① The Dreaded Bali Belly
Bali is a beloved vacation destination for travelers worldwide. The island offers a variety of resorts that allow visitors to relax amidst nature. You can truly enjoy a peaceful vacation while savoring Bali’s peaceful scenery. It’s a top destination where you can admire breathtaking sunsets, practice yoga, and savor delicious food.
However, a U.S. travel influencer who recently visited Bali released a warning video about Bali Belly, a common illness among travelers to the island. The video stirred up a significant discussion on TikTok and resonated with many viewers. She shared her painful experience, stating, “Bali Belly was the worst experience of my life.”
Aili Hillstrom is a travel influencer with 2.4 million followers. She visited Bali a year ago. During her trip, Aili suffered severe discomfort from Bali Belly, a term used to describe traveler’s diarrhea. She appeared on the verge of tears in the restroom, visibly distressed. She revealed that she had to visit the restroom every 10 minutes and suffered from severe diarrhea and stomach cramps.
The video quickly garnered over 1.8 million views, attracting much attention. Many people empathized with her experience.
A person who identified as a doctor from Australia explained that Bali Belly is caused by consuming bacteria from contaminated food or water and can last up to five days. It can also lead to dehydration, and in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
② Unsanitary Food is the Main Reason
In addition to Aili, many domestic travelers have shared their experiences with Bali Belly. It’s a common issue among foreign tourists in Bali, often called traveler’s diarrhea. Most of these symptoms are due to bacterial infections. The most common culprits are enterotoxigenic E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella. Unsanitary food is the leading cause of Bali Belly, particularly undercooked food, street food, or improperly washed food.
Traveling in Bali, you’ll notice a wide variety of street food. Street food is affordable and often suits the taste of travelers. However, the biggest concern is the lack of hygiene. Many vendors keep their food at room temperature, even on hot days. While the food may taste good, there is a high risk of getting diarrhea after consumption.
While efforts are being made to improve water quality, it cannot yet be considered safe. Therefore, it’s advisable always to carry bottled water during your trip to Bali, even if it seems inconvenient. Drinking even a small amount of tap water containing lime can cause diarrhea, especially in people with weak immune systems.
If you have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to use bottled water even when brushing your teeth. Washing with tap water containing lime in Bali can cause skin problems and make your hair brittle. One solution is to bring your showerhead and shower filter when traveling to Bali.
③ Ways to Prevent Diarrhea
Such symptoms can commonly occur in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. While it’s impossible to prevent entirely, there are ways to be as careful as possible. Experts recommend avoiding ice, which can be made from contaminated water. Fruits and salads may also be washed with dirty water, so it’s better to prevent them or rewash them with bottled water before eating.
In the past, authorities detected harmful bacteria, including E. coli, in ice produced by a factory in Jakarta, Indonesia. This led to its immediate shutdown for using river water to make ice. Similarly, there have been cases of bacteria detection in ice within our country. Especially in Southeast Asian countries, ice hygiene is not good, so it’s better to be cautious during travel.
Also, as Bali has a very high temperature, it is recommended to avoid restaurants that sell food stored at room temperature without proper refrigeration. It’s safer to eat at hygienic-looking restaurants rather than street food. Checking reviews from visitors on Google Maps beforehand can also be helpful. If you get diarrhea, you should explain your symptoms at a local pharmacy and take medication quickly.
By. Han Mia
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