You’ve probably heard the old travel advice: “Never have ice in your drinks in Southeast Asia.” While this might have been wise decades ago, in modern Bali the situation is very different. This guide will tell you the truth about ice in Bali being safe and how to enjoy your cold drinks worry-free.
The Two Types of Ice in Bali: Knowing the Difference is Key
The secret to safe ice in Bali isn’t about avoiding it, but about recognizing the right kind. There are two very different types of ice on the island, made for entirely different purposes.
The Safe Ice: Government-Certified Tube Ice (“Es Kristal”)
This is the ice you can trust in your drink. Known locally as es kristal, this government-certified ice is commercially produced in large, hygienic factories. The water used is always filtered water that meets the high standards of A.M.D.K (Air Minum Dalam Kemasan). The key identifier is its distinct shape: it’s a hollow cylinder, like a small tube. If you see ice cubes with a hole in the middle, it is almost certainly tube ice and safe to consume.
The Unsafe Ice: Block Ice (“Es Balok”)
This type of ice, known as es balok, is made for an entirely different purpose: chilling and refrigeration, not consumption. It is frozen in large blocks, often in conditions with lower hygiene standards, and the water source is frequently untreated tap water.
This is precisely why you should never drink tap water in Bali. You can spot this unsafe ice easily, as it’s typically crushed or shaved, making it irregularly shaped, cloudy, and never has a hole in the middle.
The Simple Rule: Where You Can Confidently Have Iced Drinks
This distinction leads to a simple and reassuring rule for your trip: you can confidently order iced drinks in Bali safely in virtually all establishments catering to tourists. Restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars almost universally use the government-certified tube ice from reputable suppliers.
While this rule applies to established businesses, you should be more cautious with mobile street carts.
What’s the Real Risk of ‘Bad’ Ice?
Consuming contaminated block ice carries the exact same risk as drinking from the tap, and can be a direct cause of Bali Belly from ice. The danger is ingesting invisible pathogens like E. coli or other bacteria that your system isn’t prepared for.
This can lead to the full spectrum of Bali Belly symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea, potentially disrupting your holiday for several days.
So, the new rule for modern Bali is simple: “Look for the hole!” By following this easy visual cue, you can leave the outdated advice behind and safely enjoy all the refreshing iced coffees, juices, and cocktails the island has to offer.
For a complete overview of food and drink safety, see our Ultimate Guide to Bali Belly.
Travel with Peace of Mind
Enjoy Bali to the Fullest. Knowing these small details gives you the confidence to enjoy your holiday without worry. For any health advice or medical needs, Unicare Clinic is your trusted partner in Bali.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ice in Bali
So if the ice in my drink has a hole in it, it’s 100% safe?
Yes, in the context of restaurants and cafes, ice with a hole (tube ice) is the industry standard for safe, consumable ice made from purified water. You can consume it with confidence.
What about the large, clear, solid ice cubes in high-end cocktail bars?
Those are also safe. High-end bars often create their own “craft ice” using large, clear blocks made from filtered, purified water. The key is that they are being served in a reputable establishment with high hygiene standards.
I saw a man delivering huge blocks of ice on his scooter. Is that the unsafe ice?
Yes, that is almost certainly “es balok” or block ice. This ice is intended for chilling purposes only (like for fish boxes or cooling crates of drinks), not for being put directly into a drink.
Can I make my own ice in my villa’s freezer using tap water?
No. You should treat water for making ice the same way you treat drinking water. Only use bottled or purified gallon water to fill your ice cube trays.
Are blended fruit juices or smoothies from street carts safe?
This can be a grey area. It is significantly safer to order smoothies and juices from established cafes or restaurants, as street carts may use crushed block ice for blending.
Does the alcohol in a cocktail kill the bacteria in bad ice?
No, this is a dangerous myth. The alcohol content in a standard cocktail is not nearly high enough to sterilize contaminated ice. If the ice contains bacteria, the alcohol will not make it safe.
Where does the government-certified tube ice come from?
It is produced in large, regulated factories that follow government hygiene standards. They use industrial filtration and purification systems (like reverse osmosis) to ensure the water is safe before being frozen.
Why is block ice even used if it’s unsafe for consumption?
Its purpose is purely for external cooling. It’s much cheaper to produce and is effective for things like filling an icebox for a fishing trip or keeping market produce cold. It was never intended to be put in drinks.
I had an iced drink and now I feel sick. Was it definitely the ice?
It’s possible, but it is just one of many potential causes. It could also have been the water used to wash the glass, an ingredient in the drink, or something else you ate. An accurate diagnosis from a doctor is needed to be sure.
Is this advice about tube ice the same for other parts of Indonesia?
Yes, the “tube ice is safe” rule is a very reliable guideline in most major cities and tourist areas across Indonesia, not just in Bali.
