Imagine finding yourself stranded on a dark road in Uluwatu after a motorbike accident, your phone signal weak and your adrenaline spiking. In that critical moment, realizing you don’t know who to call can turn a manageable situation into a life-threatening crisis.
Many travelers and expats arrive in Bali with a carefree attitude, assuming that a quick Google search will save them in an emergency, but spotty internet and panic often lead to dangerous delays.
The reality is that Bali’s emergency infrastructure operates differently than what you might be used to in the West. There is no single “911” that magically dispatches a fully equipped paramedic team to a remote villa in seconds.
Instead, you need a specific Bali safety contact guide that connects you directly to the right local agency, whether it’s the tourist police for a theft or the search and rescue team for a hiking mishap. Relying on generic numbers can leave you waiting on hold while valuable minutes tick by.
The solution is preparation. By saving these 25 essential numbers to your phone now, you empower yourself to act decisively when it matters most.
This guide categorizes the most critical contacts—from national hotlines like Basarnas to local disaster management units—ensuring you have a lifeline no matter where you are on the island. Being “ready” isn’t just a feeling; it’s having the right information at your fingertips before the emergency strikes.
Table of Contents
- Core National Emergency Numbers in Bali
- Provincial Disaster and Rescue Contacts
- Medical Emergencies and Hospitals
- Police and Tourist Assistance
- Real Story: The Scooter Crash in Pecatu, Bali
- How to Dial and Common Mistakes
- Eligibility, Fees, and Special Conditions
- Organizing Your Digital Emergency Kit
- FAQs about Bali Emergency Contacts
Core National Emergency Numbers in Bali
When a crisis hits, these are the first numbers you should dial. Indonesia uses a system of short codes similar to other countries, but they are specific to the type of emergency. The most versatile number is 112, which acts as a general emergency line connecting you to local police, fire, and medical dispatchers. It is accessible from any mobile phone, even without a SIM card in some cases.
However, for specific situations, direct lines are often faster. Dial 110 for the police if you are facing a security threat or crime. For medical crises, 118 and 119 are the designated ambulance lines. If you encounter a fire, 113 is the direct line to the fire department.
Finally, for search and rescue operations—such as a swimmer swept out to sea—dial 115 to reach Basarnas. Memorizing this core Bali emergency contacts list is your first line of defense.
Provincial Disaster and Rescue Contacts
Bali is prone to natural events like earthquakes and floods, making the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) a vital contact. These agencies coordinate large-scale rescue and relief efforts.
For general provincial inquiries, you can reach BPBD Bali at (0361) 251177. However, knowing the number for your specific regency is crucial for a faster response.
In Denpasar, the BPBD contact is (0361) 223333, while the Badung regency—home to tourist hotspots like Kuta and Canggu—can be reached at (0361) 9347667. For those exploring the cultural heart of Gianyar, save (0361) 8958447.
Detailed contacts for other regions like Bangli, Karangasem, and Buleleng are listed in local directories, but having these primary numbers covers the most populated areas. Additionally, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in Bali is reachable at (0361) 48465 for humanitarian aid.
Medical Emergencies and Hospitals
In a medical emergency, time is the enemy. While 118/119 can dispatch an ambulance, going directly to a major hospital’s emergency line is often more effective for expats and tourists.
The primary referral hospital for the region is RSUP Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah (formerly Sanglah) in Denpasar. Their main switchboard is +62 361 227911, and the dedicated emergency (IGD) line is (0361) 226363.
For those in the southern tourist belt, private international hospitals offer robust emergency services. BIMC Hospital Kuta is a staple for travelers, reachable 24/7 at +62 361 761263. These facilities are equipped to handle trauma and medical evacuations. Adding these specific hospital numbers to your emergency phone kit Bali ensures you aren’t scrambling for an address when someone is injured.
Police and Tourist Assistance
Dealing with legal issues or theft requires a different set of contacts. The Tourist Police are specifically trained to assist foreigners and often have better English proficiency than regular officers.
For general tourist assistance in the Denpasar and Kuta area, you can call +62 361 224111. This line is invaluable for reporting lost passports or scams.
Specifically for the Kuta region, which sees a high volume of visitors, the Tourist Police can be reached at +62 361 751598.
While the general police emergency number (110) works island-wide, these dedicated tourist lines can provide more targeted support for non-violent crimes and administrative hurdles faced by travelers.
Real Story: The Scooter Crash in Pecatu, Bali
Liam (28, Manchester) thought he was prepared. He had Google Maps, a power bank, and a rental scooter. But when he skidded on a gravel shortcut in Pecatu at 10 PM, his preparation failed him. Lying in a ditch with a broken collarbone, he instinctively dialed 911.
Nothing happened. The call didn’t connect. He tried searching for “ambulance” on Google, but his 3G signal was too weak to load the page. In the silence of the dark road, Liam realized that without the actual local number saved in his contacts, his smartphone was just a brick.
He managed to dial the direct emergency line for BIMC Kuta (+62 361 761263). The operator answered immediately in clear English, calming him down and dispatching an ambulance to his GPS location.
Within 40 minutes, flashing lights cut through the darkness. Liam was stabilized and transported to the hospital, realizing that a simple screenshot he had saved earlier—a Bali emergency contacts list from a travel blog—had been the difference between a nightmare and a rescue.
How to Dial and Common Mistakes
Having the numbers is only half the battle; knowing how to dial them is the other. If you are using a local Indonesian SIM card, you can dial the 3-digit short codes (112, 110, etc.) directly.
However, if you are roaming with an international number, you often need to add the country code (+62) and sometimes the area code (like 0361 for landlines).
A common mistake travelers make is saving numbers without the international prefix. For example, saving “118” might work at home but fail on a foreign SIM in Bali.
Another error is confusing the region codes—0361 covers South Bali, but if you are in Lovina (North Bali), the code is 0362. Always test the format of your saved contacts to ensure they are dialable from your specific phone setup.
Eligibility, Fees, and Special Conditions
It’s important to manage expectations regarding costs. The national emergency short codes (112, 115, etc.) are generally toll-free and accessible to everyone. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) explicitly states that their services for life-threatening incidents are free of charge.
However, medical services are a different story. While public ambulances may have low or no upfront fees, private hospital ambulances (like those from BIMC or Siloam) will charge for their services.
Treatment at hospitals like RSUP Prof. Ngoerah is not free; you will be expected to pay or provide valid insurance details. Your essential Bali rescue numbers should be paired with a valid travel insurance policy to cover these inevitable costs.
Organizing Your Digital Emergency Kit
Don’t just leave these numbers in a blog post. Create a dedicated “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) contact group on your phone. Share this list with your travel companions or family members.
For extra security, print a physical copy and keep it in your wallet or under your motorbike seat, as phones can run out of battery or get damaged in an accident.
Consider downloading local safety apps like the “Polisiku” app for police assistance or ride-hailing apps that have emergency buttons.
Being proactive about how you store and access this information turns a passive list into an active safety tool.
FAQs about Bali Emergency Contacts
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Is 911 used in Bali?
No. The general emergency number in Indonesia is 112. Dialing 911 will not work on local networks.
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Do emergency operators speak English?
Not always. The Tourist Police and international hospitals generally have English speakers, but general 112 operators may have limited English. Speak slowly and clearly.
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Does the emergency list work on all islands?
The national short codes (112, 110, 115) work across Indonesia. However, local hospital and BPBD landline numbers are specific to your Bali emergency contacts list.
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How much does an ambulance cost in Bali?
Public ambulances (118) are often free or low-cost. Private hospital ambulances can charge fees ranging from IDR 500,000 to over IDR 1,000,000 depending on distance.
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Can I text the emergency numbers?
Generally, no. You must call. However, some specific services or apps may offer chat features, but calling is the standard for emergencies.
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What if I have no signal?
Try to move to higher ground or find a local resident. In a true dead zone, you will need to find physical help to reach a landline or signal area.
