Malayan Pit Viper in Bali

The Malayan Pit Viper, scientifically known as Calloselasma rhodostoma, is one of Bali’s most formidable serpents. Known locally as Ular Tanah, this snake is notorious for its potent hemotoxic venom, which causes severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage upon envenomation. Unlike many other snakes that tend to flee from humans, the Malayan Pit Viper is known for its aggressive nature and tendency to stand its ground. This behavior, combined with its excellent camouflage among leaf litter and forest floors, makes accidental encounters more common and potentially dangerous.

Typically nocturnal, these vipers are active at night, hunting small mammals, birds, and amphibians. During the day, they often remain hidden under leaves or debris, waiting for the cover of darkness. Their distinctive brown color with darker triangular patterns aids in their stealth, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The triangular head, a hallmark of many viper species, and the stout body are characteristic features that distinguish this snake.

Despite their fearsome reputation, Malayan Pit Vipers play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling the populations of their prey. They are found primarily in forests, plantations, and rural areas of central and western Bali. While bites from these snakes are serious and require immediate medical attention, understanding their behavior and habitat can help in avoiding unwanted encounters.

Malayan Pit Viper

  • Latin Name: Calloselasma rhodostoma
  • Bahasa Name: Ular Tanah
  • Length: Up to 1 meter
  • Danger Level: Very dangerous
  • Venom: Hemotoxic venom causes severe pain, swelling, tissue damage, and potential necrosis. Immediate medical treatment is essential to mitigate severe effects.
  • Color: Brown with darker brown triangular patterns
  • Specific Markers: Triangular head and stout body. **Eye Shape:** Vertical elliptical pupils. **Head Shape:** Broad, distinct from the neck. **Eye Color:** Brown or dark.
  • Habitat: Forests, plantations, and rural areas
  • Activity: Nocturnal (night active)
  • Prevalence: Often found
  • Region: Central and western Bali
  • Behavior: Aggressive and quick to strike if threatened. Often remains motionless and camouflaged in leaf litter, making accidental encounters more likely.
  • Encounter Risk: High. This species is more likely to bite than other snakes, especially when accidentally disturbed. Bites can be severe and require prompt medical attention.
malayan pit viper wikimedia

Source: Wikimedia Common

Conservation Status of the Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma)

Least Concern (LC) globally. It is locally abundant in some parts of Indonesia.

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, encounters with tourists are very very rare.

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.

Top 10 Venomous Snakes in Bali

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.

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.

Top 10 Venomous Snakes in Bali

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 venomous. It's more dangerous playing with a monkey in the Monkey Forest.

A key difference is how the toxins enter the body: venomous animals, like most snakes, inject toxins through a bite or sting, while poisonous animals release toxins when touched or ingested. The terms are often confused, and many people incorrectly call most snakes "poisonous" when they are actually "venomous".