Blog | Travel Medicine
Bali Belly: A Traveler's Guide
published: 5/5/2025
viewedby 70 visitors
Introduction
Bali Belly is a common term used to describe traveler’s diarrhea experienced by visitors to Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia. It’s typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water and is characterized by symptoms like abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes fever.
1. Causes of Bali Belly
- Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella)
- Viruses (e.g., Norovirus)
- Parasites (e.g., Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba, spp)
2. How to Prevent Bali Belly
a. Watch What You Eat
- Eat only well-cooked food.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood.
- Be cautious with salads or cut fruits unless washed in clean water or peeled yourself.
b. Drink Safely
- Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Avoid ice unless it’s made from purified water.
- Brush your teeth with bottled water if you're unsure of tap water quality.
c. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
- Wash hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap isn't available.
d. Be Careful with Street Food
- Choose busy stalls with high turnover (freshly cooked = safer).
- Avoid food that has been sitting out too long.
3. First Aid for Bali Belly
If you develop symptoms:
a. Rehydrate
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are essential to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Drink small, frequent sips of water, coconut water, or electrolyte solutions.
b. Rest Your Stomach
- Avoid solid food for a few hours.
- Gradually reintroduce bland foods like rice, bananas, toast, and clear broth.
c. Use Over-the-Counter Medications (Cautiously)
- Activated charcoal is sometimes used in Indonesia for mild symptoms.
- Consider antacids if there is nausea or bloating.
d. When to See a Doctor
- Diarrhea more than 3 times a day
- High fever or persistent vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urination)
4. Travel Smart
Pack a small travel health kit with:
- ORS sachets
- Hand sanitizer
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Probiotics (optional)
- A digital thermometer
5. Conclusion
While Bali Belly can disrupt your trip, it’s usually mild and self-limiting. With simple precautions and prompt first aid, you can enjoy your travels safely and recover quickly if symptoms arise.
about_author
Dr. Kurniawan
Internist, Bali International Hospital
Dr. Kurniawan is a highly competent internist with a broad range of experience in internal medicine and emergency care. He earned his MD from Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya in 2014 and completed his specialist training in internal medicine at Universitas Udayana in 2022. Over the years, Dr. Kurniawan has built a strong foundation in medical practice, including hands-on experience in emergency and internal medicine. His career highlights include his role as an internist at Surya Husadha Nusa Dua Hospital, where he has been serving since 2023. He also has experience working in the Emergency Department at Ade M. Djoen General Hospital, and as an intern at Robert Wolter Monginsidi Third Level Army Hospital, gaining invaluable expertise in managing critical cases. Dr. Kurniawan's qualifications were further strengthened in 2024 when he became a Certified International Vaccinator. Fluent in both English and Indonesian, Dr. Kurniawan is known for his patient-focused approach, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care. He is dedicated to staying updated with the latest medical advancements and delivering high-quality healthcare to his patients, making him a respected figure in the field of internal medicine.