Bali belly is a well-known name for traveller's diarrhoea: stomach trouble caused by unfamiliar bacteria in water or food. Usually harmless and over within a few days, but a nuisance. Below is how to prevent it and what to do. This is general information, not medical advice — if in doubt or with serious symptoms, consult a doctor.
How do you prevent Bali belly?
- Drink only bottled or filtered water — never tap water. Use bottled water to rinse your toothbrush too, and try not to swallow water in the shower.
- You don't need to fear the ice. The standard ice in Bali is factory-made "tube ice" (the cylindrical cubes with a hole through the middle), produced from treated water under government hygiene rules and used by virtually every café, restaurant and bar — so a cold drink with ice is fine in normal venues. Only be a little wary of rough, cloudy, hand-crushed ice at the most basic roadside stalls.
- Eat fresh, well-cooked food served hot; skip buffets that have sat out and lukewarm reheated dishes. A busy warung with high turnover is usually a good sign — the food doesn't sit around.
- Peel fruit yourself and wash your hands (or use hand gel) before eating.
- Ease into very spicy or street food gently if your stomach is sensitive, and consider taking probiotics in the days before and during your trip if you're prone to stomach trouble.
None of this means you have to eat nervously — Bali's food scene is one of the best in Asia, and most visitors are perfectly fine. These habits simply tilt the odds in your favour.
Spotting it: the symptoms
Typical complaints are diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes a mild fever. It usually starts suddenly and lasts 1 to 3 days. Watch out for the warning signs (see below) that can point to something more serious.
What to do if you have it
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty (bottled water) and use ORS / electrolytes (available at any pharmacy/apotek).
- Rest and eat lightly (rice, bananas, toast) until it settles.
- A medicine like loperamide (Imodium) slows the diarrhoea for, say, a travel day, but use it sparingly and not with a high fever or blood in the stool.
- Most cases clear up on their own within a few days.
When to see a doctor?
Seek medical help with blood or mucus in the stool, a high fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, symptoms lasting more than 2–3 days, or signs of dehydration (passing little urine, dizziness). Also consult a doctor sooner for young children, the elderly or pregnant women. See our guide to medical care in Bali.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bali belly?
Bali belly is the nickname for traveller's diarrhoea in Bali: stomach trouble and diarrhoea caused by unfamiliar bacteria in water or food. Usually harmless and over within a few days.
How do you prevent Bali belly?
Drink only bottled water (also for rinsing your toothbrush), eat fresh, well-cooked food, peel fruit yourself and keep good hand hygiene. Ice is generally safe: Bali's standard factory-made tube ice is produced from treated water under hygiene rules, so you don't need to avoid it in normal cafés and restaurants.
How long does Bali belly last?
Usually 1 to 3 days. If the symptoms last longer, or there are warning signs such as blood or a high fever, consult a doctor.
What helps against Bali belly?
Drinking plenty with ORS/electrolytes, rest and light food. Loperamide can slow the diarrhoea, but not with a high fever or blood in the stool.
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