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How to avoid Bali belly so you can make the most of your holiday

Traveloka Accomodation

3 min read

Bali is a dream destination for many, famed for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, amidst the beauty and excitement, one unwelcome guest might show up during a trip to this tropical paradise—Bali belly. This condition can quickly overshadow your holiday, so knowing how to avoid it and prepare for it is essential.

Keep reading to learn what Bali belly is, how to manage it if it strikes, and most importantly, how to take proactive steps to ensure your trip remains relaxing and fun-filled.

What exactly is Bali belly?

Bali belly, commonly referred to as traveller’s diarrhoea, is a gastrointestinal illness that frequently affects visitors to Indonesia. This temporary condition is typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Though it’s not contagious, it can significantly impact your holiday if precautions aren’t taken.

The main culprits behind Bali belly are harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses that find their way into your system through what you eat or drink. While Bali’s culinary scene is exciting and tempting, practising food and drink safety is key to avoiding this condition.

Bali belly symptoms

If you’re feeling unwell and suspect Bali belly, here are some symptoms to watch out for:

Diarrhoea: Frequent loose or watery bowel movements are a primary indicator.

Abdominal cramps: Discomfort or sharp stomach pain may occur.

Nausea and vomiting: Feeling queasy and possibly vomiting are common.

Fever: A mild fever may develop as your body fights off the infection.

Dehydration: Keep an eye on symptoms like dry mouth, increased thirst, and decreased urine output, as prolonged diarrhoea can cause dehydration.

Matcha Green Tea sweet food and drinks products served at cafe

How to avoid Bali belly

Prevention is always much easier than the cure! Here are some practical tips to steer clear of Bali belly during your holiday (source: Healthline and CDC Travel Guidelines):

Drink only bottled or boiled water: Tap water in Bali isn’t safe for drinking. Always opt for bottled water with an intact seal or boiled water. Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from purified water.

Brush with bottled water: Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth to avoid accidental ingestion of tap water.

Avoid ice in drinks: While ice is usually okay, it's best to not take any chances. Ask for no ice in your drinks just in case it's not made with clean water.

Choose cooked food: Freshly cooked dishes are less likely to carry contaminants. Avoid street food unless the stall is busy with locals, which indicates fresher food turnover.

Skip the buffet: If you're not sure how long the food has been sitting out, especially in a hot climate, avoid it. Opt instead for restaurants where you know the good is cooked fresh to order.

Stick to produce you can peel: Opt for fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself to avoid pesticides or contamination. These are also ones that you don't need to wash with water that can potentially be contaminated. Think bananas, citrus and mangoes.

Avoid raw or undercooked food: Stay cautious with raw dishes, especially seafood, as they are more likely to harbour bacteria.

Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands before eating or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water aren’t available.

Be cautious with dairy products: Choose pasteurised products and avoid homemade dairy items that may not be stored properly.

Consider taking probiotics: A daily probiotic supplement could help build your gut’s resilience to unfamiliar bacteria.

For additional resources, visit Healthline or CDC Travel Guidelines.

How to find a doctor in Bali, if needed

If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking professional medical care is important. Bali has a selection of international-standard medical centres and clinics that cater to travellers. Villas and hotels often have details of nearby facilities, and many health centres accept travel insurance for treatment costs.

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. This can cover unexpected medical expenses and provide peace of mind while you enjoy your holiday.

Stay healthy and enjoy Bali

In case things don't quite go to plan, make sure to keep these in your toiletry bag:

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Essential for replacing electrolytes.

Activated Charcoal: Many find this helps "soak up" toxins early on.

Loperamide (Imodium): For emergency "I have a flight to catch" situations (but use sparingly, as your body often needs to flush the toxins out).

Follow these tips, and you’ll maximise your chances of staying healthy and hydrated during your trip. Rest assured, with Traveloka’s travel support and booking options, planning a smooth and enjoyable Bali getaway has never been easier. Book your next adventure today!

Common questions about Bali belly

Can you take medication to prevent Bali belly?

Unfortunately, there’s no exact medication to prevent Bali belly. However, some travellers opt to take probiotics before and during their trip to enhance digestive health. For emergencies, carrying over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medication can help manage symptoms temporarily, but it’s best to consult a healthcare professional in advance to determine what’s right for you.

How long does Bali belly last?

The good news is that Bali belly doesn’t typically last long. Most travellers recover within 1-3 days of symptoms appearing, especially when staying hydrated and resting. However, if symptoms persist beyond this time or become severe, medical attention is recommended.

Is water in the pool safe?

While you wouldn't necessarily go drink glasses of pool water, it can easily get in your mouth while swimming. Generally, pools aren't cause for concern due to chlorine and other cleaning solutions added to the water. But if you're concerned, just be sure to keep your mouth closed or your head above water.

Ready to explore Bali? Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.