Bali Belly: A Guide to Cure and Prevent Tourist’s Digestive Disorder

Have you ever heard about Bali Belly? Many travellers experience this ailment when they take vacations in Bali. Since it can disrupt your trip, it is crucial to understand what this disease is and its cause. This way, you can try your best to prevent this ailment.

This page lets you understand what kind of ailment Bali Belly is, its symptoms, causes, and how to avoid and cure it.

What is Bali Belly?

It is tempting to savour Balinese cuisine once you land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Unfortunately, some people experience stomachache and diarrhoea after consuming food and drinking water in Bali.

These displeasing symptoms of an ailment experienced by tourists are widely known as Bali Belly. This disease is mainly caused by bacteria infecting the intestines. As a result, it disrupts the normal digestive process and induces various stomach issues.

This gastrointestinal illness isn’t exclusive to Bali. It might occur in any destination with similar environmental factors. Therefore, to prevent it, you must determine the factors that can contribute to it.

What Causes Bali Belly?

The main factor causing this digestive illness is often spoiled food and water. Microscopic creatures such as bacteria and viruses take centre stage. They disrupt your digestive system and cause stomach illness.

Here are the common factors leading to diarrhoea and other digestive problems during your vacation.

1. Contaminated food

Bali has a high humidity level, which allows bacteria to thrive. This is why food can be spoiled easily. Contamination can occur at any stage of food preparation.

For instance, bacteria can contaminate your food when you wash veggies or fruits using tap water. Unhygienic cooking practices or eating raw and undercooked food may also contribute to this contamination issue.

2. Contaminated Water

Please note that you cannot drink tap water in Bali. It has not been appropriately purified and may contain bacteria, which can cause diarrhoea.

So, it is strongly recommended that you consume bottled water or tap water before drinking. Furthermore, you must be aware of ice cubes. Some iced drink vendors may use unpurified water to make ice cubes, which can result in diarrhoea.

3. Bad Hygiene Practice

Is Bali Belly contagious? A person infected with bacteria or viruses can transmit it to another person.

To avoid this transmission, wash your hands properly or apply hand sanitiser frequently. Furthermore, you shouldn’t share your food or drink with other people.

4. Environmental Changes

Bali’s climate is different from that of your home country. The environmental changes may weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Bali Belly Symptoms

This illness causes a combination of unpleasant symptoms. The most common ailment that can ruin your sightseeing plans is diarrhoea. However, most travellers also suffer from the symptoms below.

• Diarrhoea: Loose and watery faeces are the most common signs of this ailment.
• Stomach cramps: Feeling discomfort and pain in your belly.
• Nausea and vomiting: In severe cases, these symptoms may occur. You may feel queasy and potentially vomit.
• Fever: Your body’s temperature is getting higher. This mild fever occurs because your body fights off the infection.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a significant concern due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhoea. The signs of dehydration include headaches, dry mouth, and decreased urination.

Furthermore, some people sometimes suffer from headaches and lose their appetite during this infection.

Then, how does Bali Belly last? You may experience this ailment in the first week of your travel. During this infection, your body’s immune system fights the bacteria and adapts to the new environment.

The duration of this illness varies depending on the severity of the infection and the individual’s immune system. Some symptoms may last within one or three days.

However, severe infections can persist for up to 7 days. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical help to avoid severe conditions.

How to Prevent Bali Belly

Suffering from a traveller’s diarrhoea is annoying as it can disrupt your vacation plan. So, how can you avoid Bali Belly? Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of infection by following some precautions below.

1. Avoid tap water

Always consume bottled water during your vacation. Also, avoid ice cubes in drinks, especially when you buy them at street vendors. This is because the ice cubes may be made from tap water.

2. Eat Cooked Food

Consume foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot. Raw or undercooked dishes can be home to bacteria and pathogens.

3. Peel Fruits

Opt for fruits that you can peel yourself. Also, avoid washing veggies or fruit using tap water.

4. Dine Wisely

Prefer dining at restaurants or food stalls known for their hygiene practice. Check online reviews to find hygienic dining spots.

5. Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands with soap before and after eating. Use hand sanitiser to keep your hands hygienic when soap and water are unavailable.

Bali Belly Treatments

Treatment for travellers’ diarrhoea focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration. Here are some practical strategies you can use.

1. Hydration

Diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, so replenishing lost fluids is crucial. To maintain hydration, drink plenty of bottled water or electrolyte drinks.

2. Natural Remedies

Some natural treatments can make you feel better. For instance, heat pads can be used to alleviate stomach cramps. The warmth helps relax the muscles in your abdomen and reduce discomfort.

Then, eat easy-to-digest food such as bananas and rice. Consuming yoghurt or probiotic drinks is also helpful.

3. Medical Treatment

Take OTC medications such as anti-diarrheal medicine. If the symptoms are getting more severe, such as high fever, prolonged diarrhoea, and bloody stools, you must seek medical help immediately.

The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications based on the underlying cause of the infection.

Travellers’ diarrhoea can disrupt your vacation. However, with proper precautions and treatments, you can minimise its impact.

So, you should be fine with travelling to this tropical paradise. By understanding the cause and symptoms of Bali Belly, you can prevent it and enjoy your vacation on this island.

Are you ready to spend your holiday enjoying Bali’s beautiful landscape? Book the Perth to Bali flight via Traveloka and pack your suitcase soon.