If you or someone in your group has just been bitten or scratched by a monkey in Ubud, stay calm and follow these steps precisely. This situation requires immediate medical follow-up. This guide provides the critical monkey bite first aid steps you must take right now before heading to a clinic.
Step 1: Immediately Move Away to a Safe Location
Your first priority is to prevent any further incidents. Calmly walk away from the area with the monkeys to a safe space like a restroom, cafe, or back to your vehicle. This is to prevent any further incidents.
Step 2: Wash the Wound Thoroughly for 15 Full Minutes
This is the single most important action you can take to reduce the risk of rabies in Bali. Find the nearest restroom or source of clean water and soap. Vigorously wash the wound under running water for a full 15 minutes. The physical action of flushing helps remove the animal’s saliva from the wound, and the properties of soap are critical as they help to break down the fatty envelope of the rabies virus, effectively inactivating it.
Step 3: Go Directly to a Medical Clinic (This is Non-Negotiable)
What to do after a monkey bite in Bali is not a ‘wait and see’ situation. Do not assume the bite or monkey scratch is ‘minor’. Do not rely on basic first aid from street vendors or even the on-site first aid station as a complete treatment. Your next and only step is to go to a professional medical clinic.
Why You Must See a Doctor:
- Rabies Risk: All mammal bites and scratches in Bali carry a risk of rabies. A doctor must assess the wound and start Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a course of life-saving vaccines.
- Infection & Tetanus Risk: Monkey bites can cause serious bacterial infections. You will need the wound professionally cleaned and will likely need a Tetanus booster shot.
To understand why this medical follow-up is so critical, read our complete guide to Rabies in Bali.
What to Expect During Your Unicare Clinic Visit
Knowing what happens next can help reduce anxiety. Our doctor will professionally clean the wound, administer a tetanus shot if needed, and begin the rabies PEP vaccination schedule. They will explain the entire process clearly in English so you know exactly what to expect. You can also learn more about the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) process here.
A monkey bite can be a scary experience, but it is a very treatable situation. By following these three steps—Move, Wash, and See a Doctor—you are taking control of your health and ensuring a safe outcome.
Monkey Bite or Scratch? Get Urgent Medical Care in Ubud.
Our Ubud clinic is located nearby and is fully prepared to handle animal bites. Don’t delay your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Monkey Bites in Ubud
The scratch is very small and didn’t bleed much. Do I still need to worry?
Yes, absolutely. The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva, which can be on a monkey’s claws. Any monkey scratch in Bali that breaks the skin is considered a potential exposure and must be evaluated by a doctor.
The monkey seemed healthy. Is there still a risk?
Yes. You cannot determine if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. An animal can be infectious before it shows any visible signs of the disease.
The first aid staff at the Monkey Forest put a yellow liquid (antiseptic) on it. Is that enough?
No. That is good immediate first aid, but it is not a substitute for a full medical evaluation and the necessary course of rabies vaccines (PEP). You still must go to a clinic.
How much will the PEP treatment cost?
The cost can vary. However, this is considered a medical emergency and is typically covered by reputable travel insurance policies. Our clinic can provide all necessary documentation for your claim.
I had my pre-exposure rabies shots. Do I still need to see a doctor after a bite?
Yes, 100%. Even if you are pre-vaccinated, you still require a shorter course of post-exposure booster shots (typically 2 shots). The pre-vaccination simplifies the treatment, but does not eliminate the need for it.
What if I wait 24 hours to see a doctor?
You should not wait. The effectiveness of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is highest when it is started as soon as possible after the exposure. Delaying treatment increases the risk.
Are monkey bites more dangerous than dog bites?
The risk of rabies is the same for any bite from a potentially rabid mammal. However, monkey bites can also carry a risk for other infections, like Herpes B virus (though rare), which is another reason a professional medical evaluation is crucial.
My child was bitten. What’s different?
The medical protocol is the same, but the urgency is even higher. Children can be less able to describe their symptoms. Take them to a doctor immediately without any delay.
I was bitten at Uluwatu Temple, not Ubud. Is the advice the same?
Yes, absolutely. The medical advice for any monkey bite or scratch anywhere in Bali is identical: wash the wound for 15 minutes and go to a medical clinic immediately.
I’m scared of the shots. Are they painful?
The rabies vaccines are simple injections in the upper arm muscle, very similar to a standard flu or tetanus shot. The discomfort is minimal and very brief.
