Top 22 Snakes of Bali: Venomous Species, Harmless Beauties, & Sea Serpents Revealed

Marie curie

Fun Facts
snakes in bali

Ever wondered what slithers beneath the lush greenery of Bali’s landscapes? Or which snake might cross your path during a tropical adventure?

Bali is home to a fascinating variety of 22 snake species—some venomous, some harmless, and a few that even glide through the ocean.

Let’s dive into this wild and captivating world of Bali’s serpents—are you ready to meet the island’s most intriguing inhabitants?

Top 8 Venomous Snakes of Bali: A Guide to Nature’s Most Dangerous Creatures

Bali isn’t just known for its stunning scenery and rich culture; it’s also home to some fascinating and dangerous snakes.

 As you explore its beautiful forests and beaches, you might come across these venomous creatures.

Knowing about them can help you appreciate Bali’s wildlife while keeping you safe.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top eight dangerous snakes of Bali, highlighting their unique traits and behaviours.

1. King Cobra

Description:
The King Cobra, known for being the world’s longest venomous snake, can reach lengths of up to 18 feet. Its impressive colouration varies from olive green to black, with distinct yellow or white crossbands that help it camouflage in its environment.

  • Habitat: You can typically find King Cobras in dense forests and rice fields across Bali, where they hunt their favourite prey: other snakes.
  • Behaviour: Though usually shy, King Cobras will raise their hoods and hiss to warn of threats. If cornered, they can be defensive and may strike.

Venom:
Their venom is incredibly potent and primarily neurotoxic, leading to paralysis and potentially death if untreated. Quick medical attention is vital after a bite.

Interesting Fact:
In Balinese culture, the King Cobra is revered and often symbolizes power and mystery, making it a significant figure in local folklore.

2. Javan Spitting Cobra

Description:
The Javan Spitting Cobra is recognizable by its sleek body and dark colouration, which ranges from brown to olive green, often highlighted by lighter bands.

Habitat:
This snake thrives in urban areas and forests, frequently found in gardens and around human settlements.

  • Behaviour: Unique among snakes, the Javan Spitting Cobra can accurately spit venom at intruders, targeting their eyes from a distance to ward off threats.
  • Venom: Its venom can cause severe pain and swelling, making immediate medical assistance essential after a bite or spray.
Javan Spitting Cobra

Interesting Fact:
This species is often surrounded by myths and legends, celebrated for its cunning nature and remarkable defensive abilities.

3. Blue Krait

Description:
With its striking blue colouration and slender form, the Blue Krait is truly a sight to behold. It typically measures around 3 to 5 feet in length.

  • Habitat: You can find Blue Kraits in rural areas, gardens, and sometimes near water bodies, as they are attracted to damp environments.
  • Behaviour: This nocturnal snake prefers to avoid humans, often hiding during the day. It’s known for its secretive nature and swift movements.
  • Venom: The Blue Krait’s neurotoxic venom is potent and can cause respiratory failure if not treated quickly.
Blue Krait

Interesting Fact:
Although rare, encounters with Blue Kraits can be alarming. If you see one, it’s best to admire it from a distance and avoid provoking it.

4. Banded Krait

Description:
The Banded Krait features bold black and yellow banding that makes it easily identifiable. Its body is slender, measuring about 3 to 4 feet in length.

Habitat: This snake prefers areas near water bodies, including rice paddies and marshes, where it hunts for prey.

  • Behaviour: Banded Kraits are secretive and primarily active at night. They feed on other snakes and are often seen coiled in a defensive position.
  • Venom: The venom is potent, and symptoms from a bite can include paralysis and respiratory distress.
Banded Krait

Interesting Fact:
The Banded Krait plays a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of other snakes.

5. Malayan Pit Viper

Description:
The Malayan Pit Viper is a stocky snake, easily recognized by its distinctive triangular head and various shades of brown or green, providing excellent camouflage.

Habitat: Commonly found in forests and plantations, this viper often hides among leaf litter, making it difficult to spot.

  • Behaviour: As an ambush predator, it patiently waits for its prey to come close before striking swiftly.
  • Venom: Its venom is hemotoxic, leading to tissue damage and pain. First aid measures include applying a pressure bandage and seeking immediate medical help.
Malayan Pit Viper

Interesting Fact:
The Malayan Pit Viper has remarkable adaptations, including heat-sensing pits that help it locate warm-blooded prey in the dark.

6. Green Tree Pit Viper

Description:
This snake is easily recognized by its vibrant green colouration and slender body, allowing it to blend in perfectly with the leaves.

  • Habitat: The Green Tree Pit Viper is primarily arboreal, residing in trees throughout Bali’s dense forests.
  • Behaviour: Known for its striking camouflage, this snake waits patiently for prey to come within striking distance.
  • Venom: Its venom can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic effects. Medical advice is crucial if bitten.
Green Tree Pit Viper

Interesting Fact:
The Green Tree Pit Viper has unique reproductive habits; it gives birth to live young, a rarity among snakes.

7. Island Pit Viper

Description:
The Island Pit Viper (Trimeresurus insularis) boasts vibrant green or yellow hues that seamlessly blend into its lush surroundings. Its stout body and triangular head make it easily recognizable.

  • Habitat: This snake prefers dense forests and mountainous areas of Bali. Often found resting on branches, its arboreal nature allows it to ambush unsuspecting prey.
  • Behavior: Primarily nocturnal, the Island Pit Viper exhibits a shy disposition. While it tends to avoid human interaction, it can be defensive if threatened.
Island Pit Viper

Venom: Its venom is hemotoxic, affecting blood and tissues. While bites can cause significant pain and swelling, fatalities are rare with prompt medical treatment.

Interesting Fact: The Island Pit Viper plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both a predator and prey, helping maintain the balance of local wildlife.

8. Asian Coral Snake

Description:
The Asian Coral Snake (Calliophis melanurus) is known for its stunning coloration, typically displaying bold bands of red, yellow, and black. Its slender body adds to its graceful appearance.

  • Habitat: This snake can be found in various environments, from forests to agricultural areas, often hiding under leaf litter or logs. Its preference for humid environments makes Bali’s climate ideal.
  • Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal and secretive, the Asian Coral Snake spends most of its time hidden. Unlike many other venomous snakes, it is not aggressive and usually retreats if encountered.
Asian Coral Snake

Venom:
Its potent neurotoxic venom can be life-threatening, though the snake is reluctant to bite unless provoked.

Interesting Fact:
The Asian Coral Snake is often mistaken for non-venomous red and black-banded snakes, making it crucial for locals and travellers to learn the differences to avoid dangerous encounters.

12 Enigmatic Non-Venomous Snakes of Bali

Bali is a paradise rich in wildlife, including a variety of non-venomous snakes. These fascinating reptiles play a vital role in controlling pests and maintaining ecological balance.

Although they pose no danger to humans, they significantly enhance the island’s biodiversity.

Let’s explore twelve of Bali’s intriguing non-venomous snakes.

1. Reticulated Python

Description: The Reticulated Python is one of the world’s longest snakes, with striking patterns of black, gold, and green scales that create a beautiful, intricate design.

  • Habitat: Commonly found in forests and swamps, this snake thrives in humid environments, often near water sources.
  • Behaviour: Known for its powerful constriction technique, the Reticulated Python hunts mammals and birds, using its exceptional camouflage to ambush prey.
Reticulated Python

Interesting Fact: Some individuals have been recorded at lengths exceeding 20 feet, and they can be kept in captivity, displaying fascinating behaviours.

2. Burmese Python

Description: The Burmese Python is famous for its attractive colouration, ranging from light tan to dark brown, with beautiful patterns that help it blend into its surroundings.

  • Habitat: This snake is often found in various habitats across Bali, including forests and grasslands.
  • Behaviour: Generally docile, the Burmese Python is a skilled ambush hunter, often lying in wait for unsuspecting prey to wander close.
Burmese Python

Interesting Fact: Its popularity in the pet trade has made it a well-known species among snake enthusiasts.

3. Oriental Rat Snake

Description: The Oriental Rat Snake has a sleek body with a striking pattern of black and yellow scales, making it a beautiful sight.

  • Habitat: This adaptable snake can thrive in a range of environments, from rural areas to urban gardens.
  • Behaviour: As a skilled climber, it plays a vital role in controlling rodent populations, often hunting during the day.
Oriental Rat Snake

Interesting Fact: Its ability to adapt to urban areas has allowed it to coexist with humans, making it a common sight in Balinese gardens.

4. Common Wolf Snake

Description: The Common Wolf Snake is slender and agile, with smooth scales that can vary in colour, often featuring browns and greys.

  • Habitat: This snake prefers humid environments, frequently found in forested areas and around agricultural lands.
  • Behavior: Nocturnal by nature, it primarily feeds on smaller reptiles and amphibians, showcasing its hunting prowess under the cover of darkness.
Wolf Snake

Interesting Fact: In local folklore, this snake is often seen as a symbol of cunning and stealth.

5. Bronzeback Snake

Description: Known for its striking appearance, the Bronzeback Snake features a smooth body with beautiful green and bronze hues.

  • Habitat: It thrives in forested areas and is often spotted basking on branches.
  • Behaviour: This snake is an excellent climber, using its skills to hunt birds and small mammals in trees.
Bronzeback Snake

Interesting Fact: When threatened, the Bronzeback Snake will display its vibrant colors to deter predators, showcasing its unique defensive behaviour.

6. Brahminy Blind Snake

Description: The Brahminy Blind Snake is small and cylindrical, with smooth, shiny scales that are usually dark brown or black.



  • Habitat: Commonly found in burrows, this snake prefers loose, moist soil where it can easily navigate.
  • Behavior: Secretive by nature, it primarily feeds on ants and termites, playing a key role in soil health.
Brahminy Blind Snake

Interesting Fact: This snake has a fascinating reproductive method known as parthenogenesis, where females can reproduce without males.

7. Green Cat Snake (Mildly Venomous)

Description: The Green Cat Snake is known for its vibrant green coloration and slender, elongated body, allowing it to blend into the foliage.

  • Habitat: Typically spotted in trees, it prefers humid areas, making Bali’s climate ideal for its survival.
  • Behavior: An adept hunter, it uses its ability to camouflage and its excellent climbing skills to ambush tree-dwelling prey.
Green Cat Snake

Interesting Fact: While mildly venomous, it poses no threat to humans, often retreating rather than attacking when encountered.

8. Red-Necked Keelback Snake (Mildly Venomous)

Description: The Red-Necked Keelback Snake is easily recognizable by its distinctive red or orange neck and smooth, greenish body.

  • Habitat: It thrives near water bodies, often found in marshes, rice paddies, and riverbanks.
  • Behavior: This snake feeds on frogs and fish, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey, and exhibits defensive behavior by flattening its neck when threatened.
Red-Necked Keelback Snake

Interesting Fact: Its diet includes toxic toads, making it an important part of the ecosystem by controlling harmful amphibian populations.

9. Vine Snake

Description: The Vine Snake features an elongated body and a vibrant green color, mimicking vines and branches.

  • Habitat: It is commonly found in tropical forests, often resting on trees and shrubs.
  • Behaviour: An ambush predator, the Vine Snake waits patiently for small birds and lizards to come within striking distance.
Vine Snake

Interesting Fact: Its unique adaptations, including large eyes for improved vision, make it a remarkable hunter in its arboreal habitat.

10. Red-Tailed Pipe Snake

Description: The Red-Tailed Pipe Snake has a distinctive appearance with a long, cylindrical body and a vibrant red tail.

  • Habitat: This snake can often be found in a variety of habitats, including forests and grasslands.
  • Behaviour: It feeds on small invertebrates and is known for its unique burrowing behaviour.
Red-Tailed Pipe Snake

Interesting Fact: Its unique colouration makes it a captivating sight for snake enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

11. Chinese Rat Snake

Description: The Chinese Rat Snake has a robust body with a mix of green and black patterns that help it camouflage effectively.

  • Habitat: It typically resides in forests, fields, and near human settlements.
  • Behavior: This snake is a proficient climber, often hunting birds and rodents from trees.
  • Interesting Fact: In local culture, it is regarded as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Chinese Rat Snake

12. Sunbeam Snake

Description: The Sunbeam Snake is famous for its iridescent scales that shimmer in sunlight, making it one of the most visually striking snakes.

  • Habitat: This snake is typically found in tropical forests, preferring damp, shady areas.
  • Behavior: It feeds primarily on small vertebrates and is known for its unique, smooth movement.
Sunbeam Snake

Interesting Fact: The Sunbeam Snake’s reflective scales are not only beautiful but also serve as camouflage, helping it evade predators.

Exploring Bali’s Enigmatic Sea Snakes

Bali’s waters are home to fascinating sea snakes that embody the wonders of marine life.

These unique reptiles play vital roles in the ecosystem, showcasing incredible adaptations that allow them to thrive in the ocean.

1. Banded Sea Krait

Description: The Banded Sea Krait is easily recognized by its striking black and white bands, creating a bold pattern that stands out in the water.

  • Habitat: This species prefers coral reefs and rocky shores, where it can find shelter and hunting grounds.
  • Behaviour: A remarkable swimmer, the Banded Sea Krait is semi-aquatic, often seen basking on land to warm up after diving into the sea.
  • Interesting Fact: It can hold its breath for extended periods, allowing it to hunt for fish and other prey underwater without needing to surface often.
Banded Sea Krait


2. Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

Description: The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake features a striking yellow belly that helps it blend in with the sunlight filtering through the water, making it an expert at camouflage.

  • Habitat: Preferring open ocean waters, this snake can occasionally be spotted near Bali’s coastline, gracefully gliding through the waves.
  • Behaviour: Primarily feeding on fish, it uses its paddle-like tail to swim efficiently, navigating the water with ease.
Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

Interesting Fact: This species boasts an impressive range, spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans, making its occasional sightings in Bali all the more exciting.

Conclusion

The diverse world of Balinese snakes showcases the unique beauty and importance of these reptiles in Bali’s ecosystem.

From the vibrant non-venomous species to the captivating sea snakes, each plays a vital role in maintaining the island’s ecological balance.

By appreciating and understanding these Balinese snakes, we can foster a deeper connection to Bali’s rich biodiversity and protect these remarkable creatures for future generations.

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