Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake in Bali

The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, scientifically known as Hydrophis platurus and locally called Ular Laut Perut Kuning, is a fascinating marine reptile found in the coastal waters around Bali. This snake is easily recognizable by its distinctive coloration, featuring a dark upper body and a bright yellow underside. Equipped with a paddle-shaped tail, the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake is an adept swimmer, spending almost its entire life in the ocean. These snakes are both diurnal and nocturnal, meaning they can be active during the day and night.

Despite its potent neurotoxic venom, which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure, the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake is generally non-aggressive and poses minimal threat to humans. Encounters are rare as these snakes prefer the open ocean and seldom venture near shorelines or shallow waters where people swim. Their primary habitat includes coastal regions and coral reefs, where they hunt small fish and eels.

The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance by controlling fish populations. Although their venom is highly toxic, these snakes are shy and will typically avoid human contact unless provoked. Understanding their behavior and habitat is key to appreciating these remarkable creatures while ensuring safe interactions.

Snakes in Bali Snake Emergency?

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

  • Latin Name: Hydrophis platurus
  • Bahasa Name: Ular Laut Perut Kuning
  • Length: Up to 1 meter
  • Danger Level: Potent neurotoxin, similar in danger to other sea snakes.
  • Venom: Potent neurotoxin, capable of causing paralysis and respiratory failure.
  • Color: Black or dark brown on top with a yellow belly
  • Specific Markers: Yellow belly and paddle-shaped tail. **Eye Shape:** Round pupils. **Head Shape:** Small, slightly distinct from the neck. **Eye Color:** Dark.
  • Habitat: Coastal waters, often near coral reefs
  • Activity: Diurnal and nocturnal
  • Prevalence: Often found
  • Region: Coastal waters around Bali
  • Behavior: Non-aggressive. These snakes are rarely encountered by humans as they spend most of their lives in the open ocean and rarely come to shore.
  • Encounter Risk: Very low. These sea snakes are not commonly found near beaches or shallow waters where people swim. They pose minimal risk to humans unless directly handled or provoked.
yellow belly bali snake sea poison

Source: Wikimedia Common

Conservation Status of the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus)

Least Concern (LC) globally. It is commonly found in Indonesian waters.

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.