Bali belly is traveller’s diarrhoea caused by consuming contaminated food or water. The highest-risk items include tap water, ice made from untreated water, raw salads, undercooked meat and seafood, unpasteurised juices, buffet foods, and unpeeled fruit. Sticking to bottled water, freshly cooked hot food, and peelable fruits significantly reduces your risk. Getting travel vaccinations such as hepatitis A and typhoid before you go provides an additional layer of protection.
At Vivo Pharmacy, we regularly help travellers prepare for exciting trips abroad, including visits to beautiful destinations like Bali. While Bali is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious food, it is also a place where many visitors experience Bali belly, a common term used to describe traveller’s diarrhoea caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
As a trusted Bristol travel clinic, we provide expert advice and vaccinations to keep you healthy and safe while travelling. If you are heading to Bali, understanding what foods and drinks to avoid can significantly reduce your risk of falling ill. In this guide, we explore the top ten high-risk items and share practical tips to help you enjoy your holiday without discomfort.
1. Tap Water and Untreated Ice
One of the most common causes of Bali belly is drinking untreated tap water. The local water supply may contain bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can cause stomach infections. Even if the water looks clear, it is safest to stick to sealed bottled water or water that has been boiled or properly filtered.
Ice cubes can also be risky because they are often made from untreated water. Always check whether ice has been made from safe, filtered water, or avoid it altogether to reduce the chance of contamination.
2. Raw Salads and Unwashed Vegetables
Fresh salads and raw vegetables may seem like a healthy choice, but they can be washed in contaminated water, making them a common trigger for Bali belly. Lettuce, herbs, and other leafy greens are especially prone to carrying harmful bacteria.
If you want to enjoy vegetables, choose cooked dishes instead. High temperatures kill most germs, making hot, freshly prepared meals the safest option when eating out.
3. Street Food That Is Not Cooked Fresh
Bali’s street food scene is vibrant and tempting, but not all vendors follow the same hygiene standards. Food that has been left sitting out or is reheated multiple times can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you want to enjoy local street food, choose vendors who prepare and cook food fresh in front of you. Look for busy stalls with high turnover, as this usually indicates better food quality and safety.
4. Unpasteurised Juices and Smoothies
Fruit juices and smoothies can be refreshing in Bali’s warm climate, but many are made using unpasteurised ingredients or blended with untreated ice and water. This can increase your risk of consuming harmful bacteria and lead to Bali belly.
To stay safe, choose drinks made from sealed bottled water or buy whole fruit and peel it yourself. Many reputable cafés and restaurants cater to tourists and use safe water, but it is always best to double-check before ordering.
5. Raw or Undercooked Seafood
Bali is famous for its seafood dishes, but eating raw or undercooked seafood significantly raises your risk of food poisoning. Oysters, prawns, and sushi-grade fish may be contaminated if not stored and prepared correctly.
If you want to enjoy seafood, choose restaurants with good hygiene practices and opt for dishes that are thoroughly cooked. Hot grilled fish or prawns are generally safer than raw options.
6. Buffet-Style Foods
Buffets may look appealing, but they often involve food sitting out for long periods at room temperature, which allows bacteria to multiply rapidly. This makes buffets one of the most common sources of Bali belly among travellers.
If you are unsure how long the food has been sitting out, it is safer to choose freshly prepared meals served hot. When possible, opt for smaller local restaurants where dishes are made to order.
7. Dairy Products That Are Not Refrigerated
Milk, cheese, and yoghurt can spoil quickly in hot climates like Bali, especially if they are not stored properly. Consuming dairy products that have been left out of refrigeration can lead to digestive issues and stomach infections.
Stick to pasteurised dairy products from reputable establishments and avoid buying dairy items from street vendors or markets where proper storage may not be guaranteed.
8. Undercooked Meat and Poultry
Undercooked meat and poultry can harbour harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, both of which are common causes of Bali belly. Avoid eating meat that is pink or cold in the middle and make sure it has been cooked all the way through.
Choosing busy, well-reviewed restaurants is a safer option, as these establishments are more likely to follow proper food safety and cooking practices.
9. Tap-Washed Fruit
Fresh fruit can be a healthy choice, but when it has been washed in untreated tap water, it carries the same risks as raw salads and vegetables. Apples, grapes, and other fruits that cannot be peeled are particularly high-risk.
Opt for fruits with thick skins, such as bananas, oranges, or mangoes, and peel them yourself before eating. This reduces the chance of ingesting contaminated water or bacteria.
10. Drinks from Unhygienic Sources
While Bali offers many refreshing drinks, including coconut water and iced teas, you should be cautious when buying from roadside stalls or markets where hygiene may be poor. Drinks served in unclean containers or mixed with untreated water can easily lead to Bali belly.
Stick to bottled drinks from reputable brands and cafés where you can trust their preparation practices. When in doubt, choose sealed beverages to stay safe.
What to Do If You Get Bali Belly
Even the most careful travellers can sometimes fall ill despite their best efforts. Knowing what to do if Bali belly strikes can help you recover more quickly and avoid complications during your trip.
| Symptom | What to Do | When to Seek Medical Help |
|---|---|---|
| Diarrhoea | Stay hydrated with bottled water or oral rehydration salts; rest and avoid solid food initially | If it persists beyond 48 hours or contains blood |
| Nausea and vomiting | Sip small amounts of fluid regularly; avoid rich or spicy food until symptoms pass | If you cannot keep fluids down for more than 12 hours |
| Stomach cramps | Rest; over-the-counter antispasmodics can help relieve discomfort | If pain becomes severe or is accompanied by high fever |
| Fever | Take paracetamol as directed; rest and stay hydrated | If temperature exceeds 38.5°C or does not respond to medication |
| Dehydration signs (dizziness, dry mouth, reduced urination) | Increase fluid intake immediately; use oral rehydration salts | Seek urgent help; dehydration can become serious quickly in hot climates |
It is a good idea to pack a basic travel health kit before you leave, including oral rehydration sachets, an antidiarrhoeal medication such as loperamide for mild cases, and a course of antibiotics if prescribed by your travel health clinician for use in an emergency. Ask our team about what to include during your pre-travel consultation.
Protecting Yourself Before You Travel
Avoiding certain foods and drinks is one of the best ways to prevent Bali belly, but preparing before you travel is just as important. At Vivo Pharmacy, our Bristol travel clinic provides expert advice and vaccinations to help you stay healthy abroad.
For Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia, vaccines such as typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended, as they protect against food- and water-borne illnesses. During your consultation, we review your itinerary, discuss your health needs, and prepare a personalised plan to minimise your risk of illness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bali Belly
How long does Bali belly last?
Most cases of Bali belly resolve within two to four days with rest, good hydration, and dietary adjustments. If symptoms persist beyond 48 to 72 hours, are severe, or include blood in the stool or a high fever, seek medical attention promptly.
Can travel vaccinations prevent Bali belly?
Vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid provide protection against two of the most common food- and water-borne illnesses you may encounter in Bali. They do not protect against every cause of traveller’s diarrhoea, but they significantly reduce your risk of two serious conditions. Combined with safe eating and drinking habits, vaccination is one of the most effective preventative measures available.
Is it safe to eat at restaurants in Bali?
Many restaurants in Bali, particularly those in tourist areas and with good reviews, maintain high hygiene standards. The key is to choose establishments where food is freshly prepared and served hot, check that drinking water is from a sealed bottle, and avoid anything that has been sitting out at room temperature for an extended period.
Should I brush my teeth with tap water in Bali?
No. It is advisable to use bottled or filtered water even for brushing your teeth in Bali, as tap water can still introduce bacteria into your system via the mouth. This is a commonly overlooked source of contamination for travellers.
When should I book my travel health consultation before going to Bali?
We recommend booking your travel health consultation at least six to eight weeks before departure. This allows enough time for all recommended vaccines to be administered and take full effect before you travel. If you are departing sooner, contact us as soon as possible as we can often still help even at short notice.
Book Your Travel Health Consultation Today
Bali is an incredible destination, but preventing Bali belly is key to making the most of your holiday. By avoiding high-risk foods and drinks, practising good hygiene, and getting the right travel health advice before you go, you can enjoy your trip with confidence.
Contact us to book your consultation today at Vivo Pharmacy’s Bristol travel clinic and let our team help you prepare for safe and healthy travels. With the right support, you can reduce your risk of illness and make the most of your time in Bali.
