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Yes — unlike Bali (which is considered low-risk), the Labuan Bajo and Komodo region is in an active malaria transmission zone. Both the CDC and WHO confirm malaria risk in eastern Indonesia, including Flores island where Labuan Bajo is located.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Malaria type | Primarily Plasmodium falciparum (most dangerous) and P. vivax |
| Transmission | Anopheles mosquitoes, active primarily at dusk and dawn |
| Risk level | Low to moderate — risk is present but not as high as Papua or Sumba |
| CDC recommendation | Antimalarial prophylaxis recommended for all travellers |
| WHO classification | Eastern Indonesia classified as malaria-endemic |
Some antimalarial medications have side effects that may affect diving:
| Medication | Diver Considerations |
|---|---|
| Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) | Generally well-tolerated; few diving-related concerns |
| Doxycycline | Can increase sun sensitivity (relevant in equatorial diving); take with food |
| Mefloquine (Lariam) | Can cause dizziness, anxiety, vivid dreams — potentially problematic for diving |
Our recommendation: Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is generally the preferred choice for divers due to its minimal side effect profile. Discuss with your travel doctor.
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