Bali Belly is one of the most popular souvenirs that no one wants, but many end up taking home. This is the last thing you want during your Bali holiday – a not-so-fun mix of nausea, diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, and bloating.
Due to countless misinformation and confused patients on the internet, here is all the information you need to know about Bali Belly, including how to prevent it and what to do if you have it.
What is Bali Belly?
Bali Belly is caused by eating or drinking contaminated water or food. The main culprits behind the condition are unwanted bacteria like E.coli, and other viruses or parasites that are usually found on undercooked food and unfiltered water.
In general, the condition is caused by introducing unfamiliar bacteria to your digestive system which triggers the body to react by purging through both ends.
Since most Bali visitors (from Western countries) have relatively weaker immune systems that can’t handle local bacteria, plus a likely change in diet, they end up getting stuck on the toilet.
According to World Travel Protection, it is estimated that around 20 – 50% of travelers traveling to non-first-world countries experience traveler’s diarrhea. This includes destinations like Bali, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, etc.
I’m uncertain as to how accurate these numbers are because according to a Bali hospital study, only 5% of diarrhea cases were related to Bali Belly. There isn’t any accurate number on this matter, since most of the cases go unreported and are remedied by over-the-counter meds and some bedrest.
Fun fact: Among the destinations with the highest cases and risk of Traveler’s Diarrhea, Bali isn’t even in the top 10.
Bali Belly vs Food Poisoning
Both Bali Belly and Food Poisoning seem identical on paper, due to the fact that both of them will have you spending considerable amounts of time on the toilet and / or in a significant amount of stomach pain.
Bali Belly is basically a catchy phrase for Traveler’s Diarrhea. In many cases, Bali Belly is caused by E. coli on contaminated food. But most of the time, the condition is caused by introducing new bacteria to your digestive system. This can happen anywhere and is not exclusive to Bali.
Food Poisoning on the other hand, is a more specific condition that’s caused by consuming food that’s contaminated with Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, or other toxins. This is a direct result of eating something unsafe. Food poisoning can sometimes be gone and done within a day.
Bali Belly Symptoms
These aren’t exclusive to the condition. But a combination of the following symptoms may help you self-diagnose whether you have it or not. Here are the most common symptoms of Bali Belly:
- Diarrhea – This is the most common sign. Watery and frequent bowel movements that are usually urgent.
- Nausea – That annoying feeling like you need to vomit.
- Vomiting – Your body may try to purge the bacterial infection out of the top end.
- Stomach Cramps – Painful, sometimes unbearable cramps and sharp pain in the abdomen.
- Bloating and Gas – Your stomach may be visibly swollen. The painful bloating may be temporarily relieved with the passing of gas, which then builds up again.
- Fever – Not as common but some people do experience a warmer body temperature.
- Dehydration – This is due to the frequent diarrhea and vomiting. You might notice your mouth is dry and your urine is yellow. You may also feel drained or weak.
If you’re experiencing the entire menu of symptoms above, it might be time to see a doctor at a clinic or visit a Bali hospital.
How long does Bali Belly last?
Bali Belly usually lasts anywhere between 1 day to 1 week. Like most virus and bacterial infections, the amount of time spent suffering will depend on how severe your condition is.
Mild cases can be a quick trip that lasts from 24 hours up to 2 days. The symptoms will be fairly mild with some diarrhea and stomach discomfort. This is easily countered with some hydration, clean food, and rest.
Moderate cases last a bit longer – around 3 to 4 days. Same symptoms as above but with some weakness or fatigue. Same solution and some patience and you’ll be back up and running in a few days.
Severe cases last anywhere between 5 days to a week. Symptoms are much more intense and painful. This is when you may want to start looking into getting medical attention to score some antibiotics and to make sure your condition isn’t actually something else.
How to avoid Bali Belly?
You don’t have to spend the entirety of your Bali trip glued to the toilet seat. Bali Belly is avoidable if you take the right precautions. So yes, you can still eat Bali Guling and Sate Ayam without getting sick.
1. Stick to Bottled Water
First step: avoid tap water in Bali, including for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is cheap and available at every convenience store like Indomaret, Alfamart, Mini Mart, or Circle K.
3. Wash your hands
I’m sure I don’t need to remind you as an adult to wash your hands – before and after eating. But another reason to wash your hands that people often ignore: after handling money. Pack an small hand sanitizer in your purse or pocket when a sink isn’t available.
3. Choose busy, well-reviewed restaurants
Busier restaurants have a higher turnover with food – you’re more likely to have fresher food at a busier restaurant. Apply this logic especially when it comes to warungs that serve Nasi Campur displayed in glass cases. If it’s a slow warung, the food will have been out since morning.
4. Be wise with Street Food
Street food in Bali is absolutely addicting and I urge you to venture out into the world of night markets and explore with some local food. However, it’s a better strategy to choose the more popular stalls as opposed to grabbing the first random food stall you see.
5. Stay hydrated
This one is often overlooked. Friendly reminder: Bali is a tropical island. It is very humid all year round and it is very easy to become dehydrated without even noticing. Dehydration leads to a weaker immune system. Always keep bottled water on you.
Bali Belly Treatment – What to take?
Here are some of the best treatments for Bali Belly (Over-the-Counter) that you can find at local pharmacies (Apotek) or any convenience store. These won’t help you recover overnight but will manage your symptoms and help you bounce back faster.
- Activated Charcoal – This one is a godsend. Go to the nearest convenience store’s medication section and look for a small yellow box called “Norit.” These are activated charcoal pills that (apparently?) absorb toxins and reduce bloating. Worked for me so I don’t question what it really does.
- Imodium – You can get these at a local pharmacy. It helps slow down diarrhea symptoms. I would recommend only taking this if you need to leave your hotel or villa or an extended period of time (shopping, tours, etc). Otherwise, if you plan on staying in, allow the diarrhea to flush out the bacteria.
- Pepto-Bismol – Great for calming the stomach and reduces nausea.
- Pocari Sweat – It’s essentially Indonesia’s Gatorade. Helps you rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. Watch out for the sugar contents.
- Mylanta – Alternatively, any antacid. Helps to neutralize stomach acid which as a result reduces bloating and some discomfort.
- Zinc Supplements – Helps to boost your immune system and your diarrhea situation.
This is a short list of many OTC medications you can find. Go to the nearest pharmacy and ask for their recommendations in terms of ‘harder’ meds. I recommend doing a bit of Googling before you take a random pill with a long scientific name.
What to eat with Bali Belly?
It’s important to understand that your stomach will be in full flush mode so the strategy here is to eat light, bland, simple food, while drinking plenty of bottled water. Here are a few of my personal recommendations that have served me well in the past:
- Bananas – Bananas are a blessing during any kind of stomach flu or infection. High in potassium and replenishes your electrolytes you will lose from vomiting and pooping.
- Toast – Throw on a light layer of butter to get some carbs to keep your energy up. You’ll need the boost.
- Plain Crackers – An alternative to toast and great for snacking if you’re feeling peckish.
- Coconut Water – Another source of electrolytes. Plus, who doesn’t want a fresh coconut while holidaying in a tropical island?
- White rice – Easy on the stomach and quite bland. Be mindful of what you add to the rice.
- Steamed chicken – It’s a bit of a gamble here but you’ll need a source of protein. Steamed chicken or fish is your best bet. Wouldn’t recommend having beef.
Again, keep it simple and boring. Your stomach is very sensitive in this state. Treat it with care.
What foods to avoid with Bali Belly?
As you can tell so far, you won’t be able to enjoy most foods while suffering. Although it’s quite unfortunate, it’s a necessary sacrifice for a speedy recovery. Here’s what to avoid eating while puking your guts out:
- Spicy Food – Sorry. You can’t have the Babi Guling or the Nasi Goreng with extra sambal just yet. Spicy food is by far the worst thing you can eat in this condition.
- Coffee – This one is always rough choice as a coffee addict. But coffee might dehydrate you further and lead to additional visits to the toilet.
- Fried Food – The oil from fried food will irritate your stomach. You do not want this.
- Dairy – Many people are lactose intolerant to some small degree. This intolerance might increase during your current stomach situation.
- Alcohol – No, it won’t make you feel better. No, it won’t kill the bacteria.
When to see a doctor?
A majority of Bali Belly cases will clear up within 3 days with proper hydration, rest, eating clean, and some over-the-counter meds. But if you’re one of the unfortunate ones who’s experiencing extreme symptoms, you should head to a clinic.
- Severe Diarrhea – Especially if it lasts more than 3 days, it’s time to see a doctor to check if you have something else like a parasite or need antibiotics.
- Dizziness / Weakness – This is common but you’ll need to use some self-diagnoses to gauge how severe it is. You may be low on certain vitamins and minerals.
- Bloody Poops – Don’t even question it. Head straight to the clinic to check if it’s something else.
- No Relief from OTC meds – If non of the over-the-counter medications work, you may need a prescription for antibiotics.
In general, if any of the previously mentioned symptoms are unbearable, it’s time to head to the clinic.
Bali Belly Treatment Clinics
In the recent years, there have been numerous clinics popping up around Bali specializing in treating Bali Belly with a more professional approach. These clinics can help properly diagnose you with your condition and possibly aid you in recovering faster.
The main benefit to going to a treatment clinic is their IV Drip Therapy service. They’ll hook you up to a drip that administers electrolytes and other fluids directly into your blood. Here are a few clinics around Bali that offer home IV Drip services:
Klinik Cepat Sehat – Canggu
- Address: Jl. Raya Canggu No.14, Canggu
- Phone: +62 822-2112-2311
- Hours: 24/7
IV Drip Bali – Seminyak
- Address: Jl. Raya Legian No.369, Kuta
- Phone: +62 858-1929-2434
- Hours: 24/7
Sanur Medical Clinic – Sanur
- Address: Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.243, Sanur
- Phone: +62 361-289-116
- Hours: 24/7
Unicare Clinic – Ubud
- Address: Jl. Raya Pengosekan No.88
- Phone: +62 822-9829-8911
- Hours: 24/7
Something to keep in mind: IV Drip Therapy isn’t cheap. Bali Belly treatments can range anywhere between IDR 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 – about AUD $100 – $200 / USD $60 – $120 – per person.
Myths about Bali Belly
Myth 1: Bali Belly only comes from Street Food
You can catch it from any food stall or restaurant that has unhygienic practices. It is not exclusive to eating street food in Bali. However, it is a common culprit.
Myth 2: Drinking alcohol kills the bacteria
Nice try. You don’t need an excuse to drink in Bali. Just go for the shot if you feel like having one. However, it isn’t a magic cure. Alcohol does have antibacterial properties, but it’s not enough to kill the bacteria. If anything, drinking alcohol might make your symptoms worse.
Myth 3: Spicy food causes Bali Belly
Spicy food does not give you Bali Belly. Many people think this due to the fact that most Western stomachs are sensitive to the intense spiciness of Balinese and Indonesian foods. However, you will make a few painful visits to the toilet.
Myth 4: Only tourists get Bali Belly
There is a bit of truth to this. Locals do still get stomach infections but less likely than tourists due to the fact that they have stronger immunity built up over a lifetime. However, if a restaurant has poor hygiene, everyone from every race is guaranteed to get sick.
Myth 5: You can build immunity to Bali Belly
As someone who sees the most dodgy-looking food and immediately thinks “I need to try that!”, I can assure you there is no such thing as building immunity to Bali Belly. It is possible to get it multiple times, even on the same holiday – due to the fact that it can be caused by different types of bacteria and viruses.
Is it safe to eat food in Bali?
I suppose by the end of this you might ask yourself, “Is it even safe to eat food in Bali?” And to be fair, it is a valid question.
It is perfectly safe to eat food in Bali. If you use my tips above as a sort of guideline, you should be able to navigate all the street food and local restaurants safely without having to worry about getting sick.
An important note to remember is that this isn’t exclusive to Bali. Travelers to Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, India, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and even Morocco all have high risk of stomach-related bacterial infections – and Bali, Indonesia isn’t even in the top 10.
Don’t let a little stomach bug stop you from experiencing your dream Bali holiday – just to re-book to another destination and potentially catch the same thing. Be more mindful of what and where you eat and you’ll have an amazing time in Bali.
FAQS about Bali Belly
Can I still do day tours?
I don’t recommend it. It’s better to stay put in your hotel or villa until you’re fully recovered. You don’t want any “mishaps” while on the road or stuck in traffic. Once you’re back in action, you can book day tours.
Is Bali Belly airborne?
No, it is not airborne. It’s spread through contaminated food or water.
Is Bali Belly dangerous?
Most cases are usually mild but can become dangerous if left unattended or not treated appropriately.
Is Bali Belly seasonal?
It isn’t exactly seasonal but we do see a slight increase in viruses and sicknesses (in general) during the rainy season. This applies to any destination that has a wet season.
How much does IV Drip Therapy cost in Bali?
IV Drip Therapy will set you back anywhere between AUD $100 – $200 / USD $60 – $120 – per person.
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about this Bali’s rich culture.
Other resources to consider during your time in Bali:
Have you ever suffered from Bali Belly? Comment below and let me know your experience and perhaps provide some insight to the remedies that worked for you.
