Indonesia is a beautiful country with many diverse cultures, delicious food, and gorgeous scenery. But there are also some things you should know about the country before visiting to stay healthy. For example, Indonesia is ranked third among countries with the most dengue infections and has a high level of air pollution which can cause many problems for travelers. You can avoid these diseases and challenges if you take precautions beforehand, like packing some medication or energy essential oils with you. There’s plenty to explore in this wonderful country, but you must do your research beforehand so that your trip goes smoothly without any worries!
Here are five easy tips for staying safe during your time spent exploring this vibrant country:
- Drink plenty of bottled water
Drink bottled or purified water, even if you are not thirsty, especially when it’s hot outside (at least 1-2 liters/day). Also, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which will help give you needed nutrients while also washing away bad bacteria from your body. Also, be wary of ice cubes being pre-made, as you could get diarrhea from ingesting them.
- Be aware of your surroundings
If you are in a big city, make sure not to travel alone at night and always be cautious when walking down dark alleys or roads. If you are in an area with no cell phone reception, be careful if someone approaches you asking for help since they often try to snatch your phone or purse from you. Try taking a hidden camera when traveling; it helps in many situations if you get caught.
- Be careful about the food hygiene
Indonesia and its beautiful state, Bali, are known for their rich cultures. Depending on the area (Java; rice-based meals), they have different kinds of foods and Western-style fast-food chains such as KFC and McDonalds if you are craving something familiar.
Other than that, Vendors hocking food on the street and at the airport is great for a quick breakfast but can also introduce you to parasites or bacteria if you are not careful with where and what you eat. Ensure that any meat is cooked well-done; stick to fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread, and crackers since they are easy to prepare or peel. For any meat, stick to the freshest (which is not always the case with fish), cooked thoroughly, and if in doubt, don’t eat it.
It’s not recommended to eat street food without knowing how clean it is (and depends on the vendor), but it should be okay if you know who prepares your meal and can see them preparing it in front of you. Also, make sure that meat or seafood has been thoroughly cooked beforehand; while Indonesia is not as strict with its food safety rules, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Eat slowly
Remember that many of the food items in Indonesia will be spicier than what you are used to backing home; try eating them slowly so your stomach has a chance to build up its defenses. It usually takes about 3-4 weeks to get immunity against certain bacteria after a short exposure; the same goes for getting used to spicy foods; sometimes, it takes even longer if you can’t handle it well.
- Keep your information up to date
Stay up-to-date on what’s going on in the world, including any changes in safety or health issues worldwide. This will allow you to feel more comfortable about your stay in Indonesia and prepare yourself for whatever might come your way, helping you stay out of harm’s way while avoiding unnecessary panic.
Bonus Tip
Get vaccinated before traveling to Indonesia! There are many different diseases that you can get from visiting this country, so make sure that you stay updated on what shots or precautions need to be taken before entering. Also, it’s always important to pack some over-the-counter medicines and bandages and keep them in your travel bag just in case something does happen.
In the end, these 5 easy ways to stay healthy can help you enjoy your trip and keep enjoying your life after returning home. Eat well, drink lots of water, avoid unhygienic food, take steps for stress relief, and get vaccinated before traveling! We’re here to answer any questions about this article or how we can make sure you have a safe and enjoyable time while in Indonesia. Comment below if there is anything else that interests you.
