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'Bali belly': What is the cause and how to treat it
SBS Indonesian
01/04/202512:23
‘Bali Belly’ is a popular term among foreign tourists that refers to traveler’s diarrhea, a digestive problem that some holidaymakers experience when visiting Bali.
In Indonesia, Bali Belly is commonly known among locals as ‘muntaber’.
Consuming food or drinks contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, including E. coliis said to be the leading cause of Bali Belly, according to Doctor Arya Suhartika, a general practitioner in Kuta, Bali.

Would you get food from street food vendor while in Bali? Credit: SBS/Ade Mardiyati
"So, if it’s not hygienic here, they will easily catch it [Bali Belly].”
Two Australian citizens Chris Rogers and Darren Downes have contracted Bali Belly previously. The experience has made them more aware of hygiene factors in Bali.
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