epsteisr

I'm think about splurging and staying at the Amanjiwo during our trip to Bali and Java in July. However, I'm concerned about the malaria risk and am having trouble determining if the Amanjiwo is actually in the malaria risk area. For those who have stayed there, did you use anti-malarials? I'd prefer not to use anti-malarials if at all possible since I was hoping to get pregnant shortly after returning from the trip. I know the Menoreh Hills are a malaria risk and are near by, but it's not clear whether the Amanjiwo is actually in the Hills. If I avoid hiking in that area would I be able to skip the anti-malarials? Any advise would be much appreciated.

Kathie

Here is an instance when I think the nhs site may be more helpful than the cdc site.

Take a look at the malarial risk map here: /www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/malariamaps/indonesiaborneo.htm

baaj

It would be nice if cdc had maps like these!

I'm not sure about the reliability of kathie's map though - I've heard from several sources that Malaria is present on Lombok, but I've never been there myself, so maybe my information is out of date.

Though I'd would certainly be careful anywhere on Java.

baaj

my bad - i realized that when you zoom in, Lombok is in fact indicated as a malaria zone

Kathie

baaj, that is a confusing feature of the maps, you do have to zoom in to see the surrounding areas. But I agree, I wish the cdc had maps like these - or WHO. I think these are the best malarial risk maps on the web.

marmot

epsteisr, I wouldn't worry too much about malaria if you're staying at Amanjiwo and doing basic touristy activities in the area.

Malaria exists throughout Indonesia as does dengue, TB, polio, typhoid, cholera and a whole host of nasty diseases. If I were pregnant or otherwise suseptible to infectious disease I would think twice about traveling anywhere in the country. But as a healthy adult taking normal precautions -- sleeping with aircon or under a net, using a repellent at sunset -- I would consider the risk low.

I've lived in Indonesia for 13 years and have traveled widely as have many of my friends in the expat community -- including plenty of time spent in Central Java. In all that time I've only once heard of any one actually contracting malaria and he thought it was a Singaporean mosquito that got him.

Kathie

"a Singaporean mosquito" - lol - I love it!

epstiesr, I'd consult with a travel med specialist about this since you are planning to get pregnant soon after. I understand the issues about taking anti-malarials, but contracting malaria would also interfere with your plans to get pregnant.

Ericka

I asked Amanjiwo, a few years back, if they had anyone contract malaria in the area and the answer was no, not in many years. You can ask them the same question and they will give you an updated answer.

They have mosquito netting for the beds, too, if you'd like.

epsteisr

Thanks for the tips. I will definitely still check with a travel doctor. I'm still interested to hear from people who have stayed at the Amanjiwo and whether they ended up taking anti-malarials. I've also emailed the hotel directly, but am still waiting on the response.

Kathie

Whether or not other guests took anti-malarials should have no impact on your decision.

Remember that since the mosquitos that transmit malaria are most active from dusk until dawn, you'll be at risk at your sunrise trip to Borobudor. Make sure to use a good deet-containing repellant (22-40%).

Becalm

For what its worth, I didn't take anti-malarial meds when I stayed at Amanjiwo a year ago.

I did not encounter even one mosquito at Amanjiwo day or night (I assume they spray) nor on our pre-dawn visit to Borobudur or anywhere in the countryside during the day even when not remembering to use repellent. The only time I encountered mosquitos was when I went to Mendut Temple in the nearby town to meditate at night and they were there in abundance but again none there during the day. My visit was during the dry season in Sept.

In Bali, again our resort was mossie free day and night although situated right on a river. however, the little critters were ravenous at the Palace in Ubud for the evening dance performances and also at the Arma Open Stage evening performance. As long as we were moving however they did not bother us at all.

Thinking back it seems unusual but unlike at home the mossies didn't seem particularly aggressive as they only would go toward the ankles and never the arms or head and then only when stationary. Maybe that's due to my use of repellent which I never use when home or perhaps because the are a different species.

Becalm

BTW, do stay at Amanjiwo if possible. Totally unforgettable experience IMO. Can't wait to return. The Magelang area is now one of my top worldwide destinations. Just wish it wasn't half way around the world.

marmot

I've never taken anti-malarials in Indonesia, but I do use repellents. I would mention that dengue, which is also mosquito borne, is actually a greater risk than malaria in Java and other parts of Indonesia. The mosquito that carries dengue is present during the day, so it's a good idea to use repellent then as well.

Becalm, you're right. The local mosquitos are a passive lot. They're slow moving and the itch from their sting is short-lived. I grew up in Michigan know what a world class mosquito bite is like.

Ericka

When I was at Amanjiwo, I had planned on taking Malarone just in case but my plans changed when I ended up on another medication and I did not want to take both. The others in my party took them because "why not?" No real side effects to speak of. Better safe than sorry.

However, I will add that we were also there in the dry season and did not encounter many mosquitos.

epsteisr

The Amanjiwo responded with the following:

"As far as we know, Malaria is normally found in the east off Bali and in the past Central Java has avoided this terrible disease. However there is no guarantee that this could acquire in this region under the right conditions..

So long, we or any guest stayed with us have been concerned or needed to take any medication to avoid malaria. The general rule is anything islands east of Bali it is wise to take precautionary measures or at least consult your doctor. For islands west of Bali like Java there has been very little of this disease reported.

However as we point out that we cannot 100% guarantee that there is any possibility of catching this disease. So to avoid any unnecessary concerns my recommendation would be if you would like we can install a mosquito net in your room and wear light clothing during dusk & dawn to cover up mainly your arms & legs. We also provide spray and citronella incense can be burned in the room during the night for extra protection. All of our suite is designed to prevent any mosquitoes or bug coming inside the room. "

I'm going to speak with a travel doctor and get his opinion too. We are going in July, so I'll have to check and see whether it is the dry season or not then. Thanks so much for all the feedback, I appreciate it!

marmot

epsteisr, My perspective would coincide with the Aman's. I would, however, not overlook the risk of dengue, even in the dry season: i.e., use repellent during the day.

July is the dry season. You still may get some rain but not excessive amounts.