Bali Belly Survival Tips: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention for Every Trip

Many tourists just spend their dream vacation in a hotel room in Bali. They're not staying for room service, but it's Bali belly caused. We will help you understand what Bali belly symptoms, safest treatment, and how to prevent it along your trip.

What is Bali Belly?

Bali belly is the nickname for tourist diarrhea that begins during a trip to Bali. Usually, contaminated food and water are responsible for it. Bacteria cause most cases, while viruses cover the rest. In addition, high stress levels and sudden change in diet can upset your stomach.

Diarrhea and gastroenteritis caused 26% cases and being the most frequent in study of ill Australian travelers returning from Bali in 5 years of study. Poor hygiene in local restaurants and sanitation gaps are likely the contributors to risk. Studies show that travelers who obey the food rules can still get sick.

Bali Belly Symptoms to Watch For

Sudden symptoms usually happen when you get Bali belly, these are the common signs.

• Cramps on stomach area
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Watery stools three or more loos in a day
• Urgent need to toilet

For most travelers, these symptoms can improve within 1-2 days and clear within a week.

Bali Belly Treatment at Home

We replace the salts and the fluids you lose to start Bali belly treatment with these following steps that have helped recover for most healthy adults.

• Stay Hydrated, bottle of sealed water and boiled water help you to avoid fluid loss
• Oral Rehydration Salts, ORS is the best first aid when fluid loss is heavy, you can go to the pharmacy or apotek in Bali.
• Mild Case, Mild Drink, don’t drink large amount of sweet soda, but sport drinks are fine
• Eat Small and Plain, you will lose your appetite, but your body still needs something, try to eat toast, banana, or rice in a small amount.
• Get Rest, don't ever try swimming while you have diarrhea to avoid germs spreading to others.

How to Prevent Bali Belly During Your Trip

We divide Bali belly treatment tips into several types according to your needs.

How to Prevent Bali Belly Before You Fly

Several weeks before departure, go see your travel doctor and ask about Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. For a trip, pack a small medkit, including ORS, hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol, thermometer and any medicine from your doctor. Ask which Bali belly medicine fits your health history.

Streetfood or Backpacker

Street vendor food raises the risk of Bali belly symptoms. Choose a busy stall where your meal is cooked in front of you and served steaming hot. Avoid any raw or undercooked meat and seafood. Always carry your hand sanitizer.

Resort or Honeymoon Stay

Stay aware of moist food that sits at room temperature, such as buffet items and sauces. Always choose a fresh dish that is served hot.

Outdoor Activity

Long days in outdoor activities such as surfing, give you more chances to swallow sea water and fewer chances to wash your hands. Carry your bottled water, keep your mouth closed in the shower, and avoid swimming after heavy rain.

Digital Nomad

For those of you that spend more weeks in Bali, it means more meals and more activity. Spend more time cooking your own meals. After 2 weeks if you still have loose stools, go see a doctor for stool testing.

Family Trip

Children can dehydrate fast, so Bali belly symptoms in kids need quick action. Start ORS at the first loose stool, use bottled water for formula and tooth brushing, and wash hands before meals. Do not give bismuth subsalicylate to young children, and ask a pediatrician before using any other Bali belly medicine.

When to See a Doctor

Most Bali belly symptoms fade within days. Yet, we advice adults to see a doctor if:

• Diarrhea lasts beyond two days
• You are dehydrated, a very dry mouth, little urine, dizziness, or extreme thirst
• You have severe stomach or rectal pain
• Your stool is bloody or black
• Your fever is above 102°F (39°C)

Act sooner for children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system, because dehydration becomes dangerous more quickly in these groups. A fever with stomach symptoms can also point to other infections, such as typhoid, so it is worth having a doctor check.

At Lira Medika Hospital Bali, our Internal Medicine Clinic treats tropical and infectious diseases. Our on-site laboratory runs tests in-house, so your doctor can adjust Bali belly treatment without waiting on outside labs, and our hospital pharmacy supports your treatment plan.

Enjoy Bali Without Fearing Bali Belly

Bali belly is common, but it is manageable. You now know what is Bali belly, how it feels, and when it needs a doctor, and you know that careful habits lower your risk without ever erasing it. If you feel unwell, or want a pre-trip plan for Bali belly treatment and prevention, our team at Lira Medika Hospital Bali in Kerobokan, Canggu, is here to help.

Find a doctor or ask about our Tropical & Travel Essentials package. In an emergency, call our 24/7 line at +62 851-1759-7077.