A video of a foreign tourist in Bali accidentally giving his child alcohol instead of water has gone viral on social media.
The incident was shared by a motorcycle taxi driver through the Instagram account @papamaximotovlog, capturing the moment a simple mistake quickly turned into a memorable story.
The video begins with the driver greeting his passenger and asking where he was from. “Australia,” replied the father, who was travelling with his young daughter.
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Once the passenger boarded the motorcycle, with the child seated at the front, the father offered a drink. “Hey Zara, do you want some water?” he asked, handing over a bottle.
The child took a sip and immediately complained. “Why does it taste bad? It’s no good,” she said. The driver, sensing something was wrong, quickly responded. “Oh no, no water. It’s alcohol, I think,” he said after smelling the liquid.
The child then climbed off the motorcycle and vomited. The driver later explained in the video caption: “My passenger gave his son the wrong drink; it turned out he bought Arak.”
The clip attracted thousands of views and sparked lively discussion online. Many commenters expressed sympathy, while others joked about how easily such mistakes can happen in Bali.
One netizen wrote: “Hahaha, but who wouldn’t be fooled by the Arak in a mineral water bottle, especially in Bali.”
Another commented on the father’s behaviour: “I admire the father when his daughter said ‘you should drink it first,’ and he apologised to his daughter. Conversations like this are very rare in Indonesia.”
Understanding Arak Bali
The story drew wider attention to Arak Bali, a traditional alcoholic drink often sold in bottles that look similar to mineral water containers. This resemblance can easily confuse those unfamiliar with the beverage.
According to the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), the name “arak” refers to alcohol produced through fermentation of carbohydrate-rich foodstuffs such as rice, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
Another type is made from palm tree sap, including coconut and betel palm. A third variant comes from fermented fruit, which can produce a sweeter flavour.
Balinese arak is typically clear, with no added colourants, making it look like water. It is commonly produced from coconut sap, which, after fermentation and distillation, becomes a transparent liquid.
Its alcohol content ranges between 30% and 50%, giving it a sharp taste. However, when made from coconut sap, arak can also carry a slightly sweet aftertaste. Despite its cultural significance in Bali, arak has often been misidentified by visitors because of its clear appearance.
The viral incident has prompted discussion about clearer labelling and awareness for tourists.
For locals, arak is a long-established beverage used in ceremonies, community gatherings, and celebrations.
