A cold drink by the pool is part of many Bali holidays. Yet the Australian Government travel advice for Indonesia warns that drinks contaminated with methanol have been reported in Bali and Lombok. Methanol is highly toxic, and as little as one shot can be fatal. Knowing the risk lets you enjoy a night out with much more confidence.
This guide explains what methanol is and how it ends up in drinks. It covers the warning signs, what to do if someone becomes unwell and how to choose safer drinks. It is general information to help you plan, not a reason to skip your holiday.
What methanol is
Methanol is an industrial alcohol that is not safe to drink. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation explains that it is sometimes added to drinks to cut costs. It can also form by accident in home brews. Smartraveller adds that it can be created during poor quality alcohol production.
The real problem is that you cannot easily tell. Methanol looks, smells and tastes like regular alcohol. It can turn up in any alcoholic drink, but it is most often found in spirits and traditional home brewed drinks. Reported cases are highest in parts of Asia, though it also occurs in parts of Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe.
Why Bali travellers hear about it
Smartraveller’s Indonesia advice names Bali and Lombok as places where contaminated drinks have been reported. It also mentions arak, a traditional drink made from rice, which has been linked to deaths and serious illness. Bottle labels are not always accurate, so a familiar brand name on a cheap drink is no guarantee. For that reason, the advice is to avoid homemade alcohol altogether.
None of this means every bar is a danger. It means a little care with what you order goes a long way. The same habits also help protect you from drink spiking, which Smartraveller says can happen anywhere, including Bali.
Warning signs of methanol poisoning
Early symptoms can look like drinking too much. Smartraveller notes they are usually stronger than ordinary drunkenness. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says symptoms typically appear after about 12 to 24 hours, which can make the link easy to miss. Signs to look out for include:
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- tiredness
- dizziness
- confusion
- breathlessness or very fast breathing
- vision problems such as blurred vision, tunnel vision or changes in how things look
Methanol poisoning can lead to blindness, brain damage, coma and death. Any change in your vision after drinking should be taken seriously. Because symptoms can be delayed, someone may feel fine at the bar and become very unwell the next day.
What to do if you suspect poisoning
Act fast and get medical help straight away. Call local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. Do not wait to see whether the person sleeps it off. Smartraveller lists Indonesian emergency numbers on its Indonesia page, so save them before you go out.
Stay with anyone who feels unwell and tell your friends what is happening. Smartraveller also advises reporting suspected methanol cases to Indonesian police. Contact your travel insurer early, as hospitals in Indonesia usually ask for proof of insurance and a deposit before treatment. They may also want a written guarantee of payment from a family member or friend.
This is one reason travel insurance matters so much. Smartraveller says the Australian Government will not pay overseas medical or evacuation costs. If you cannot afford insurance, the advice is that you should not travel. Check that your policy covers your planned activities and read any exclusions carefully.
How to choose safer drinks in Bali
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says the safest option is to avoid drinking in places where methanol is a risk. If you do drink, some simple choices lower the risk. Choose sealed, branded drinks from recognised companies, such as canned beer. Buy from reputable licensed venues rather than street stalls or unlicensed bars.
Be careful with cocktails and other spirit drinks, which the foundation suggests avoiding. Be wary of very cheap drinks that claim to contain branded spirits, as the labels or the spirits may be fake. Watch your drink being made and do not leave it unattended. Pour or buy your own, and avoid sharing.
Eat before you go out and drink water through the night. Set a limit before you start and stick to it. Stay with friends you trust and avoid swimming or driving after drinking. Alcohol affects your judgement and your reaction time.
Planning celebrations and villa stays
Group events need extra thought, because drinks are often ordered in bulk. If you are planning a bilingual wedding or another celebration in Bali, ask the venue about sealed, branded drinks. Make sure someone sober knows the emergency numbers and the nearest hospital.
Villa hosts can help their guests too. Anyone following best practices for a Bali villa rental business could stock sealed, branded drinks and share local emergency details in the welcome pack. Guests then have a safer option without leaving the villa.
If you are visiting for a medical or dental procedure, think carefully about drinking at all. Ask your practitioner about alcohol before and after treatment. Our article on dental implants abroad looks at the procedure itself, and alcohol is one more thing to raise with the clinic.
The same goes for adventure days. A clear head matters on activities such as canyoning in Bali, where you need good judgement and quick reactions. Save any drinks for the evening and keep them to sealed, branded options.
Frequently asked questions
Is methanol only a risk in cheap bars?
No. Methanol can appear in any alcoholic drink, though it is most often found in spirits and home brewed drinks. Very cheap drinks claiming to be branded spirits are worth avoiding, and licensed venues are a safer choice.
Can I tell if a drink contains methanol?
Not by taste or smell. Methanol looks, smells and tastes like regular alcohol. That is why choosing sealed, branded drinks matters more than trying to judge a drink yourself.
Is arak safe to try?
Smartraveller says arak, a traditional rice based drink, has been linked to deaths and serious illness. It also advises against homemade alcohol. The safest approach is to skip it.
How soon do symptoms appear?
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says symptoms typically appear after about 12 to 24 hours. They can look like drinking too much but are often more severe. Seek medical help straight away if you are worried.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you feel unwell after drinking, seek urgent medical care, and speak with a doctor or qualified health professional about any health concerns.
