How to Stay Healthy in Bali - From Street Food to Safe Water

Bali Gate Tours

20 May 2025

Blog & Article

You’ve arrived in Bali. The sun is warm, the palm trees sway, and the scent of grilled satay calls from every corner. You feel alive. But somewhere in the back of your mind, there’s that voice whispering: What if I get sick? What if I eat the wrong thing? What’s the deal with the water here?

You’re not alone.

Ask any seasoned traveler and you’ll hear tales—some funny, some not—about the infamous Bali belly, surprise sunburns, scooter scrapes, and digestive misadventures. But don’t worry. Staying well in Bali isn’t about paranoia—it’s about smart, grounded choices.

This is your real, human, no-fear guide to how to stay healthy in Bali, from enjoying the island’s best eats to drinking water safely and navigating daily life without losing your spark.

Street Food in Bali – Delicious, and Mostly Safe

Let’s start with the good news: Bali’s street food is amazing. Whether it's a late-night nasi goreng from a cart, sizzling chicken satay at a roadside stall, or a steaming bowl of bakso from a vendor on a scooter—this food tells the story of the island. And it can absolutely be enjoyed safely.

Here’s how:

Choose stalls that are busy and have a local crowd. If locals are lining up, it’s usually safe, fresh, and delicious.
Watch the preparation. If the food is cooked fresh in front of you and served hot, that’s a green light.
Be cautious with anything sitting out in the sun—especially rice or meat.
Start slow if your stomach is sensitive. Try simpler dishes like mie goreng before diving into the spicier stuff.

The key to eating street food in Bali safely is observation and instinct. If it looks good, smells good, and you see it sizzling—go for it. Just maybe skip the raw salad at a roadside stall your first day.

Avoiding Bali Belly – Listen to Your Gut (Literally)

Let’s talk about the dreaded Bali belly. It’s not a myth. It’s usually caused by a combination of unfamiliar bacteria, changes in diet, water contamination, or hygiene slips. But it’s also avoidable.

To prevent it:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
Carry hand sanitizer or wet wipes, particularly if you’re on the move.
Avoid ice from street stalls unless you're sure it’s made from filtered water.
Be cautious with buffets—food that’s been sitting too long can be risky.
Don’t overdo spicy or oily foods in the first few days.

And if it hits? Stay hydrated, get rest, and try activated charcoal or probiotics. In most cases, it passes quickly. But if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or include a high fever, seek a doctor—there are many good clinics in Bali.

Staying healthy in Bali often starts with listening to your body.

Water in Bali – To Drink or Not to Drink?

Let’s make it simple: don’t drink tap water in Bali.

It’s not safe for drinking—even for locals. The water supply can carry bacteria and parasites that your body simply isn’t used to. That doesn’t mean you need to panic—it just means you need a plan.

Here’s how to stay safe with water in Bali:

Only drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels, villas, and cafés offer refill stations.
Bring a reusable water bottle—you’ll save money and reduce plastic waste.
Use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth, especially in rural areas.
Avoid swallowing water while showering or swimming, particularly in unfiltered pools or rivers.
Be cautious with smoothies or juices from street vendors. Ask if the ice is made from filtered water.

If you’re extra cautious, consider bringing a water purifier bottle like Grayl or Lifestraw for adventure days.

Sun Protection – More Than Just Sunscreen

Bali sun doesn’t play around. You’ll be burnt before you even feel hot, especially with the breeze masking the heat. And yes, sunburn is one of the most common tourist injuries.

Here’s your defense:

Use reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF (and reapply often).
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and light cover-up—especially during long scooter rides or beach days.
Drink more water than you think you need.
Don’t fall asleep in the sun—seriously. You’ll wake up pink and regretful.

And if you do get burned? Aloe vera gel is your best friend. Coconut oil can also help soothe—but only after the heat calms.

Part of staying healthy in Bali is respecting nature—and the sun is part of that sacred system.

Scooter Safety – Because the Road Is Not a Game

We get it. The scooter looks fun. Everyone’s doing it. But if you’ve never ridden before, Bali’s traffic can be chaotic, unpredictable, and full of spiritual detours (ceremonies, cows, potholes).

So if you ride:

Always wear a helmet (properly fastened!).
Don’t ride barefoot or shirtless—it’s not just unsafe, it’s disrespectful.
Avoid riding at night unless you're confident with the roads.
Get a proper international driving permit—yes, it matters for insurance.
Never drink and ride. Not even a little.

And if you’re unsure? Hire a local driver. They know the roads, the rules, and the rhythm. It’s safer and often more enjoyable.

Health in Bali isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how you move.

Mosquitoes & Minor Illnesses – Stay Protected

While Bali is generally low-risk for mosquito-borne diseases, there are still occasional cases of dengue fever, especially during the rainy season.

Stay protected:

Use mosquito repellent with DEET or natural oils like citronella.
Sleep with a mosquito net if you're in an open-air villa.
Burn mosquito coils at dusk.
Wear long sleeves in the evening if you’re in a jungle or village area.

For small cuts, scrapes, or infections—keep antiseptic cream and plasters handy. Bali is tropical, and infections can creep in fast if untreated.

There are pharmacies everywhere, known as apotek, and most pharmacists speak English.

Medical Services – Yes, Bali Has Good Clinics

If things do go wrong, don’t panic. Bali has a network of international-standard clinics and hospitals.

Some of the most trusted include:

BIMC Hospital (Kuta & Nusa Dua)
Siloam Hospitals (Denpasar)
UbudCare Clinic (Ubud)
SOS International (Jimbaran)

For minor issues, most hotels and villas can arrange a house-call doctor, usually within an hour. Bring travel insurance—always. Medical care can get expensive if you’re uninsured.

Knowing where to go before you need it is a small step that can save you big stress.

Probiotic Power & Healthy Eating Tips

Want to go next level? Start building gut resilience before your trip.

Take probiotics or eat probiotic-rich foods a few weeks before and during your stay. Fermented items like kimchi, kefir, or even local jamu kunyit (turmeric tonic) help balance your digestive system.

Once in Bali:

Eat fresh, plant-based meals at least once a day. Bali’s healthy food scene is incredible.
Add activated charcoal to your first-aid kit.
Drink fresh coconut water for hydration and natural electrolytes.

Staying healthy in Bali isn’t about being rigid—it’s about supporting your body so you can enjoy more of the island’s magic.

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing – Don’t Burn Out on Bliss

It’s easy to overload your Bali itinerary. Sunrise hike. Temple tour. Waterfall hop. Beach day. Party night. Then repeat.

But burnout—even in paradise—is real.

To stay centered:

Pace yourself. You’re not here to check boxes—you’re here to feel.
Spend time in silence. A walk in the rice fields. A nap under a fan. A journal by candlelight.
Try balinese healing or massage—not just as luxury, but as nourishment.
Turn off your phone. Listen to the wind.

Health in Bali is also about soul-rest. And that’s something this island is uniquely gifted at giving—if you let it.

Travel With Intention, Return With Vitality

Staying healthy in Bali isn’t about fear. It’s about respecting your body and your surroundings, so you can show up fully—at the waterfall, on the yoga mat, in the market, and in that spontaneous moment when a stranger becomes a friend.

So eat the satay. Drink the coconut. Wash your hands. Wear your helmet. Rest deeply. And return not just sun-kissed, but soul-nourished.

Because the healthiest trips aren’t the ones where nothing went wrong. They’re the ones where you showed up aware, prepared, and open to it all.