Bali belly guide: symptoms, treatment and how to avoid it

Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination, Bali, is renowned for many things. Incredible natural scenery, beautiful beaches, a unique and immersive culture, exceptional cuisine and generous, kind locals with an endearing patience for the thousands of Australians who visit the island every year.

There is another less fortunate thing that Aussies often experience in Bali: a sickness bringing digestive unrest and abdominal turmoil to an otherwise picturesque holiday – called “Bali belly”.  

What is Bali Belly?

Bali belly is traveller’s diarrhoea: a common illness that regularly affects tourists. It’s usually caused by consuming bacteria (like E. coli) found in contaminated water or food.

Travellers tend to have their stools loosened within a week of arriving, with symptoms appearing between two and five hours after eating affected food. ‍

What are the symptoms of Bali Belly?

Bali belly symptoms are cut from the same cloth as a case of gastro back home:

- Stomach cramps

- Bloating, diarrhoea

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Muscular aches

- Mild fever

Everything is a little more liquidy, gas is a little more dangerous and you’re about to reach a new level of intimacy with your toilet bowl.  

While it’s unpleasant, Bali belly is kind of a rite of passage. Few Westerners visit the Island of the Gods and avoid it entirely.

But that isn't to say you can’t lessen the severity or try your best to avoid Bali belly.

Allow us, a team with our fair share of wondering whether we’re going to make it to the toilet in time, flush you with a few tips before your trip to Bali.  

How to avoid Bali belly?

It goes without saying: we want you to have as much fun as possible while remaining healthy as possible – that's a win-win.

Here are a few tips to help.

Wash your hands regularly and use sanitiser

Hopefully, you don’t need to be schooled on personal hygiene. So just consider this an extra reminder to be more vigilant with your hand washing, including before you eat, after handling money and, the big one, after using the toilet.

Hand sanitiser is another no-brainer. It provides an extra layer of protection against bacteria and viruses and might save you from the horrors of an empty soap dispenser in a public restroom.  

Common questions about Bali belly

We've put together a quick list of some of the most asked questions from travellers.

Can you get Bali belly from ice?

Yes - especially if the ice is made from untreated tap water. Many cases of Bali belly are caused by bacteria in contaminated food or water. If ice is made using unboiled or unfiltered water, it can carry harmful microorganisms like E. coli or Salmonella.

Is Bali belly contagious?

Bali belly itself isn’t directly contagious like the flu, but the bacteria or viruses that cause it can spread from person to person - especially via poor hygiene.

How long does Bali belly last?

For most travellers, Bali belly lasts 1 to 3 days, with symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue. In more severe cases - especially without proper hydration or treatment - it can last up to 5 to 7 days.

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