Bali is a paradise for travellers. However, sometimes paradise can take a turn for the worse with a case of Bali Belly, also known as Traveller's Diarrhoea. Caused by consuming contaminated food or water, Bali Belly is unfortunately fairly common among visitors to the island who are unaware of the necessary precautions. This guide will equip you with the knowledge of preventative measures, where to go for treatment if you fall ill, how much it may cost, and how to tell if the medical practitioner you're relying on is reputable.
Understanding Bali Belly
Bali Belly typically involves stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. It’s usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites in food or water. Poor hygiene practices in food preparation are the major culprits.
Preventative Measures
Salad: It’s best to steer clear of salad as it is often washed in tap water and not filtered water, possibly making it home to some nasty “bugs”.
Street Food: Walking past a street vendor, it's hard to deny yourself the delicious scent of food taking over your common sense, not to mention the cheap prices being a huge draw. However, assess the hygiene of the stall before partaking. Street vendors may not adhere to the same hygiene standards as established restaurants. If you choose to eat street food, make sure it is freshly cooked and hot.
Tap Water: Don’t brush your teeth with tap water. Due to improper waste management, the water often contains bacteria such as E. coli and parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Additionally, keep your mouth shut while showering.
Common Misconceptions
Ice: A common misconception is that ice is often contaminated. This is rarely the case, as it is illegal in Bali to serve unfiltered ice. If your ice does not have a hole in the middle of the cubes, it may not be filtered. In that case, give it a skip.
Rice: Rice is another food to avoid, which most likely contradicts what you have learned before. Many people believe that because it is “plain” food, it is safe for consumption. However, like salad, it is often cooked in tap water.
*Top Tip: Always check reviews. Even if the restaurant looks clean and welcoming, choose restaurants where food turnover is high, ensuring fresher ingredients.
What to Do if You Get Bali Belly
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is the biggest concern with Bali Belly. Rehydrate with bottled water and electrolytes. Fresh coconut water and Pocari Sweat are your best choices. You can also consider Hydralyte, a powder sachet you can add to your water to increase your electrolytes further.
IV Therapy: If symptoms persist, IV Therapy is a great option. Clinics offer "Bali Belly Rescue" IVs that promise faster rehydration and symptom relief. Medical professionals can even come to your hotel/villa to administer the drip, which contains a mix of fluids, vitamins, and anti-nausea medications.
Be Careful Of:
Unlicensed providers: Ensure the clinic has licensed medical professionals administering the IV.
Overpromising: IV drips are not a cure-all.
Unnecessary add-ons: Some clinics may push additional expensive vitamins or medications.
Clinic reviews: Check online reviews from past patients and whether they have a solid internet presence.
Transparency: Does the clinic clearly explain the ingredients and benefits of the IV?
Prices can be expensive, usually starting from 2,000,000 IDR (183 AUD, 97 GBP, 144 Euro). For more up-to-date prices and to see what other travellers have paid for IV Therapy in your area, you can download Tengah, the only travel app that ensures you always pay a fair price for goods and services based on the average prices other travellers have paid before you. The app includes pictures and descriptions of the exact item/service you’re interested in within your surrounding location—right down to a 1 km radius. It also shows your conversion to your home currency. Download Tengah on Google Play and App Store.
As the medical clinics are predominantly private medical centres, travel insurance won't cover IV expenses. However, if your symptoms worsen and a trip to the hospital is needed (in very rare cases), travel insurance is imperative, or else you could incur thousands of dollars in costs.
There are many Reputable Medical Centres in Bali, particularly in tourist areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud, that offer IV therapy. Look for clinics with English-speaking doctors and check Google reviews. Here are a few recommended medical clinics (excluding hospitals):
By following these tips, you'll be prepared to handle a case of Bali Belly and get back to enjoying your vacation in no time. Remember, prioritize staying hydrated and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. With a little caution and planning, you can ensure your Bali trip stays amazing.
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