Any trip to South East Asia can come with its fair share of tummy bugs and Bali is no exception. Staying healthy is easy with a few simple precautions - so you can enjoy your holiday instead of reaching for the charcoal tablets.
Here is a simple guide to avoiding Bali belly on your next trip:
- Two weeks before your trip start taking Travelan, a natural travel probiotic. It sets you up with a healthy tum before you even land.
- Water is the main cause of most of the nasties. Save the tap water for showering only. Use bottled water as much as possible – especially when washing fruit/ vegetables and brushing your teeth. Most hotels use bought ice – but smaller warungs may not. Just ask.
- The ‘tidak plastic’ (no plastic) movement means you will be sipping drinks from bamboo straws. A lot of places reuse them to cut costs which means they can harbour all sorts of nasties. Carry your own or ask for paper straws.
- Wash your hands, carry hand sanitiser or wipes. Not all bathrooms have soap.
- Only eat raw, peeled fruit, salads and vegetables from busy eateries that use spring water.
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They eat a lot of ayam (chicken) on the island – order it well cooked to temperature.
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Make sure your seafood is cooked or you saw it come out of the ocean.
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When eating street food just follow the traveller’s golden rule: if it’s crowded and the locals are clambering to eat there – it will be fresh, safe and super delicious.
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Refrigeration on the island can be on and off so avoid dairy.
What to do if you do get Bali belly:
The good news is 90% of cases resolve within a week.
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Do what the locals do. Drink fresh coconut water with a squeeze of lime. Sip on a ginger and turmeric tea with honey and coconut oil. Peppermint and ginger will stop the nausea.
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Take charcoal tablets, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and spicy foods.
If your symptoms persist seek medical attention:
TOYA MEDIKA CLINIC - UBUD
Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Bali
Phone : +62 361 978078, 4792023
Email: toyamedika@yahoo.com
BIMC BIMC HOSPITAL KUTA
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No 100X, Kuta 80361, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: (+62 361) 761 263 / 3003 911
Fax: (+62 361) 764 345
Email : info@bimcbali.com
BIMC SILOAM NUSA DUA
Kawasan ITDC Blok D, Nusa Dua 80363, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: (+62 361) 3000 911
Fax: (+62 361) 3001 150
Email : nusadua@bimcbali.com
Written By Fotini E Douglas
