Top Tips for Preventing and Treating Bali Belly While Travelling

Updated: Oct 27

Travelling to Bali is a dream come true for many adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts. However, amidst the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of this Indonesian paradise, lurks a common ailment that can put a damper on your vacation - the dreaded Bali Belly. Let's delve into what Bali Belly is, its symptoms, ways to avoid it, treatment options, and when it's crucial to seek medical attention.

What is Bali Belly?

Bali Belly, also known as travellers' diarrhoea , is a prevalent gastrointestinal woe that affects many visitors to Bali. It is often caused by consuming contaminated food or water, leading to upset stomach and diarrhoea, but can also be passed from person to person. It's estimated around 80% of cases are bacterial, 5-8% viral, and 10% protozoal (microorganisms that may or may not be parasitic). This unwelcome guest can turn a memorable holiday into a bathroom-bound nightmare.

Symptoms of Bali Belly

Recognizing the symptoms of Bali Belly can help you take action to address it promptly. Common symptoms include:

Stomach pain
Bloating
Sensitivity to smells
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Dehydration

If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to act swiftly to prevent the condition from worsening and impacting your travel plans. The faster you treat it, the more you minimise the impact it will have on your holiday.

How to Avoid Bali Belly

Prevention is key when it comes to dodging the discomfort of Bali Belly. To minimize your risk of falling ill during your Bali getaway, consider these preventive measures:

Take the right Probiotics : Consider taking probiotic supplements for a few weeks before your trip, and whilst on holidays to promote good gut health. You'll want to stock up on a particular strain though, Saccharomyces Boulardii, as this is the only one that has been shown to be effective in preventing the Bali Belly bacteria from taking up residence in your gut. We love this one from Jarrow Formulas because it has been clinically shown to provide support for travel bugs, and also contains a prebiotic to help feed the good bacteria already residing in your gut. It doesn't require refrigeration, making it perfect for travelling. We buy from iHerb - they have great prices, fast shipping and a great Q&A service on their website to answer any queries you may have about the products. Find these tablets at iHerb HERE.

Watch What You Eat : Opt for freshly cooked food from reputable establishments to reduce the chances of consuming contaminated meals. Avoid salads and undercooked or raw meats and fish. The golden rule - if you have any doubts at all about the food you've been served, just don't eat it!

Stay Hydrated : Drink only bottled water, and even use it to brush your teeth. Avoid allowing tap water to enter your mouth in the shower. The water supply in Bali contains high levels of bacteria and other contaminants, making it unsafe for even locals to consume. In addition to the dreaded Bali belly, drinking tap water in Bali could expose you to typhoid, hepatitis a and e, cholera, parasitic infections and chemical toxins. Ice in drinks is now government regulated in Bali so it should be fairly safe but just be wary, especially if visiting quieter areas that are a bit off the beaten track. Ice should have a hole in the middle if it's from a regulated supplier. Being a hot, humid climate, Bali can really sap your energy so it's also worth considering an electrolyte supplement to keep you feeling great. These ones from Ultima Replenisher come in Lemonade, Raspberry or Cherry Pomegranate flavour, contain no sugar, carbs or calories, and give you a boost of vitamin C and zinc for immune support as well. You can find them at iHerb HERE.

Practice Good Hygiene : Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, to ward off germs that can cause stomach issues. We carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser with us everywhere we go and use it religiously right before we eat. If we forget and touch something before we pick up our fork, we sanitise again to be sure! Be aware that touching items such as door handles, menus, money and other high touch areas can also spread the bacteria that causes illness, so be sure to sanitise generously and often.

Enjoy Alcohol and Caffeine in moderation: Who doesn't enjoy an extra beer or cocktail on vacation huh? Maybe two cappuccinos with breaky? Unfortunately, both can exacerbate stomach problems, so try to stick close to your usual intake to keep your gut happy.

By incorporating these precautions into your travel routine, you can significantly lower your risk of encountering the dreaded Bali Belly.

Treatment for Bali Belly

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself feeling unwell. If you do succumb to Bali Belly, here are some steps to help you recover:

Stay Hydrated : Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration. You can buy Pocari Sweat in any minimart or circle K in Bali - it's a premixed electrolyte drink. Locals recommend drinking young, green coconuts and guava juice to help when Bali Belly hits. We like to pack electrolyte sachets so we always have some on hand wherever we go. The Ultima Sachets I mentioned above are ideal.
Rest : Give your body the time it needs to recuperate by resting and avoiding strenuous activities.
Over-the-Counter Medications : Utilize medications like anti-diarrhoeal drugs or rehydration salts to alleviate symptoms. For milder cases (where you're not chained to the toilet), visit an apotek where a pharmacist can provide the specific medications you need to clear up Bali Belly symptoms. We find Kimia Farma to be the most helpful and knowledgeable. If your symptoms are more severe see below regarding seeing a doctor.
Ginger or Peppermint : Consider natural remedies like ginger or peppermint tea to soothe your upset stomach.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, Bali Belly resolves on its own within a few days with proper care and rest. However, there are instances where seeking medical attention is crucial:

Severe illness : if you are suffering with severe, constant vomiting and diarrhoea and are unable to keep fluids down please seek medical help asap.
Persistent Symptoms : If your symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, consult a healthcare professional.
Severe Dehydration : Symptoms of severe dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or dark urine, require immediate medical intervention.
Blood in Stools : If you notice blood in your stools, seek medical help promptly.

Remember, your health should always be a top priority, even when you're basking in the beauty of Bali. Your hotel or villa can often help to organise a visit from a doctor who can administer antibiotics, anti-nausea and diarrhoea meds and IV fluids in the comfort of your accommodation. Our personal recommendation is Dr. Ari (whatsapp 08 123 954 567 or 08 123 924 814). When our 12 year old son became violently ill with Bali Belly, Dr. Ari came as soon as he could, and he was feeling so much better within about 6 hours. There are quite a few more of these services available in Bali now, however Dr Ari is the one that we have used. He has a great reputation which makes him quite sought after though, so if you're having trouble getting him, try one of these services instead.

Bali Belly Doctor - Kuta +62 813 2605 2230

Renew Me Bali - Kuta +62 821 1770 0494 or +62 823 4180 4004

Shine Medical - Legian +62 823 2259 1928

Bali Travellers Health and Expat Clinic - Sanur +62 813 3889 1188

Ubud Care Clinic - Ubud +62 811 3977 911

Ocean Medical Bali - Candidasa +62 821 8888 1323

Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) - Kuta +62 361 761 263; Nusa Dua +62 361 3000 911; Ubud +62 361 209 1030

Bali Belly is an unwelcome companion that can disrupt your travel plans, but with awareness and the right precautions, you can minimize its impact. By staying informed on the symptoms, implementing preventative measures, knowing how to treat it, and recognizing when medical attention is necessary, you can enjoy your Bali getaway with peace of mind.