Life-Altering Experience

In an emotional recount of her harrowing experience, 32-year-old Ashley King sits comfortably on her couch with her beloved dog, Ducky, a snapshot of resilience despite her grave circumstances. What many do not realize is that Ashley, once vibrant and full of life, now lives with only two percent vision—a result of a horrific incident that has left her forever changed.

A Trip to Remember

Thirteen years ago, what was supposed to be an exhilarating trip to Bali turned into a nightmare that haunts her to this day. “I was on a 35-day travel adventure with friends,” Ashley recalls, “and on the last night, we decided to go out for drinks.” They stumbled upon a recommended bar from the Lonely Planet travel guide, which appeared to be an inviting, well-known establishment. Little did she know, her life was about to take a drastic turn.

The Nightmare Begins

It was after leaving that nightclub that Ashley began to feel unwell as she traveled to her next destination. “I woke up in a New Zealand hostel 36 hours later, suffocating,” she described. Rushed to the hospital, she was confronted with a grim diagnosis—methanol poisoning, an ordeal that nearly took her life. While medical staff managed to save her, her vision was a price she continues to pay.

A Renewed Purpose

As the world grapples with a tragic incident in Laos where six tourists—three Australians, a British national, and two others from the U.S. and Denmark—reportedly fell victim to suspected methanol poisoning at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, Ashley has found a renewed purpose in sharing her story. The unsettling fact is that methanol can be mixed into drinks as a cheaper substitute in unscrupulous bars, particularly in tourist hubs.

Expert Advice

Travel expert Onanta Forbes advises vigilance: “Never leave your food or drinks unattended. Always observe how your beverage is being prepared, and ensure that any alcohol purchased is from reputable, sealed sources.”

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of methanol poisoning can often mimic a severe hangover but can escalate dangerously. Pharmacist Noureen Fazal notes that symptoms might not present until 12 to 24 hours post-consumption, including nausea, extreme fatigue, and blurred vision—many of which Ashley experienced herself.

Seeking Justice

Despite her best efforts to hold the Bali government and the bar accountable through a class-action lawsuit, the results were disheartening, leaving her without justice. Now, with a mission to raise awareness and prevent others from falling into a similar fate, Ashley states, “It’s a club that I don’t want to be a part of, and I wish to spare anyone else from this tragedy.”

A Vital Reminder

With continued reports of methanol poisoning surfacing globally, Ashley’s heartfelt plea serves as a vital reminder for travelers everywhere: stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and be aware of the hidden dangers lurking in paradise.