Bali Police Investigate Death of Chinese Tourist at Canggu Hostel
Denpasar, Bali — Authorities in Bali are conducting a thorough investigation following the death of a 25-year-old Chinese female tourist at a hostel in Canggu, North Kuta. The incident was reported after six foreign tourists staying at the Clandestino Hostel experienced severe diarrhea, with one of the guests succumbing to illness.
The Badung District Police, led by First Adjunct Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, Head of Public Relations at Badung Police, provided a detailed timeline of the events on Friday. The deceased reportedly began feeling unwell on September 2, 2025, initially complaining of headaches, back pain, and weakness the previous evening. After vomiting once and refusing food — only accepting water and a banana — she visited a local clinic but left with only a prescription.
Preliminary investigations have ruled out foul play. An autopsy conducted at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital revealed no indications of external violence. The internal medical examination found bleeding spots and dilated blood vessels in the stomach lining, the presence of black-green fluid inside the stomach cavity, red spots along the small intestine, and an empty large intestine. These symptoms correspond with gastrointestinal disease.
Additionally, forensic analysis at the Denpasar Laboratory of the victim’s vomit detected no traces of pesticides, narcotics, cyanide, arsenic, hazardous chemicals, or methanol, which help exclude poisoning or chemical exposure. While media reports had speculated about potential bedbug fumigation poisoning or contaminated food, police have emphasized that the primary cause appears related to a gastrointestinal illness leading to severe diarrhea.
Inastuti explained, “While the exact cause of death cannot be definitively determined at this stage, it is possible that gastrointestinal irritation caused diarrhea, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which may have led to death.”
Other tourists affected by similar symptoms include two Chinese nationals, two Germans, one Saudi Arabian, and one Filipino guest, all of whom are currently receiving treatment in separate hospitals.
The authorities confirmed that the deceased was found lying on the floor of her room, and medical professionals estimated that she had likely been deceased for between 2 to 12 hours before being discovered, with dehydration as a significant factor.
Police continue their investigation to establish the precise cause of the incident. At this time, the death is strongly suspected to be the result of an illness rather than any criminal activity.
The incident has raised concerns over health and safety standards in tourist accommodations, and local officials are expected to review and reinforce health protocols to safeguard visitors.
Related Developments in Bali
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Authorities are taking measures to boost tourism, including establishing a direct flight route between Shenzhen and Denpasar.
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Bali Police recently apprehended a Chinese doctor suspected of abusing a tourist visa to operate a private medical practice illegally.
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Other ongoing initiatives in Bali include efforts to curb corruption, monitor foreign nationals more closely, and implement regulations to protect local interests against uncontrolled foreign investment.
The Badung Police have urged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Further updates will be provided as new information emerges.
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