
Some travelers may experience diarrhea or discomfort from the change in environment when first arriving in Bali, humorously referred to as ‘Bali belly’ in English. Sometimes, entire families can be affected, which can really put a damper on your vacation! Some tourists end up spending several days confined to their hotel rooms, unable to go out and explore.
Further reading: Bali Travel Health Tips: Guide to Drinking Water and Diarrhea in Bali
The worst part of traveling is falling ill, which not only affects the enjoyment of your trip but could also require medical attention.
We’ve previously introduced some essential medications for traveling in Bali, including pain relief patches, gastrointestinal medications, and remedies for colds.
Additionally, since Bali is a tropical region, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are a risk. Therefore, we recommend purchasing local mosquito repellent, which is not only affordable but also highly effective.
What emergency over-the-counter medications are available in Bali? How do you say them in Indonesian? How to buy mosquito repellent? What trusted brands of bottled water are available in supermarkets/convenience stores? What can you buy in supermarkets? Check out Jay’s ‘Supermarket Shopping Guide’.
Moreover, if you’re suffering from itchy mosquito bites, we recommend an Indonesian remedy called ‘Tjing Tjau Balsem’ (actually a balm), which can be used for mosquito bites, headaches, scratches, and reduces various pains, itches, and insect bites. It has a miraculous effect on reducing swelling and relieving itchiness!

Whether for prevention or dealing with unexpected situations, maintaining good health is crucial for a pleasant trip. We hope these tips help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable time in Bali.
Further Reading: Important Notes on Bringing Sleeping Pills/Prescription Medications to Indonesia/Bali
Further Reading: How to Safely Bring Herbal Powders and Health Supplements to Bali, Indonesia: A Complete Guide
Tip: Should you apply sunscreen or insect repellent first? The correct order is apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent. Here’s why: Sunscreen should be applied first because it needs to form an even protective layer on the skin to effectively block UV rays. Sunscreen usually needs to be applied 15-30 minutes before going outside to allow time for absorption. Insect repellent should be applied afterward because its active ingredients (like DEET or other repellents) need to evaporate into the air to work effectively. If you apply insect repellent before sunscreen, the sunscreen may dilute or cover the repellent, reducing its effectiveness. Pro tip: After applying sunscreen, wait a few minutes for it to absorb slightly before applying insect repellent. Ideally, leave a 5-10 minute gap between the two. Some products may indicate they shouldn’t be mixed with sunscreen, so check the instructions beforehand. If you need to reapply sunscreen, remember to reapply insect repellent as well. This ensures both products work optimally, keeping you protected from both sunburn and bug bites!
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