Medically Reviewed by Dr Davinder Nagah
Last updated on 17.03.2026
Bali Belly Treatment- a doctor’s guide.
Bali Belly is a common form of traveller’s diarrhoea that affects thousands of Australians visiting Bali each year. It’s usually caused by contaminated food or water and can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and dehydration. The good news is that most cases can be treated quickly (often within 24 to 72 hours) with the right approach.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to treat Bali Belly fast
- The most effective medication options
- Common symptoms to watch for
- When to see a GP or online doctor (in Bali or Australia)
How to Treat Bali Belly Fast
If you want to get rid of Bali Belly quickly, focus on these four steps:
1. Rehydrate Immediately
The biggest risk with Bali Belly is dehydration. Drink bottled or filtered water only. Use oral rehydration salts (ORS), such as Hydralyte. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks. If you can’t keep fluids down, you may need medical treatment.
2. Rest Your Gut
Give your digestive system time to recover:
- Start with bland foods (rice, toast, bananas)
- Avoid fatty, spicy or dairy-heavy meals
3. Use Medication if required
Medication can help control symptoms and speed recovery. This may include “over the counter” anti-diarrhoeal medication (e.g. loperamide). Electrolyte solutions such as Hydralyte are key to staying hydrated. Sometimes anti-nausea medication can be used. Antibiotics are only needed in certain cases and should be prescribed by a doctor.
4. Monitor Symptoms
Most people improve within 1–3 days. If symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical advice. Worrying symptoms that mean you should seek urgent medical attention include: dizziness, confusion, passing little or no urine (or very dark urine), bloody diarrhoea, or high fevers that are not settling.
Symptoms of Bali Belly
The most common Bali Belly symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Bloating
Symptoms can start suddenly and range from mild to severe and tend to last 1-5 days. In around 10% of people, it can last more than 2 weeks.
How can you avoid Bali Belly?
There are a few tips that may help you avoid getting Bali Belly.
- Make sure all meat and seafood is thoroughly cooked (not raw or rare)
- Avoid the following foods while travelling:
- Sushi
- Unpasteurised dairy products milk/cheese/ice cream
- Raw and peeled fruit and vegetables
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach or lettuce
- Sauces or mayonnaise
- Street vendor food
- Buffet food
- Food that was hot but has been left to cool
- Water:
- Don’t drink tap water
- Don’t use tap water to brush your teeth
- Don’t use ice made from tap water (though the government-issued ice is fine)
- Drink bottled water – carbonated is best
- If you wish to drink tap water, you must boil it continuously for more than 5 minutes first
- Water filters and chemical treatments are unreliable
- Hygiene:
- Wash your hands after using the toilet
- Wash, then completely dry your hands before preparing or eating food
- Using alcohol hand sanitiser gel if you are unable to wash your hands
- Medications:
- Speak to a doctor or pharmacist BEFORE your trip to get advice on which medications to bring on your trip.
- Swimming:
- Avoid getting water in your mouth when swimming in pools or in the sea
- Don’t swim if you have any open cuts or grazes
- Don’t swim if you have Bali belly (as you may spread the illness)
- Don’t swim in pools that look cloudy
- Children
- Don’t allow them to crawl around
- Wash, then dry their hands before they put them in their mouths
- Follow the water precautions described above when making up formula milk
- Other measures
- It’s possible that taking probiotics (usually marketed as yoghurts, drinks or tablets) reduces the chances of getting Bali belly
- Getting the cholera vaccination (which is given orally) before you travel may also reduce the chances of getting Bali belly
- Certain medications for gastritis or reflux can increase the chances of getting Bali belly
- You should not stop them suddenly if you’re taking them regularly
- You may wish to discuss this with your family doctor
- You can reduce the risk by taking them before bed instead of in the morning
What is the treatment for Bali Belly?
- No matter how careful you are, you may still be unlucky, and unfortunately, getting Bali Belly once doesn’t protect against future illnesses
- The most important thing is to avoid dehydration, by taking plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration salts can help- these are available at pharmacies.
- Antibiotics have been shown to help in some cases
- Medications to treat nausea and prevent vomiting may help
- It may help to avoid dairy foods for a while (milk/cheese/cream/ice cream)
- Stick to simple, plain foods like toast
- It is safe to take anti-diarrhoea medications if needed- speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatment options. There is NO evidence that anti-diarrhoea medications stop “bacteria or poisons from leaving the body”, so they are generally safe to use as per pack instructions.
Bali Belly Treatment in Australia
If you’ve returned home and still have symptoms, it’s important to speak to a GP.
You may need:
- Stool testing
- Prescription medication
- Ongoing hydration support
Qoctor allows you to speak to an Australian doctor online — without leaving home.
If you have concerns about Bali Belly, particularly if symptoms are severe, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible.
Key Takeaways about Bali Belly
- Reduce your risk by drinking bottled or filtered water, avoiding ice and tap water, eating freshly cooked food, and washing hands regularly
- Bali Belly is common but usually short-lived
- Hydration is the most important treatment
- Medication can help manage symptoms
- See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen
Article Resources & further information
Frequently Asked Questions about Bali Belly
How long does Bali Belly last?
Bali Belly usually lasts between 24 and 72 hours in mild cases, but symptoms can persist for up to 5–7 days depending on the cause. Recovery time varies based on hydration, rest, and whether treatment is started early. If diarrhoea continues beyond 48 hours or worsens, it’s important to speak to a doctor, as you may need further investigation or medication.
Do I need antibiotics for Bali Belly?
Most cases of Bali Belly do not require antibiotics and will resolve on their own with hydration and supportive care. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or caused by certain bacterial infections. Signs you may need medical treatment include high fever, blood in stool, or ongoing diarrhoea beyond a few days.
Can I fly with Bali Belly?
You can fly with Bali Belly, but it’s not recommended if symptoms are severe, especially if you have ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, or dehydration. Flying while unwell can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of dehydration. If you must travel, stay well hydrated and consider speaking to a doctor beforehand, particularly for long-haul flights back to Australia.
Is Bali Belly contagious?
Bali Belly can be contagious depending on the cause, particularly if it’s due to bacteria or viruses that spread through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. It can also spread from person to person in shared environments. Washing hands regularly, avoiding food preparation for others, and maintaining good hygiene can help prevent transmission.
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