Asian Coral Snake in Bali

The Asian Coral Snake, scientifically known as Calliophis intestinalis and locally called Ular Karang Asia, is a small yet highly venomous snake species found in Bali. These snakes can grow up to 0.5 meters in length and are easily recognized by their vibrant red, black, and white bands. Despite their striking appearance, they are extremely shy and reclusive, rarely coming into contact with humans.

The venom of the Asian Coral Snake is highly neurotoxic, capable of causing paralysis and respiratory failure. However, bites are rare due to the snake’s secretive nature and tendency to avoid confrontation. These nocturnal snakes are primarily active at night and are commonly found in forests and near water bodies, where they prey on small animals and other reptiles.

The presence of the Asian Coral Snake in Bali underscores the island’s rich biodiversity. While their venom is highly dangerous, the risk of encountering these snakes is low due to their elusive behavior. Understanding their habitat and behavior is crucial for appreciating these remarkable reptiles while ensuring safe interactions. If you happen to come across one, it’s best to admire it from a distance and avoid handling it.

Asian Coral Snake

  • Latin Name: Calliophis intestinalis
  • Bahasa Name: Ular Karang Asia
  • Length: Up to 0.5 meter
  • Danger Level: Highly dangerous. No bites from this snake have been recorded in Bali.
  • Venom: Highly neurotoxic, causing paralysis and respiratory failure. Despite the potent venom, bites are rare due to the snake’s reclusive nature.
  • Color: Red, black, and white bands
  • Specific Markers: Bands of red, black, and white, slender body. **Eye Shape:** Round pupils. **Head Shape:** Small, slightly distinct from the neck. **Eye Color:** Dark.
  • Habitat: Forests and near water bodies
  • Activity: Nocturnal (night active)
  • Prevalence: Rare
  • Region: Throughout Bali
  • Behavior: Extremely shy and reclusive. They rarely come into contact with humans and prefer to remain hidden.
  • Encounter Risk: Low. Encounters are infrequent due to their secretive behavior. Bites are rare and usually occur only when the snake is directly handled.

Source: Wikimedia Common

Conservation Status of the Asian Coral Snake (Calliophis intestinalis)

Not Evaluated (NE) by IUCN globally. Locally, it is rare and reclusive in Bali.

What Travelers want to know about Snakes in Bali

Yes, Bali is home to several dangerous snakes, including the King Cobra, Blue Krait, and Malayan Pit Viper. While these snakes are venomous, they are generally shy and avoid human contact.

The Pythons can also be dangerous, depending ion their size and whether they feel threatened. It's important to be cautious, especially in rural and forested areas.

It is uncommon, but not impossible, to find snakes in Bali villas. Most villas are well-maintained and have measures in place to prevent wildlife from entering and gardeners keep the gardens free of potential habitats as much as possible. However, occasional sightings of non-venomous snakes like the Common Wolf Snake may occur, particularly in areas close to nature.

Snakes can be found in Ubud due to its lush, natural environment, but they are not commonly encountered by visitors. The area’s forests and rice fields provide habitats for various snake species.</p]

The most common snakes in Bali include the Common Wolf Snake and the Oriental Rat Snake. These non-venomous snakes are frequently found in gardens, forests, and near human settlements.

Bali hosts several poisonous snakes, including the King Cobra, Blue Krait, Malayan Pit Viper, Javan Spitting Cobra, Green Tree Pit Viper, Island Pit Viper, Asian Coral Snake, Red-Necked Keelback Snake, Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, and the Banded Sea Krait. These snakes possess potent venom but are typically shy and avoid human contact.

Yes, there are. Venomous sea snakes in Bali include the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake and the Banded Sea Krait. These snakes are usually found in coastal waters and are generally not aggressive towards humans.</p]

Yes, there are non-venomous snakes in Bali. Non-venomous snakes include the Burmese Python, Reticulated Python, Common Wolf Snake, Oriental Rat Snake, Brahminy Blind Snake, Green Cat Snake, Red-tailed Pipe Snake, and the Chinese Rat Snake. These snakes are harmless to humans and play a vital role in controlling pest populations.

Identifying snakes in Bali can be challenging due to the variety of species. Yes, identifying snakes in Bali involves looking at key markers such as color patterns, head shape, and habitat. For detailed information, refer to our specific snake pages guides available on our website.

Yes. The King Cobra in Bali is known for its impressive size and potent venom. It is typically found in forests and rural areas. Despite its fearsome reputation, it tends to avoid human contact.

The Banded Krait is a venomous snake found in Bali, recognized by its distinctive black and yellow bands. It is generally nocturnal and prefers wetland habitats.</p]

The thin green snake in Bali is likely the (mostly) harmless Vine Snake or the  Green Tree Pit Viper or the Island Pit Viper,, which is the snake that causes the most bites in Bali and is specifically found in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, including Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Komodo.

The striped snake in Bali could be the Blue Krait or the Banded Krait, both of which have distinct banding patterns and are venomous. These snakes are nocturnal and typically found in rural areas.

The likelihood of seeing a snake in Bali depends on your location and activities. While urban and tourist areas have fewer sightings, rural and forested areas have higher chances of encounters. However, snakes generally avoid human contact.

Besides snakes, other dangerous animals in Bali include certain species of spiders and scorpions. However, encounters with these creatures are rare, and they generally avoid human contact, and are not very poisonous. It's more dangerous playing with a monkey in the Monkey Forest.