Bali Police Investigate Death of Chinese Tourist at Canggu Hostel
Denpasar, Bali – Authorities in Bali are currently investigating the death of a 25-year-old Chinese female tourist who fell ill and subsequently died while staying at a hostel in Canggu, North Kuta. The incident has heightened public concern as six other foreign tourists at the same accommodation also experienced severe diarrhea symptoms.
According to First Adjunct Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, Head of Public Relations at Badung Police, the incident occurred after the tourists began showing gastrointestinal symptoms. The deceased reportedly became ill on September 2, 2025, after complaining of headaches, back pain, and general weakness the previous evening. She was found unresponsive in her room and was declared deceased by medical personnel.
Inastuti explained that initial investigations suggest the cause of death relates to a diarrhea-induced illness potentially resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. "While the exact cause of death cannot be definitively determined yet, gastrointestinal irritation leading to diarrhea and dehydration cannot be ruled out," she said.
Speculation in the media had previously suggested possibilities such as bedbug fumigation poisoning or contaminated food as the cause. However, forensic analysis conducted at the Denpasar Forensic Laboratory found no evidence of pesticides, narcotics, cyanide, arsenic, hazardous chemicals, or methanol in the victim’s vomit. An autopsy performed at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital revealed no signs of violence. The internal examination noted bleeding spots and dilation of blood vessels in the stomach lining, presence of black-green fluid in the stomach cavity, red spots along the small intestine, and an empty large intestine—findings consistent with gastrointestinal disease.
Other affected guests include two Chinese nationals, two Germans, one Saudi Arabian, and one Filipino, who were hospitalized separately and are receiving treatment for similar symptoms.
Witnesses, including hostel staff, reported that the deceased had vomited once and declined food, requesting only water and a banana. Although she visited a clinic, she was given only a prescription and was not hospitalized at that time. Medical assessments made on the scene indicated that she had likely been deceased between two to twelve hours before being discovered, with dehydration cited as a probable contributing factor.
Police stated that the death is strongly suspected to be from natural causes related to illness rather than any criminal activity. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause and whether any environmental or food safety issues contributed to the outbreak of illness among the tourists.
The Bali Police have assured the public that they are actively working with local health authorities to further investigate the case and implement measures to safeguard tourists. Officials also continue to monitor similar cases to prevent potential public health risks.
This incident highlights the importance of health and safety standards in tourist accommodations, particularly in popular destinations like Bali, which remain a favorite among international travelers.
Related developments include the Indonesian Ministry’s announcement of the Shenzhen-Denpasar flight route aimed at boosting tourist visits and recent law enforcement actions targeting visa abuses and foreign-related crimes on the island.
Add a comment