GIANYAR, Bali – A clinic in Ubud has clarified reports that an Australian tourist was billed Rp 69 million after her 12-year-old daughter suffered an Ubud monkey bite, stating the actual cost of treatment was Rp 48.6 million.

Read also: Australian Tourist Pays Rp 69 Million After Daughter’s Ubud Monkey Bite

Ni Putu Grace Lande, legal consultant and shareholder of the clinic, said the amount paid by the patient was not as high as previously reported.

“The total bill paid by the patient was Rp 48,686,452, not Rp 69,286,452 as stated in the news,” Grace explained.

According to her, the child was treated with human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG), not the rabies vaccine (VAR). HRIG, she said, is a rabies serum that provides rapid immunity and is required in severe cases.

“HRIG will neutralize the virus within hours, especially since the bite was on the neck, an area close to the central nervous system with higher risk of rabies symptoms,” Grace said.

She added that the patient’s wound was classified as a Category III bite — a bleeding wound — which medically requires HRIG. The dosage depends on the patient’s body weight, with one vial sufficient for 15 kilograms. In this case, four vials were needed.

“The price is indeed more expensive compared to treatment at public hospitals, which use BPJS and government rates. With the patient’s weight, four vials of HRIG were required,” she said.

Grace detailed that the Rp 48.6 million bill included the cost of HRIG at around Rp 3.2 million per vial, medical procedures, and consumable supplies such as gauze and instruments.

She stressed the procedures were necessary given the bite location.

“The wound was bleeding and located on the neck, close to the brain and central nervous system, making it dangerous for the patient. The rabies virus could easily spread to the brain. There were no further complaints after treatment, and the patient’s condition has improved,” Grace said.

Background

Earlier, Sydney resident Flavia McDonald had said her daughter Lorena was bitten by a monkey at Ubud Monkey Forest, Gianyar, while on holiday to celebrate Father’s Day. McDonald claimed she was shocked after receiving what she described as a Rp 69 million medical bill.

She said Lorena received multiple rabies injections and medication for herpes B following the bite.

The incident has drawn attention to tourist safety at Ubud Monkey Forest and the high cost of rabies treatment in Bali. Local observers note that the case highlights not only medical expenses but also the ongoing risk of an Ubud monkey bite for unsuspecting visitors.