A tragic incident at a budget hostel in Bali has raised concerns for backpackers worldwide. A young tourist lost her life, and at least ten others were hospitalized due to a suspected mass poisoning at Clandestino Hostel in Canggu. The victims fell severely ill after a communal dinner at the hostel.
The deceased, a 25-year-old Chinese tourist named Deqing Zhuoga, was staying at the $9-a-night hostel when she began experiencing severe vomiting and chills. She was later found unresponsive in her bunk and declared dead on September 2. Zhuoga was found in a semi-dressed state, wearing only an unbuttoned blue shirt.
Leila Li, a friend of Zhuoga who was sharing the room with her, was among those hospitalized. She spent five days in intensive care and only learned of Zhuoga’s death after her discharge. Li recounted the harrowing experience of Zhuoga being too sick to move or call for help, lying in her bunk vomiting for hours while other guests sought assistance.
Li, along with other guests, including German travelers Melanie Irene and Alisa Kokonozi, Saudi national Alahmadi Yousef Mohammed, Filipino guest Cana Clifford Jay, and another Chinese tourist Leslie Zhao, were later identified as victims in the official Kuta Police report. Inspector Ahmad confirmed that due to the number of guests reporting identical symptoms, further investigation of the hostel would be carried out.
Li also discovered that her friend had been alone when she passed away. The hostel’s receptionist, Maria Gores, had checked on Zhuoga shortly before her shift ended at midnight and became alarmed by her condition. Gores called security to help lift her into a taxi and accompanied her to a nearby clinic. However, due to lack of funds, only medication was prescribed.
The next morning, another receptionist found Zhuoga unresponsive in her bunk. The official cause of death was recorded as acute gastroenteritis and hypovolaemic shock, but the true origin of the poisoning remains unconfirmed. Li alleges that her test results pointed to pesticide poisoning and food poisoning. She also claims that the previous night she saw an adjacent room closed off and quarantined after a bedbug fumigation.
More than 20 people reportedly fell ill during the outbreak, with at least ten in critical condition. Multiple guests believe there may be a cover-up. Online reviews show that concerns about bedbugs at the hostel predate the poisoning. Despite the tragic incident, the hostel remains operational, raising concerns among guests and the public.
Bali remains a popular holiday destination, especially for Australians, with roughly 1.5 million Aussies visiting Bali in 2024. However, incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in travel, particularly when staying in budget accommodations.