How Can I Prevent Mosquito Bites While Traveling In Indonesia?

Preventing mosquito bites is essential to avoid diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika in Indonesia. Here are effective strategies:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin (brands like Soffell and Autan are widely available locally).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Sleep under a mosquito net or ensure your accommodation has intact screens on windows and doors.
• Apply repellent before leaving your hotel and reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Choose light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
• Eliminate standing water around your accommodation, as it serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Shower regularly to reduce sweat, which attracts mosquitoes.

For extra protection, use air conditioning where possible and consider treating clothing with permethrin. These measures significantly reduce your risk of bites and mosquito-borne illnesses while traveling in Indonesia.