For many travellers, a holiday to Southeast Asia is a dream come true, offering beautiful beaches, rich culture and unforgettable experiences. But there’s one part of the experience you won’t find advertised in any travel brochure: Bali belly. The phrase has become synonymous with stomach troubles in Indonesia, but it’s important to understand what it really means and how to protect yourself wherever you go.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we help hundreds of travellers prepare for trips to Bali and beyond. Whether you’re planning a gap year, honeymoon or adventure holiday, knowing the facts about Bali belly (and how to prevent it) is essential to keeping your trip on track.

What is Bali Belly?

Despite its tropical nickname, Bali belly isn’t a unique illness. It’s a common form of travellers’ diarrhoea caused by consuming contaminated food or water. While some people assume it’s just standard food poisoning, the causes can be more varied and persistent, ranging from bacterial infections like E. coli to viral or parasitic sources such as norovirus or giardia.

Symptoms typically include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and bloating. These can begin a few hours to a few days after arriving in your destination and often last between 24 and 72 hours, though some cases can linger longer, particularly if left untreated.

Can I Only Get Bali Belly in Bali?

Absolutely not. The term “Bali belly” is simply a colloquial name for travellers’ diarrhoea specific to that region, much like “Delhi belly” in India or “Montezuma’s revenge” in Mexico. You can experience the same illness anywhere in the world where hygiene standards, water quality or food preparation practices differ significantly from what your body is used to.

Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and even parts of Southern Europe are all common places where travellers can pick up gastrointestinal infections, especially when eating street food, drinking untreated water or using ice made from tap water. It can also be spread through poor hand hygiene, making proper sanitation just as important as food safety.

What Causes It?

The most common culprits behind Bali belly include:

• Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter are frequent offenders and usually found in undercooked meat, unwashed produce or contaminated water.

• Viruses: Norovirus and rotavirus can spread easily in crowded hostels, cruise ships or airports.

• Parasites: Giardia and amoebas can cause more prolonged symptoms and are typically contracted through untreated water sources.

Some travellers are more susceptible than others, including those with weakened immune systems, children, and people with chronic gastrointestinal issues.

Preventing Bali Belly Before You Fly

While there’s no vaccine specifically for Bali belly, several recommended travel vaccines can help protect against the most serious causes of gastrointestinal illness abroad. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we offer the following:

• Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food and water.

• Typhoid: Often contracted from unsafe street food or drinks.

• Cholera: Though less common, it’s recommended in certain rural areas or for long-term travel.

During your travel consultation, we’ll assess your personal risk based on your itinerary, accommodation type and general health. We also provide health advice tailored to your trip, helping you prepare safely and confidently.

What to Do If You Get Bali Belly While Travelling

Mild cases of travellers’ diarrhoea will often resolve on their own with rest and hydration, but severe cases can lead to dehydration and weakness, especially dangerous in hot climates. That’s why we recommend packing a travel first aid kit with essential medication, including:

• Rehydration salts to replace lost fluids and electrolytes

• Anti-diarrhoeal tablets (like loperamide) for short-term symptom relief

• Travel antibiotics if clinically appropriate for your destination

• Anti-nausea medication to help manage vomiting

• Hand sanitiser and hygiene wipes to limit further contamination

In many rural or remote areas, healthcare access can be limited, and pharmacies may not stock trusted brands or English-labelled medications. That’s why getting the right supplies before departure is so important.

We can also provide written advice on how to safely take your medication while abroad, including how to store it in hot weather and what to do if symptoms worsen or return.

How We Can Help

Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic offers more than just vaccines and tablets. We provide professional travel health support before, during and after your trip. Our consultations are led by experienced clinicians who understand the real risks you might face abroad and know how to protect you against them.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or as part of a family group, we’ll take the time to walk through your itinerary and recommend what you need, no guesswork, no unnecessary extras.

We also supply bespoke travel health packs, including medications, hygiene essentials, and advice cards so you’re never caught out. With quick appointment availability, you can get protected even if you’ve left things a little late. Contact us to find out more.

Don’t Let Bali Belly Ruin Your Adventure

So, what is Bali belly? It’s a term that’s entered the traveller’s vocabulary, but it’s not something you have to accept as part of the experience. With the right vaccines, tailored advice and a well-prepared travel kit, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of searching for a toilet or a doctor.

Book your travel consultation with Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic today, and let’s make sure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.