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Bali Belly, Water, and Mosquito Precautions

If you get Bali belly (traveler’s diarrhea), replace lost fluids and use oral rehydration solution (ORS) from a pharmacy if symptoms are severe. Do not drink tap water; choose sealed bottled water. Reduce mosquito bites with repellent and long clothing, both day and night.

At a glance

How should I handle Bali belly symptoms?

“Bali belly” is a term for traveler’s diarrhea caused by contaminated food or drinks. If diarrhea starts, replace lost fluids generously. If symptoms are severe, use oral rehydration solution (ORS), available at pharmacies.

Anti-diarrheal medicines such as loperamide can relieve symptoms. Take antibiotics only for severe cases and as directed by a medical professional.

How should I choose water and ice in Bali?

Tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink, so use sealed bottled water or water that has been safely treated. Where water quality is uncertain, it is best to avoid ice, which may have been made with tap water.

What should I eat, and how should I wash my hands to prevent an upset stomach?

Choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Eat raw fruit or vegetables only when you can wash or peel them yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after meals and after using the toilet.

When washing your hands is difficult, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

How can I prevent mosquito bites in Bali?

Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by mosquito bites. Use repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers.

Mosquitoes can bite indoors during the day and at night, so choose accommodation with screens or air conditioning, and use a mosquito net if needed. When applying sunscreen and repellent together, apply sunscreen first, let it dry, then apply repellent.

Where can I find pharmacies and hospitals?

Kimia Farma KF 0034 in Denpasar is listed as open 24 hours every day, and KF 0066 Pattimura as open daily from 07:00 to 23:00. In Kuta, Guardian Bali Kartika Plaza is on Jl. Kartika Plaza, opposite Discovery Mall.

BIMC Hospital Bali has branches in Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Ubud; its Kuta branch is listed as a 24-hour emergency center. The Nusa Dua Emergency and Medical Center is also open 24 hours every day at Kawasan ITDC Blok D, Nusa Dua.

What to do in these situations

  1. When diarrhea starts

    Drink plenty of water first. If symptoms are severe, get ORS from a pharmacy.

  2. When water quality is uncertain

    Avoid ice and choose sealed bottled water or water that has been safely treated.

  3. When you are indoors with lots of mosquitoes

    Use repellent and wear long clothing. Move to a space with screens or air conditioning.

  4. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or monkey

    Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, then seek care at a nearby health clinic or hospital.

  5. If you are referred to a medical facility

    Contact your insurer promptly and check your policy’s coverage for local treatment and medical evacuation.

Pre-departure checklist

FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Bali?

Tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink, so use sealed bottled water or water that has been safely treated.

What should I do first if I get Bali belly?

Replace lost fluids generously. If symptoms are severe, you can get ORS from a pharmacy.

Should I avoid ice in Bali?

Avoid ice in areas where water quality is uncertain. It may have been made with tap water.

Can I take anti-diarrheal medicine or antibiotics?

Anti-diarrheal medicines such as loperamide can relieve symptoms. Take antibiotics only for severe cases and as directed by a medical professional.

Do I only need to watch out for mosquitoes at night in Bali?

No. Mosquitoes can bite indoors during the day and at night, so use repellent and wear long clothing.

What should I do if I am bitten or scratched by a dog or monkey?

Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, then seek rabies-related care at a nearby health clinic or hospital.

Official sources & check dates

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Site updated: 2026-11-01