Snakes, Spiders, and Scorpions in Indonesia — How to Avoid Bites and What to Do If It Happens

Snakes, Spiders, and Scorpions in Indonesia: How to Avoid Bites and What to Do If You Encounter Them

Updated: December 2025

Indonesia is renowned for its lush nature and warm climate, but with such exotic beauty come certain risks: venomous snakes, dangerous spiders, and scorpions are not uncommon across the archipelago. This guide will help you identify potential threats and respond effectively when encountering these creatures or in the event of a bite. The information is current as of late 2025.

Dangerous Snakes in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to over 350 species of snakes, with around 20% considered venomous. Some pose a potentially fatal threat. These snakes are commonly found in jungles, rice paddies, near human settlements, and even at popular tourist destinations such as Bali and Lombok.

Most Venomous Snake Species by Region:

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) — the world’s longest venomous snake, found on Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Bali.
Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus) — nocturnally active and present in South Sumatra, Bali, and Western Java.
White-Lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) — common in leafy forests, bushy areas, and gardens.
Sea Krait (Banded Sea Snake) (Laticauda colubrina) — inhabits coastal waters, particularly near Nusa Penida and Flores islands.

How to Reduce the Risk of Encountering a Snake

Wear closed-toe shoes and long trousers when walking in rural areas or the jungle.
Avoid tall grass, especially in the evening and at night when snakes are most active.
Use a flashlight at night to spot snakes along paths.
Inspect your shoes and bed thoroughly before use, particularly in bungalows or guesthouses.

What to Do If You Encounter a Snake

Do not make sudden movements. Sudden motion may alarm the snake and provoke an attack.
Slowly step back. Snakes generally avoid humans and do not attack unless threatened.
Do not attempt to chase, lift, or kill the snake — doing so is extremely dangerous.

Signs of a Venomous Snake Bite

Pain and swelling at the bite site.
Blurred vision, dizziness, shortness of breath (especially with krait or cobra bites).
Paralysis (common with neurotoxic venom — found in kraits and sea snakes).
Weakness, vomiting, or loss of consciousness in severe cases.

What to Do After a Snake Bite: Step-by-Step Guide

Move away from the snake. Ensure it is no longer a threat.
Restrict movement of the bitten limb. Keep it still and below heart level.
Call emergency services immediately or proceed to the nearest medical clinic.
Do NOT cut the wound, suck out venom, or apply a tourniquet. These methods are unsafe and ineffective (per WHO guidelines).
If safe to do so, take a photo of the snake from a distance for identification by doctors.

Spiders in Indonesia: Should You Be Worried?

The vast majority of spider species in Indonesia are harmless to humans. However, some tropical varieties can inflict painful bites or cause allergic reactions. Caution is advised in forested areas of Kalimantan, Papua, and Sumatra.

Key Points to Know:

Potentially dangerous tropical spiders mostly belong to the Theraphosidae (tarantulas) and Latrodectus (black widow relatives) families.
Even non-venomous spider bites can cause localized swelling, itching, rashes, or allergic responses.

Spider Bite Symptoms

Redness and swelling around the bite site.
Burning sensation, itching, muscle cramps.
In rare cases — dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.

How to Respond to a Spider Bite:

Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation.
Seek medical attention if systemic symptoms appear or condition worsens.
Do not puncture the wound or attempt to extract venom — this is ineffective.

Scorpions in Indonesia

Scorpions are typically found in dry, lowland regions of Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Lombok, often hiding near rocks and wood debris. Most species are not deadly, but stings can be very painful and cause temporary discomfort.

How to Avoid Scorpion Stings

When camping or sleeping outdoors, check sleeping bags, clothing, and shoes before use.
Wear tightly closed shoes and long pants when venturing beyond tourist zones.

Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting

Sharp localized pain, tingling, swelling.
Occasionally — fever, nausea, headache.
Severe symptoms like convulsions or breathing difficulty require immediate hospitalization.

What to Do After a Scorpion Sting

Clean the wound and disinfect it (e.g., with chlorhexidine or miramistin).
Apply a cold compress to alleviate pain.
Limit movement of the affected area.
Do NOT attempt to cauterize the wound. This contradicts WHO recommendations and may worsen the situation.
Seek medical help, especially if systemic symptoms develop.

Where to Find Medical Assistance in Indonesia

As of 2024–2025, dedicated medical centers equipped with antivenoms for snake and insect bites are available on major islands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. In rural regions and remote islands (e.g., Komodo, Flores, Raud), the level of medical support is significantly lower.

Recommendations:

Before traveling, identify the nearest international hospital, especially when visiting remote areas.
Always carry basic first aid supplies and antiseptics.
Purchase insurance that covers emergency treatment and evacuation.

Quick Reference: What to Do After a Bite or Sting

Type of Bite	Main Symptoms	Action to Take	What to Avoid
Venomous Snake	Swelling, breathing difficulty, numbness, paralysis	Take victim to a clinic, immobilize the limb	Tight tourniquets, cutting wounds, sucking venom
Spider	Pain, itching, dizziness	Clean wound, apply cold compress, monitor symptoms, seek help if needed	Self-treatment, puncturing the wound
Scorpion	Sharp pain, possible fever	Cold compress, antiseptic, rest, seek care for complications	Cauterization, aggressive treatment

Conclusion

Traveling in Indonesia can be safe and enjoyable if you're mindful of local wildlife. To minimize the risk of bites, simply follow a few straightforward precautions:

Dress appropriately, especially when outside urban areas.
Be cautious at night and during the rainy season.
Do not touch wildlife — even dead snakes can be dangerous.
Learn emergency procedures and locate the nearest medical center in your area.
Stay calm — proper action can save lives.

Snakes, Spiders, and Scorpions: What to Do When You Encounter or Get Bitten