Bali Belly in Ubud: What to Eat, Drink & When Symptoms Aren’t Normal
Ubud’s lush landscapes and vibrant food scene attract travelers from around the world. However, a common setback for visitors is “Bali belly” an umbrella term for traveler’s diarrhea and related stomach upsets. While most cases are mild and resolve within a few days, understanding what to eat, drink, and when symptoms need medical attention is crucial for your safety and comfort. As a leading mobile healthcare service in Bali, Trishnanda Care Centre offers expert guidance and 24/7 support to help you recover quickly and safely.
Understanding Bali Belly: Causes and Symptoms
What Is Bali Belly?
Bali belly refers to acute gastroenteritis, typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water in Bali. The most common culprits are bacteria (such as E. coli or Salmonella), viruses (like norovirus), or parasites. Symptoms usually appear within 1–3 days of exposure.
Common Symptoms Include:
• Sudden onset of diarrhea (often watery)
• Abdominal cramps and bloating
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Mild fever
• Occasional headache and general malaise
For most healthy adults, these symptoms improve within 48–72 hours with supportive care. Nonetheless, it’s essential to monitor your health closely, especially in Bali’s tropical climate where dehydration can escalate rapidly.
Why Is Bali Belly So Common in Ubud?
Ubud offers a dynamic culinary experience, from warungs (local eateries) to high-end restaurants. However, changes in diet, exposure to unfamiliar microbes, and variations in food hygiene standards increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues for travelers.
• Water Safety: Tap water is not potable in Bali. Even ice cubes or washed produce can harbor pathogens.
• Street Food: While often delicious, some vendors might not adhere to strict hygiene practices.
• Dairy & Uncooked Foods: Unpasteurized products or raw dishes can be potential sources of infection.
Being aware of these risks empowers you to make safer dietary choices during your stay.
What to Eat (& Avoid) During Bali Belly in Ubud
The BRAT Diet: A Safe Starting Point
If you’re experiencing Bali belly symptoms, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods until your stomach settles. The BRAT diet Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast is recommended by leading health organizations like the CDC and Mayo Clinic for managing mild gastroenteritis.
• Bananas: Easy on digestion and rich in potassium to replace lost electrolytes.
• Rice: Plain white rice provides energy without irritating your gut.
• Applesauce: Gentle on the stomach and can help bulk up stool.
• Toast: Preferably plain or lightly buttered; avoid whole grains until you recover.
Additions as You Improve
• Boiled potatoes (no skin)
• Clear soups or broths (low in fat)
• Cooked carrots or pumpkin
• Papaya: Contains digestive enzymes that may soothe the gut.
Foods & Drinks to Avoid When You Have Bali Belly
• Dairy products (unless lactose-free)
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
• Alcohol (including cocktails and beer)
• Fatty or fried foods
• Sugary foods and juices (which can worsen diarrhea)
• Unpeeled fruits or raw vegetables
• Spicy dishes
• Tropical street snacks with unknown ingredients or hygiene standards
The Importance of Hydration: What Should You Drink?
Dehydration is a serious risk with any gastrointestinal illness especially in Bali’s heat. Fluid loss from diarrhea can lead to weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, and confusion if not addressed promptly.
The Best Drinks for Recovery:
• Bottled Water: Always choose sealed bottles; avoid tap water even for brushing teeth.
• Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These contain balanced electrolytes (sodium, potassium) to restore hydration more effectively than plain water.
• Coconut Water: Natural electrolytes but should be consumed cautiously if you have persistent diarrhea due to its sugar content.
• Bland Herbal Teas: Such as ginger or chamomile tea; avoid caffeinated teas.
If you’re unable to keep fluids down or feel increasingly weak, consider mobile IV hydration therapy for rapid relief. Trishnanda Care Centre offers Hydration IV packages delivered directly to your villa anywhere in Ubud with free island-wide delivery included for all treatments.
Bali Belly Prevention Tips for Visitors in Ubud
• Avoid tap water: Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
• No ice cubes unless from filtered sources.
• Peeled fruits only: Avoid salads/raw vegetables unless you’ve prepared them yourself.
• Dine at reputable establishments: Check reviews for hygiene standards.
• Sterilize hands before eating: Carry hand sanitizer at all times.
If you’re unsure about a restaurant’s food safety practices or want an extra layer of protection against food-borne illnesses, consider boosting your immunity with an Immunity IV package delivered and administered by our medical team at your accommodation.
Bali Belly: When Are Symptoms NOT Normal?
While most cases of Bali belly are mild, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seek immediate help if you experience any of the following:
• Persistent high fever (>38.5°C / >101°F)
• Bloody stools or vomit
• Severe abdominal pain unrelieved by rest or medication
• Signs of dehydration that don’t improve with fluids: Dizziness on standing up, confusion, inability to urinate
• No improvement after three days of self-care: Ongoing diarrhea/vomiting despite dietary changes
• If you have underlying medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues—these increase risks
• If you’re pregnant or traveling with infants/young children: They dehydrate more quickly
If you notice red flags above or feel unsure about your recovery progress,
book a doctor-on-call consultation with Trishnanda Care Centre. Our English-speaking doctors and nurses are available anytime day or night for urgent house calls throughout Ubud.
We also provide in-villa laboratory testing if further diagnosis is needed.
Learn more about our full range of lab tests including dengue screening,
thyroid panels, and STD tests all with results delivered securely online.
Treatment Options: Rapid Relief at Your Villa in Ubud
Bali Belly IV Therapy Packages Delivered Anywhere in Ubud
- If oral hydration isn’t enough or if nausea/vomiting prevent you from keeping fluids down IV therapy can be a game-changer.
- Our Bali Belly IV package delivers targeted fluids, essential vitamins,
electrolytes, anti-nausea, and anti-cramping medications directly into your bloodstream, for faster recovery. - For mothers facing dehydration during pregnancy or postpartum,
our Bali Belly Mom Care IV Therapy is customized for safe, gentle rehydration.
All services include free island-wide delivery, with our nurses arriving at your villa fully equipped no need to travel while unwell.
Our team is trained in international protocols, and our doctors speak fluent English for clear communication at every step.Explore all promotional offers on mobile IV therapies tailored for travelers in Ubud.
Other relevant therapies include:
• Food Intolerance IV Therapy if symptoms are triggered by specific foods rather than infection.
• GERD IV Therapy for acid reflux-related stomach upset.
• Relief Package for general digestive discomfort.
• Immunity IV Therapy if you want preventive support during travel.
• Hydration Package as stand-alone rehydration support.
• Fever IV Therapy if fever is a significant symptom.
• Doctor Consultation + Full Services if you’re unsure about your diagnosis or need comprehensive care.
• Jetlag IV Therapy if you’re struggling with fatigue after long flights on top of stomach upset.
The Trishnanda Care Centre Advantage: Why Choose Us?
• 24/7 Doctor-on-Call & Nurse Visits: Immediate response anywhere in Ubud even overnight emergencies.
• No Language Barriers: Our team communicates clearly in English.
• No Need To Travel While Sick: We bring treatments including lab tests to your door so you can focus on recovery.
• No Waiting Rooms: Private care means less stress and lower infection risk during your time abroad.
• No Extra Charges For Delivery: All therapies include free island-wide delivery across Bali.
• Sterile Protocols & International Standards: Medical-grade equipment and pharmaceuticals ensure safety at every step.
• User-Friendly Booking & Support: Reach us instantly on WhatsApp for bookings or questions skip the hassle of phone calls or language confusion.
Your Action Plan: What To Do If You Suspect Bali Belly In Ubud?
1. If symptoms start:
-Stick to bland foods, drink plenty of bottled water, and rest as much as possible.
-Monitor your temperature, stool frequency, and urine output closely.
-If unable to keep fluids down, contact Trishnanda Care Centre immediately via WhatsApp link below.
-All services include free delivery directly to your villa, hotel, or guesthouse anywhere on the island.
2. If symptoms worsen:
-Look out for blood, persistent vomiting, high fever, signs of dehydration, or no improvement after three days.
-Book a doctor-on-call visit immediately.
-We’ll provide rapid diagnosis, treatment, and lab tests if needed—all from the comfort of your accommodation.
-Our team is available round-the-clock,
so there’s always support when you need it most.
-For preventive advice, travel vaccinations, or health checks before exploring rural areas, we offer comprehensive solutions for every traveler.
See more on our tests & vaccinations page.
3. If traveling with young children, pregnant women, or anyone with chronic illness:
-Be extra vigilant about hydration, monitoring symptoms, and seeking early intervention.
-Specialized care packages are available upon request,
including pediatric-friendly treatments administered by experienced nurses familiar with international protocols.
Contact us now via WhatsApp below to discuss personalized options tailored to your group’s health needs while visiting Ubud!
Your Health Comes First Expert Help Is Just A Message Away!
Bali belly can put a damper on even the best-planned holiday but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With prompt care, the right foods, adequate hydration,
and access to professional medical support when needed, most travelers recover quickly. Trishnanda Care Centre stands ready with English-speaking doctors, 24/7 mobile nurse visits, free island-wide delivery, and rapid-response services covering every corner of Ubud.
If you need medical advice, urgent treatment, or want to book an IV therapy package right at your villa contact us instantly on WhatsApp here!
This content is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised diagnosis and treatment.