Best Sites:
Bali, Ubud, Jakarta, Lombok, Jogja

Crime:
Crime is present in various forms in Indonesia and is punished by means such as the death penalty, fines and/or imprisonment, but is low compared to other nations in the region. Indonesia's murder rate of 0.4 per 100,000 registered in 2017 is considered one of the lowest in the world.
Petty crime, which includes snatch theft and pickpocketing, is present in Indonesia, usually taking place in locations with many people. Taxi scams are common in Indonesia, in which fake taxis are passed off as real ones. Foreign travellers often get fooled by this trickery, and end up getting robbed by the conman operating the fake taxi. Violent crime is another growing issue in the country. Pirated and counterfeit merchandise can be easily found in most parts of Indonesia.
Scammers often target tourists. A very common one is the money changer scam, especially in Bali. What they do is to advertise attractive exchange rates to pull you in. They then only deal in small IDR 10,000 notes, and while counting this huge stack of notes, they use sleight of hand to drop some notes without you realizing. Some may even use a rigged calculator which can be effective due to the large denomination of the rupiah.

Dangers:
UK Government Warnings Web Site

• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel to parts of Indonesia.
• Terrorism in Indonesia. Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia.
• Sexual assault. Reported cases of rape and sexual assault are high in Bali and Lombok.
• Drink spiking.
• Protecting your belongings.
• Scams.
• Alcoholic drinks and drugs.
• Methanol poisoning.

Sharks:
The country sees an average of only about one unprovoked shark attack per year, typically involving surfers rather than swimmers or snorkelers. Nov 10, 2025

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Best Sites:
Port Moresby Nature Park, Mount Tavurur, Kiriwina Island

Crime:
Avoid areas where violence occurs and be alert to personal safety risks. Monitor local media for updates (see 'Safety'). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea overall due to high levels of serious crime. Nov 6, 2025

Dangers:
The law-and-order situation in Papua New Guinea continues to pose serious risks to travellers. Violent crime, including armed robbery, murder, carjacking, home invasions and sexual assault, is common throughout the country, especially in urban areas such as Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Kokopo and Mt Hagen.

Sharks:
The presence of 43 species of sharks and rays in the Gulf of Papua New Guinea.
Deep in the tropical waters of Papua New Guinea, the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme as the largest and most powerful predator.

Papua New Guinea Travel Guide: 11 BEST Things to Do in Papua New Guinea (9:31)



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Solomon Islands
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Best Sites:
Tenaru Falls, Bonegi Beach, Kennedy Island, Skull Island, Shark Point, Toa Maru

Crime:
While petty crime is common in some parts of Solomon Islands, Honiara has a higher risk of petty crime, break-ins, robbery, and sexual assault, including incidents targeting foreigners. Apr 29, 2025

Dangers:
Exercise increased caution traveling to Solomon Islands due to risks to health, unexploded ordinance, crime and civil unrest. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are widespread. Apr 29, 2025

Sharks:
The waters of the Solomon Islands have high numbers of bull sharks and hammerhead sharks. These large, aggressive sharks are likely to attack anything they encounter in the water. The underwater regions are also home to reef sharks, but they are harmless to humans.
In areas with large undisturbed wetlands, such as Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, saltwater crocodile populations recovered rapidly when trade in crocodile leather was banned. In these countries the species is a growing source of concern for rural communities. A total of 225 crocodile attacks on people were recorded. Of these attacks, 83 were fatal (37 percent), including 31 on children. Over the past 10 years, on average, five people per year have been killed by saltwater crocodiles in Solomon Islands.

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New Caledonia
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Best Sites:
Amedee Lighthouse, Lifou Island, Piscine Naturelle, Tjibaou Cultural Center, Anse Vata Beach, Ile aux Canards Island, Kanumera Bay,

Crime:
Exercise a high degree of caution in New Caledonia due to the risk of civil disorder and violence.
Crime levels are low in New Caledonia. However, petty theft and street crime do happen. To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings: avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.

Dangers:
Anti-Colonial Unrest
U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to New Caledonia or consider departing by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges following riots related to electoral reform in May 2024. The French Government has taken and/or could take additional measures, including declaring a state of emergency, curfews, restrictions on freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections.
Cyclone season is from November to May, but cyclones and severe weather can occur at any time. They can cause landslides and flooding and may disrupt essential services.

Sharks:
A recent study by HAL-IRD recorded 67 shark-related incidents between 1958 and 2020, including 13 fatalities. Most incidents involved underwater hunters (58.5%), followed by swimmers (18.5%) and board-sports enthusiasts (14%). Local authorities monitor the situation closely and implement preventive measures, such as anti-shark nets in key areas of Noumea.
Globally, New Caledonia ranks 13th for shark attacks since 1580, far behind countries like Australia (715 attacks), South Africa (262), or Hawaii (179). This puts the risk into perspective: dramatic events are statistically isolated compared to other natural hazards.

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Vanuatu
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Best Sites:
Mt. Yasur Volcano, Mystery Island, Blue Lagoon, Hideaway Island Marine Reserve, Champagne Beach, Million Dollar Point

Crime:
The risk of crime is generally low but there have been: burglaries accompanied by violence. some instances of street crime and attacks on foreign nationals, including on tourists at nightclubs and bars in Port Vila.

Dangers:
Vanuatu is in an active seismic region known as the 'Ring of Fire'. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible.

Sharks:
In mid-2024 there were a handful of shark sightings and minor attacks in Port Vila. Exercise caution when undertaking water-based activities. Oct 24, 2025

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Fiji
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Best Sites:
Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Natadola Beach, Kula Wild Adventure Park, Lavena Coastal Walk, Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple

Crime:
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently, especially in downtown Suva and Nadi. Thieves target tourists. Theft is common, particularly in crowded public areas such as: popular tourist areas, including lookouts, swimming holes, waterfalls and parks.
Crime along the trails, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury.
Fiji is generally a safe place to travel. However, visitors to Fiji may fall victim to petty crimes such as theft or ATM skimming. Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas, particularly downtown Suva.

Dangers:
Exercise normal precautions in Fiji. Some areas have increased risks.
Poor access to clean water and sanitation are major challenges in Fiji.

Sharks:
The Republic of Fiji is an archipelago of more than 330 islands in the South Pacific Ocean and more than 30 species of sharks are found in the Fijian waters.
Moray eels can and will bite. These intimidating marine creatures generally hide deep within reef crevices and coral overhangs, darting out at lightning speed to catch their prey. Obviously, humans aren't on their menu but if you are lucky enough to spot one while snorkelling, it's best to stay well away.

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Tonga
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Best Sites:
Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes, Anahulu Cave, Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge

Crime:
Crime levels in Tonga are relatively low, however incidents of robberies, violent assaults and sexual assaults do occur, including against foreigners. House break-ins and property theft also occur. Thieves target electronic equipment such as tablets, mobile phones and other portable electronic devices.

Dangers:
Tonga is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Earthquakes and volcanic activity can happen at any time and trigger tsunamis.
In some areas, tap water may not be safe to drink.

Sharks:
Sharks you might come across in Tongan waters include: Blue, Oceanic Whitetip, Silky, Mako, Thresher, Whale, Hammerhead, Bull and White Sharks.
Tonga's tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. There have been fatal accidents on popular beaches. Many waves break directly on to reefs.

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Samoa
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Best Sites:
To Sua Ocean Trench, Giant Clam Sanctuary, Lalomanu Beach, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, Papaseea Sliding Rock, Papapapaitai Falls, Alofaaga Blowholes

Crime:
Crime occurs in Samoa but the crime rate is not high. Crimes you could experience include robbery, violent assault and sexual assault. You're most at risk: in downtown Apia bars.

Dangers:
Samoa's Ministry of Health has declared a dengue outbreak and healthcare systems are facing pressures with the increasing number of cases. Protect yourself against mosquito bites and use insect repellent.

• Crimes include robbery, assault, theft and break-ins.
• Cyclone season is November to April, but storms occur year-round.
• Earthquakes and aftershocks happen often.
• Samoa has strong tides and powerful currents.
• Stray dogs are common.
• Demonstrations sometimes happen.

Sharks:
A total of 67 chondrichthyans were documented to be present or potentially present in Samoa and American Samoa, consisting of 23 ray species and 44 shark species.
Samoa's tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. Take local advice before swimming. There have been fatal accidents at popular beaches. Many waves break directly on to reefs and the currents can be harsh.

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Cook Islands
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Best Sites:
One Foot Island, Aitutaki Lagoon, Muri Lagoon, Titikaveka Beach, Black Rock Beach, Bonefish E2's Way

Crime:
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Violent crime is rare.

• There is a lot of crime happening on the Island. Don't take cash with you, most places take cards and just get a small amount of cash from ATM to use at markets.
• Always use the safe if there is one and lock all doors and windows especially Louvre windows. Thieves get in by removing Louvres.
• Leave lights on when you go out.
• Don't pack valuable jewellery or designer clothes and always lock your rental cars.
• Don't leave bags in cars at beach or parked.

Dangers:
Avoid the months between December and April when there are frequent afternoon storms due to the cyclone season.
Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.
Stray dogs are common throughout the islands.

Sharks:
Penrhyn Atoll has some of the highest known concentrations of sharks within the Cook Islands and is known locally as 'Shark Island'.

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French Polynesia
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Best Sites:
Plage de Matira, Bora Bora Lagoonarium, Belvedere Lookout, Mount Otemanu, Le Lagon Bleu, Ile aux Recifs, Over-the-Water Bungalows in Moorea or Bora-Bora, Manta Rays in Hiva Oa,

Crime:
The rate of serious crime is low in French Polynesia, however assaults can occur. Petty crime happens, including drink spiking and theft.

Dangers:
The period from November to March is the least recommended for a stay in French Polynesia due to high levels of humidity and heat. December and January are the rainiest months, with an average of 231.7 mm of rainfall. During this season, winds can reach speeds of up to 220 km/h.
Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Dengue-type epidemics are common in French Polynesia. Other insect-borne diseases include chikungunya and filariasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
Leptospirosis occurs in French Polynesia. Wear closed-toed shoes when walking and avoid contact with rivers or muddy water. Store food in sealed containers.

Sharks:
A growing number of shark attacks in French Polynesia are being traced not to hungry predators, but to stressed-out sharks defending themselves from humans provoking them.
Beaches in French Polynesia are not patrolled. There may be strong currents, even in the lagoons.

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