Scratched By A Monkey In Bali | Insurance & My Experience
If you’ve been scratched by a monkey in Bali, or even worse, bitten by a monkey in Bali, you might be wondering if you’re in danger and what to do.
Firstly, you need to know that it happens more often than you might think, so local doctors are very knowledgeable about the subject and procedures.
Next up, you should take it seriously, but don’t panic. Here’s what you need to know!
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You already know you’ll see a doctor if something happens to you, and you need good travel insurance. I use this travel insurance on every trip, and they were easy to contact and quickly reimbursed my treatment in Bali!
My Experience: Scratched By A Monkey In Uluwatu Temple
Everybody tells you that monkeys in Uluwatu Temple are aggressive, but I thought they won’t bother me if I don’t bother them. Well, I’m sad to report that I was wrong.
I spent about 20 minutes in the temple area during my last trip backpacking around Bali, staying as far away from the monkeys as possible. It was surprisingly hard as there are so many and they are everywhere. They’re especially hard to avoid if you decide to walk the path along the edge of the cliff. The path is narrow, and you have nowhere to move.
I thought I successfully survived the visit, as I was 20 meters from the exit when one monkey came out of nowhere and tried snatching the phone out of my hand. Luckily, I gripped it harder, and it gave up. But as I pulled my hand while it was holding the phone, I felt it scratch my fingers.
I went to the entrance and told them what happened. A woman came out and took me to a little ambulance next to the cashier. She wiped my fingers with rubbing alcohol. She asked me if my fingers were burning, and I said no. To that, she replied that the scratch didn’t break the skin, and I shouldn’t worry about it.
Now, what happened next is my experience, and you may take it as you wish. I highly recommend that you visit a doctor, despite what they might tell you at the temple. Seeing blood and breaking skin are two different things, and we are not experts.
I didn’t feel comfortable with that explanation, so I decided to see a doctor regardless. There are so many tourist clinics around Bali, so you can easily find one close to where you’re staying.
I didn’t worry about the potential cost of my treatment because I use Safetywing as my travel insurance! 🙏🛟
What To Do If You’re Scratched Or Bitten By A Monkey In Bali
So, long story short, if you’ve been bitten or scratched by a monkey in Bali, you should see a doctor.
If it didn’t happen inside an establishment like Uluwatu Temple or Ubud Monkey Forest, and there are no employees you can ask for help, wash the wound under running water as soon as possible.
I did some research while traveling from Uluwatu to Canggu, and while I didn’t find any articles about rabies being transmitted to humans in Bali from monkeys, it’s mostly dogs; there is still a risk.
And honestly, if you look up what rabies looks like, you will not want to take a risk.
Most tourist clinics in Bali will have the rabies vaccine, so I suggest you look up reviews for the clinics around you and pick the one with good reviews.
One of my favorite things about Bali is how easy it is to set up appointments. I sent a WhatsApp message to a clinic near me to check if they have the vaccine and when they can see me.
It’s a bit frustrating that prices are not publicly available and they vary wildly, but every place I contacted told me how much it will cost to see a doctor and the price of a treatment.
I went to Hydro Medical Clinic. They had an office close to where I was staying, good reviews, and they answered quickly on WhatsApp.
Monkey Scratch or Bite Vaccines in Bali
I had gotten the rabies vaccine before, so I only needed a booster after this monkey encounter.
However, if it is your first time getting the rabies vaccine post-exposure, a doctor might suggest getting Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) vaccine.
Now, while the rabies vaccine in Bali is fairly affordable, the HRIG vaccine is expensive. I paid around 1000€ for it in Thailand.
Also, if it’s been more than 10 years since you’ve had a tetanus shot, the doctor might suggest getting that one too. I got that one in Thailand, too.
Luckily, I had Safetywing travel insurance, and they reimbursed me the full amount I paid for the treatment.
Just to have an overview of expenses, most clinics will charge you for the doctor’s appointment + vaccines.
Additional B Virus Treatment
I wanted to quickly touch up on another medicine you might have to take if you were bitten or scratched by a monkey in Bali.
I wasn’t aware that I’d also have to take medicine for a specific disease -the B virus.
It is another disease that can be transmitted by monkeys in Bali. The doctor said that while it’s not common, there is a risk.
It was unexpected, and the medicine I was prescribed cost 6 times the price of the rabies vaccine. Of course, I decided to listen to the doctors and take the treatment.
Summary: Monkeys In Bali
Monkeys in Bali, and especially at Uluwatu Temple, are unpredictable.
I’ve seen one snatch sunglasses from a woman’s head and break them, another take shoes from somebody sitting down, and open backpacks to take things out. Some people even claim that monkeys are part of an elaborate scam. There’s always someone around to help you get your things back for a tip.
Now, I wouldn’t go that far, but there is a real risk of having unwanted interactions with monkeys if you’re visiting Uluwatu Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, and generally traveling in Bali.
I highly recommend having reliable travel insurance for Bali, so you feel safe and protected even if something unexpected happens.
I always use Safetywing when traveling. Check the rates for your trip here! 🙏🛟
