It is found in the Malay Peninsula (southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore), Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysia; Kalimantan, Indonesia), and in the western parts of the Indonesian Archipelago (Sumatra, Java, Bangka Island).

[1][2] Rhabdophis rhodomelas is an uncommon species known from lowland forest near riparian areas at elevations less than 200 m (660 ft) above sea level.

[1] In the popular book, Fascinating Snakes of South East Asia - An Introduction.

It states that " When disturbed, the Blue-Necked Keelback will rear up and flatten its neck like the Cobra.

A whitish discharge, secreted by glands under the skin, oozes onto the blue patch of the neck-the purpose of this phenomenon is still a mystery."