Bali Police Investigate Death of Chinese Tourist at Canggu Hostel
Denpasar, Bali – Authorities in Bali are conducting an investigation following the death of a 25-year-old Chinese female tourist who fell ill while staying at a hostel in Canggu, North Kuta. The incident, which also involved six other foreign tourists suffering from diarrhea, has prompted a thorough examination by the Badung District Police.
According to First Adjunct Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, Head of Public Relations at Badung Police, the deceased tourist began experiencing symptoms on September 2, 2025. Initial media speculation suggested potential causes such as bedbug fumigation poisoning or contaminated food, but police findings currently indicate that a gastrointestinal illness related to diarrhea and dehydration is the most likely cause.
"The exact cause of death has yet to be definitively determined," Inastuti stated. "However, gastrointestinal irritation leading to diarrhea, dehydration, and an electrolyte imbalance cannot be ruled out."
Investigations included laboratory analysis of the victim’s vomit at the Denpasar Forensic Laboratory. The tests detected no presence of pesticides, narcotics, cyanide, arsenic, hazardous chemicals, or methanol. An autopsy conducted at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital revealed no indications of violence. Instead, internal examinations showed bleeding spots and blood vessel dilation in the stomach lining, black-green fluid within the stomach cavity, red spots along the small intestine, and an empty large intestine—all findings consistent with gastrointestinal disease.
Other foreign guests at the Clandestino Hostel who displayed similar symptoms were hospitalized at various healthcare facilities. Among them were two Chinese nationals, two Germans, one Saudi Arabian, and one Filipino.
Witness accounts from hostel staff reported that the deceased complained of headaches, back pain, and weakness the evening before her death, specifically on September 1. She vomited once, refused food offerings, and requested only water and a banana. Although she later sought treatment at a clinic, she was discharged with a prescription and no hospital admission. Police discovered her body lying on the floor of her room, with medical examination suggesting she had been deceased for approximately 2 to 12 hours, likely due to dehydration.
Inastuti emphasized that police strongly suspect the death resulted from natural causes related to illness rather than any criminal act. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to conclusively determine the precise cause.
This tragic event has raised concerns about health and safety among tourists in Bali, a region popular for international visitors. Police continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further incidents.
Related Developments:
- The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism recently highlighted the launch of a new Shenzhen-Denpasar flight route aimed at increasing tourist arrivals.
- Authorities have also detained a Chinese doctor accused of abusing tourist visas by operating an unlicensed medical practice in Bali.
The investigation into the death at the Canggu hostel underscores the need for vigilance in public health monitoring and guest safety protocols at accommodations frequented by travelers. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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