Aussies in Bali: What to Do If You Get Bali Belly
On a Bali holiday and suddenly feeling sick to your stomach? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Australian travellers fall ill with what's commonly known as Bali Belly — a stomach infection that can strike quickly and ruin a dream trip if not treated properly.
This guide covers everything Aussies need to know: symptoms, fast remedies, and how to get expert medical help so you can get back to enjoying paradise.
🤢 What Is Bali Belly?
Bali Belly is a form of traveller’s diarrhoea — usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that your body isn’t used to. It can hit suddenly and cause a mix of unpleasant symptoms such as:
Nausea or vomiting
Frequent or watery diarrhoea
Abdominal cramps
Bloating or gas
Low-grade fever
Mild dehydration
Symptoms usually show up within 6 to 24 hours of exposure and can last for a few days — or longer if not properly managed.
🧳 Why Aussies Are So Prone
Australians make up one of the largest groups of tourists in Bali. While the culture, food, and tropical climate are a huge drawcard, our immune systems aren’t used to the local bacteria — and that’s often the problem.
We’re all exposed to bacteria every day — it’s a normal part of life. But when you travel, you encounter new strains your body hasn’t built a tolerance to. That unfamiliar exposure can overwhelm your gut, especially in warm, humid environments where bacteria thrive.
And it’s not just about what you eat or drink. Germs can be picked up from nearly anything you touch — public restrooms, money, phones, menus, or shared surfaces in restaurants and hotels. A quick hand-to-mouth contact is sometimes all it takes to set off a stomach infection.
✅ What to Do If You Get Sick
If you’re feeling unwell, follow these basic steps to reduce symptoms and recover faster:
Stay Hydrated – Small sips of bottled water or oral rehydration salts work best.
Get Plenty of Rest – Your body needs downtime to fight off the infection.
Stick to Bland Foods – If you're eating at all, opt for toast, bananas, or plain rice.
Avoid Alcohol, Dairy & Spices – These can worsen stomach issues.
Use Medication Cautiously – Over-the-counter meds like Imodium may help stop diarrhoea temporarily but shouldn't be used if you have a fever or blood in your stool.
If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or include fever or dizziness, it's time to call a doctor.
🏥 Call a Doctor in Bali You Can Trust
At Bali Belly Doctor, we specialise in treating tourists and expats experiencing stomach illness, food poisoning, or dehydration. We offer both in-clinic and in-villa treatments, so you don’t have to leave your accommodation to get professional help.
Our services include:
On-call English-speaking doctors and nurses
Rapid-response IV rehydration
Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea medication
Antibiotic treatment if clinically needed
Quick symptom relief — often within hours
💉 Why IV Therapy Works Best
When you're battling Bali Belly, the biggest risk is dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhoea can quickly drain your body of fluids and essential minerals.
Our vitamin-infused IV drips are designed to:
Rehydrate you fast
Replenish electrolytes and nutrients
Reduce nausea and fatigue
Boost recovery time
Most patients feel noticeably better within an hour of treatment — especially with same-day villa service.
🛡️ Does Travel Insurance Cover It?
If you’re travelling with insurance (like Cover-More, NIB, or Southern Cross), your medical expenses may be reimbursable. We provide official documentation and receipts to support your claim — just mention this to our team when booking.
✈️ Don’t Let Bali Belly Ruin Your Holiday
With the right care, Bali Belly is highly treatable — and most Aussies are back to the pool or surf the next day.
Don’t risk it getting worse. If you’re not feeling right, let our medical team take care of you — so you can get back to enjoying everything Bali has to offer.
📞 Book Now – We’re Ready When You Need Us
Whether you prefer visiting our clinic or want care from the comfort of your villa, help is just a call or message away.
Bali Belly Doctor – Trusted by Australians in Bali.
📍 Location: Jl Sunset Road no.27C (within Revive Medical)
📞 WhatsApp: +62 813 2605 2230
📧 Email: help@balibellydoctor.com
💻 Book online: https://www.balibellydoctor.com