Traveller’s Pharmacy: What To Pack For Bali in 2025 (Doctor Checklist)

Flying to Bali? Pack smart so a tummy bug or sunburn doesn’t hijack your holiday. This doctor-curated Bali first aid kitdoubles as a practical Bali medicine checklist—including weight-based dosing tips and Indonesian brand equivalents so you can find the right meds fast at any apotek (pharmacy).

TL;DR (save this)

• Pack ORS, paracetamol, ibuprofen, an antihistamine, an antacid, an anti-diarrhoeal (adults), basic wound care, insect repellent, and SPF 50+.

• Carry a digital thermometer and a dosing card for kids.

• Ask for these Indonesian equivalents: Oralit (ORS), Parasetamol (paracetamol), Loperamide, Promag/Mylanta(antacid), Cetirizine/Loratadine (antihistamine), Antimo (motion sickness), Betadine (povidone-iodine).

• Red flags: high fever, blood in stool, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting → see a doctor immediately.

The Doctor’s Bali First Aid Kit (carry-on friendly)

Always read the package insert. Avoid medicines you’re allergic to and check pregnancy/breastfeeding guidance.

Fever & Pain (Paracetamol / “Parasetamol”)

• Adults: 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours; max 3,000–4,000 mg/day (stay ≤3,000 mg if drinking alcohol or with liver disease).

• Kids: 10–15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours; max 60 mg/kg/day.

• Brands to ask for: Panadol, Sanmol, “Parasetamol generik”.

• See a doctor if fever >38.5°C lasts beyond 48 hours, or if there’s a rash or stiff neck.

Anti-Inflammatory Pain (Ibuprofen)

• Adults: 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours; max 1,200 mg/day OTC. Take with food.

• Kids (≥6 months): 10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours; max 30 mg/kg/day.

• Brands: Proris, Nurofen, “Ibuprofen generik”.

• Avoid with gastric ulcers, kidney disease, or late pregnancy.

Rehydration (ORS / “Oralit”)

• Adults: 200–250 mL after each loose stool; sip often if nauseated.

• Kids: 10 mL/kg after each loose stool (small, frequent sips).

• Brands: Oralit, Hydralyte (imports), pharmacy ORS.

• Tip: Sports drinks are not a substitute for ORS.

Diarrhoea Control for Adults (Loperamide)

• Dose: 4 mg first dose, then 2 mg after each loose stool; max 8 mg/day without medical advice.

• Not recommended for children under 12 unless a clinician advises.

• Brands: Lodia (Kalbe), Imodium, “Loperamide generik”.

• Do not use if there’s fever or blood in stool—see a doctor.

Adsorbents for Mild Diarrhoea (Activated Charcoal / Attapulgite)

• Follow label directions.

• Brands: Norit (charcoal), Entrostop (attapulgite).

• Symptomatic only—ORS remains the priority.

Nausea & Motion Sickness (Dimenhydrinate)

• Adults: 50 mg 30–60 minutes before travel, then every 4–6 hours as per label.

• Kids: follow label; a common ballpark is ~1 mg/kg/dose.

• Brands: Antimo, Antimo Anak.

• Sedating—avoid driving. Persistent vomiting needs medical review.

Allergies & Bites (Cetirizine or Loratadine)

• Adults: Cetirizine 10 mg once daily; or Loratadine 10 mg once daily.

• Kids: Cetirizine 2.5–5 mg (2–5 yrs), 10 mg (≥6 yrs). Loratadine 5 mg (2–5 yrs), 10 mg (≥6 yrs).

• Brands: Incidal-OD (cetirizine), Clarityne or “Loratadine generik”.

• If there’s throat swelling, wheeze, or faintness, seek emergency care.

Heartburn/Acid Relief (Antacid ± PPI)

• Antacid per label; omeprazole 20 mg daily for a short course if needed.

• Brands: Promag, Mylanta, Polysilane, “Omeprazole generik”.

• Severe pain, black stools, or persistent vomiting → doctor.

Skin & Wound Care

• Clean with water, then apply povidone-iodine (Betadine) thinly.

• For itchy rashes, use hydrocortisone 1% cream 1–2×/day for 3–5 days.

• Brands: Betadine, “Hydrocortisone 1% generik”, Caladine (calamine mix).

• Large, deep, or dirty wounds need clinical care. Animal bites always need medical review (rabies risk).

Probiotics (Optional)

• Examples: Interlac (L. reuteri), Lacto-B.

• Use as an adjunct, not a replacement for ORS.

Zinc for Kids’ Diarrhoea

• Dose: 10–20 mg daily for 10–14 days depending on age.

• Brand: Zinkid.

Also Pack

• Digital thermometer

• Blister plasters, sterile gauze and tape

• Tweezers, small scissors, alcohol pads

• Hand sanitiser

• SPF 50+ sunscreen

• Insect repellent: DEET 20–30% or picaridin ~20% (Soffell, OFF!, Autan)

• Re-sealable zip bags for meds and documents

Quick “Bali Medicine Checklist”

• Oralit (ORS): at least 6–8 sachets

• Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

• Loperamide (for adults) and/or Norit/Entrostop

• Cetirizine or Loratadine

• Antacid (Promag/Mylanta) ± Omeprazole

• Antimo (motion sickness)

• Betadine + Hydrocortisone 1% + plasters/gauze

• Insect repellent (DEET/picaridin) + SPF 50+

• Digital thermometer

• Personal prescriptions in original boxes with your name

Pocket Dosing Cards (save to phone)

Adults

• Paracetamol: 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours; max 3,000–4,000 mg/day.

• Ibuprofen: 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours; max 1,200 mg/day OTC.

• Loperamide: 4 mg first dose, then 2 mg after each loose stool; max 8 mg/day without doctor advice.

• ORS: 200–250 mL after each loose stool (more if thirsty).

• Dimenhydrinate: 50 mg 30–60 minutes before travel, then as per label.

Kids (weight-based guide)

• Paracetamol: 10–15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours; max 60 mg/kg/day.

• Ibuprofen (≥6 months): 10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours; max 30 mg/kg/day.

• ORS: 10 mL/kg after each loose stool (small, frequent sips if vomiting).

• Avoid loperamide under 12 years unless a clinician advises.
  Tip: Write your child’s current weight on the card before you fly.

How to Ask at the Pharmacy (Apotek)

• “Oralit untuk diare.” (Oralit for diarrhoea.)

• “Parasetamol tablet/sirup untuk demam.” (Paracetamol for fever.)

• “Loperamide untuk mencret tanpa demam/darah.” (Loperamide for non-bloody diarrhoea without fever.)

• “Antimo untuk mabuk perjalanan.” (Antimo for motion sickness.)

• “Promag/Mylanta untuk maag.” (Antacid for heartburn.)

• “Betadine dan plester.” (Betadine and plasters.)

What Not to Self-Pack or Self-Start

• Antibiotics “just in case” (the wrong antibiotic can worsen some infections and complicate insurance claims).

• Strong anti-vomit meds for kids without advice.

• Codeine-containing painkillers (import restrictions vary).
  If you think you need these, see a doctor in Bali and get proper documentation.

When to See a Doctor Urgently

• Fever ≥38.5°C, blood or mucus in stool, severe stomach pain

• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down

• Signs of dehydration: very thirsty, dark or infrequent urine, lethargy, dizziness

• Diarrhoea lasting beyond 48–72 hours

• Frail/elderly travellers, pregnant travellers, or unwell children under 2 years

• Any animal bite (possible rabies exposure)

Need Help Right Now? We Do House-Calls

Bali Belly Doctor — Villa/Hotel House-Calls, 8 AM to 11 PM, 7 days
WhatsApp: +62 813 2605 2230
Phone: (+62) 0813 2605 2230
Address: Jl Sunset Road No.27C (within Revive Medical building)

We provide doctor house-calls, IV rehydration when appropriate, stool testing, insurer-ready invoices, and follow-ups via WhatsApp.

Disclaimer

This guide is general information only, not personal medical advice. Always follow product labels and consult a healthcare professional—especially for children, pregnancy, chronic illness, or if symptoms are severe or persistent.