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Sick in Bali: when to stop reading and see a doctor
Most stomach bugs picked up while travelling pass on their own in a few days. Some don't. If any of the following apply to you or someone you're travelling with, get medical help. You don't need to buy anything from us first.
Response times vary across Bali. Many travellers find it faster to ask their hotel to call a clinic or arrange a car to the nearest international hospital. Call your travel insurer's 24-hour assistance line early: they can direct you to a hospital and may arrange payment.
Get emergency help now if you have
- Blood in your stool, or black, tar-like stool
- Vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe or worsening stomach pain, or a hard, swollen belly
- Confusion, fainting, extreme drowsiness, or you can't stay awake
- A stiff neck with a severe headache, or pain when looking at bright lights
- Blurred vision, vision loss or trouble breathing, especially after drinking spirits or cocktails (possible methanol poisoning)
See a doctor today if
- A high fever, or a fever with shivering or a rash
- You can't keep any fluids down, or you've been vomiting for more than a day or two
- Signs of dehydration: very dark urine or hardly any, dizziness when you stand, a dry mouth, a racing heartbeat
- Diarrhoea that isn't improving after a few days, or lasts more than a week
- Very frequent watery diarrhoea that is getting worse rather than better
- You simply feel seriously unwell, or something feels wrong
See a doctor sooner, not later, for
- Babies and young children
- Anyone who is pregnant
- Older adults
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
- Anyone with diabetes, kidney, heart or bowel conditions, or who takes regular prescription medicine
It might not be “Bali belly”
Other illnesses in Bali, including dengue and typhoid, can start with similar symptoms. A fever that dominates, a rash, a severe headache or pain behind the eyes all deserve a doctor's assessment. If symptoms start or continue after you get home, see your GP and tell them you've been in Indonesia.
While you're deciding
Keep sipping fluids. Oral rehydration salts are sold in Indonesian pharmacies as “Oralit”. If you can't keep fluids down, that is itself a reason to be seen today.
Draft: not yet clinically reviewed. This content was compiled from public health sources and has not been reviewed or approved by a medical professional. General information only; not a substitute for seeing a doctor.
Sources
- Travelers' Diarrhea (CDC Yellow Book)US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2026; page dated 24 March 2026. Accessed November 2026.
- Diarrhoea and vomitingNHS (UK). Page last reviewed 21 December 2023. Accessed November 2026.
- Travelers' Diarrhea (traveller information)US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See page for last-reviewed date. Accessed November 2026.
- Indonesia travel advice: HealthSmartraveller, Australian Government (DFAT). Updated regularly. NOT yet verified against the live page: confirm during review. Accessed November 2026.
- Staying safe in Indonesia (emergency numbers)Indonesia Ministry of Tourism (indonesia.travel). Undated page. Accessed November 2026.
None of these apply and you just want a clear plan? See the 10-minute guide.