Bali Belly is one of those unwelcome souvenirs that no traveler wants, yet many end up experiencing during their Bali holiday. This guide covers everything you need to know about preventing, identifying, and treating this common travel ailment so you can enjoy your Bali adventure worry-free.

What is Bali Belly?

Bali Belly is simply a catchy term for traveler’s diarrhea that occurs in Bali. It’s characterized by an upset stomach and digestive discomfort that typically includes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Despite its name, this condition isn’t exclusive to Bali – you can get traveler’s diarrhea anywhere in the world.

The condition is primarily caused by:

  • Consuming contaminated food or water
  • Introducing unfamiliar bacteria to your digestive system
  • Adjusting to new food and water environments
  • Sometimes, travel stress can contribute to digestive issues

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 30-70% of travelers may experience this illness while traveling. However, a Bali hospital study suggests only about 5% of diarrhea cases were specifically related to Bali Belly. Interestingly, Bali isn’t even in the top 10 destinations with the highest risk of traveler’s diarrhea.

Bali Belly vs. Food Poisoning

Many travelers confuse these two conditions, but there are differences:

Bali Belly (Traveler’s Diarrhea):

  • Often caused by exposure to new bacteria your system isn’t used to
  • Can be caused by E. coli or other bacteria on contaminated food
  • Usually resolves within a few days with proper care

Food Poisoning:

  • Results directly from eating unsafe food contaminated with specific bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria
  • Sometimes resolves within a day
  • Can be more severe in symptoms and duration

Common Symptoms

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, you might have a Bali Belly:

  • Diarrhea – Watery and frequent bowel movements
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach cramps – Sometimes severe abdominal pain
  • Bloating and gas
  • Fever – Less common but possible
  • Dehydration – Resulting from fluid loss
  • Weakness – Feeling unusually tired
  • Loss of appetite

How to Prevent Bali Belly

Water and Beverage Safety

  • Stick to bottled water with intact seals
  • Avoid tap water, including for brushing teeth
  • Ask about ice sources in drinks – ensure it’s made from purified water
  • Bottled water is readily available at convenience stores like Indomaret, Alfamart, Mini Mart, or Circle-K

Food Safety

  • Choose busy, well-reviewed restaurants in Bali with high food turnover
  • Be selective with street food – opt for popular stalls with many customers
  • Eat thoroughly cooked food served hot
  • Avoid food that has been sitting out for extended periods
  • Only eat fruits and vegetables you can peel yourself
  • Be cautious with shellfish and raw/undercooked meat

Personal Hygiene

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after eating
  • Clean hands after handling money
  • Carry hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t available

General Tips

  • Stay hydrated – Bali’s tropical climate makes dehydration easy
  • Start with familiar foods before trying exotic dishes
  • Maintain regular eating patterns when possible
  • Consider taking probiotics before and during your trip

Treating Bali Belly

If you do get Bali Belly, here’s how to manage it:

Self-Treatment

Over-the-Counter Medications:

  • Activated Charcoal (Norit) – popular in Bali for absorbing toxins and reducing bloating. These can be purchased at local pharmacies or convenience stores.
  • Probiotic drinks (Yakult) – affordable and easy to find in Bali. These contain beneficial bacteria that help restore gut balance and reduce symptoms of Bali Belly. Other probiotic options are also effective.
  • Pepto-Bismol – Calms the stomach and reduces nausea
  • Mylanta or other antacids – Neutralizes stomach acid

Hydration:

  • Drink plenty of bottled water in small, frequent sips
  • Try Pocari Sweat (Indonesia’s version of Gatorade) to replenish electrolytes lost during diarrhea or vomiting. It’s a convenient option for staying hydrated
  • Coconut water is excellent for rehydration and provides essential minerals during recovery. Fresh coconut water is widely available in Bali.

What to Eat

Follow the BRAT diet while recovering:

  • Bananas – High in potassium and helps replenish electrolytes
  • Rice – Plain white rice is easy to digest
  • Apple sauce
  • Toast – With a light layer of butter for energy
  • Plain crackers – Good for snacking when feeling peckish
  • Steamed chicken – For protein when you’re ready for it

Foods to Avoid

  • Spicy food – Avoid sambal and other spicy Balinese specialties until recovered
  • Coffee – May dehydrate you further
  • Fried food – The oil can irritate your stomach
  • Dairy products – May worsen symptoms
  • Alcohol – Won’t help and could make symptoms worse

Maintain Good Hygiene

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
  • This prevents spreading the infection to others and reinfection

When to See a Doctor

Most cases of Bali Belly resolve within three days with proper hydration, rest, and over-the-counter medications. However, seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
  • Extreme dizziness or weakness
  • Blood in stool
  • No relief from over-the-counter medications
  • Signs of severe dehydration

Medical Facilities in Bali

Fortunately, Bali has excellent medical facilities with international standards:

Recommended Hospitals and Clinics

  • Siloam Hospital, Kuta – Jl. Sunset Road No. 818, Kuta (+62 361 779900) – website link
  • BIMC Hospital, Nusa Dua – Kawasan ITDC Blok D, Benoa (+62 361 3000911) – website link
  • Kasih Ibu Hospital, Saba – Jl. Raya Pantai Saba No. 9, Gianyar (+62 361 3003333) – website link
  • Kasih Ibu Hospital, Tabanan – Jl. Flamboyan No. 9, Tabanan (+62 361 3005757) – website link

Specialized Bali Belly Treatment Clinics

Several clinics specialize in treating Bali Belly with services like IV Drip Therapy:

  • Klinik Cepat Sehat (Canggu) – Open 24/7 (+62 822-2112-2311) – website link
  • IV Drip Bali (Seminyak) – Open 24/7 (+62 858-1929-2434) – website link
  • Sanur Medical Clinic – Open 24/7 (+62 361-289-116)
  • Unicare Clinic (Ubud) – Open 24/7 (+62 822-9829-8911) – website link
  • Bali Belly Doctor – phone/WhatsApp (+62) 0813 2605 2230) – Mobile service available in South Bali – website link

Note: IV Drip Therapy typically costs between IDR 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 (approximately AUD $100-$200 or USD $60-$120) per person.

Common Myths About Bali Belly

  • Myth 1: Bali Belly only comes from street food
    False! You can get it from any establishment with poor hygiene practices
  • Myth 2: Drinking alcohol kills the bacteria
    False! Alcohol might actually make your symptoms worse
  • Myth 3: Spicy food causes Bali Belly
    False! While spicy food might cause discomfort, it doesn’t directly cause Bali Belly
  • Myth 4: Only tourists get Bali Belly
    Partially true. Locals can still get stomach infections but have built stronger immunity over time
  • Myth 5: You can build immunity to Bali Belly
    False! You can get it multiple times from different bacteria

Final Tips

  • Get travel insurance that covers medical expenses
  • Fill prescriptions at local pharmacies like Guardian or Kimia Farma rather than hospitals for better prices
  • Call ahead to medical facilities if possible to alert them of your condition
  • Bring photo identification (passport) as it’s required for treatment in Indonesian hospitals

Remember, while Bali Belly is common, it’s usually not serious and typically resolves within a few days. By taking preventative measures and knowing how to treat it if it occurs, you can minimize the impact on your Bali holiday and get back to enjoying paradise quickly.