Bali Belly: Your Definitive Guide To A Safe, Fun Indonesian Holiday

This is a Bali Holiday Deals’ common-sense, definite guide to Bali Belly. Our travel specialists share that Bali Belly remains the top concern for first-time visitors and the internet-based misinformation only adds… pressure. In this blog, we’ll tackle popular Bali Belly queries, how you can avoid Bali Belly, fact-checking popular tips and if Coke (the cold drink) really helps with Bali Belly – or if it’s just an internet myth!

What is Bali Belly?

Bali Belly is just another name for traveller’s diarrhoea, caused due to consuming contaminated food and water. Viruses, bacteria and parasites all cause Bali Belly, though bacteria like salmonella and E. coli are the usual culprits. In fact, experienced travellers would know this menace and its many names, like Montezuma’s Revenge, the Rangoon Runs, Delhi Belly, the Aztec Two-Step, and in Egypt – the Mummy Tummy and Pharaoh’s Revenge. If you’re currently afflicted and reading, laughing is not advisable. Moving on…

Why do you get Bali Belly?

The numero uno way to catch Bali Belly is to consume contaminated food and water. These include tap-water, ice made using tap-water and consuming food from shady hole-in-the-wall joints, street-food stalls and all those places where hygiene is an afterthought. Though to be fair, Bali Belly can also be caused because visitors are unaccustomed to having certain foods and foods cooked in a certain style using indigenous ingredients. The stress of travelling is a cause of Bali Belly too, as are unsanitized hands! 

How long does it take for Bali Belly to kick in? 

It depends, really. Bali Belly can kick in immediately, in 48 hours or after a few days. It all depends on the following:

• Pathogen type: Bacteria shows symptoms within six to 48 hours. Viruses may take anywhere between 24-48 hours to rock your tummy, while parasites may take weeks to show symptoms. 
• Status of the immune system: Kids, elderly and people with weakened immune systems are much more susceptible to travellers’ diarrhea. 
•  Contaminant amount: Low levels of contaminant in food and water are unlikely to cause Bali Belly, but higher levels are guaranteed to show quick effect. 

What are the symptoms of Bali Belly?

The symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Bloated stomach
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pains
• Diarrhoea – loose & watery stools
• Vomiting 
• Dizziness
• Sweating 
• Lethargy
• Dehydration 
• Fever

How to cure Bali Belly?

Thankfully, it is a self-limiting disease. This just means it goes away on its own in a few days. It doesn’t mean travellers cannot hasten recovery; after all, nobody wants to be confined to their rooms on a Bali holiday. Visitors can speed up recovery with the following steps:

• Drink oral rehydration solutions to compensate for the loss of electrolytes on account of the diarrhoea. Take small sips and do not consume alcohol.  
• Go for easy to digest food like bananas, apples, boiled potatoes, white toast, plain pasta and rice. 
• Rest in a cool place, avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of sleep. 
• In case of cramps, use a warm compress for relief. 
• Should you feel bloated, have smaller portions in your meals and avoid fizzy drinks. Alternatively, opt for stews, broths and soups.  
• Go for foods that soothe the stomach such as ginger tea, coconut juice and probiotic drinks. Stay away from carbonated beverages, sugary drinks, teas and coffees. 

When to see a doctor in case of Bali Belly?

Sometimes, it may happen that ‘the runs’ lingers and it becomes increasingly important to get medical advice. Consult a doctor if:

• The abdominal pain is intense. 
• The 💩 has blood, indicative of a more serious condition/infection.
• Diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach aches are persistent and over-the-counter medication aren’t helping. 
• High fever of 39°C (102°F) for more than two days and shows no sign of receding with over-the-counter medication.
• Severe dehydration. Signs include: dark urine, dry mouth and dizziness. 

In any and all cases, consult a medical professional post haste.

How to avoid Bali Belly? 

Prevention is better than cure and while catching the runs is not entirely impossible, travellers to the Island of the Gods can take the following common-sense measures to avoid catching Bali Belly in the first place. 

• Avoid consuming peeled fruits and veggies that are out in the open. This holds true for most street-food stalls and cheap buffets.
• Say no to undercooked meat, they often have salmonella. 
• Do not consume large amounts of uncooked food like sushi, especially if you are unused to it; applies to all seafood. 
• Do not consume unpasteurised dairy products like milk and cheese. 
• Sanitize your hands after touching common surfaces like tables and door knobs. 
• When in Bali, avoid tap water. Consume bottled water from reputable brands instead.

First-time holidaymakers also ask us the following when it comes to tap water:

•  Can you drink the tap water in Bali? Short answer – NO.
• Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water in Bali? No, it is not safe to brush your teeth using tap water. 
• Can I wash my face with tap water in Bali? Yes, you can wash your face using tap water provided you do not have an accidental sip of the same. 
• Is it okay to shower in Bali? Yes, it is okay to shower in Bali using tap water. Warm showers are advised though, as pathogens die as the water gets progressively warm. 

Does Coke help Bali Belly? 

Sadly, drinking Coke and other soft drinks do not help with Bali Belly – they aggravate it. Coke is a mix of carbonated water, sugar and artificial flavours and they work in tandem to worsen the dehydration and stomach pain. #MythBusted

Do you lose weight from Bali Belly? 

Yes, you can lose weight from Bali Belly. Though, most of it is caused due to loss of fluids via vomiting and multiple trips to the dunny. Again, even if it’s common-sense – please do not go looking to contract Bali Belly to lose weight on your holiday. Enjoy your Indonesia getaway responsibly and look up healthy weight-loss strategies. 

How do you flush out Bali Belly? 

To flush out Bali Belly, focus on staying hydrated, consume bland food in small portions and don’t stress out. Find a quiet, cool corner to rest. Take OTC (over-the-counter) medicines and should symptoms persist for more than two days, seek professional medical advice. 

Bali Belly: Having the Right Adventures in Bali, Indonesia

Bali Belly is not a cause for alarm or a reason to delay a trip to Bali. Often, the cases are mild and caused due to change in food, weather and travel induced stress. This is backed by data that suggests despite one in three people catching the Bali Belly, only one in 10 cases of Bali Belly require a medical diagnosis. The easiest way to keep Bali Belly at bay is to stay at properties and dine at eateries that follow health and hygiene guidelines explicitly. And our travel specialists can help you narrow down your search for epic Bali holidays – call us at 1300 991 751!