Travel Tips

Bali Belly: Your Complete Pharmacy Guide to Medicines That Actually Work

After helping dozens of friends through their Bali Belly ordeals and experiencing it myself more times than I’d like to admit, I’ve become an unwilling expert on what actually works. Nothing ruins a holiday faster than being sick, but the good news is you don’t have to just ride it out.

Here’s your practical, no-nonsense guide to the pharmacy medicines that will get you off the bathroom floor and back to the beach faster.

🩺 First Things First: What You’re Dealing With

“Bali Belly” isn’t one specific illness. It’s a catch-all term for traveler’s diarrhea, which can be caused by:

  • Bacterial infections (the most common culprit)
  • Viral gastroenteritis
  • Parasites (less common, but harder to treat)
  • Food poisoning (from toxins)
  • Reactions to contaminated water

Most cases resolve in 2-5 days, but the right medicines can cut that time significantly and, more importantly, make you infinitely more comfortable.

🏥 The Essential Bali Belly Medicine Kit

This is your battle plan. You can (and should) buy these items on your first day in Bali to have on hand.

1. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) – Your First Line of Defense

This is the most important item on the list. When you have diarrhea, you’re losing vital salts and electrolytes, not just water. Drinking plain water can actually dilute your system further and make you feel worse.

  • What to buy: Oralit (the standard local brand) or Pharolit (tastes slightly better).
  • Price: 5,000 – 8,000 IDR per sachet.
  • How to use: Mix 1 sachet in 200ml of bottled water. Sip continuously, don’t gulp it. Aim for a minimum of 1 liter per day, and 2-3 liters if your symptoms are severe.

2. Anti-Diarrheal Medications

These are “stoppers.” They provide relief but don’t cure the infection.

  • Loperamide (Imodium)
    • Local Brand: Lodia, Imodia
    • Price: 15,000 – 30,000 IDR per strip
    • Dose: 2 tablets initially, then 1 after each loose stool (max 8 per day).
    • Warning: Only use this for emergencies, like a flight, a long bus ride, or a tour you can’t miss. It works by stopping your gut from moving, which can trap the “bad” bacteria inside and prolong the infection.
  • Attapulgite
    • Local Brand: Neo Diaform
    • Price: 20,000 – 40,000 IDR
    • Dose: 2 tablets after each loose stool.
    • This is often a better option: It’s an absorbent that helps bind toxins and firm things up rather than just paralyzing your gut.

3. Antibiotics (Use Carefully)

If your symptoms are severe (e.g., fever, blood in stool) or last more than 3 days, it’s likely a bacterial infection that antibiotics can clear up quickly.

Important: Technically, antibiotics require a prescription in Indonesia, but many pharmacies (“Apotek”) will sell them over the counter. Please use them responsibly. Do not take them for mild diarrhea.

  • Ciprofloxacin
    • Local Brand: Ciproxin, Baquinor
    • Price: 50,000 – 80,000 IDR
    • Dose: 500mg twice daily for 3 days. This is highly effective for most common bacterial infections.
  • Azithromycin
    • Local Brand: Zithromax, Azivol
    • Price: 80,000 – 120,000 IDR
    • Dose: 500mg once daily for 3 days. A good alternative if you are allergic to Cipro.

4. Probiotics – Rebuilding Your Gut

Bali Belly destroys your good gut bacteria. Probiotics are essential for rebuilding your microbiome, both during and after the illness.

  • Lacto-B
    • Price: 90,000 – 110,000 IDR
    • Details: The best all-around local option, comes in powder sachets and contains multiple strains. Take 3 sachets daily mixed with cool water (heat kills the bacteria).
  • L-Bio
    • Price: 70,000 – 90,000 IDR
    • Details: A good alternative, 2-3 sachets daily.
  • Interlac
    • Price: 300,000 – 400,000 IDR
    • Details: A premium, imported brand. Very high quality but expensive.

5. Anti-Nausea Medications

For when the world won’t stop spinning and you can’t keep anything down.

  • Domperidone
    • Local Brand: Vometa, Motilium
    • Price: 30,000 – 50,000 IDR
    • Dose: 10mg taken before meals. Excellent for nausea, bloating, and that awful “full” feeling.
  • Ondansetron
    • Local Brand: Narfoz
    • Price: 80,000 – 150,000 IDR
    • Dose: 4-8mg as needed. This is much stronger and best for severe, active vomiting. (Often requires a prescription).

6. Stomach Protectors

If you’re dealing with a burning sensation, acid reflux, or cramping.

  • Antacids: Promag (15k-25k IDR), Polysilane (20k-30k IDR), or Mylanta (30k-40k IDR) all work well to neutralize acid.
  • Sucralfate
    • Local Brand: Inpepsa
    • Price: 40,000 – 60,000 IDR
    • Details: This is a liquid that creates a protective lining over your stomach. Take it 1 hour before meals.

7. Activated Charcoal

  • Local Brand: Norit
  • Price: 20,000 – 30,000 IDR
  • Dose: 2-4 tablets every 4 hours.
  • Details: Good for absorbing toxins, especially if you suspect food poisoning. Do not take it within 2 hours of any other medication, as it will absorb them, too.

🗣️ Bali Pharmacy Vocabulary Cheat Sheet

Save this screenshot. It makes communication much easier.

Key Words

  • Diare (dee-ah-ray) = Diarrhea
  • Mual (moo-ahl) = Nausea
  • Muntah (moon-tah) = Vomiting
  • Sakit perut (sah-kit puh-root) = Stomach ache
  • Demam (duh-mahm) = Fever
  • Pusing (poo-sing) = Dizzy
  • Obat (oh-baht) = Medicine
  • Resep (reh-sep) = Prescription

Useful Phrases

  • “Saya sakit perut.” (I have a stomach ache.)
  • “Perlu obat diare.” (I need diarrhea medicine.)
  • “Ada Oralit?” (Do you have Oralit?)
  • “Berapa kali sehari?” (How many times per day?)

🛒 Where to Buy Your Medicine

Chain Pharmacies (Most Reliable)

  • Apotek K24: You’ll see these everywhere. They are 24-hour and well-stocked.
  • Guardian: Located in most malls and tourist areas. Staff usually speak good English.
  • Century: Another good, reliable chain.
  • Watsons: Similar to Guardian, found in tourist hubs.

Local Pharmacies

  • You’ll see signs for “Apotek” everywhere. These are often cheaper and are perfectly safe and legitimate. Staff may speak less English, but you can just show them the product names from this list.

What to Avoid

  • NEVER buy medicine from beach vendors, market stalls, or random convenience shops (warungs).
  • Always check the expiration date (“ED”) on the package.
  • Ensure the package is sealed and has not been tampered with.

🗓️ Step-by-Step Treatment Protocols That Work

Here’s how to manage the illness day by day.

Day 1-2: The Acute Phase

Your goal is hydration and symptom management.

  • Morning: Start immediately. 2 sachets of ORS in 400ml water. Take 2 Norit (charcoal) tablets. If your stomach is burning, add an antacid like Promag.
  • Afternoon: Sip ORS continuously. Take Attapulgite (Neo Diaform) after each loose stool episode. Start your probiotics (like Lacto-B).
  • Evening: More ORS. Take Domperidone (Vometa) if you feel nauseous.
  • Diet: Avoid solid food for the first 12-24 hours. Stick to clear liquids: ORS, coconut water, clear broth, weak tea. No dairy, no coffee, no alcohol.

Day 3-4: The Recovery Phase

You should be feeling better. Time to start rebuilding.

  • Medicines: Reduce anti-diarrheals. Continue probiotics (this is key).
  • Diet: Introduce the BRAT diet: Bananas, plain white Rice, Applesauce, plain white Toast. You can also try plain crackers, rice porridge (bubur), or boiled eggs.
  • Hydration: Keep up the ORS and electrolyte drinks.

Day 5+: Rebuilding

  • Medicines: Stop all meds except for the probiotics. Continue taking probiotics for at least 1-2 weeks to fully restore your gut health.
  • Diet: Gradually reintroduce your normal diet, but continue to avoid spicy food, fatty food, and alcohol for at least a week. Your stomach is still sensitive.

🚨 When to See a Doctor

Do not try to “tough it out.” Go to a clinic or hospital immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Blood or mucus in your stool.
  • High fever (over 39°C or 102°F) that doesn’t break.
  • Severe, constant abdominal pain (not just cramping).
  • Inability to keep any fluids down (constant vomiting).
  • Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after 3 days.
  • Signs of severe dehydration.

Signs of Severe Dehydration:

  • Little to no urination, or very dark, concentrated urine.
  • Extreme thirst, dry mouth, and cracked lips.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion.
  • Rapid heartbeat.

🍎 What to Eat (and What to AVOID)

Safe Foods

  • First 24 hours: Clear broth, ORS, coconut water, weak tea, dry crackers.
  • Day 2-3: White rice, plain rice porridge (bubur), plain noodles, boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, white bread toast, bananas.
  • Recovery: Grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, plain yogurt (the probiotics help), simple soups.

Avoid Completely

  • Dairy (milk, cheese, ice cream – yogurt is the only exception late in recovery).
  • Coffee and Alcohol (these are diuretics and will dehydrate you further).
  • Spicy Food (this will irritate your entire system).
  • Fatty / Oily Food (very hard to digest).
  • Raw vegetables / Salads (hard to digest and a potential source of bacteria).
  • Fruit juices (too much sugar, can worsen diarrhea).
  • Street food (avoid until you are 100% recovered).

🛡️ How to Prevent Bali Belly Next Time

  • Proven Strategies:
    • Take a daily probiotic (like Yakult, available everywhere) starting a few days before your trip.
    • Never drink tap water. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth, too.
    • Only accept ice if you know it’s from a reputable source (bagged, with a hole in the middle).
    • Eat food that is served piping hot. Avoid lukewarm buffets where food has been sitting out.
    • Use hand sanitizer before every single meal.
    • Wash all fruits and vegetables in bottled water.
  • Restaurant Red Flags:
    • Empty restaurants during peak hours.
    • Flies on the food.
    • No local customers.
    • Visible dirty kitchens.
    • Pre-cut fruit that has been sitting out.

💰 Sample Cost Breakdown

You can assemble a complete kit for very cheap.

  • Basic Kit (approx. 150,000 IDR / $10 USD)
    • Oralit (10 sachets)
    • Lodia (Loperamide) (1 strip)
    • Promag (Antacid) (1 strip)
    • Norit (Charcoal) (1 bottle)
  • Complete Kit (approx. 400,000 IDR / $25 USD)
    • Everything above, plus:
    • Lacto-B (Probiotic)
    • Vometa (Domperidone)
    • Azithromycin (Antibiotic)
  • Premium Kit (approx. 800,000 IDR / $50 USD)
    • Uses imported brands (Imodium, Interlac probiotics) and includes a 2-week supply.

⚠️ Medicine Interactions Warning

Be careful not to mix medicines incorrectly.

  • Do NOT Combine:
    • Antibiotics + Antacids: Antacids (Promag, Mylanta) can block the absorption of antibiotics. Leave a 2-hour gap between them.
    • Activated Charcoal + Any Other Med: Charcoal will absorb your other medicine. Leave a 2-hour gap.
    • Loperamide (Lodia) + Antibiotics: Don’t take the “stopper” if you’re taking an antibiotic, unless a doctor tells you to. You want the antibiotic to kill the bacteria and your body to flush it out.
  • Safe Combinations:
    • ORS + Everything (it’s just salts and sugar)
    • Probiotics + Antibiotics (but take them 4 hours apart so the antibiotic doesn’t kill the new bacteria)
    • Anti-nausea + Anti-diarrheal
    • Stomach Protectors + Antibiotics (just mind the 2-hour antacid rule)

📞 Emergency Contacts & Delivery

If you’re too sick to go out, you have options.

  • Home Delivery Apps:
    • GoMed (available inside the Gojek app)
    • HaloDoc
    • GrabHealth (inside the Grab app)
    • You can search for the medicines listed here and have them delivered to your hotel or villa.
  • 24-Hour Pharmacies:
    • Apotek K24 Sunset Road: +62 361 8468501
    • Apotek K24 Sanur: +62 361 288339
  • English-Speaking Pharmacies:
    • Guardian (multiple locations, e.g., Seminyak: +62 361 735573)
    • Kimia Farma (multiple locations, e.g., Ubud: +62 361 971277)

The Bottom Line

Bali Belly sucks, but it’s usually temporary. Don’t panic. Your priorities are:

  1. Hydrate with ORS.
  2. Manage symptoms with the right meds.
  3. Rest.
  4. See a doctor if you hit any red flags.

Stock your medicine kit on arrival—don’t wait until 2 AM to find a pharmacy. With the right plan, you can minimize the misery and get back to enjoying paradise.

Stay strong, stay hydrated, and this too shall pass (pun intended).

After helping dozens of friends through their Bali Belly ordeals and experiencing it myself more times than I’d like to admit, I’ve become an unwilling expert on what actually works. Here’s your practical guide to the medicines that’ll get you back to the beach faster.

First Things First: What You’re Dealing With

Bali Belly isn’t one specific illness – it’s a catch-all term for:

  • Bacterial infections (most common)
  • Viral gastroenteritis
  • Parasites (less common)
  • Food poisoning
  • Water contamination reactions

Most cases resolve in 2-5 days, but the right medicines can cut that time in half and make you significantly more comfortable.

The Essential Medicine Kit

1. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) – Your First Line of Defense

What to buy:

  • Oralit (local brand, works great)
  • Pharolit (slightly better taste)
  • Pedialyte (if you find it)

Price: 5,000-8,000 IDR per sachet

How to use:

  • 1 sachet in 200ml water
  • Sip continuously, not gulp
  • Minimum 1 liter per day
  • 2-3 liters if severe

Why it’s essential: You’re losing salts, not just water. Plain water can actually make you feel worse.

2. Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Loperamide (Imodium)

  • Local brand: Lodia, Imodia
  • Price: 15,000-30,000 IDR per strip
  • Dose: 2 tablets initially, then 1 after each loose stool (max 8/day)
  • When to use: Only for emergencies (flights, tours)
  • Warning: Can prolong infection by keeping bacteria in

Attapulgite (Neo Diaform)

  • Price: 20,000-40,000 IDR
  • Dose: 2 tablets after each loose stool
  • Better option: Absorbs toxins rather than stopping movement
  • Side effect: Can cause constipation if overused

3. Antibiotics (Use Carefully)

Ciprofloxacin

  • Local name: Ciproxin, Baquinor
  • Price: 50,000-80,000 IDR
  • Dose: 500mg twice daily for 3 days
  • Effective for: Bacterial infections
  • Get if: Blood in stool, high fever, symptoms over 3 days

Azithromycin

  • Local name: Zithromax, Azivol
  • Price: 80,000-120,000 IDR
  • Dose: 500mg once daily for 3 days
  • Alternative to: Cipro if allergic
  • Bonus: Also helps respiratory infections

Important: Antibiotics require prescription, but many pharmacies sell without one. Use responsibly.

4. Probiotics – Rebuilding Your Gut

Lacto-B

  • Price: 90,000-110,000 IDR
  • Best local option: Contains multiple strains
  • Dose: 3 sachets daily
  • Mix with: Cool water (heat kills bacteria)

L-Bio

  • Price: 70,000-90,000 IDR
  • Alternative option: Single strain but effective
  • Dose: 2-3 sachets daily

Interlac

  • Price: 300,000-400,000 IDR
  • Premium option: Best quality but expensive
  • Dose: 1 tablet daily

5. Anti-Nausea Medications

Domperidone (Motilium)

  • Local brand: Vometa
  • Price: 30,000-50,000 IDR
  • Dose: 10mg before meals
  • Works for: Nausea, bloating, fullness

Ondansetron

  • Local brand: Narfoz
  • Price: 80,000-150,000 IDR
  • Dose: 4-8mg as needed
  • Best for: Severe vomiting
  • Note: Prescription required

6. Stomach Protectors

Antacids

  • Promag: 15,000-25,000 IDR (tablet or liquid)
  • Polysilane: 20,000-30,000 IDR
  • Mylanta: 30,000-40,000 IDR
  • Use: Burning sensation, acid reflux

Sucralfate

  • Local brand: Inpepsa
  • Price: 40,000-60,000 IDR
  • Creates: Protective stomach lining
  • Take: 1 hour before meals

7. Activated Charcoal

Norit

  • Price: 20,000-30,000 IDR
  • Dose: 2-4 tablets every 4 hours
  • Good for: Toxin absorption
  • Don’t take: Within 2 hours of other meds

Pharmacy Vocabulary Cheat Sheet

Indonesian – English:

  • Diare = Diarrhea
  • Mual = Nausea
  • Muntah = Vomiting
  • Sakit perut = Stomach ache
  • Demam = Fever
  • Pusing = Dizzy
  • Obat = Medicine
  • Resep = Prescription
  • Tablet/Kapsul = Tablet/Capsule
  • Sachet = Sachet/Powder

Useful Phrases:

  • “Saya sakit perut” = I have stomach ache
  • “Perlu obat diare” = Need diarrhea medicine
  • “Ada Oralit?” = Do you have ORS?
  • “Berapa kali sehari?” = How many times per day?

Where to Buy

Chain Pharmacies (Most Reliable)

  • Apotek K24: 24-hour, everywhere
  • Guardian: Mall locations, English-speaking
  • Century: Good selection
  • Watson: Tourist areas
  • Apotek Roxy: Local chain, good prices

Local Pharmacies

  • Often cheaper
  • May not have all brands
  • Less English
  • Still safe and legitimate

Avoid

  • Beach vendors
  • Random shops
  • Expired medicines
  • Opened packages

Treatment Protocols That Work

Day 1-2: Acute Phase

Morning:

  • 2 sachets ORS in 400ml water
  • 2 Norit (activated charcoal)
  • 1 Promag if burning
  • Avoid solid food

Afternoon:

  • Continue ORS sipping
  • Attapulgite after each episode
  • Start probiotic
  • Clear liquids only

Evening:

  • ORS before bed
  • Domperidone if nauseous
  • Light crackers if hungry
  • No dairy or coffee

Day 3-4: Recovery Phase

  • Reduce medicines
  • Introduce BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
  • Continue probiotics
  • Add electrolyte drinks
  • Start moving around

Day 5+: Rebuilding

  • Normal diet gradually
  • Probiotics for 2 weeks
  • Avoid spicy/fatty foods
  • No alcohol for a week
  • Monitor energy levels

When to See a Doctor

Go immediately if:

  • Blood in stool
  • High fever (over 39°C)
  • Severe dehydration
  • Can’t keep fluids down
  • Symptoms worsen after 3 days
  • Severe abdominal pain

Dehydration signs:

  • Dark urine or no urination
  • Dry mouth and lips
  • Dizziness when standing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Confusion

What to Eat (and Avoid)

Safe Foods

First 24 hours:

  • Clear broth
  • Coconut water
  • Weak tea
  • Dry crackers
  • Plain rice porridge

Day 2-3:

  • White rice
  • Plain noodles
  • Boiled eggs
  • White bread toast
  • Bananas

Recovery:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Plain yogurt
  • Simple soups

Avoid Completely

  • Dairy (except yogurt)
  • Coffee and alcohol
  • Spicy food
  • Raw vegetables
  • Fruit juices
  • Fatty foods
  • Street food

Natural Remedies That Actually Help

Effective

  • Coconut water: Natural electrolytes
  • Ginger tea: Reduces nausea
  • Activated charcoal: Toxin binding
  • Turmeric water: Anti-inflammatory
  • Plain rice water: Binding effect

Skip These

  • Apple cider vinegar (too acidic)
  • Milk (makes it worse)
  • Energy drinks (too much sugar)
  • Kombucha (can irritate)

Prevention for Next Time

Proven Strategies

  1. Yakult daily: Build good bacteria
  2. Avoid ice: Unless from sealed bags
  3. Hot food only: Skip lukewarm buffets
  4. Bottled water: For teeth brushing too
  5. Hand sanitizer: Before every meal
  6. Pepto-Bismol: Preventive dose when eating risky

Restaurant Red Flags

  • Empty restaurants
  • Lukewarm food displays
  • Flies everywhere
  • No local customers
  • Dirty kitchens visible
  • Pre-cut fruit sitting out

Cost Breakdown

Basic Kit (150,000 IDR)

  • Oralit x 10
  • Lodia x 1
  • Promag x 1
  • Norit x 1

Complete Kit (400,000 IDR)

  • Everything above plus:
  • Lacto-B x 1
  • Domperidone x 1
  • Azithromycin x 1
  • Extra supplies

Premium Kit (800,000 IDR)

  • Imported brands
  • Interlac probiotics
  • Multiple antibiotics
  • 2-week supply

Medicine Interactions Warning

Don’t combine:

  • Antibiotics + Antacids (2-hour gap)
  • Charcoal + Any meds (2-hour gap)
  • Multiple antibiotics
  • Loperamide + Antibiotics (unless doctor advised)

Safe combinations:

  • ORS + Everything
  • Probiotics + Antibiotics (4-hour gap)
  • Anti-nausea + Anti-diarrheal
  • Stomach protectors + Antibiotics

Special Cases

For Kids

  • Halve adult doses
  • Pedialyte preferred
  • L-Bio for probiotics
  • See doctor faster
  • Watch dehydration closely

For Pregnant Women

  • Avoid Ciprofloxacin
  • ORS is safe
  • Probiotics recommended
  • Natural remedies preferred
  • Doctor consultation essential

For Elderly

  • Dehydration risk higher
  • Start treatment faster
  • Monitor more closely
  • Lower medicine doses
  • Hospital threshold lower

Recovery Tips

Speed Recovery

  1. Rest completely first 2 days
  2. Small frequent sips vs. gulping
  3. Room temperature fluids
  4. Gradual food reintroduction
  5. Probiotics for 2 weeks minimum

Prevent Recurrence

  1. Don’t rush back to normal diet
  2. Avoid alcohol 1 week
  3. Skip swimming pools 3 days
  4. Hand hygiene obsessively
  5. Rebuild gut bacteria slowly

The Mental Game

Bali Belly is miserable but temporary. Don’t let it ruin your trip by:

  • Panicking (makes symptoms worse)
  • Stopping all fluids (dangerous)
  • Taking too many medicines (counterproductive)
  • Eating too soon (prolongs recovery)
  • Flying home immediately (usually unnecessary)

Emergency Contacts

English-Speaking Pharmacies

  • Guardian Seminyak: +62 361 735573
  • Kimia Farma Ubud: +62 361 971277

Home Delivery

  • GoMed (via Gojek app)
  • HaloDoc app
  • Grab Health

24-Hour Pharmacies

  • K24 Sunset Road: +62 361 8468501
  • K24 Sanur: +62 361 288339

The Bottom Line

Bali Belly sucks, but with the right medicines and approach, you can minimize the misery and get back to enjoying paradise. Stock your medicine kit on arrival – don’t wait until you’re sick to shop for supplies.

Remember: Most cases resolve naturally, but why suffer longer than necessary? Use medicines wisely, stay hydrated above all else, and don’t hesitate to see a doctor if things aren’t improving.

The silver lining? Once you recover, you’ll have stronger immunity for the rest of your trip. Plus, you’ll have earned serious Bali street cred – everyone has a Bali Belly war story.

Stay strong, stay hydrated, and this too shall pass (pun intended).

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