Can you bear it? Solo traveler reveals her ordeal with 'Bali belly' and how to avoid it on your holiday

As Bali becomes more popular among solo travelers, a common fear arises: 'Bali belly'.

As you travel through Indonesia's most popular island, you might think that getting sick is the last thing on an excited backpacker's mind.

However, the disease, also known as 'travellers' diarrhoea', is proving to be a problem for many British hopefuls and is even putting some people off completely.

It is often noticed in the first week of a trip abroad, as the body adapts to a new environment with new foods and other bacteria. Videos are popping up on social media of people recalling their horrible experiences with it.

Read on to find out what the dreaded disease really is, how likely you are to get it, and how to ensure it doesn't affect your travels.

What is 'Bali Belly?'

'Bali Belly', also known as traveler's diarrhea, is usually caused by bacteria found in food and water, but can also be caused by viruses such as Rotavirus or Norovirus, which cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

If you don't have the same immunity as the local population, eating certain foods with a high risk of contamination is likely to make you sick.

It could leave holidaymakers with their heads stuck in the toilet for days, as some TikTokers have warned.

Lily Chugg, from Australia, made a video about her experiences under her leadership @lillychuggg.

She told viewers: “I literally did anything and everything to not get 'Bali Belly' and guess who got 'Bali Belly'?

“I'm literally paranoid about eating anything right now. I was at a restaurant last night. We went to dinner, went to another place and I started feeling very sick.

'I said to my friend, I have to go to the toilet like now and I ran to the bathroom and barely came out. I was literally so sick, like I wasn't – so much came out.

'This is so confusing. My friends and I thought it might be the drink I had – I had a Long Island iced tea, so maybe the alcohol in it. I don't even know why I bought that because they are strong enough at home.

'I also ate everything my friends ate that day, so I don't know what happened, but anyway we came back to the villa and I got sick again and just threw up, nothing else.'

She concluded, “I honestly think it just depends on your stomach or just the person, but yeah, I feel a little better now. “I still haven't eaten, I'm paranoid about eating anything, but I think I'll just stick to bread and stuff.”

Commenters chimed in with: 'Emetophobia here, I'm never going to Bali' and 'you couldn't pay me to go to Bali'.

Others wrote: 'I'm going to Bali soon and I'm actually so scared.' and 'It's the worst disease. Was there in July and it got so bad. No one understands the disease until you have it'.

In November 2022, a US-based travel influencer racked up views for revealing her encounter with the so-called 'Bali belly' to her 2.4 million-strong audience – in some pretty graphic detail.

First, she warns people not to watch if they are “easily grossed out.”

“I have Bali Belly and I can tell you,” she says in the clip. 'I've seen people talking about Bali Belly on this app and nothing could have prepared me for this.'

Suddenly the camera shakes and the young woman jumps up and runs away – presumably to the bathroom.

She then returns to the camera 'it's so painful.'

NHS GP, Dr. Hana Patelexplains: 'Bali belly is another word for traveler's diarrhea.

'The most common culprits that cause stomach upset are E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Traveler's diarrhea is when you have three or more episodes of loose, watery stool within 24 hours. Most cases are mild, but for some people it is serious.

'The symptoms last on average three to five days and usually get better without the need for specific treatment.'

What are the symptoms of 'Bali belly'?

Dietitian from London, Reema Patelexplains: 'Symptoms include loose stools and diarrhea, sometimes with vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps and fever.

'Some people experience dizziness and fatigue, and may suffer from dehydration due to vomiting.

Symptoms of the disease typically include:

• Bloating in the abdomen and stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loose or watery stools (diarrhea)
• Frequently having to go to the toilet
• Mild temperature and fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Fatigue and muscle pain

How to avoid getting a 'Bali belly' during your travels

The idea of ​​getting sick while far from home can be frightening and put people off their destination altogether.

However, there are ways to keep yourself healthy and avoid the dreaded Bali belly.

Dr. Patel suggests you should: “Make sure all meat and seafood is thoroughly cooked and not raw or rare.”

She adds: 'Avoid sushi and unpasteurized dairy products such as milk, cheese and ice cream. Do not drink tap water and wash your hands after using the toilet.

'The quality of the water in Bali is not regulated as in England for example and can contain bacteria and viruses, which means the water is not clean water

'Domestic sewage, agricultural and industrial waste have polluted most of Bali's clean water sources.'

In addition to making sure you only drink bottled water, other travel content creators have warned backpackers from their own experiences not to have ice cubes in their drinks and even brush their teeth with bottled water only.

Personal doctor and private GP, Dr. Suhail Husseinagrees that travelers should always drink bottled or purified water.

He explains: 'Make sure the water you drink is safe. Avoid tap water, ice cubes and drinks with potentially contaminated water.'

Adding: 'Choose hot, well-prepared meals served steaming hot, as the heat helps kill bacteria.

'Avoid raw or undercooked foods, including salads and unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Wash your hands frequently and use soap and clean water or hand sanitizer, especially before eating or handling food.”

He also warns that you should be careful with street food, explaining: 'Although tempting, street food does not always meet the best hygiene standards. Choose food vendors with high turnover or crowds, which indicates freshly prepared meals.

If you're really worried, the GP says some people find that taking probiotics before and during travel can help support gut health and reduce the risk of stomach problems.

Finally, Dr. Hussain suggests that you carry antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are not readily available.

'If symptoms of Bali belly or digestive problems develop, it is advisable to stay hydrated and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.'

Dietitian Reema Patel adds: 'There are no specific medications, but it is important to stay well hydrated, especially if you get diarrhea.

'This is because the person loses fluid through the stool. If the diarrhea is severe, oral rehydration solution may also be important.

'Healthcare medications can help reduce the frequency and urge to go to the toilet, such as loperamide. Antibiotics should only be taken in severe cases, as prescribed by a doctor.'