TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Is Bali Belly?
2. What Causes Bali Belly?
3. Symptoms of Bali Belly
4. How to Treat Bali Belly
5. How to Avoid Bali Belly
6. When to See a Doctor
7. Recover Faster with Immune Booster IV with Cernevit at Home via Halodoc

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If you’re traveling to Bali or any part of Southeast Asia, you may have heard of the infamous “Bali Belly.” 

It’s an unpleasant but common travel-related illness that can quickly ruin your tropical getaway. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what Bali Belly is, what causes it, how to treat it effectively, and most importantly how to avoid getting it in the first place.

What Is Bali Belly?

“Bali Belly” is the informal name for traveler’s diarrhea, a gastrointestinal illness commonly experienced by visitors to Bali. It typically involves an upset stomach, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes vomiting or fever.

The condition is usually caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, which introduces unfamiliar bacteria, viruses, or parasites into your digestive system.

Though the name suggests it’s unique to Bali, this condition can happen in many countries where food hygiene and water safety practices may differ from what travelers are used to.

What Causes Bali Belly?

The main causes of Bali Belly are:

• Contaminated food and drinks: Eating food from street vendors or local warungs (small eateries) that may not follow strict hygiene practices.
• Tap water consumption: Ingesting unfiltered tap water, including ice made from tap water.
• Raw or undercooked food: Salads, raw seafood, or unpeeled fruits can harbor harmful microorganisms.
• Poor hand hygiene: Not washing hands properly before eating or after using the toilet.

The usual culprits behind Bali Belly include bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, as well as viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus, and occasionally parasites like Giardia.

Symptoms of Bali Belly

Symptoms usually appear within 6–24 hours after consuming contaminated food or drink, although they can sometimes be delayed up to several days.

Common symptoms include:

• Watery or frequent diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps or bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild fever
• Fatigue or weakness

Most cases are mild and self-limiting, resolving within 2–5 days with proper care.

How to Treat Bali Belly

The good news is that Bali Belly is typically not serious and can be treated effectively at home or with minimal medical intervention.

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is the biggest risk from diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids, ideally oral rehydration salts (ORS), which help replace lost electrolytes. Coconut water or sports drinks can also be helpful.

2. Rest and Take It Easy

Avoid strenuous activity while your body recovers. Rest allows your immune system to fight off the infection more efficiently.

3. Follow the BRAT Diet

Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods such as:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, fatty or spicy foods until symptoms subside.

4. Consider Medications (If Necessary)

Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) may help if you urgently need to travel or attend an event, though it’s generally best to let the infection run its course. Activated charcoal is also a popular natural remedy in Bali.

If symptoms persist for more than 3–4 days, or if you have high fever, blood in stool, or signs of severe dehydration, consult a doctor. You may need antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

How to Avoid Bali Belly

While there’s no way to guarantee you won’t get sick while traveling, there are several precautions you can take to minimize the risk.

1. Drink Bottled or Filtered Water Only

• Avoid tap water for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice.
• Always check the seal before opening bottled water.
• Consider bringing a reusable bottle with a built-in filter.

2. Be Careful with Food Choices

• Choose restaurants or vendors that are busy and have high turnover (fresher food).
• Avoid raw foods like salads and sushi unless you’re confident about hygiene.
• Peel your own fruits rather than eating pre-cut options.

3. Avoid Ice Unless You’re Sure It’s Safe

Many ice cubes in Bali are made with filtered water in hotels and restaurants, but not all. When in doubt, skip it.

4. Wash Hands Frequently

Good hygiene is your best defense. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, especially before eating.

5. Strengthen Your Gut Before Traveling

Some travelers take probiotics or charcoal tablets in the days leading up to travel to help build resistance to new bacteria.

When to See a Doctor

Most cases resolve within a few days, but seek medical help if you experience:

• Persistent diarrhea (more than 3 days)
• High fever (above 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood or mucus in your stool
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, low urine output)

Bali has many reputable international clinics and hospitals where English-speaking doctors are available.

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References:

Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Accessed in 2025. How to Prevent Bali Belly.

HIF Health Hub. Accessed in 2025. Bali Belly: How to Avoid & Treat It. Read Before Your Trip!.

CDC. Accessed in 2025. Traveler’s Diarrhea.

WebMD. Accessed in 2025. Traveler’s Diarrhea: Quick Remedies.