What you should know about ‘Bali belly’ and how to avoid it before it ruins your holiday

Bali remains a popular destination for travellers, offering warm weather and affordable experiences, but tourists are often susceptible to traveller’s diarrhoea, commonly known as “Bali belly.” Approximately 1.5 million Australians visit the Indonesian island each year, and experiencing the illness is a common occurrence.

What is Bali belly?

Bali belly is not unique to Bali, but is an informal term for traveller’s diarrhoea, primarily caused by bacteria or viruses, according to Dr. Debby Sartika Mahardhika of Sanur Medical Clinic in Bali. Escherihia coli, or E. coli, is a frequent bacterial cause, according to Victoria’s Health Department. Prolonged diarrhoea may indicate parasites or a viral infection.

Symptoms include cramps, bloating, nausea, and vomiting, Dr. Mahardhika said.

What causes Bali belly?

Dr. Mahardhika stated that consuming contaminated food or water is a primary cause. “Always choose freshly cooked food from restaurants and avoid food that’s been sitting out on the display or in the streets,” she said. The warmer climate and humidity contribute to rapid bacterial growth.

Australian tourists often overlook the fact that tap water in Bali, and Indonesia generally, is unsafe to drink. Bottled water should be used for drinking and even brushing teeth. Avoiding iced drinks from street vendors is also recommended, opting instead for cold drinks from a refrigerator.

Maintaining personal hygiene, such as washing hands before meals and after using the toilet, is crucial. Accidental ingestion of contaminated water while swimming or rafting can also lead to illness.

What if you get Bali belly?

Dr. Mahardhika, who runs three medical clinics in Sanur, Canggu and Seminyak, said her clinics treat over 100 international tourists with Bali belly during peak seasons.

“The first thing to do when you have Bali belly is to make sure you don’t become dehydrated. You can also take anti-diarrhoea medication,” she said.

What about having spicy food?

When recovering from Bali belly, tourists should avoid foods that may cause stomach upset, such as those “with too many spices.” Consuming probiotics can help restore healthy gut bacteria. Diarrhoea after eating spicy Balinese food may be due to a person’s “food tolerance,” as sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upset, like acid reflux.

What else is there to consider?

Traveller’s diarrhoea isn’t limited to developing countries. Dr. Mahardhika explained that travel itself can weaken the immune system due to fatigue from constant movement and different activities. Rest, vitamin supplementation, and bringing a supply of basic medications are beneficial.