One of the most-searched questions before a Bali trip is a simple one: can you drink the tap water? Here's the straightforward answer, plus how travellers stay hydrated and cut down on plastic while they're here.
Travelling prepared
NomadCare is a small team based in Canggu, and getting first-time visitors ready for Bali is what we're all about — so your first days feel easy and familiar instead of a scramble. Heading over soon? Look us up.
Can you drink the tap water?
Short answer: most travellers don't. Tap water in Bali generally isn't treated to the standard many visitors are used to at home, so the common approach is to stick to sealed bottled or properly filtered water — including for brushing your teeth, especially in your first days while you settle in.
What about ice and fresh food?
Established cafés and restaurants in tourist areas typically use commercially produced ice and filtered water, and are generally considered fine. It's worth using a little more judgement at very informal roadside stalls, particularly early in a trip before you've found your feet.
A more sustainable option than buying plastic
Bali has a well-documented single-use plastic problem, and a holiday's worth of water bottles adds up fast. Two easy fixes:
- Carry a reusable bottle with a built-in filter — it lets you refill almost anywhere.
- Use refill points: many cafés offer them, and networks like Refill My Bottle map out free and low-cost refill stations across the island.
Staying hydrated in the heat
Bali is hot and humid, and it's easy to drink less than your body needs — especially on travel days, beach days, or after a few drinks. Keep water with you, sip regularly, and consider electrolytes on hot or active days.