25 Tips to Avoid Bali Belly
Dreaming of Bali but worried about getting Bali Belly ?
Traveler’s diarrhea or Bali Belly can afflict any of us quite unexpectedly, but there are steps you can take to be prepared, ease the symptoms and deal with those Bali Belly blues!
WHAT IS BALI BELLY?
Bali Belly is a term for traveler’s diarrhea or gastroenteritis caused by bacteria, viruses & parasites found in food, water and from contaminated surfaces. The main symptoms of Bali belly include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, vomiting, fatigue and sometimes fever. Symptoms can start from one to 48 hours after ingestion, usually easing within a few days. It can be transmitted via food and water so be sure maintain personal hygiene and avoid sharing food or utensils with others
WHAT CAUSES BALI BELLY?
1. Too Much Alcohol – Holidays can mean overindulgence and who doesn’t want to celebrate on vacation? But overdosing on Bintang or those too-good-to be-true happy hour cocktails can pack a punch to the stomach. If you’re going to enjoy holiday alcoholic beverages, be sure to drink plenty of water as well.
2. Sun/Dehydration – Whatever the time of year, Bali is warm. That’s why it’s with popular with winter travelers! Basking in that holiday glow on your getaway to paradise is normal but beware the strength of our tropical heat as dehydration and sunstroke can creep up on all of us, especially if at the beach it or pool all day.
3. Is it Viral or Bacterial? Most traveler’s diarrhea is caused by bacteria or pathogens found in water, food or contaminated surfaces; bearing in mind it might not be from the last thing you ate! Beware of hygiene on flights, we have known travelers who contracted viral diarrhea on a flight to Bali. Viral diarrhea is also wasy to spread to your travelling companions which is not good. Regardless, symptoms usually ease or disappear completely in a few days but if they last longer than a week to ten days, you may require further medical advice.
4. Be Smart about Street Food – Some may say you haven’t experienced the ‘real Bali’ if you don’t indulge in the street food. While there are many reputable warungs and local food vendors producing fabulous flavours which are safe to eat, be sure to stick to busy places with a high turnover of fresh food.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
5. Medication to Pack – You cannot totally prevent or cure Bali Belly but there are many over the counter medications available to help ease the symptoms. We recommend to bring tried and trusted medications from home for diarrhea and anti-nausea. However, there are extremely effective meds available in Bali to treat the symptoms (yes, even the locals get it sometimes!). Diapet is a very popular natural (and cheap) alternative for diarrhea. Pepto Bismol is also available in Bali and many swear by charcoal tablets for nausea, but caution is advised for those with sensitive stomachs. Coconut water and Pocari Sweat are great for restoring fluid loss.
6. Boost Your Immunity – A healthy immune system is a great barrier to Bali Belly and consumption of probiotics can boost gut health. Many recommend Travelan before you arrive or Super Colostrum which is a much cheaper alternative!
WHAT TO REMEMBER DURING YOUR STAY IN BALI
7. Rehydrate – Even if you are lucky enough to escape Bali Belly, keeping hydrated in the tropical heat is vital. Bottled water is the obvious choice, but you should also consider coconut water, Pocari Sweat, Vegeta Herbal Drinks and electrolytes to replenish nutrients, especially if you have been ill.
8. Wash Hands – Being vigilant about personal hygiene is vital especially before you eat. Just touching a door handle can be all it takes to pass on germs!
9. Brush Teeth with Bottled Water – Tap water here is not safe to drink and that goes for rinsing your toothbrush too!
10. Peel Fruit Wherever Possible – Bali’s bounty of tropical fruit is hard to resist and most of the time it is peeled already. As fruit is generally not washed in bottled water beforehand, bacteria can live on the skin so best play it safe and peel that apple!
11. Be Mindful of Handling Money – Become an instant millionaire after a visit to the money changer but remember that Rupiah has run through many fingers before yours so wash your hands after touching cash.
12. Be Sure Your Crockery & Cutlery are Dry – Even the smallest amount of tap water can be responsible for ruining your plans!
WHAT NOT TO DO
13. Don’t Consume Uncooked/Undercooked Food – Check that your chicken is cooked thoroughly and avoid raw foods unless it is super fresh.
14. Avoid Taking Leftovers for Later – Bacteria grows fast in hot and humid conditions so leave the leftovers alone.
15. Don’t Chew Fingernails – Bacteria lives under the fingernails so avoid biting nails. Especially after a visit to the money changer, Try to resist touching your mouth or face until you have washed your hands.
16. 1Buying Vitamins at The Apotek – So you’ve gone to the chemist to get relief for Bali Belly and you leave with a bag full of vitamins instead? Don’t feel bad. Bali supplements are expensive, and chemists get commission on sales so staff can be very convincing when it comes to upselling. Stick to your plan and just buy what you came for.
17. Don’t Worry About the Ice – Years ago you had to avoid the ice in drinks but that’s all in the past. It is a government regulation for bars and restaurants to only use ice made from drinking water so it’s quite safe.
18. Don’t be Paranoid About Getting Bali Belly! – Sure, it’s a possibility but odds on you won’t even get a gurgly gut while you’re here. Be mindful of personal hygiene and consumption and you probably won’t have a problem. Those with serious food sensitivities to gluten, spices, seafood, sauces and certain nuts should advise staff of food intolerances before they order.
WHAT DO I DO IF I GET BALI BELLY?
19. Use Medicine you Know & Trust – People love to give advice about what to do for Bali Belly and while much of it can be helpful, there are certain medications which can cause more problems if used incorrectly or are inappropriate for people with certain contraindications. Whether your medications are from home or from Bali, stick to those you are familiar with or have tried before.
20. Charcoal Tablets – There are many over-the-counter anti-gastro treatments containing activated charcoal and these can be very helpful in relieving symptoms for some. Exercise caution if you have existing medical conditions or have a sensitive stomach as they can cause irritation too. Some of the more popular charcoal medications include Norit, EntroStop, Peptobismo and Diatabs
21. Rest and Recover in Aircon – Illness can be exacerbated by Bali’s tropical heat and if you are dehydrated from Bali Belly, the best thing to do is rest in cool comfort but avoid a dip in the hotel swimming pool so as not to infect others. Yes, it’s chlorinated, but avoid swallowing the pool water.
22. Natural Remedies can Help – Fresh ginger and peppermint tea can help to relieve nausea and guava leaf tea can ease diarrhea. Young coconuts are chock full of electrolytes and minerals to boost your immune system and hydration.
23. Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol – You might be tempted by a Bintang or craving your morning caffeine but it’s best to avoid both if you’re suffering with Bali Belly! Symptoms should ease in a few days, so you’ll likely have time to enjoy a coffee or a cold beer before the end of your holiday but don’t overdo it!
24. Call a Doctor – if your condition does not improve after 2 – 3 days, or you have high fevers, severe vomiting/diarrhea hourly causing dehydration or blood in stools, don’t be afraid to call for the doctor. There are many reputable and popular travel doctors here in Bali who make house/hotel calls and will have you feeling better in no time.
25. If you are staying In Ubud – we recommend Ubud Care Clinic. They make house calls and will come to your room and administer an IV if required. Their medical professionals will be sure to test before prescribing any medication and they are wonderful with follow up care!
