The Bali Bible | How To Avoid The Bali Belly Blues

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's a simple guide to avoiding the dreaded 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 pre-bought ice – but smaller warungs may not. Just ask.
The ‘tidak plastic’ (no plastic) movement means you'll 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.
They eat a lot of ayam (chicken) on the island – order it well cooked to temperature.
Make sure your seafood is cooked, or you saw it come out of the ocean.
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 usually be fresh, safe and super delicious.
Refrigeration on the island can be on and off so to be extra safe, avoid dairy.

What to do if you do get Bali belly:

The good news is 90% of cases resolve within a week – but to help speed up the recovery process...

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.
Take charcoal tablets, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and spicy foods.
If oral rehydration is not staying down, or it is but the dehydration signs are still there, intravenous (IV) rehydration is a solid option.

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