How to Get Over Bali Belly

If you’re visiting Bali for surfing, sun and salty waves, but end up with Bali belly… don't stress.

Bali belly hits newbie and experienced travelers alike. And while it can be uncomfortable, it's generally not a cause for major concern.

Besides, we know how you can bounce back fast.

After guiding hundreds of travelers here at Kala Surf Camp, we've seen how Bali belly strikes and how people beat it.

Here’s your guide to understand it, treat it, prevent it and get back in the water.

What is Bali Belly?

Bali belly is a kind of traveler's diarrhea from consuming contaminated food or contaminated water.

The culprits are harmful bacteria, parasites or viruses. Often from undercooked meat, raw foods, green leafy vegetables washed in unsafe water or food handlers in developing countries who don’t follow good hygiene practices when preparing food.

You might hear it called “Delhi belly” in India or "Montezuma's Revenge" in Mexico. in other places. But in Bali, similar risks apply.

Ultimately, it messes with your digestive system, causes stomach bugs and can knock you out of action for a few days.

Symptoms of Bali Belly

Here’s what to watch out for if you get Bali belly:

• Abdominal pain or stomach cramps
• Loose or watery stools (traveller’s diarrhoea)
• Nausea and maybe (but rarely) vomiting
• Mild fever or chills
• Bloating or upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling weak or dehydrated

Usually symptoms start within 1 to 3 days after eating contaminated food or drinking unsafe water. Sometimes later if parasites are involved.

Is Bali Belly contagious?

Yes… in certain ways.

If it’s caused by bacterial infections or a virus, it can spread via an infected person through poor hygiene, shared utensils or food. If food handlers are sick or surfaces or the water supply are contaminated, someone else can catch it.

Good personal hygiene practices are your defence.

Wash hands when handling food. Avoid touching shared things without cleaning. Use alcohol based hand sanitiser when water or soap aren’t available.

How long does it last?

Most people get over Bali belly in a few days. 24 to 72 hours if it’s mild. Maybe up to 4 to 7 days if it’s worse or involves parasites.

If you see bloody stools, have high fever, can’t keep fluids down or symptoms last more than a week, we will suggest that you seek out medical help.

A stool sample might be needed to find exactly what’s wrong, but only in the most severe cases is this necessary.

How to treat Bali Belly

Rehydrate and replace lost salts

Drink bottled water only. Boil tap water if that's your only option.

Use electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration salts to replace lost salts and fluids. Dehydration is the thing that can turn mild illness into serious trouble.

Don't let yourself get thirsty! Remember to add hydration packs to your first-time Bali packing list before you visit.

Eat bland foods

Eat simple bland foods like rice, bananas, toast or plain boiled potatoes. Familiar foods that are also easy to digest.

Avoid spicy foods, dairy products or anything greasy that can worsen symptoms. Skip raw foods, undercooked foods or green leafy vegetables unless you know they’ve been washed or cooked in safe water.

Better yet, stick to our favourite warungs or restaurants in Uluwatu. We can vouch for them!

Over the counter medications

You’ll find meds in local pharmacies. Anti-diarrhoea medicines like loperamide can help if there’s no fever or blood in stool.

Anti-nausea meds help settle your stomach. Charcoal tablets or probiotics might help restore gut health. You'll find charcoal tablets in nearly every pharmacy/chemist or apotek in Indonesia.

Natural remedies

Ginger tea, plain yoghurt with live cultures, activated charcoal. Maybe a little apple cider vinegar in water (some travelers swear by them but we'll stick to more proven remedies). They don’t replace medical treatment when needed but can ease symptoms.

Rest and let your immune system do its work

Sleep. Chill. Avoid surfing and any strenuous activity. Your immune system needs energy to fight off harmful bacteria or parasites. Rest helps you recover faster.

How to prevent Bali Belly

Want to avoid Bali belly? Of course you do. Here are what Kala Surf guests and staff recommend:

• Drink bottled water always. Don’t use tap water unless you boil it
• Avoid ice cubes unless you’re sure they’re made from safe water (look for ice with a hole in the center. This indicates government certification and use of filtered water)
• Eat hot food that’s freshly prepared. Avoid food buffets or street vendors with questionable hygiene
• Avoid undercooked meat and dairy products that might be unpasteurised
• Be careful with raw foods and green leafy vegetables unless well washed and prepared safely
• Use good hygiene. Wash hands often. Use alcohol based hand sanitiser
• Pick places with high hygiene standards. Look for clean kitchens and food handlers
• Travel insurance is useful… especially if you get serious illness needing clinic visits or tests like stool sample

FAQs

Q. Can you get Bali belly from street food?

Yes. Street vendors are awesome for flavour… but the risk rises if food isn’t cooked hot, stays out too long or handling is sloppy. Always choose busy stalls. See food being cooked fresh. Ask questions if unsure.

Q. Can kids or infants catch Bali belly easily?

Absolutely. Young immune systems are more vulnerable. If using formula milk, use boiled or bottled water. Keep high risk foods out until they’ve got stronger gut health.

Q. Is Bali belly just food poisoning?

They overlap. Food poisoning is part of it. Eating contaminated food often leads to both. But Bali belly could also come from parasites or viruses… not just bacteria or toxins.

Q. Can I take something before travel to prevent Bali belly?

Some travellers take probiotics to boost gut health beforehand. In certain regions doctors may recommend an oral cholera vaccine or other preventative meds. Always check with a travel clinic. Your best prevention is proper hygiene and vigilance.

Q. Is travel insurance helpful?

Yes. If things get serious. Severe dehydration, bloody stools, needing hospital or lab tests (like stool sample). In these cases, insurance can save you big. At Kala Surf we always remind guests to check their coverage.

Final thoughts

The dreaded Bali belly doesn’t have to kill your waves, your vibe or your holiday.

If you get it, talk to our team and we'll help you treat it fast. Hydrate with bottled water or boiled water. Rest. Stick to bland foods and mild meds where needed.

The best cure is prevention and the best prevention is as above. Eat hot food. Avoid raw foods. Avoid dairy foods that might be unsafe. Use good hygiene. Drink bottled water and never tap when not boiled.

Here at Kala Surf we look after food safety closely. Our kitchens follow high hygiene standards. Our staff are trained so guests stay healthy. There’s nothing worse than sitting out when the surf’s calling.

Here’s hoping your next Bali holiday is full of waves, laughter and zero Bali belly.