Bali Excursions

Alright, let’s just get right into it—what’s Bali belly? If you’ve been googling that at 2 a.m. from your Canggu hostel toilet, sweating bullets and regretting that fish curry from the warung down the street… yup, you’re in the club. Bali belly is basically traveler’s diarrhea that hits when your stomach meets bacteria it’s never had to fight before. It’s not exclusive to Bali, of course, but the name stuck because, well, a lot of folks come here, eat and drink things their gut ain’t ready for, and then boom—nature calls. Loudly. Repeatedly. And usually with a side of nausea and cramps that make you question all your life choices.

Now, technically, it can be caused by bacteria like E. coli or salmonella, or even viruses or parasites in some cases. But more often than not, it’s from food or water that hasn’t been handled, cooked, or stored properly. Add the tropical climate (read: hot and humid and perfect for bacterial parties), and you’ve got a lovely little stomach rebellion brewing.

Personally? I’ve had it three times. Once from a dodgy ice cube in a fruit juice in Ubud. Once from a roadside nasi campur that tasted amazing but clearly had been sitting out way too long. And once—I kid you not—from brushing my teeth with tap water when I was half asleep. Rookie move.

Read also: Weather in Bali in February

So yeah, it’s real, it’s miserable, and it can totally ruin a day (or three) of your trip. But don’t freak out—once you know what causes it and how to deal with it, you’re in a much better spot to dodge it or at least bounce back quicker.

Common Symptoms of Bali Belly (So You Don’t Mistake It for Food Poisoning or Dengue)

Alright, so how do you know it’s Bali belly and not just that you went too hard on sambal the night before?

Here’s what usually comes with it:

• Diarrhea (like, watery and frequent)
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Mild fever or chills
• Fatigue (because your body is working overtime to flush stuff out)
• Headaches or lightheadedness, especially if you’re dehydrated

Here’s the thing—Bali belly isn’t usually dangerous, just really uncomfortable. But if it lasts more than 48 hours or you see blood in your stool, that’s when you wanna get to a clinic. Dengue fever and typhoid can look kinda similar in the early stages, so don’t self-diagnose like a hero. When in doubt, let an actual doctor figure it out.

How Long Does Bali Belly Last? (Spoiler: It Feels Longer Than It Is)

Most cases of Bali belly last somewhere between 1 to 3 days. But lemme tell you, those days? They feel like forever when you’re camped out near a toilet, hugging a water bottle and praying for mercy.

Some folks bounce back in 24 hours with rest and hydration. Others take a solid four or five days to feel fully normal again, especially if they didn’t take anything to help move things along. I once thought I was better after two days, only to get smacked with a surprise wave of stomach drama on day four. So take your time. Seriously.

What Causes Bali Belly? (AKA: What to Watch Out for Before You Order That Smoothie)

So yeah, the causes are mostly food and water that carry unfamiliar bacteria. But it’s the how that gets you, especially when everything looks clean or smells delicious.

Let’s break it down:

• Contaminated Water: Tap water’s not safe to drink in Bali. That includes using it to brush your teeth or rinse fruit. Always go bottled, filtered, or boiled.
• Ice Cubes: Most tourist-friendly spots use purified ice (cylindrical shape with a hole in the middle is the safe one), but street vendors might not. Ask, or just skip it.
• Raw or Undercooked Food: Sushi, rare steak, and undercooked eggs are all high risk. Same goes for salads unless you know the veggies were washed in safe water.
• Buffet Food: Stuff that’s been sitting out too long is a no-go. Heat kills bacteria, but once it cools and sits, it becomes a bacteria playground.
• Unwashed Hands (Theirs or Yours): This one’s sneaky. If a vendor isn’t washing their hands properly, bacteria can end up in your food. Same goes for you before you dive into that banana leaf wrap with your fingers.

A lot of people get caught out on Day 1 or 2, just because everything smells so damn good and the excitement overrides the caution. Been there, done that. Paid the price. Multiple times.

My Experience Getting Bali Belly (and What I Wished I Knew Sooner)

Alright, story time. The first time I got Bali belly was my second day in Ubud. I was riding high on my “I’m basically a local now” ego trip, scarfing down street food like a champ. I ended up eating this incredible-looking mie goreng from a night market. Tasted amazing. But like an idiot, I ignored the fact that it had been sitting under a heat lamp for who-knows-how-long and had actual flies doing laps on the glass.

Twelve hours later, I was sweating buckets in a fan-only guesthouse bathroom, hugging the toilet bowl like it owed me money. I couldn’t even keep water down for a while. Ended up dragging myself to a nearby clinic, where they gave me electrolytes and anti-nausea meds. Honestly, should’ve gone sooner. I thought I could “tough it out.” Bad move.

Now I carry a mini travel health kit with me everywhere in Southeast Asia. Oral rehydration salts, charcoal tablets, probiotics, and Imodium (only for long trips where I literally can’t afford to be sick on a plane). It sounds like overkill until you’re the one curled up on the floor whispering “never again” like a war survivor.

How to Prevent Bali Belly (Without Becoming a Total Germaphobe)

I’m not saying you need to walk around with gloves and a face mask (although some folks do), but a little awareness goes a long way. Here’s what I do now—and trust me, I learned the hard way.

Filtered Water Only: Even for brushing your teeth. No exceptions. Most hotels and villas have refillable gallons—use those.
Watch the Ice: Cylindrical with a hole in the middle = safe. Anything else? Don’t risk it unless you’re sure it’s purified.
Eat Where It’s Busy: High turnover = fresher food. If a warung is packed with locals or travelers, it’s usually a safer bet than a sad, empty place with flies and a sleepy cook.
Hand Sanitizer = Your BFF: Before every meal. After every bathroom trip. Especially when there’s no soap in the public toilets (which happens a lot).
Be Careful With Salads and Fresh Fruit: Only eat raw veggies if you’re sure they’ve been washed in clean water. Peeled fruits are safest—bananas, mangoes, papayas, etc.
Skip Buffets Unless It’s Fancy Hotel Quality: If the food’s been sitting there for more than an hour in the heat… nope. Hard pass.
Ease In to Local Food: Your gut needs a minute to adjust. Don’t go full spice level 10 on day one. Start light and work your way up.

What to Do If You Get Bali Belly (Besides Cry and Regret Everything)

If the stomach gods do come for you, here’s what you should do:

• Hydrate Like It’s Your Job: The number one thing is fluids. Coconut water is great, bottled water with electrolytes is even better. I use ORS packets (oral rehydration salts) whenever I feel even a little off.
• Skip the Dairy: It messes with your stomach more when you’re already fragile. Even if you think that yogurt will help with probiotics, now’s not the time.
• Stick to the BRAT Diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. Boring, but easy on your belly.
• Take It Easy: Don’t force yourself to keep touring. One full rest day now beats three bad ones later.
• Use Anti-Diarrhea Meds Wisely: Only if you absolutely have to travel or can’t access a toilet. Otherwise, let your body flush it out naturally.
• See a Doctor If It’s Not Improving: There are great clinics in Bali, especially in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud. Most staff speak English and they’re used to this stuff.

I’ve also tried activated charcoal, which some people swear by. Mixed results for me, but it’s worth having on hand just in case. And if you’re into natural stuff—young coconut water (the green ones) helps rehydrate, and boiled ginger tea can calm nausea. Old school, but it works.

Is Bali Belly Contagious? Kinda, But Not Like You Think

So technically, yeah, you can pass the bacteria to someone else—usually through poor hygiene. If you’re not washing your hands after bathroom visits and then touching shared stuff (utensils, water bottles, etc.), the germs can spread. It’s not airborne or anything, but definitely something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with a partner or kids.

And yeah, I was that guy once. My girlfriend got sick after I didn’t wash my hands properly. She still brings it up whenever we’re arguing about who should do the dishes.

Moral of the story: wash your dang hands. Every time.

Can You Still Eat Street Food in Bali Without Getting Sick? YES – Here’s How

Okay, real talk: street food is one of the best parts of traveling in Bali. Don’t skip it just because you’re scared. You just gotta be smart about it.

I eat street food all the time and haven’t gotten sick in over a year, and I’ve been living in Bali most of that time. What changed?

• I only go to stalls that are busy, especially with locals.
• I avoid anything that’s been sitting out (buffets, unrefrigerated meats).
• I watch how they prep the food—are they handling money and food with the same hands? Nope, moving on.
• I avoid raw veggies and anything with mayonnaise or cream unless I’m 100% confident in the vendor.
• I eat earlier in the day when food is freshly cooked.

So yes, eat that satay from the cart down the alley. Try the bakso and the martabak. Just do it with a little caution and your gut will thank you.

Extra Stuff That’ll Make Your Life Easier If You Catch Bali Belly

Look, what’s Bali belly? It’s the thing no one wants to deal with, but nearly everyone does at some point if they’re not careful. And the thing is, it’s not a dealbreaker. It’s manageable. Annoying, sure—but not the end of the world.

If you treat your stomach kindly, stay clean, and listen to your body, you’ll avoid most of the worst parts. And if you do get sick? Rest, hydrate, and let your body bounce back.

Bali is 100% worth it—even with a bit of stomach drama. Just don’t brush your teeth with tap water, okay?