Banded Krait in Bali

The Banded Krait, scientifically known as Bungarus fasciatus and locally referred to as Ular Weling, is a highly venomous yet elusive snake found in Bali. Recognized by its striking alternating black and yellow bands, this snake is a nocturnal predator that primarily inhabits wetlands, forests, and areas near water bodies. Despite its potent neurotoxic venom, which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure, the Banded Krait is not aggressive and typically avoids human contact.

These snakes can grow up to 2 meters in length and are equipped with smooth scales and a distinctive flattened body. Their large eyes with round pupils give them excellent night vision, which they use to hunt other snakes, rodents, and small mammals. Due to their shy nature, Banded Kraits are rarely seen during the day and will often flee when encountered by humans.

The presence of the Banded Krait in Bali highlights the island’s rich biodiversity. While their venom is highly dangerous, bites are relatively rare and usually occur only if the snake is accidentally stepped on or handled. Understanding their behavior and habitat can help in appreciating these fascinating reptiles while ensuring safe coexistence.

Banded Krait

  • Latin Name: Bungarus fasciatus
  • Bahasa Name: Ular Weling
  • Length: Up to 2 meters
  • Danger Level: Highly dangerous, but not aggressive
  • Venom: Possesses highly neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. Bites are dangerous but relatively rare.
  • Color: Alternating black and yellow bands
  • Specific Markers: Flattened body and broad, alternating bands. **Eye Shape:** Round pupils. **Head Shape:** Slightly distinct from neck, not very broad. **Eye Color:** Dark.
  • Habitat: Wetlands, forests, and near water bodies
  • Activity: Nocturnal (night active)
  • Prevalence: Rare
  • Region: Lowland areas and rice paddies
  • Behavior: Shy and nocturnal, Banded Kraits are not aggressive and typically flee from human contact. They are more likely to bite if handled or threatened.
  • Encounter Risk: Low. Due to their nocturnal habits and tendency to avoid humans, encounters are infrequent. Bites usually occur when the snake is accidentally stepped on or handled.
baded krait snake wikimedia

Source: Wikimedia Common

Conservation Status of the Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus)

Least Concern (LC) globally. In Indonesia, it is common in suitable habitats.

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.