Asia's most beautiful island warns tourists of rabies risk

The 35-year-old man succumbed to rabies last week after experiencing symptoms such as restlessness and high fever, according to the South China Morning Post.

He had been bitten by a stray dog six months earlier in Sukasada, a town about two hours from Denpasar, the island's capital.

Instead of seeking medical attention, he only washed the wound.

Ni Made Suparmi, head of the Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Division at Denpasar City Agriculture Service, reported that as of Feb. 19, authorities had vaccinated 2,266 dogs, covering just 2.75% of the population, according to The Bali Sun.

Rabies typically has an incubation period of 2-3 months, but symptoms can appear within a year, depending on factors such as the viral load and entry point into the body.

In 2025, local authorities aim to vaccinate 91% of the estimated 74,000 dogs in Denpasar to curb the spread of rabies.

Bali, known for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

This year, the island targets 6.5 million foreign arrivals.

In October, readers of Condé Nast Traveler named Bali the most beautiful island in Asia in the magazine’s Readers' Choice Awards.