Why is Bali belly so common at the moment?

It's your body's reaction to unfamiliar pathogens often found in local food and water, resulting from different hygiene standards than many visitors are used to. Most times, bacteria such as E. Coli cause Bali Belly but viruses or protozoans present in untreated water can also trigger this condition.



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If you are still experiencing symptoms after a few days, consider booking an appointment to see a medical professional. Blood or mucus in the diarrhoea, a high fever, and significant abdominal pain can indicate a more serious illness. You should consult a medical professional immediately.

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Your first symptom might be a sudden onset of rumbling stomach, bloating or nausea. Other symptoms can include: Loose or watery stools (diarrhoea) Urgency/frequency in going to the toilet.

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Like many other illnesses, the bacteria that can cause Bali Belly can be passed from person to person. Poor hygiene is a sure way to increase your risk of contracting a stomach bug and can be avoided by: Always washing your hands with sanitiser before eating. Avoiding touching your face with unclean hands.

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This illness can occur at any time during the trip, or even after the person gets home. It is usually a self-limiting condition that clears up after a few days. It is often caused by eating contaminated food or water.

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On average, 30% to 50% of tourists are affected by 'Bali belly' during their vacations. 'Delhi belly', 'Montezuma's revenge', and 'Traveller's diarrhoea' are just some of the other names for similar cases.

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Bland diet is a way to go, options are those easily digested foods. You can eat soup and stews, bananas, potatoes, rice, bone broth or clear soup, apples and applesauce, also white bread. The key is to consume simple carbohydrates, minerals from vegetables, fiber and salt.

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Recommended empirical antibiotics are fluoroquinolones (norfloxacin / ciprofloxacin) or azithromycin for up to 3 days, although in the setting of increasing resistance, the latter is preferred for travellers to South and South-East Asia.

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Most cases of Bali Belly typically occur within the first week of visiting the island and can often last for a couple of days as your stomach adjusts to the foreign bacteria in the food and water.

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While it isn't particularly common, tourists can get Bali belly twice. This is because many different bacteria and viruses are known to cause the ailment, and contracting it once will not make you immune to all of them.

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Coconut Juice: Drinking coconut juice can help replenish electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhea, a common symptom of Bali Belly. Probiotic Drinks: Consuming probiotic drinks, like Yakult, may promote healthy gut bacteria and aid in digestion, potentially alleviating symptoms of Bali Belly.

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Traveler's diarrhea (dysentery, Montezuma's revenge) is usually a self-limiting episode of diarrhea that results from eating food or water that is contaminated with bacteria or viruses. Traveler's diarrhea is most common in developing countries that lack resources to ensure proper waste disposal and water treatment.

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Avoid pre-chopped or packaged fruits that may have been sitting out for too long. Too much spicy food can make your stomach upset and make you more likely to get sick from food. Be cautious of dishes labeled as “extra spicy” or “very hot.”

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Check with your doctor or travel clinic for advice if you aren't sure what you may need to keep your travels safe and healthy.
  • Analgesic (pain relief) medicine such as paracetamol or aspirin.
  • Antihistamine tablets for bites, stings, or allergies.
  • Cold and flu tablets.
  • Cough medicine.
  • Motion sickness tablets.


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