Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke in Bali: What Travellers Must Do (Step-by-Step)

Sep 5

Bali’s heat and humidity can creep up fast—on beach days, temple walks, scooter trips, and long surf sessions. Use this doctor-approved plan to recognise heat exhaustion vs heatstroke and act quickly. It could prevent a medical emergency.

TL;DR

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweat, dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, fast pulse—but you’re still alert.
Heatstroke (emergency): very high temperature, confusion/collapse, seizure, hot skin (dry or very sweaty). Go to hospital immediately.

Spot the difference (quick check)

Heat exhaustion (common)

Hot, pale/clammy skin; heavy sweating
Thirst, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps
Fast heartbeat, dizziness, weakness
Mental status: normal

Heatstroke (life-threatening)

Core temperature likely ≥ 40°C
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, fainting, seizure
Hot skin (may be dry or very sweaty)
Staggering or collapse
Mental status: altered

What to do for heat exhaustion (do this now)

Get out of the heat: move to shade or air-conditioning; loosen/remove extra layers.
Active cooling (10–30 minutes): cool shower; or soak a T-shirt/towel and place on neck, armpits, groin while fanning.
Rehydrate smartly: sip ORS/electrolytes (follow packet directions). Avoid alcohol.
Salt + light food if tolerated.
Rest for several hours and avoid exertion that day.
Reassess at 30–60 minutes. If not clearly improving—or any red flags appear—treat as heatstroke and seek urgent care.

Note: Paracetamol/ibuprofen do not treat heat illness. Cooling + fluids do.

What to do for heatstroke (EMERGENCY)

Contact and head to the nearest hospital now:
BIMC Hospital (Kuta / Nusa Dua) • Siloam Hospitals Bali (Sunset Road, Kuta) • Bali International Hospital (Sanur). If you’re at a hotel or villa, ask staff to arrange immediate transport.

While you’re on the way / waiting for care

Aggressive cooling: cold shower, plunge pool, or ice bath if available. Otherwise, keep clothing/towels soaked with cold water and fan continuously.
Ice packs (or cold bottles) to neck, armpits, groin.
No oral fluids if the person is confused or drowsy (choking risk).
Recovery position if vomiting or semi-conscious.
Unresponsive and not breathing? Begin CPR until help arrives.

Don’t “wait and see.” Heatstroke requires hospital care.

Red flags—go to hospital or call a doctor urgently

Confusion, collapse, seizure, severe headache
Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
No improvement after 30–60 minutes of cooling/ORS
Very high temperature; hot, dry skin
Infants, young children, pregnancy, older adults, or heart/kidney disease → get seen early

Prevent heat illness in Bali (heatstroke Bali prevention tips)

Hydrate on a schedule: frequent small sips; use ORS for long walks, hikes, surf, or tours.
Time your outings: morning or late afternoon; schedule shade/AC breaks every hour.
Dress right: breathable, loose clothing; wide-brim hat; UPF rash shirt for water sports.
Eat & salt: regular meals; salty snacks on big-sweat days.
Ease up on alcohol and limit caffeine when exerting.
Medication check: diuretics, some antihistamines and stimulants increase heat risk—ask your doctor before travel.
Buddy up: watch each other for early signs.

60-second Heat Kit (throw this in your day bag)

ORS/electrolyte sachets
Soft flask or bottle (refill often)
Light scarf/towel (for soaking and cooling)
Rash guard/hat; pocket sunscreen
Salty snack (nuts, crackers)

Kids & older adults (extra care)

Kids overheat faster and may not recognise symptoms—offer small, frequent ORS sips, schedule cool indoor time, and watch mood/energy changes.
Older adults/chronic illness: dehydrate quickly—seek care sooner at the first concerning symptoms.

When IV fluids help (dehydration Bali)

If dehydration is moderate to severe, you’re vomiting and can’t keep fluids down, or symptoms feel worrying, IV fluids may be appropriate after assessment.

We provide doctor house-calls across South Bali and can advise whether home care or hospital is safest.

FAQ

Does taking paracetamol help?
No. Heat illness is resolved with cooling + fluids, not fever reducers.

Is a cold plunge safe during heatstroke?
Yes—if supervised (shower, plunge pool, tub) while you arrange hospital care. If the person is confused or drowsy, don’t give oral fluids.

When can I return to activities?
After 24–48 hours symptom-free, well-hydrated, and gradually—not during peak heat.

Need a doctor in Bali?

Bali Belly Doctor treats travellers in-villa / in-hotel across South Bali (Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Legian, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Uluwatu).
Hours: 8 AM – 11 PM, daily
WhatsApp: +62 813 2605 2230
Clinic: Jl. Sunset Road No. 27B, Kuta, Bali (within Revive Medical)

Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you suspect heatstroke, go to hospital immediately.