An encounter with the macaques in Ubud can be a highlight of any trip to Bali. However, a sudden bite or scratch can turn a memorable moment into a very alarming one. It’s important to stay calm and act quickly. This is your immediate guide on what to do and where to go for professional medical treatment.
Why Every Monkey Bite and Scratch Requires Medical Attention
While the monkeys may seem tame, they are still wild animals. Any bite or scratch that breaks the skin carries a risk of infection and requires a professional medical assessment. There are two primary concerns:
- Rabies Risk: Although the risk from monkeys is statistically lower than from dogs in Bali, the rabies virus is fatal if untreated. Therefore, according to official health protocols, all mammal bites, including those from monkeys, must be treated as a potential rabies exposure.
- Other Infections: The primary concern after rabies is a bacterial infection from the monkey’s mouth or claws. A deep wound needs professional cleaning to prevent this. While extremely rare in Bali’s monkeys, other viruses like Herpes B are a known risk from macaques globally, which is why organizations like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list rabies as a key health risk for travelers to Indonesia.
Your Immediate 3-Step Action Plan
If you have been bitten or scratched, do not panic. Follow this emergency checklist.
Step 1: Wash the Wound Thoroughly
This is the single most important first-aid step you can take. Immediately find a source of soap and running water. Wash the wound thoroughly for a full 15 minutes. This helps to physically remove saliva and reduce the amount of virus and bacteria in the wound.
Step 2: Note Key Details (If Possible)
While washing, try to recall the time and location of the incident (e.g., inside the Monkey Forest, on the street). This information is helpful for the doctor’s report but is secondary to washing the wound and seeking immediate care.
Step 3: Proceed to a Medical Clinic Immediately
Self-treatment is not sufficient. You must have the wound professionally assessed by a doctor. For a clear, calm process from start to finish, you can follow our complete step-by-step emergency guide.
Where to Get Expert Monkey Bite Treatment in Ubud
In an urgent situation, you need a clinic that is close, experienced, and fully equipped.
The Clear Choice: Unicare Clinic
Our clinic is conveniently located on Jl. Raya Pengosekan, a short drive from the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and other popular Ubud areas. Our medical team has extensive experience treating monkey bites and scratches—it is one of the most common injuries we see from tourists, and we understand exactly how to manage the situation calmly and effectively.
Comprehensive Care in One Location
We provide a complete treatment plan in one place. This includes meticulous wound cleaning and a full risk assessment to initiate the necessary Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Our 24/7 emergency service ensures that we always have the full course of rabies vaccines and, if required for severe bites, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) in stock.
Turn Your Worry into Action
A monkey bite in Ubud can be unsettling, but with quick, correct action and professional medical care, you can ensure your health is protected and continue your holiday with peace of mind. Follow the steps, and let our experienced team at Unicare Clinic take care of the rest.
MONKEY BITE OR SCRATCH? GET HELP NOW.
Don’t risk it. After washing the wound, come directly to our clinic for an immediate professional assessment. We are located near the Monkey Forest.
CALL NOW: +62 822-9829-8911
GET DIRECTIONS: Jl. Raya Pengosekan No.88, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Monkey Bites in Ubud
The staff at the Monkey Forest said the monkeys are healthy. Do I still need to see a doctor?
Yes, you absolutely must see a doctor. While the staff work hard, Bali is a rabies-endemic area. The official medical recommendation for any mammal bite or scratch is to seek a professional medical assessment for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to ensure your safety.
I’ve heard monkey bites can transmit Herpes B Virus. Is this a risk in Bali?
While Herpes B can be a risk with macaque monkeys in some parts of the world, it is considered extremely rare in the monkey population in Bali. The most immediate and significant risks to be concerned about are bacterial infections from the bite and the potential for rabies, both of which require prompt medical attention.
What if it was just a small scratch from a baby monkey and didn’t bleed much?
Yes, it is still a significant risk. Any scratch that breaks the skin is considered a potential exposure by the WHO. The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva, and a monkey’s claws can easily be contaminated. The wound must be professionally cleaned and assessed by a doctor.
Are all the monkeys in Ubud rabid?
No, certainly not. However, because it is impossible to know the health status of any individual wild or semi-wild animal, medical safety protocols require that every bite or scratch be treated as a potential exposure. This “better safe than sorry” approach is the global standard for rabies prevention.
A monkey’s nail just scratched me accidentally while trying to get my water bottle. Is that still dangerous?
Yes, even an accidental scratch that breaks the skin is a medical concern. It can introduce bacteria deep into the wound and can be contaminated with saliva. It should be treated with the same urgency as an intentional bite.
Is the medical treatment for a monkey bite different from a dog bite?
The protocol for rabies prevention (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is the same for any mammal bite. The treatment will always involve meticulous wound cleaning to prevent infection, followed by a risk assessment to determine the need for the rabies vaccine series and potentially RIG.
Can I just put hand sanitizer on the scratch and be done with it?
No. Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for proper first aid. The single most effective initial action is to thoroughly wash the wound with soap and running water for a full 15 minutes, as this can physically remove a significant amount of the virus and bacteria.
I already had the pre-exposure (PrEP) vaccines before my trip. What should I do?
You still need to see a doctor immediately for professional wound cleaning. Your post-bite vaccination schedule will be much simpler: you will only require two booster doses of the rabies vaccine and will not need the RIG injection.
Should I report the incident to the staff at the Monkey Forest?
Your first and only immediate priority is your own health. Wash the wound and proceed to our clinic. After you have been treated, you can consider informing the staff if you wish, as they may keep records of such incidents.
How can I best avoid being bitten or scratched by a monkey in Ubud?
Avoid direct eye contact, do not smile (baring teeth is a sign of aggression), secure all loose items like sunglasses and hats, do not bring any food or plastic/paper bags into their environment, and never attempt to touch them, especially the infants.
