Bali Belly is a term used to describe a common travelers illness in Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is essentially a type of food poisoning or gastroenteritis caused by consuming contaminated food or water. You can contract Bali Belly particularly in areas where sanitation and hygiene standards may be lower. This can happen when eating at local street food stalls, drinking untreated water, or consuming raw or undercooked meat, seafood, or dairy products. Try to avoid travelers misery in Bali with a few precautions mentioned below.
Take the Following Precautions to Avoid Travelers Misery in Bali
When on vacation in Bali, nobody wants to experience stomach problems. But even the best-laid intentions can be derailed by travel sickness, which can afflict anyone visiting the island nation. Travelers diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomachaches are all symptoms of Bali Belly, which might make you feel too ill to enjoy your vacation. By concentrating on maintaining good personal cleanliness and choosing safe food and drink options, you can prevent and avoid travelers misery in Bali:
- Drink bottled water only and avoid adding ice to your drinks, as it may be made from tap water.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked food – meats, seafood, and dairy products.
- Stick to freshly cooked, hot meals and avoid food that has been sitting out for a long time.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or handling food.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Be cautious of salads or unpeeled fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water.
- Consider taking probiotics or digestive enzymes before and during your trip to help support your digestive system.
- If you do contract Bali Belly, it is important to stay hydrated, rest, and avoid consuming alcohol or spicy foods until you have fully recovered. In severe cases, or if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.
Bali Belly Symptoms
- It may take two to five hours following contamination for symptoms to manifest.
- Bloating, nausea, or a rumbling stomach could be the initial signs.
- Diarrhoea (watery or loose stools).
- The urgency or regularity of bathroom visits.
- Bloating, discomfort, and cramping in the abdomen.
- Mild temperature or fever.
- Overall sluggishness or unease.
- Decline in appetite.
Remedies For Bali Belly
- Probiotics – alleviate the symptoms, and can help restore the bacteria balance in your tummy. Also probiotic-rich foods like yogurt.
- Activated charcoal tablets – for nausea.
- Dehydration – drinks like Gatorade or Pocari Sweat (Bali)
- Rehydration – plenty of water, and stick to a bland diet (avoid oily and spicy food, dairy products, and alcohol.
- Imodium – for diarrhoea. Contact a Bali Clinic if your condition deteriorates.
- Coconut water – easy to find throughout Bali and can help soothe your upset stomach.
- Antibiotics – when symptoms persist, to be taken only when prescribed by a doctor
- Pain & Fever – Panadol and Nurofen is common pain relief medication.
- Bali traditional healing practices – local remedies for soothing relief like herbal teas (ginger or lemongrass), are believed to have soothing properties. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can also help restore the balance of gut bacteria.
Bali, The Tourist Paradise in Indonesia
Out of all the Indonesian islands, Bali is the most popular destination for tourists. This little island provides a magical combination of vibrant culture, vibrant nightlife, friendly residents, beautiful landscape, and an abundance of things to do. Not to mention the exquisite cuisine, opulent accommodations, and wonderful tropical weather. Bali is often ranked among the world’s most popular tourist destinations. These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that draw visitors to Bali each year:
- Tanah Lot Temple: This iconic temple is perched on a rock formation in the sea, offering breathtaking views and stunning sunsets.
- Ubud: Known as the cultural hub of Bali, is home to art galleries, traditional Balinese dance performances, and the famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: These stunning terraced rice fields are a popular spot for taking photos and experiencing the beauty of Bali’s natural landscape.
- Uluwatu Temple: This cliffside temple offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and is famous for its traditional Kecak dance performances at sunset.
- Kuta Beach: Bali’s most famous beach, Kuta is known for its vibrant nightlife, surf schools, and beachfront bars and restaurants.
- Seminyak: This upscale beach resort area is known for its luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and trendy beach clubs.
- Mount Batur: A popular attraction for hikers, Mount Batur offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the chance to see a volcano up close.
Although there is always a chance of contracting traveler’s diarrhoea, this shouldn’t stop you from visiting this amazing island. You can reduce the risk by being well-informed, maintaining proper cleanliness, and implementing preventative measures. If symptoms do appear, prompt and effective treatment can help you recover quickly to ensure your trip to Bali stays a treasured memory.
