Can you drink the tap water in Bali?
Checked October 2026 · 3 sources
No, you should not drink Bali's tap water. Mains water from the PDAM utility and the wells many villas use are not reliably safe to drink, and they are a common cause of stomach upsets. Drink sealed bottled water, water from large refill jugs, or properly filtered water instead.
In detail
The state utility, PDAM, does treat its water, but quality varies by area and can get worse after heavy rain. Many villas and guesthouses pump from groundwater wells, and their quality depends on the local setup. Neither source should be treated as safe to drink.
Boiling kills most germs but does not remove chemical contaminants. That makes boiled water fine for brushing teeth, but bottled or filtered water is still the better choice for drinking.
Many villas and cafes have large refillable water jugs (galon). Using a refillable bottle with these, or with a good filter bottle, cuts down on plastic waste, which is a real problem on the island.
Good to know
- Ask your villa whether its drinking water is filtered or comes from a galon dispenser.
- Keep your mouth closed in the shower.
- Clear, solid ice cubes are usually made commercially.
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Sources
Rules and prices in Indonesia change often. Always check official sources before you travel.