We’ve all been there, getting ready for a trip abroad and not knowing exactly what the dangers etc. are for our chosen destination.
Just as with the rest of the developing world a trip to Indonesia, and specifically Sumatra, comes with its own health hazards and our top tip would be to always visit your GP for advice before making any journey that is significantly far from home.
Remember: if it’s something you wouldn’t do a home, don’t do it here. It’s a MUCH more risky environment!
Our top health tips;
- Don’t drink the tap water! It is NOT safe.
- Cover up and use high factor sunscreen – we’re pretty close to the equator so a good tan still won’t escape you if you use at least factor 30.
- Use mosquito repellent, and sleep under a net particularly during the rainy season- both malaria and dengue fever can be caught here.
- Get your inoculations! Hepatitis A & B in particular.
- If traveling to remote Islands, and in particular the Mentawai islands, consider antimalarial pills. Be aware that some people suffer from pretty bad side effects with these.
- Avoid the sex trade. The United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recognizes Indonesia as ‘a country of critical focus’.
- And finally; DRINK (safe) WATER! It can be easy to dehydrate here, and that would be a rubbish way to spend your holiday.
The health system here works, and you’re not risking your life by going to a hospital in the event of an emergency. However, should you require serious medical treatment a trip to Malaysia or Singapore is advised – get health insurance before you travel!
Jen is an English girl who found herself in Sumatra one day and never went back. A wife, mother, traveler and book worm, she has lived in Padang long enough to speak the language and unearth plenty of useful hints and tips for the weary traveler…
