

• In 2019, a 12-year-old Balinese girl died from a black snake bite, while Buleleng Hospital treated 126 snake bite cases in a year.
• Two Balinese residents received treatment at Jembrana hospital in 2022 after snake bites on Nyepi Day. (Source: Bali Radar)

The author shares a few verified reports of fatal snake bites in Bali, highlighting the importance of being cautious and aware of the potential risks they may present, rather than fearing them.

Where To See Live Snakes In Bali

You may go on a snake herping tour in West Bali with Bali Reptile Rescue for a genuine real-life Indonesian snake experience that supports conservation efforts.

Bali Reptile Rescue offers two-day king cobra tours in addition to night herping tours where you can see a variety of snakes. It goes without saying that this is not for the timid, since you will be hiking through a jungle and may come into contact with poisonous snakes.

It was an incredible experience to be this close to the king of the jungle in its natural home during the time we spent with BRR seeing the king cobra. One of Bali’s most fascinating snakes, in my opinion, is the king.

The best part is that the proceeds from these tours support snake conservation and education in Bali. Almost every day in Bali, BRR captures snakes from homes and releases them back into the wild. Without their assistance, many of these snakes would likely perish.

The Bali Reptile Park in Gianyar, close to Ubud, is a great site to visit if you’d prefer to see caged snakes. There, you can witness a variety of vipers, boas, cobras, and pythons housed in glass aquariums.

All of the deadly species of Bali snakes as well as several other species from Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the rest of the world are visible at the reptile park behind safety glass.

Although there isn’t as much variety as the reptile park, you may still witness a few different species of live pythons at the Bali Zoo or Bali Safari Marine Park.

Is There A Bali Snake Temple?

There isn’t actually a Bali snake temple per se, although there are several Hindu temples in Bali, such as the fire temple, the automobile temple, the bat temple, the various monkey forests, and the “elephant cave.”

Still, a few locations come close to meeting the requirements for a Bali snake temple. For instance, local lore suggests that poisonous sea snakes hiding in the surrounding ocean waters protect the Tanah Lot temple, located on the southwest Bali coast, from evil spirits and outsiders.

You can pay a nominal charge to see a cave containing a “holy snake” on the shore near Tanah Lot. Reportedly, In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes Banded Sea Krait, characterized by black and white rings, is a type of sea snake.

Additionally, Puri Langon, a palace close to Ubud, is home to two large stone statues of cobras with their hoods spread. The palace has some amazing decorations and carvings, but you won’t find any real snakes there. It’s a well-liked location for traditional prewedding photos in Bali.

Bali Snakes & Reptiles FAQ

• Are there poisonous snakes in Bali?

In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes In theory, Bali’s snakes are venomous rather than poisonous. Poisonous things, like poison frogs, are hazardous whether you consume them or come into contact with them. Something can inject poison with its teeth by biting, if it is venomous. In addition to maybe more uncommon venomous species like the Asian Coral Snake (Calliophis Intestinalis), Bali is home to at least five common types of poisonous snakes.

• What about non-venomous snakes in Bali?

In Bali: 6 Deadly and Venomous Snakes It would be hard to list every species of non-venomous snake in Bali because there are so many of them. The island of Bali hosts approximately 50 snake species, while the entire nation of Indonesia is home to as many as 360 snake species. In general, Bali’s non-venomous snakes pose no threat to people.

• What are the most common types of snakes in Bali?

While Bali boasts a wide variety of snake species, the Oriental Rat Snake, Reticulated Python, Black Copper Rat Snake, Painted Bronzeback, Javan Spitting Cobra, and Island Pit Viper are among the most frequently encountered. Another common reptile in Bali is the Water Monitor Lizard, Varanus salvator.

• Are there Komodo dragons in Bali?

No, Bali does not have wild Komodo dragons; however, the Bali Bird Park and Bali Safari Marine Park do have captive Komodo dragons. The Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus Salvator), smaller than a dragon and generally not a threat to people, inhabits Bali. If you want to see Komodo dragons, it’s advisable to visit the magnificent Komodo National Park, which offers daily direct flights from Bali.

More Bali Travel Tips

I appreciate you looking! This tutorial should have helped you recognize Bali snakes.
For more advice, pictures, and blog entries, don’t forget to browse through my Bali travel guide.

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