Is Bali Belly Dangerous?
Up to1 20% of visitors to high-risk areas, like Thailand and Vietnam, may get travellers’ diarrhoea2. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention say 30-70% of travellers get Bali Belly. This illness is caused by bad food or water and can make you feel sick.
Bali Belly is usually not serious but can be risky for young kids2. Bacteria can make you sick in 6-48 hours. Viruses take 24-48 hours, and parasites can take weeks2. It can last from 1-3 days or more, depending on your health and how you manage it.
Severe cases need a doctor, if you’re very dehydrated, have a high fever, or symptoms last too long. It’s important to avoid bad food and water and get the right treatment in Bali. Knowing about Bali Belly helps keep you safe and healthy while travelling.
Key Takeaways
- Bali Belly can affect up to 70% of Australian travellers visiting Bali.
- Symptoms can appear within 6-48 hours and last for 1-3 days or more.
- Severe cases may require medical attention, specially for children.
- Avoiding contaminated food and water is key to prevent Bali Belly.
- Getting the right treatment is vital for a safe and fun holiday.
What is Bali Belly?
Bali Belly is a term for travellers’ diarrhoea found in Bali, Indonesia3. It’s caused by bad food or water, leading to stomach pain, bloating, and more4.
Symptoms of Bali Belly
Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever4. These can start fast, in 2 to 5 hours, and last 1 to 5 days4. Sometimes, it can last over 2 weeks4.
Causes of Bali Belly
Bali Belly comes from bad food or water4. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites like E. coli and Salmonella are common causes35. Bali’s warm, humid weather helps these germs grow, raising the risk of getting sick5.
Dehydration is a big worry with travellers’ diarrhoea3. Drinking only safe water and avoiding raw food can prevent Bali Belly3.
“Culinary tourism visits in Indonesia involve consuming various dishes rich in spices and seasonings, which can increase the risk of contracting Bali Belly.”5
| Key Causes of Bali Belly | Examples |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella |
| Viruses | Norovirus, Rotavirus |
| Parasites | Giardia |
The humid climate in Bali makes getting Bali Belly more likely5. Keeping food clean and safe can lower the risk of getting sick53.
Why Are You at Risk of Bali Belly in Bali?
Australians visiting Bali face a higher risk of Bali Belly. This is because the island’s water and food safety standards are lower than in Australia6. The Travel Doctor says 30-50% of Aussie tourists will get Bali Belly6.
The island’s water isn’t safe for drinking. The warm, humid weather also helps bacteria grow fast on food6.
Water Contamination Risk
The water in Bali is often not safe for drinking7. It’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water7. Tap water can be unsafe, leading to Bali Belly7.
Using ice made with tap water or washing fruits and veggies with unsafe water can cause Bali Belly7.
Food Contamination Risk
Food in Bali can get contaminated easily. The hot, humid weather and poor food handling increase the risk7. Local restaurants and street vendors often have lower hygiene standards7.
Eating undercooked meat, seafood, or raw salads can lead to Bali Belly6.
Australians are more likely to get Bali Belly in Bali because of the island’s lower water and food safety6. Drinking contaminated water or eating bad food can cause this illness7.
It’s important to be careful and follow good hygiene and food safety practices to avoid Bali Belly7.
How to Prevent Bali Belly
Staying healthy in Bali is key for a great trip. Preventing Bali Belly is important8. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice cubes8. Don’t wash fruits and veggies in tap water8.
Good hand hygiene is also vital. Use hand sanitiser and wash hands before eating8.
To avoid Bali Belly, be careful with certain foods. Avoid undercooked meat, seafood, salads, and street food89. Eating well and staying hydrated boosts your immune system8.
- Choose cooked, peeled, and fresh foods to lower Bali Belly risk9.
- Get the Dukoral oral vaccine before going to Bali to prevent Bali Belly9.
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer8.
“Proactive strategies to prevent Bali Belly in children and adults include consuming bottled water, choosing cooked foods over raw dishes, and practicing good hand hygiene.”9
Foods to Avoid in Bali
Going to Bali can make you sick with “Bali Belly”. This is because of bad food or water. Stay away from certain foods to avoid getting sick. Experts say don’t eat undercooked meat, seafood, raw salads, or food from street vendors. Also, avoid unpasteurized dairy and peeled fruits10.
Bali’s tap water is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water10. Street food vendors with dirty places are risky. Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat to avoid getting sick10.
Choose safe places to eat in Bali. Pick places with lots of customers for fresh food11. Avoid spicy food to keep your stomach happy10. Eat hot, fresh meals to stay safe from food poisoning10.
| High-Risk Foods to Avoid in Bali | Safe Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Undercooked meat and seafood | Well-cooked, freshly prepared dishes from reputable restaurants |
| Raw salads and pre-chopped/packaged fruits | Cooked vegetables and whole, peeled fruits |
| Street food and buffets | Freshly prepared meals from clean, high-turnover establishments |
| Unpasteurized dairy products | Pasteurized dairy or dairy-free alternatives |
By knowing which foods to avoid, you can stay healthy in Bali. This way, you can enjoy your trip without getting sick1011.
Importance of Hand Hygiene
Keeping your hands clean is key to avoiding Bali Belly. Travellers should wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser before eating. Also, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands12.
This stops bacteria or viruses from spreading. It’s a simple way to stay healthy while travelling.
When in Bali, it’s important to follow good hygiene practices13. Avoid tap water and drink bottled water. Wash your hands often, eat at clean places, and don’t eat raw fruits and veggies to avoid Bali Belly13.
Handwashing can really help prevent stomach problems like Bali Belly12. Taking probiotics can also help keep your gut healthy. This can protect you from harmful germs in food or water12.
| Preventive Measures | Importance |
|---|---|
| Avoid tap water, drink bottled water | Reduces risk of waterborne illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A12 |
| Wash or sanitise hands regularly | Helps kill bacteria and viruses that may cause Bali Belly12 |
| Eat at reputable and clean restaurants | Decreases the likelihood of consuming contaminated food13 |
| Avoid certain foods like raw fruits and vegetables | Minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses13 |
People in high-risk groups should think about getting the Dukoral vaccine. This includes diabetics, people with bowel diseases, pregnant women, and the elderly13.
Good hand hygiene and other preventive steps are key to avoiding Bali Belly on your travels.
“Practising good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from Bali Belly and other travel-related illnesses.”
Is Bali Belly Contagious?
Yes, Bali Belly can spread from person to person. It mainly spreads through contaminated food and water14. People with weak immune systems are more likely to get it14.
Traveling to places with poor hygiene and eating bad food or water also raises the risk14. If someone has Bali Belly, it’s key to keep them clean and separate their things14.
By being careful with hygiene and food, you can lower the chance of getting Bali Belly14. Watch for symptoms and see a doctor if they don’t get better in 3-5 days14.
“Between 10% and 40% of travelers worldwide develop diarrhea, with the highest attack rate observed in travelers from developed countries visiting developing countries.”15
Even though many travelers don’t get Bali Belly, it’s smart to take precautions15. The illness can spread as long as symptoms last15. The type of germ causing it can also affect how long it lasts15.
By staying clean, being careful with food and water, and getting help when needed, you can avoid Bali Belly in Bali. Taking the right steps can make your trip safe and fun.
Treatment and Remedies for Bali Belly
Bali Belly usually goes away in a few days. There are medicines and natural remedies to help with the symptoms. Australians often get Bali Belly because they visit Bali a lot for holidays16.
If your immune system is strong, Bali Belly can clear up in 24 hours. But sometimes, it can last for days or even weeks16.
Medications for Bali Belly
Medicines like Imodium or Diapet can help with diarrhoea. Rehydration drinks like Gatorade or Pocari Sweat replace lost electrolytes. Over-the-counter pain and fever meds like Panadol and Nurofen can also help16.
Travelan can be taken before meals to lower the risk of getting Bali Belly16.
Natural Remedies for Bali Belly
Natural remedies like raspberry cordial, coconut juice, and probiotic drinks might help. But their effectiveness is not proven. Bacteria can spread during food preparation and handling in Bali’s hot climate16.
The tropical weather in Bali is perfect for bacteria and germs to grow. This increases the risk of getting Bali Belly for those with weaker immunity16.
Symptoms of Bali Belly include nausea, bloating, cramps, diarrhoea, and feeling weak16. It’s contagious and can spread through food and water. So, washing your hands often is key16.
To avoid Bali Belly, drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid tap water and ice. Wash your hands before eating and wash fruits and veggies with sanitizer16.
Avoid street food, raw or undercooked meats, and spicy food. Also, steer clear of unusual meats, undercooked chicken, peeled fruit, and unpasteurized dairy16.
Washing your hands often with disinfectant soap is a must to stop the spread of germs in Bali16. To treat Bali Belly, try coconut water, Yakult, probiotics, Norit or charcoal tablets, Travelan, Imodium, and seek medical help if it gets worse16.
Intestinal pathogens causing Bali Belly include bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, bloating, cramps, fever, headaches, and feeling tired17.
Prevention includes drinking mineral bottled water and avoiding unhygienic ice. Use boiled water for drinks, wash fruits and veggies with sterile water, and use hand sanitizer17.
Avoid raw or undercooked food and unpasteurized dairy products. Treatments include anti-diarrhoeal drugs, antibiotics, and anti-nausea drugs like tea or ginger17.
Safe foods during Bali Belly include soups, stews, potatoes, rice, bananas, applesauce, fresh coconut, Yakult, and Imodium. Drink plenty of bottled water17.
Medical facilities like Prime Plus Medical in Bali offer services for non-critical conditions. They do routine blood work, physical check-ups, dental care, IV vitamin therapy, and treat broken bones or respiratory infections17.
Diet During and After Bali Belly
When you have Bali Belly, it’s important to drink lots of water and eat bland foods. You should drink water, electrolyte drinks, eat bananas, rice, toast, and soups18. Avoid fatty, spicy, and dairy foods until you feel better.
It can take a few weeks to get better. So, slowly add back regular foods while drinking plenty of water.
Drinking water is key when you have Bali Belly. This illness can make you lose a lot of fluids and salts6. Drink water, coconut water, or drinks that replace salts. Bananas are also good because they have potassium.
Your diet should be easy on your stomach. Rice, toast, and plain soups are good because they’re easy to digest18. Slowly add back foods like cooked veggies and lean meats to help your gut heal.
Give your body time to heal18. Going back to your usual diet too fast can make things worse. By eating the right foods and drinking water, you can help your gut recover quickly.
“A diet rich in plant foods, fiber, prebiotics, and diversity is recommended to enhance gut microbiome richness and diversity, reducing susceptibility to Bali belly.”18
Risk of Other Food-Borne Infections
Bali Belly is a common problem for many visitors to Bali. But, it’s also important to know about other serious food-borne illnesses. These can include tapeworm or giardia infections19.
Tapeworm Infection
Tapeworms can happen if you eat undercooked meat or seafood. This can cause long-lasting diarrhoea, belly pain, and weight loss. If your symptoms don’t get better, see a doctor right away19.
Giardia Infection
Giardia can cause severe and long-lasting diarrhoea. It’s often linked to eating or drinking contaminated things in Bali. If you keep having digestive problems, talk to a doctor. Giardia needs special treatment19.
FAQ
Is Bali Belly Dangerous?
Bali Belly, or travellers’ diarrhoea, is common in Bali. It affects up to 50% of Australian tourists. It’s usually not serious but can be risky for young children. Taking precautions and getting treatment is key for a safe holiday.
What is Bali Belly?
Bali Belly is caused by bad food or water. It makes you feel sick with stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea. It’s often caused by bacteria or viruses.
What are the symptoms of Bali Belly?
Symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and feeling tired.
What causes Bali Belly?
It’s caused by bad food or water. This can lead to infections from bacteria or viruses.
Why are you at risk of Bali Belly in Bali?
Bali’s lower safety standards for water and food increase the risk. The water isn’t safe, and food can get contaminated easily.
What are the risks of water contamination in Bali?
Bali’s water isn’t safe, leading to waterborne illnesses like Bali Belly.
What are the risks of food contamination in Bali?
Food can get contaminated due to the climate and poor handling. This increases the risk of Bali Belly.
How can you prevent Bali Belly?
Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice cubes. Don’t wash fruits and veggies in tap water. Good hand hygiene is key. Be careful with certain foods and stay hydrated.
What foods should you avoid in Bali?
Avoid undercooked meat, raw salads, and food from street vendors. These are more likely to be contaminated.
Why is hand hygiene important in Bali?
Good hand hygiene is vital to prevent Bali Belly. Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser before eating.
Is Bali Belly contagious?
Yes, it can spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Practice good hygiene if caring for someone with it.
What medications and remedies can help treat Bali Belly?
Medications like Imodium can help with diarrhoea. Rehydration drinks replace lost electrolytes. Natural remedies like raspberry cordial may help too.
What should your diet be during and after Bali Belly?
Stick to a bland diet and drink lots of water. Avoid fatty and spicy foods until symptoms go away. It takes a few weeks to fully recover.
What other serious food-borne infections can you get in Bali?
Rarely, Bali Belly can be a sign of a serious illness. Tapeworms or giardia infections can cause long-term symptoms. Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve.
Source Links
- How to prevent Bali Belly – https://www.scti.com.au/travel-advice/how-to-prevent-bali-belly
- Bali Belly – https://www.aperitif.com/news/bali-belly/
- Bali Belly: What it is and How to Avoid it – https://www.covermore.com.au/blog/travel-tips/bali-belly
- What is Bali Belly? – https://www.qoctor.com.au/bali-belly-treatment/
- What is Bali Belly ? Here are The Causes and How to Avoid Them – PM – https://purimedicalbali.com/what-is-bali-belly-here-are-the-causes-and-how-to-avoid-them/
- Bali Belly: How to Avoid & Treat it. Read Before Your Trip! | HIF – https://healthhub.hif.com.au/travel/bali-belly-how-to-avoid-and-treat-it-read-this-before-your-holiday
- Understanding Bali Belly: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-bali-belly-causes-symptoms-treatment-simon-st-john
- 25 Tips to Avoid Bali Belly – Bisma Cottages Ubud – https://bismacottagesubud.com/blog/balibelly/
- What is Bali Belly? How to prevent it? What to do if you get it? – https://www.rapturecamps.com/blog/what-is-bali-belly/
- Savoring Bali Without Sacrificing Safety: What NOT to Eat in Bali – Taman Dukuh Bali Farm Cooking School | Cooking Class Ubud – https://tamandukuh.com/what-not-to-eat-in-bali/
- How to Deal with Upset Stomach in Bali – https://www.thesanur.id/en/daily-harmony/wellness/bali-belly
- Foodie Unite! 5 Ways to Avoid Bali Belly! – https://baliislandvillas.com/blog/5-ways-to-avoid-bali-belly
- Bali Travel – Bali Belly – Vaccinations and Travel Health Advice – Travel Health Plus – https://www.travelhealth.com.au/travellers-can-protect-bali-belly/
- Is Bali Belly Contagious?: The 3 Contagiousness – https://salinebali.com/bali-belly/is-bali-belly-contagious/
- Is Bali Belly contagious? We answer this critical question. – https://baligram.me/blog/is-bali-belly-contagious
- Bali Belly Medication: Top Way To Cure Bali Belly – Prime Plus Medical – https://www.primeplusmed.com/top-ways-to-cure-bali-belly
- How to Cure Bali Belly – Prime Plus Medical – https://www.primeplusmed.com/blog/how-to-cure-bali-belly/
- A Gut Health Nutritionists Guide to Beating Bali Belly – https://monikaanna.com.au/blog/guidetobeatbalibelly
- Bali Travel Vaccinations Perth – Travel Health Plus – https://www.travelhealth.com.au/destinations/asia/bali/
