As the world’s largest island country and with a whopping 17,000 islands, Indonesia is as wonderfully diverse and culturally rich as it is dramatic and infamous.

With an all year-round tropical climate and a wet and a dry season, it’s no surprise that the humidity in Indonesia can range between 70% and 90% on an average day.

It’s important to be aware of the malaria risk in any country you’re travelling to, including Indonesia, so the following information will give guidance on how to help protect against malaria.

The prevention of malaria involves 4 key steps termed ABCD which need to be considered before travelling to any country where malaria could be present.

ABCD stands for:

Awareness – awareness of whether you’re at risk of getting malaria

Bite prevention – this involves following the advice listed below to avoid mosquito bites

Chemoprophylaxis – in some area, travellers are advised to take anti-malaria tablets to help prevent contracting malaria

Diagnosis –seek medical attention immediately if you have any concerns about potential symptoms, including up to a year after returning from travelling

It’s important to be aware of the risk of malaria in Indonesia before travelling there which can vary dependent on whereabouts in Indonesia you’re travelling to and the time of year. Make sure to check the Fit for Travel website here for the most up to date information on the malaria risk in Indonesia before you travel.

To help protect against mosquito bites in any country, including Indonesia, you should:

• Wear clothing that is long and loose to cover your arms and legs to prevent them from being accessible to mosquitoes
• Hang mosquito nets around your bed and the door to your accommodation
• Use an insect repellent of at least 20% DEET-based concentration and reapply as often as recommended (if you’re looking for a DEET-free product, a bottle of Malaway insect repellent is currently free with any purchase of Maloff Protect, while stocks last)
• Switch on air conditioning and fans, and use screens to keep your room cool which is less attractive to mosquitoes

Anti-malarial tablets can also help to provide extra protection against malaria, but they are not suitable for everyone. Find out if they are required ahead of a trip to Indonesia by undergoing a full travel health consultation or speaking to your local pharmacist.

You will need to know what symptoms to look out for so you can access advice and treatment as quickly as possible if you are concerned you may have malaria.

As per the NHS website, symptoms of malaria include:

• A high temperature of 38°C or above
• Feeling hot and shivery
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Muscle pains
• Diarrhoea
• Generally feeling unwell

You should seek medical advice immediately if you develop malaria symptoms. These can occur during or up to 12 months after visiting a country which has malaria.

If your GP or pharmacist has recommended anti-malarial tablets to protect you against malaria during a trip to Indonesia, find out if an over the counter solution such as Maloff Protect (atovaquone and proguanil) is the right option for you here.