Javan Spitting Cobra in Bali

The Javan Spitting Cobra, scientifically known as Naja sputatrix and locally referred to as Ular Kobra Jawa, is a highly dangerous snake species found in Bali. These snakes can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and are known for their distinctive ability to spit venom, a defense mechanism that can cause severe eye pain and even blindness if not treated promptly. The venom also contains neurotoxic and cytotoxic components, making bites potentially life-threatening due to tissue damage and paralysis.

Javan Spitting Cobras are typically brown or black, with a broad, flat head and a hood that displays a spectacle-like mark. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, agricultural lands, and urban areas. This adaptability increases the likelihood of human encounters, especially in populated regions of Bali.

These cobras are generally defensive in nature and will prefer to escape rather than confront when they sense danger. However, if threatened, they can accurately spit venom at the perceived threat. Understanding the behavior and habitat of the Javan Spitting Cobra can help in avoiding risky encounters and appreciating the role they play in the ecosystem.

Javan Spitting Cobra

  • Latin Name: Naja sputatrix
  • Bahasa Name: Ular Kobra Jawa
  • Length: Up to 1.5 meters
  • Danger Level: Highly dangerous
  • Venom: Contains neurotoxic and cytotoxic components. Spitting venom can cause severe eye pain and potential blindness if not treated promptly. Bites can result in significant tissue damage and paralysis. Anti venom is available in Bali
  • Color: Brown or black
  • Specific Markers: Ability to spit venom, hood with spectacles mark. **Eye Shape:** Round pupils. **Head Shape:** Broad and flat when hood is expanded. **Eye Color:** Usually dark.
  • Habitat: Forests, agricultural lands, and urban areas
  • Activity: Diurnal (day active)
  • Prevalence: Often found
  • Region: Throughout Bali
  • Behavior: Defensive and will spit venom when threatened. They may bite if provoked but prefer to escape confrontation.
  • Encounter Risk: Moderate. Often found in human-inhabited areas, increasing the chances of encounters. Proper precautions and avoiding provocation can reduce the risk of bites.
javan spitting cobra bali

Source: Wikimedia Common

Conservation Status of the Javan Spitting Cobra (Naja sputatrix)

Not Evaluated (NE) by IUCN globally. Locally in Indonesia, it is considered common in Java and nearby regions, including 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.